Learn To Be A Fix & Flip Investor

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Getting into Fix & Flips? Read This Appraiser’s Advice First

When people hear about Level 4 Funding and the work we do, they often wonder exactly how people put hard money loans to use and create real value with them. Oftentimes, those we help work in the “fix-and-flip” business, rehabbing houses. Of course, the next flurry of questions usually surrounds who does that and how they make it work. We’ve been lucky enough to get a few professional home rehabbers to open up a bit about their work and are highlighting their stories. Jason Maze of Maze Enterprise and Amazing Appraisals was kind enough to give us some insights.

Jason Began as an Appraiser

Working in real estate appraisals, Jason routinely helps home buyers and sellers, as well as other parties such as lawyers and accountants, determine the value of a home. While this is often done in advance of a sale, appraisals are routinely performed anytime knowing the value of a property is beneficial, such as during a divorce or while handling estate planning. Over the years, he really got to know the numbers and specific areas. When the market crashed in 2008, he noticed an interesting trend. Canadians were heading into the area and buying en masse. “We can do that,” he decided. With his experience in value and his wife Jennifer’s lifelong affinity for design, the two ventured into the fix-and-flip business.

He Offers Some Tips for Those Getting into Home Rehabs

We asked Jason what advice he’d give someone who was considering getting into the business. “Go for it,” he says. “Make sure you have crunched your numbers. Buy low, sell low.” Although Jason may have the upper hand in valuation because he’s been in the field for decades and now does about ten flips per year on top of it, he says anyone can get a better idea of the numbers by hiring an appraiser before they purchase a property or prior to selling one.

There are Highs and Lows in the Fix-and-Flip Business

So far, Jason says his and Jennifer’s most rewarding project has been a historic home. With Jennifer’s designs and Jason’s fiscal sense, the outcome was great. However, the icing on the cake was when HGTV contacted the couple and asked about airing it on a show. This particular property, aside from celebrity status, was a bit of a rarity for the duo, as they typically aim for “newer” homes, or those built in the 1970s through now. Jason says they “learned their lesson” about dealing with older homes the hard way by purchasing one sight unseen. When they finally got their hands on it, they realized it was built with mud and straw, then covered in plaster, as opposed to modern building materials. This, he adds, isn’t uncommon for the period. Many homes throughout the southwestern US, particularly in the Phoenix area, were built this way because it’s what the earliest residents had on hand and helped make the desert heat more bearable. Still, it was an unexpected surprise they had to overcome and added a few extra challenges to the rehab.

Jason and Jennifer Have Big Plans

Despite the occasional blip, the fix-and-flip business has been good to the Maze family. The pair does about two homes at a time, continuously adding to their impressive portfolio. This still allows plenty of time for Jason to grow his appraisal business. Jennifer, on the other hand, has been balancing managing the design of their rehab properties with a nursing career, which she may soon leave behind in favor of branching out on her own offering design services to others. Of course, the family is still allowing plenty of time for fun and new adventures together as well.

Chat with Jason About Appraisals or Get Info on a Fix & Flip Loan

If you’d like to chat with Jason about his appraisal services, go to Amazing-Appraisals.com.

You can also visit Level4Funding.com to learn more about loans for your next fix-and-flip project and even begin the application process right on the site. We’ll be sharing more stories from home rehabbers like Jason too, so pop back in soon for the next installment.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

If You Want to Get Your Loan Approved, You Have to Become Desirable to Hard Money Lenders

When you are going to apply for loans with hard money lenders, you might feel like the “choice is theirs” or that they are in the driver’s seat of the scenario. However, Level 4 Funding shows you how to take control and become desirable to lenders!

For new business owners and those who are trying to grow or expand their businesses to the next level, the right loan can be just the thing to make this dream come true. However, instead of seeking lenders, why not turn the tables and make them want you? Level 4 Funding offers a few thing that hard money lenders look for when approving loans.

