Why Real Estate Lines of Credit in Arizona are Getting More Attention

Real estate lines of credit are growing in popularity. If you’re involved in investing, adding them to your toolkit can help ensure your success.

Generally speaking, savvy investors find out what works for them and repeat the same processes time and time again to ensure success. That said, they also create a toolkit of various options and tailor their approach depending on the project. One of the tricks of the trade seasoned investors apply is to be familiar with several forms of lending and choose the best one for each project. That way, financing and favorable terms are always just a call away.

Real Estate Lines of Credit in Arizona fit into this toolkit as well, right alongside things like conventional loans and Arizona Hard Money Loans. However, instead of taking a large portion of cash all at once, the investor uses it like a credit card, only taking what he needs as he needs it and paying back the balance. The funds made available can sometimes be enough to cover the cost of purchasing a property, though they’re generally in line with what someone might pay to do repairs or a full rehab on a property.

There are both single property and multiple property Arizona real estate lines of credit. With a single property line, the amount made available will generally be based on the value of the home. In these cases, most investors will use them to take money out to complete individual repairs. However, those with larger portfolios can have much larger lines made available, based on the value of multiple properties. In these cases, the investor may still use the funds for rehabs and repairs. However, because the cash can be tapped into at any time, many use this to purchase new properties and add to their portfolios.

When Time is of the Essence, Real Estate Lines of Credit are There for You

Being able to jump on an Arizona investment property with cash ready to go makes it easier to grab it before others do. It can also help sway a seller in your direction if there are multiple offers because they know your deal will go through and isn’t going to get hung up waiting for outside financing.

Know the eligibility requirements ahead of time to ensure approval.

Some lenders will determine eligibility largely based on credit scores, which can make it difficult to get approval. However, asset-based lending looks more at the value of the property or properties involved. In other words, if you’ve got a good amount of equity in a single property, you may be able to tap into most of it even if you have rotten credit. Moreover, conventional lenders tend to look for credit scores of 720+ once your portfolio hits a certain size, whereas asset-based lending actually rewards you for the extra equity and can often offer up more cash. Ergo, there are multiple situations and stages in your portfolio growth in which this could be ideal. If you don’t already have a specialist on hand who offers LOCs, talk with a broker who can go over all the options now, so you can have the cash you need when you need it.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

3 Ways to Get More from Your Arizona rental property Loans

If you’re taking out Arizona rental property loans, finding ways to improve your ROI is essential. However, most advice you’ll hear could wind up costing you money, so stick to the tried-and-true methods to keep your cash flowing.

Maximizing the return on your investment should always be a priority, but if you’re paying on Arizona rental property loans, that monthly check serves as a constant reminder that it takes money to make money. It also likely makes you want to work that much harder to improve your gains. Here’s how to do it without unintentionally sabotaging yourself.

1. Focus on staying full. Oftentimes, landlords come in with the intent to make improvements and then bump up rents to generate more cash. This can actually backfire because it frustrates tenants and often places their existing home outside their budget. Before you make a move to hike up rates, consider what it will cost you to replace your tenants. Chances are, you’ll make more money by keeping their rents as-is and increasing rates as people move on. This is especially true if you have really great tenants who pay on time and make life easy, so always work out what costs you might incur by having to fill vacancies.

2. Allow tenants to sublet for a fee. The Airbnb craze is here to stay. Some landlords detest it because of the potential for damage and uncertainty of who will be renting, but it’s worth noting that your tenant is still ultimately responsible for what happens in the home. Consider including a clause in your contracts that allows your tenants to use services like Airbnb, but only if they sign up for it and agree to an additional monthly fee for the duration of their lease.

3. Have a late fee clause. Nobody likes to be the bad guy, but the reality is you rely on your tenants to pay in a timely manner in order for you to make good on your obligations. Having a late fee clause can help get them to have better payment habits and will give you a small revenue boost when they don’t. Follow-through is paramount, though. If you’re uncomfortable requesting the fee face-to-face, consider using a service to process payments instead. You might find that this saves you time and money as well.

