Self Employment Home Loans: A Win-Win for Business Owners

If you are self-employed, a self employment home loan might be a good option for you to purchase an investment property. Contact a mortgage broker to learn more about your options and loans today!

 If you are self-employed, you know the benefits of having your money work for you. One relatively easy and painless way to invest is with real estate. Although there have been ups and downs, experts agree that real estate investing has been overall stable and a way to increase your assets. Real estate has consistently appreciated in value over time and since it is a physical investment, you always have something to fall back on, even if the value goes down.

Although real estate investing may have many perks, it can also present unique challenges if you are self-employed. Since you own your own business, you can take advantage of many tax write offs that will save you big on your taxes. Everything from your office space to your paper clips are tax deductible. These deductions can make it look like your business is not making as much money as it actually is, and in some cases it may even look like you lost money.

While normally having a negative income stream is not a problem (as long as it is temporary, if it goes on too long, the IRS may object), it can present challenges when you are looking to make a real estate investment. This is especially true if you already own a property that you use as a primary residence. The bank may take one look at your tax returns and debt to income ratio and send you to the door, empty handed.

Being rejected for a loan can sting, but do not be discouraged. Instead, say good bye to the bank and hello to a licensed mortgage broker or private mortgage lender. Brokers and private lenders have access to different self employment home loans than banks do and can often work with you around mortgage requirements to find a loan to fit your needs. There are many options, especially if you are looking for a short term investment property like a fix and flip or short term rental.

3 Types of Self Employment Home Loans That Can Help You Make Money

 Once you have found a mortgage broker or private lender, you will be given many different self employment home loan options. Like anything else in life, it is important to remember that all loans are not created equal, and the best loan for you will depend on your ultimate investment goals. A few loans to look into are:

1. Hard money loans. A hard money loan is a great self employment home loan if you are looking for a short term investment. A hard money loan is not backed by a bank but instead by an equity firm or group of investors. They evaluate the property you are purchasing based on its investment potential. This makes your income or other debts less important because their investment is protected by the physical collateral of the property in question. Once they decide a property is a sound investment, they give you the money and you pay interest on it. The interest rate is usually pretty high so a hard money loan is best used as a short term loan to fix up a property and sell for a profit quickly. Once you sell the property, you repay the investors and any additional income is yours.
2. Adjustable Rate Mortgages. An adjustable rate mortgage is a good option for a longer term investment. An adjustable rate mortgage or ARM has an initial fixed interest rate that is usually very low. The low interest rate means lower payments so it is easier to qualify for, even if you have other mortgage debt or a low income due to business deductions. After a period of 1 to 7 years, the rate resets to a higher rate and your payment goes up. An ARM is a good option if you are going to rent out a property for a few years or do a long term fix and flip. An ARM can also be a good option if you anticipate your income increasing and will be able to refinance before the rate resets.
3. Stated income mortgages. A stated income mortgage does not use W2’s and tax documents to verify your income but rather goes by what you state it is. This can be a good option if your taxable income and actual income are vastly different. Just keep in mind that you may pay a higher interest rate and it is important to not over-extend yourself.

With a variety of self employment home loan options, don’t let a bank keep you out of the property investment market. Call a mortgage broker and get started today!

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 
Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Arizona Bridge Loans: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?

Arizona bridge loans are gaining in popularity as a short term loan options. Like any loan, there are certain inherent risks and benefits. Knowing how to analyze your loan will help you decide if it is a good option for you.

A bridge loan can be the

missing piece of your home

buying puzzle.

Arizona bridge loans are short term loans used when a borrower who has not sold his current home wants to purchase a new home. These loans work to bridge the gap when the borrower plans to use proceeds from the original home as the down payment on his new home. The bridge loan is secured to the original home, the one that's on the market. The funds from that loan are used as the down payment for the mortgage on the new home. 

There are no strict guidelines when it comes to Arizona bridge loans so credit score and debt to income ratio are not usually factors that will automatically disqualify you. This is good news for borrowers with less than stellar credit or who may have a high debt to income ratio once they purchase their new home. Instead, bridge loans are based on a few different factors, including how likely it is that you will sell your current home quickly, and whether or not you can make both mortgage payments for a short time if it becomes necessary. If you default on a bridge loan, the lender has recourse to get their money back using the property you have on the market because it is the one that secured the loan.

The Risks and Benefits of Arizona Bridge Loans

There are several risks that are associated with bridge loans. Like any loan, they are not entirely safe and can lead to some negative consequences if you don’t fully evaluate their terms, conditions, and rates. First and foremost, Arizona bridge loans have fees associated with them. Generally there is an administration fee of about $750, an appraisal feel (for your current home) of about $350. Once notary fees, wire fees, origination fees, and any other lender fees are added in, a bridge loan will end up costing the borrower about $2,000 to obtain. This may seem like a lot, but if is the difference between buying your dream home or losing out, many borrowers find that the fees are more than worth it. Especially since it is much easier to come up with two grand for a bridge loan than it is to find $20,000 for a down payment if your current home has not sold.