Credit score doesn’t rate. It’s good to know that credit score isn’t as important to short-term, alternative lenders as it is to conventional credit institutions and banks. Quite frankly, the biggest and best thing you can do to win over hard money lenders is to be prepared to pony up the collateral. The amount you will need all depends on the size of the loan, but if you have collateral to put up, lenders will want to help you.

In the case of short-term loans, having perfect credit scores and squeaky clean history is not super critical, as it would be in the case of a longer-term loan with a conventional lending institution, it’s still important to have your “ducks in a row.” For example, if you’ve repeatedly ducked out on payments with other creditors, your lender may get cold feet about taking a risk on you. So make sure your financial affairs are in order, and be prepared to explain any dings or mishaps along the way. Honesty is the best policy here in order to establish a mutual trust.

Show them why you want it.

In this world, passion goes a long way. People want to help people who have a dream and are inspiring to achieve success. This is no different with hard money lenders. Professional and reputable ones truly want to see your business succeed (and ultimately see their return on investment). So find not only a lender that you can trust, but one that believes in you, too.

Handle setbacks with a calm attitude.

It’s no secret that trying to secure a loan is a tough thing. Sometimes there are hoops to jump through and unexpected bumps and challenges along the way. How you handle these little challenges and surprises will show the lender how you will likely handle bumps and challenges that are sure to occur in your business down the road. So take a deep breath, relax and think through each problem with a clear head before reacting or responding. Just that simple shift can help you put things into perspective and approach the issue with clarity, and that is very desirable to many lenders who have been borrowers lose their cool — and that’s not cool.

Why You Should Review Hard Money Loans Options

Applying for and committing to the strict repayment schedule of hard money loans can be a big and complex process. This is why Level 4 Funding suggests reviewing your options carefully to ensure you find the right loan for your needs.

If you are starting a new business, expanding your business or simply wanting to make some improvements to your company without having the stress of being tight on cash, a hard money loans could be just the thing you need. However, there are many things to consider. One of your first options is going to be your lender.

Choosing the right lender will make all the difference when it comes to having a good or bad experience. When you’re starting a business or growing your current one, times can get very stressful — the last thing you want is to add more stress by not having a good loan experience. That starts with an experienced and professional lender that can help you get the best loan that suits your specific needs. Trusting your lender is essential for a smooth process.

Once you’ve selected the right lender for your hard money loans, it’s also important to review the loan agreement, including any “small print” that you may be tempted to skim past. Remember that once you sign the dotted line, you will be responsible for upholding your end of the bargain — including paying the loan back as scheduled and paying any “hidden fees.” Always read through the entire contact, and even be prepared to have your legal advisor review the document as well.

There is one more thing you should consider when reviewing your options.

Finally, you should review what you are prepared to put up as collateral. In the case of hard money loans, that is really the most important factor that will ultimately determine your approval… or not. While conventional lending institutions like banks will look at a number of factors when reviewing your application — such as your credit score and history, personal and business financial statements and more — that is not the case with alternative lenders, especially in the case of short-term loans. Alternative lenders are mostly looking solely at collateral, which can either be your personal home or vehicle or even the value of the property.

Having a successful loan will happen as long as you take the proper steps to review your loan.

It’s also important to remember that there are multiple options — not just when you are reviewing your loan, but with all the options that it takes to build, grow and improve a business. Having a loan can be very helpful, but if your application gets rejected at first, that is no reason to give up. In addition to being open to “alternative” options when it comes to loans and lenders, it's important to keep an open mind and be optimism about seeking alternative ideas when it comes to other areas of your business, from grassroots marketing to out-of-the box locations.

How to Understand Repayment Terms for Business Loans Arizona

When trying to obtain business loans Arizona and decipher the sometimes complicated jargon in the agreement, it’s critical to know what is of expected of you in terms of paying back the loan. Level 4 Funding breaks it down.

You need to start with a clear reality about what it’s going to take to get a loan approved — and then be able to meet the repayment term schedule. Terms for business loans Arizona are totally different than home mortgage payments, for example, that you might have for 30 years. These loans at loan-term can range from five to 20 years, give or take, and at short-term, between three and six months to three years. However, the latter will also include higher interest rates.

The short-term business loans Arizona are designed for business owners that need cash and they need it now. This could be for a number of reasons (need to make payroll, want to purchase a building, need to do some important renovations or upgrades to pass inspections) — all of which are time sensitive. These loans can be approved and turned around with cash in hand for the borrower within as little as 48 hours, give or take. However, ultimately, these loans can be more difficult to pay off because of the shorter repayment time allotment plus the additional high interest rates.

With long-term business loans Arizona, the time frame for repayment stretches over a much longer course of time, and they are amortized loans, which means that the loan needs to be paid in fixed installments through the duration of the payment terms. This is similar to how homeowners pay their mortgage — with principle and interest all together. But sometimes there is a balloon payment required at the end of the terms, meaning the borrower much pay the remainder of the loan back in one large sum, which can be difficult as well.

Be sure you are aware of any penalties.

While you would think that paying your loan back early would be rewarded, it can actually work against you. Some loan agreements charge a penalty for early payment (likely because they would like to keep receiving that high interest through the term of the agreement).

Give a professional a call to help you understand the intricacies of repayment terms.

When seeking a loan and understanding all the ins and outs of this complicated application and agreement contract, it’s important to work with someone you can trust. Level 4 Funding’s lenders are professional, experienced and they care about finding you the right loan with the repayment terms that work for you and your business. Give us a call today and let us help you discover how easy and simple the loan process can be.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

How to Make Getting Hard Money Business Loans Quick and Easy

When it comes to getting approved to hard money business loans, it can be an arduous process. But Level 4 Funding offers simple “ABCs” to help you become eligible for loans and get approved fast!

When you decide you want to get hard money business loans for your company, there is a lot you can do to prepare before you ever even meet with a lender. For example, as with most anything, research can begin on the Internet. Do some digging about the types of loans available to business owners like yourself in your same industry and specific to you needs (for example, are you looking to purchase equipment or a building? – there are specific loans designed for each of those needs).

Once you’ve done some initial research about the types of loans out there, do your due diligence on lenders. While there online marketplaces that make getting a loan without ever leaving the comfort of your coach very doable, it’s also important to make sure you have the proper expertise and guidance — especially if you are first-time borrower. That comes from working with a professional lender.

Look for lenders that are local, have experience with loans in your specific industry and who can share their portfolio with you. Getting a good feel for your lender and moving forward on the same page makes the process of applying for hard money business loans much quicker and easier.

When you have made the decision on a lender, you can then decide if you need a short-term or long-term loan.

There are so many different ways to go about obtaining the loan as well as the kind of loan. Once you begin the application, you and your lender can work together on fine-tuning the right terms for your loans.

Once you submit your application, there are some evaluations that take place.

While with conventional banks and long-term loans, the process is much longer, requires a more complex application and proof of multiple forms of documentation, financials, credit reports and so on short-term loans with an alternative lender move much more quickly. The application process and fairly straightforward and the lender is mainly interested in collateral — and not much else. So if you want to move the process along, be prepare to prove what you can provide as collateral to secure the loan. It can even be the equipment or property that you intend to purchase with the loans. It’s a good idea to obtain legal advice when it comes to reviewing the term agreements. Be sure to take your time with all the documents that will require your John Hancock. These terms are binding with that signature. This is also a good time to review the entire contract with a fine-tooth comb to ensure that you haven’t missed any clauses about additional charges, fees or even pre-payment penalties. When you are ready to find a loan that’s right for you, call us at Level 4 Funding today.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

If You Find Experienced Hard Money Lenders, You’ll Have an Easier Time Getting Your Loan Approved

When you are looking to get your loan application approved, working with professional and experienced hard money lenders will ensure a smooth process. Level 4 Funding offers the following tips to find the right lender.