Hard Money Can Help You Add to Your Portfolio

Getting approval for Arizona rental property loans isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t have great credit or don’t have much experience with property management. If you’re in the process of picking up your first property or you already have one and want to have more but traditional funding won’t work, the more relaxed approval process offered by alternative lenders can help you pursue your dreams.

Find out if alternative Arizona rental property loans are right for you.

There are lots of ways to grow your portfolio, but finding the best terms and the right options are key in ensuring your ROI is all that it should be. Have a chat with a broker about your goals and portfolio plans to learn which options are best for your needs.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

How to Get Arizona investment property Loans without 20-40% Down

Banks usually expect you to make a massive down payment when you apply for Arizona investment property loans, which puts them out of reach a whole lot of investors. The good news is, there’s a way to get around the standard 20-40% most expect.

Checking out Arizona investment property loans can be a rude awakening for someone getting into the business. Most people at this stage have purchased a home to live in before and expect the process to be somewhat similar. You apply for a mortgage and your broker works some magic, then comes back with numbers and tells you what you qualify for. But, when the property you’re buying is not going to be your primary residence, a lot of that magic disappears and the yesses are replaced with nos. What gives? You haven’t changed at all, your credit is the same, and you’re diversifying. Shouldn’t the banks be happy? Not exactly.

When it comes to traditional mortgages, the bank knows you plan to live there and that you’ll do everything you can to keep your home, even when times get tough. So, they’ll sometimes give a bit of wiggle room with their options. On top of this, if you don’t have the full 20% to put down, you can often get mortgage insurance. Although you pay for it, it actually protects your lender in the event you default. When you’re making a purchase with the plan to rent it out, fix-and-flip, or fix-and-hold, mortgage insurance is not an option. Ergo, the bank is going to expect you to bring at least 20% to the table.

From there, they may expect a greater down payment if your credit isn’t excellent as well, among other things. Depending on the circumstances, that down payment can skyrocket as high as 40%. And, that’s if they approve you at all. Without a couple years of property management experience under your belt, many of the big banks won’t even consider helping you out.

Alternative Funding Can Help You Out When Banks Can’t

The good news is, there are other places you can turn to for Arizona investment property loans that are easier to qualify for and don’t require the same massive down payments. Hard money is one of those choices. While lenders still look at things like your credit and your plans or ability to manage your Arizona investment property successfully, the biggest thing they consider is its value. What’s more, it’s possible to get up to 90% of the value, meaning you could wind up only needing 10% or less, if you grab a sweet deal for less than it’s worth.

Find out if alternative investment property loans are right for you.

When people go for hard money, having an exit plan is essential. If you’ll be fixing and flipping, the natural exit is selling the home after you’ve finished the work. However, if you plan to rent it out right away or fix and hold it, you’ll either need a plan to refinance at the end of your term or have another way of paying off the balance, as lenders usually expect the balance paid off within a matter of months or just a few years. If you’ve got a property in mind, a comprehensive plan, and the banks aren’t able to help, talk to a broker to learn more about hard money and the terms you qualify for.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

3 Rookie Mistakes Hard Money Lenders Want You to Avoid

If you’re working with Arizona Hard money lenders to complete a fix-and-flip, your success is their success. Avoiding the common mistakes ensures it’s a win-win situation for all.

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “It’s easier to keep a customer than it is to find a new one.” This rings true in the fix-and-flip business too. Relationships are everything. If you treat your crews well, they’ll do good quality work and come back for repeat projects. If your broker gets you a great deal, you’ll return to him when you need funding for your next project. The same thing goes for your Arizona Hard money lenders as well. They want you to be successful because it ensures an ongoing mutually-beneficial relationship. But, if you’re new to the business, it’s all too easy to strike out on the first round, and it typically comes from one of three common errors.