Another risk to Arizona bridge loans is high interest rates. Most short term loans are inherently more risky for the lender. You will pay extra for that risk meaning you will have a higher interest rate. Interest rates fluctuate based on the prime rate and how much you need to borrow, but typically speaking the interest rate on bridge loans is usually higher than a traditional home mortgage. You can avoid paying high interest rates by selling your home quickly and paying back the loan as soon as possible.

Along with the risks, there are also several benefits to Arizona bridge loans. Many loans offer terms that allow you to skip the first few months of payments. If you can sell your home during this time, you can avoid paying any interest at all on the loan. In addition, you can use extra proceeds from the loan to do remodel work on your new home and put your own personal stamp on it.

Also, bridge loans allow you to put your current home on the market quickly and without restrictions. Potential buyers will not need to schedule showings because the home will be vacant. A vacant home is easier to show and usually sells more quickly due to ease of access. You can also look into staging your home to give you an extra advantage. And without your family living there, it will be easier for new buyers to picture themselves living in the home.

Bridge loans are also usually fairly easy to qualify for and have flexible underwriting guidelines. This makes them an ideal loan for someone who needs cash for their new home fast.

Call an Arizona mortgage broker or private lender to get started on a bridge loan today.

Once you are settled in your new home, you will be happy that you chose to use Arizona bridge loans to help you get cash fast and with little hassle.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 
Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

5 Things to Consider If You Need a Self Employment Home Loan

If you are self-employed, you may have difficulty qualifying for a traditional mortgage. However, don’t be disheartened, there are many self-employment home loan options that can help you find the loan you need to buy the home you deserve.

There are many perks to being self-employed. You get to be your own boss, decide your own hours, create your own dress code, and in many cases, answer only to yourself. There are also a host of legitimate tax write offs that can make owning your own business more lucrative than punching a time clock. Everything from home office space to computers to office supplies and sometimes even meals are tax deductible. This can greatly lower your tax burden and help you keep more of your own hard earned money.

However, while many of these tax deductions can be huge benefits come tax time, they can also make it difficult to qualify for a home mortgage. For many business owners, there taxable income and what they actually make can be very different, with the amount that is taxable being relatively low. In some cases, business deductions may actually make it look like your business is in the red when in reality you are making a comfortable income. When you go to buy a home or investment property, this can become a big liability. Many traditional banks will look at your tax returns and give you a loan that is significantly smaller than what you need or can afford. Or, even worse, you may be denied a loan altogether based on your tax returns.

For many business owners, this can be a discouraging experience. You spent years of your life building your business and your personal brand, only to be told that it can actually be a liability. Do not lose hope. While many traditional banks may have their hands tied, there are several self employment home loan options and programs that can help you get the home loan you need.

How to Get a self employment home loan

 If you find yourself in the situation of needing a non-conventional loan due to your self employment status, you need to get organized and find the right company to help you secure your loan. Here are five things to consider when you are in the market for a self employment home loan.

1. Find a mortgage broker and private lending company. Banks are hard to deal with. A mortgage broker will work for you to find the loan that you deserve. A mortgage broker can help you even when a bank has already said no because he has access to multiple lending institutions and loan types whereas a bank can only give out its own loans. A private lending company can also be useful because they can give private investments that banks are not able to offer.
2. Get your financial ducks in a row. Make sure you keep meticulous records and inventory to give a clear picture of what your cash flow looks like.
3. Consider separating your business and personal finances. This way even if your business is in the red due to expenses, your personal income is intact. Pay yourself like you would any other employee. This may mean that you end up paying more in social security taxes or personal income taxes, but may end up being worth it.
4. Look into alternative loan types. Hard money loans, adjustable rate mortgages, FHA loans, and private capital loans can all be good options for self employment home loans.
5. Be persistent. You may hear no a few times before you hear yes. Keep trying. The right loan is out there.

When you are ready to take the plunge and learn the benefits of a self employmenthome loan, call us at Level 4 Funding to get the process started.

Our knowledgeable and friendly staff can help you every step of the way. You will be glad you called. We look forward to the day the title company hands you your keys to your new home.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 
Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Bad Credit Home Loans Arizona: How to Make Money Investing in Real Estate Using Hard Money Loans

If you have bad credit you most likely think that real estate investing is impossible. However, with bad credit home loans Arizona and hard money lending there are options for individuals with bad credit to take advantage of real estate investment opportunities.

Most financial experts will tell you that real estate is a sound investment. Real estate has consistently earned money over time and is a way to help build your investment portfolio and personal wealth. However, for many individuals with bad credit, real estate investing has been beyond their reach using traditional loans. Approximately 42.5 million Americans have a bad credit score and are considered sub-prime borrowers. If you are in the market to start real estate investing but you have bad credit, there are a variety of bad credit home loans Arizona mortgage brokers recommend.

One type of loan available to sub-prime borrowers is a hard money loan. A hard money loan is a specialized type of real estate backed loan. The lender is an investor or group of investors rather than a bank. The lender offers short term capital loans to purchase investment properties. The term of a hard money loan is generally no more than two years and is designed to make money on real estate for both the borrower and the lender. Hard money lenders focus on the value of property being purchased rather than the assets or credit score of the borrower. For this reason a hard money loan is an invaluable opportunity for an investor looking for bad credit home loans Arizona mortgage brokers recommend to purchase a property as a short term investment. 

Hard money loans are available for all property types including commercial, residential, multi-family, and even land loans. Each lender or group of lenders determines the requirements for what types of loans they will give as well as how much money they will lend. If the lender gives loans on residential properties he/she/they are required to be licensed through the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). In order to sure that the lender you are using meets all requirements, it is best to use a broker or investment team that specializes in hard money lending. 

Hard Money Lending Regulations

Although hard money loans have significantly less regulations than traditional mortgages, there are certain federal regulations that apply to hard money lenders. For most property types, hard money lenders do not require the same income verification or credit score guidelines that traditional banks do. This is part of what makes them ideal bad credit home loans Arizona residents with bad credit can use, as they look at the value of the property from an investment standpoint, not based on credit or income. However, it is important to note that hard money loans are more risky for the lender and therefore come with a higher interest rates. In addition, if you are taking out a hard money loan on a residential property, you will be required to some proof of ability to repay the debt. This means some type of proof of income though it is usually less stringent than what a bank requires. 

When you take out a hard money loan, the property that you are investing in becomes the collateral. If you default on the loan, the lender will seize the property to protect its investment. If you take out a hard money loan, make sure that you will be able to pay the loan back in full at the end of the term by either selling the property or other means. When you sell the property you keep any money that is earned above the amount of the loan and any accrued interest. 

Talk with a mortgage broker or investment company about hard money lending.

A financial professional or mortgage broker can help you decide if a hard money loan is a smart financial choice. It is a great way for Americans with bad credit scores to start taking advantage of real estate investing. In addition, hard money loans can benefit prime borrowers as well. If you already own a home you may not qualify to purchase an investment property based on your debt to income ratio. A hard money loan can be a great work around to get you into the real estate market. Call a broker or your financial adviser to learn more today.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 
Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Arizona Home Loans: How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

 If you have bad credit you may find it difficult to buy a home. By being proactive and taking certain steps to repair your credit, you can find Arizona home loans that will help make your dreams come true.

Bad credit can make getting a car loan, credit card, and even a job difficult. Although you may feel isolated, you are far from alone. According to recent statistics released by FICO Inc., the average credit score is about 670 which is considered a “fair” score. In addition, nearly one quarter of all credit using Americans have poor credit. So, although you may feel alone, there are nearly 42 million Americans who are in the same boat as you. Bad credit can also become a vicious cycle. You need to repair your credit by making on time payments, not one will give you the opportunity to make on time payments so you bad credit stays bad. You may begin to feel that the situation is hopeless.

One way to help rebuild your credit is by purchasing a home and making on time mortgage payments. If you have bad there are a variety of ways and programs to help borrowers with bad credit get Arizona home loans. Since the housing crisis of 2008 there has been a rumor that only borrowers with perfect credit can be approved for home loans. However, with banks and lenders relaxing their credit requirements, more home loans are being approved at lower borrower credit scores. Some programs will even approve borrowers with a score as low as 500 as long as the borrower has some cash for a down payment.

If you have bad credit and are thinking about applying for Arizona home loans, there are a few steps you can take to help make sure that you will qualify. First, make all of your rent payments on time. 12 months of on time rent payments can help when a lender is trying to decide if you are worth the risk in terms of a mortgage investment. In addition, start saving cash. Money talks, usually louder than credit alone. Having 6 months to a year of living expenses in the bank (including mortgage payments) will make it more likely that a lender will finance your mortgage. In addition, save up for a down payment. 

Types of Arizona Home Loans Available to Borrowers with Bad Credit

 

The type of loan that you will be able to qualify for depends on how low your credit score is. If you have a score of 650 or higher, you have a possibility to qualify for a traditional loan. A traditional loan is a fixed 15 to 30 year loan with payments that will remain roughly the same for the entire loan term. Payments may fluctuate slightly based on property tax amounts but they principal and interest will remain the same. In order to qualify for a traditional loan you will need to put between 5 and 20 percent of the loan amount down.

If your credit score is less than 650, you can still find Arizona home loans that you can qualify for. One of the main types of loans that can help sub-prime borrowers is an FHA loan. An FHA loan is a loan that is secured by the federal government. You will pay a fixed rate for principal and interest for a 15 to 30 year loan term. You will also pay mortgage insurance in the amount of 80 to 200 dollars each month, depending on the amount of your loan. You can qualify for an FHA loan with a credit score as low as 500 as long as you have between 3.5 and 10 percent of the loan value to put down.

If your credit is less than 500 or you don’t have the cash for a down payment or can’t be approved for other reasons, you might want to look into some less common mortgage programs like rent to own, seller financing, or having a cosigner. Just keep in mind that all of these programs do have some inherent risk and you should make sure you are well informed about the loan type going into it. 

Find a mortgage broker to lend a helping hand.

 

A broker can help you start your home ownership journey. Call one today and stop letting bad credit define your home ownership goals.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 
Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027