In the world of loans, finding someone that has a reputable name and that you can trust can mean the difference between a smooth application and approval process and a… not so smooth one. When you are putting the fate of your potential new business or property in the hands of a lender, trust is never more important.

Do your due diligence before you sign on any dotted lines. Look for lenders that have experience in your specific niche, and that have testimonials or references they are willing to share with you. Look online or with the Better Business Bureau to see if you can find out anything about the hard money lenders that is not on their website. You want to make sure that the company has the professional experience to do what it takes to get you the best loan for your needs. This will ensure a smooth and easy transaction.

Give credit to the lender that thinks outside the box.

A fresh or different perspective on the way the loan should be done is always worth considering. If your hard money lenders are willing to get creative to get you the best loan, take that into consideration!

It’s not just about getting the best loan rates.

While rates and your repayment schedule are obviously very important, there are other things that are important too. Sometimes it’s true that you get what you pay for, and you want to make sure you feel good about the advice that your lender providing you with. Look for a local company that is available to speak with you and answer any questions until you feel comfortable with all aspects of the loan contract. Ultimately, it will come down to trust and your gut instinct. Oftentimes, just having a “good feeling” about someone is enough to make your decision about the right lender to get your loan with. The process should be a win-win situation for both the borrower and the lender and if you are both open and honest with one another, that is a great way to ensure the agreement is ideal for all parties involved. So depending on your needs, it’s not always experience, or a local company or fresh creative thinking that wins the day — it’s more about trust and who you really feel can get you the best loan for your needs. Level 4 Funding is a reputable and trustworthy company that would love to be your reliable hard money lenders. Level 4 agents are available for online live chats or give them a call to see how they can be of help to you as you navigate the sometimes unchartered waters of trying to obtain a loan.

Monday, May 7, 2018

Try These Tactics if You Want to Get Your Hard Money Business Loans to Close Quickly

There is nothing like the painstaking process of waiting to see if your loan application has been approved by a conventional lender. Instead of playing the waiting game, Level 4 Funding offers ways to get your hard money business loans to close and fast!

Traditional loan applications are known for being super-complicated to complete, and then the process for the bank or lender to approve can be an even longer, more complicated process! When you’re in need of a loan, time of often of the essence, which is why hard money business loans are the way to go if you need cash in hand and you need it… like yesterday! There are some things you can do to ensure the process goes even quick and more smoothly, even with a short-term loan application which are known to be less cumbersome than conventional loan applications.

For example, being prepared can help get the process off on the right foot. Be prepared to put up some collateral. That is typically one of the most important things you can do to ensure your hard money business loans get approved, and fast! If you are prepared to show that you have the value of the loan (or more) in personal assets (such as a home or car) or you can use the property or business that you are intending to use the loan for as the collateral, that is usually a sure-fire way to ensure a quick process, too. While you likely won’t need to have you credit report, score or a lot of financial statements, it’s a good idea to have those items in order, just in case that documentation becomes needed for the application process.

Working together with your lender to get your hard money business loans approved is another way to ensure a quick turnaround. Remember that although the process can seem daunting, unfamiliar or even a little intimidating, your lender is on your side and there to help you get the loan you need. So work together to get all you ducks in a row or provide the proper documentation he asks for to move the process along. If you are helpful and make the process easy for him, he’ll want to make the process as easy and successful for you, too.

Find a reputable lender

It’s also a good idea to take some time to research some lenders to ensure that you are starting the process of right – with the right lender. You would hate to get down the line with an untrustworthy lender only to have to scratch the process before the loan is approved and start fresh with another lender. Work smarter, not harder! Find the right lender, and the right loan will follow.

Finally, call Level 4 Funding!

Level 4 Funding offers the professional, experienced lenders that will help make the loan process quick and easy. We know that time is crucial when waiting for a loan approval and we do our best to ensure a smooth and simple process!