1. No Cushion: Call it an emergency fund, a cushion, or any other name, you’ve got to have some sort of back-up funds ready for when things don’t go as planned. Even seasoned pros will find flood damage, bad wiring, and other expensive issues with their projects when things get going. They get through it because they plan ahead for issues. If you find a great deal on a property, sometimes the cushion can come from the Arizona Hard money lenders and your initial loan, but more often than not, you’ll need to have some of your own cash available.

2. Making Emotional Decisions: You knew the second you saw the property that it would be the one. Maybe it was a quaint little historic bungalow or foreclosure in a quiet community, just waiting for some TLC and a family. The location was great, the repair needs were minimal, and the pricing was amazing. Then, the bidding war started. It’s hard to walk away when you’ve already made plans and know exactly what you’ll do with a place, but at some point, the deal stopped making financial sense and you began bidding because your heart was set. It happens to the best of us, but if you find yourself making any kind of decisions based on emotions, walk away.

3. Failure to Create an Accurate Timeline: Like the financial cushion, all your projects should have a time cushion as well. Not only can unforeseen repairs make a job take longer, but sometimes crews fail to show or coordinating teams doesn’t work out. Give yourself some breathing room. At the very least, it will make the project less stressful, but there’s a good chance that cushion will save the project at some point too.

Realistic Expectations Come with Experience

The more fix-and-flip projects you take on, the easier it will become to gauge what needs to be done, as well as how much time and money it will take to do it. When you’re getting your start, you’ll need to pad your expense list and timeline to compensate for that.

Work with Arizona Hard money lenders and other professionals who have experience and know the business inside and out to ensure success.

When you align yourself with industry experts, they can be valuable sources of information and help point you in the right direction when you hit a snag. The more often you work with your dream team, the smoother your projects will go and the more lucrative your work will become.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

Arizona commercial loans 101: Benefits and Pitfalls of 3 Common Options

There are many different types of commercial loans in Arizona, each with their own pros and cons. Become familiar with the most common ones to determine which is right for you.

1. Bank Term Loans: The most commonly-sought form of Arizona commercial loans is bank term funding. With these, the bank lends a large sum and the borrower pays it back over a period of years with interest. Most business owners start off going for this choice, but about 75% of applicants are rejected because banks have tough criteria and expect excellent credit.

2. Lines of Credit: Similar to a credit card, lines of credit are sometimes offered by banks. With these, the business owner can take money out as they need it and pay it back over time, typically with a higher interest rate than a term loan. It’s not ideal for those who need large amounts of cash, but can work for someone who wants a cushion to help things run smoothly when cash inflows dwindle. Like the term, options, however, these are reserved for people with excellent credit.

3. Asset-Based Loans: When businesses cannot tap into cash due to bad credit, they can still sometimes get asset-based Arizona commercial loans. That means the lender looks at the value of what’s being purchased or what the borrower has and determines if it can be liquidated if the borrower doesn’t pay. When there’s less risk for a lender because an asset is available, even riskier borrowers can qualify. Equipment loans fall into this category, and work well if machinery or vehicles are needed, but sometimes borrowers can leverage other things as collateral, such as their home.

Startups and People with Rotten Credit Have Better Luck with Asset-Based Commercial Loans

Banks say “no” a lot to people who don’t have strong credit or who are just starting out, which is why alternative funding is so popular. That said, it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing sort of deal. Some begin with an asset-based option and later convert it to a term loan through a bank after they’ve built up credit, while others use it to bridge gaps between the time a large order is placed and the customer pays. Some also use a variety of lending forms to cover their needs. For example, a term loan to purchase real estate for the company and an equipment loan to cover the cost of company vehicles. The right mix is different for each company based on its needs, but suffice it to say, asset-based choices fill the gaps well and make it possible for more businesses to get funding when banks turn up their noses.

If you know how to evaluate various forms of lending, it’s easy to choose what’s best for your needs.

With this basic information in mind, choosing the right form of lending for your business needs is simple. That said, it’s also beneficial to work with a broker who is well-versed in all forms of lending who can confirm your decision and help you get the best terms once you’ve made a decision.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions