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!

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Why it’s Important to Find a Flexible Lender When Commercial Real Estate Loan Rates are High

When you need a loan, finding a flexible lender that is able to negotiate for your best interest, even when commercial real estate loan rates are up, can help you get the best value for your money. Level 4 Funding shares why this is important.

Obtaining a loan can be tricky business. In fact, over half of loans that are submitted are typically denied. While this can seem very daunting for someone who is trying to obtain a loan, it’s crucial to remember that there are many options out there when seeking a loan. Conventional loans are very difficult to receive approval for, but there is hope in knowing that non-traditional lenders are there to say “yes” when banks have already said “no.” Even if you have less-than-desirable credit, you are a first time investment purchaser or current times mean high commercial real estate loan rates, you can still get approved.

Traditional banks are very rigid when it comes to approving loans. There is a lot of bureaucracy and red tape that must be dealt with conventional lenders — and they are rarely very flexible. That’s why hard money lenders are a good option. They can be a lot more flexible because rather than focusing on credit score, your business plan or other criteria, they are more interested in the assets of your business or the property you are purchasing which can serve as collateral. You will need to ensure them you have the collateral to put up and perhaps provide a brief outline for the business or property you plan to purchase.

While these lenders deal in short-term loans which typically have high commercial real estate loan rates, if you find a reputable lender who truly believes in your business plan or is flexible enough to negotiate better rates for your loan. However, because short-term loans typically have a repayment schedule that ranges between three months and three years, naturally the commercial real estate loan rates are going to be higher than a traditional long-term loan that allows for many years for repayment. Sometimes the commercial real estate loan rates associated with a short-term loan are simply higher because the lender is making a high risk by approving a loan that would typically (or already has been) declined by a traditional lender like a bank.

There is one more thing your lender might want you to provide.

Many short-term lenders will want you to provide you “exit strategy” from the loan. For example, would you sell the property? Refinance with a more conventional lender once the business starts earning a profit? It’s important to prove how you will build cash flow so you can ensure the lender you’ll be able to make the repayments on schedule.

It’s also important to find a lender you can trust.

While getting the best rates are crucial, it’s also important to work with a lender that is reputable and you truly believe that they have your best interest in mind when creating the loan agreement. Level 4 Funding can help you get the loan you need (sometimes in as little as 24 hours) with people you can trust.

Friday, May 4, 2018

What You need to Know About Getting Business Loans Arizona

Obtaining business loans Arizona gives borrowers the chance to get money for their businesses for a variety of uses such as equipment, property, and improvements, to name a few. Level 4 Funding explains the process of applying for this type of loan in the state.

Whether a first time borrower or a multiple time borrower of business loans Arizona, it’s crucial to understand how these loans are different from a loan to purchase a residential home or property, for example. These loans can be very beneficial for business owners that need more cash flow to grow and build their businesses. It can really provide an opportunity for companies in a number of ways. However, preparation is essential.

When preparing to apply for business loans Arizona, you should get your most current credit score report and full credit history to submit to the lender. You should also put together a business plan that details the marketing strategies, analytics of the industry and other statistics that the lender might find helpful in making his decision to approve your loan.

It’s also a good idea to organize both personal and business financial statements and documentation and any other paperwork that the lender advises you to obtain for your business loans Arizona. If you give yourself a head start on preparation, the application process will go much more smoothly and quickly. It’s also important to read through the agreement very thoroughly. Sometimes there are hidden clauses, fees or other verbiage included that you might pass by on the first read. The lender will not take it lightly if you can’t make your payments, so you shouldn’t take this binding contract lightly either.

It’s critical that you know the repercussions of not being able to meet the terms of the agreement.

If you become in breech of that contract, the lender has the right to take ownership of the collateral you put up to secure the loan. This could be your car, your home or your business or you could face foreclosure on your property. Make sure before you agree to a repayment schedule that you really can make those payments, on time, every time.

You might be responsible for other fees when you obtain the loan too.

When you get approved for a loan, there may be charges or other fees that apply, even appraisal costs, etc. that you might not have taken into consideration. The down payment you’ll be required to make is somewhere between 20 to 30 percent (give or take as it relates to the current health of the economy). So above all, double check your finances and budget before signing to make sure you can handle these payments. When seeking a lender in Arizona, Level 4 Funding is your go-to expert for business loans to help you take your business to the next level. Our experts are always available to help you find the loan that will work for you. Call today.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

How to Understand Hard Money Loans

If you learn about the process of hard money loans, you can figure out how to get the best loan to suit your business needs. Level 4 Funding shows you how.

When it comes to learning about hard money loans, it helps to start at the very beginning, with what they actually are. These are unconventional loans that are not reliant on banks or traditional lending institutions for funding. Private sources fund these types of loans, whether it be an individual or a group that helps assist with the funding. Most often, these loans have a short repayment term cycle and are typically used by the borrower to purchase investment properties.

The qualification process for hard money loans it totally different than applying and approval for a traditional loan. In the latter, a borrower needs to complete and submit an application process to the bank or other conventional lender. The process is often very detailed and lots of documentation is required of the borrower. The borrower must also share credit score and history, and provide details about their financial status in order to be considered for the loan.

For unconventional loans, the process is based upon collateral, and the current market value of whatever collateral the borrower is able to provide. Collateral is the value the borrow puts up as a way to offer the lender security of the loan. This could be a car, the person’s home, another building or event the building/property that is being purchased, for example. The lender requires this as security that if for some reason the borrower can’t make payments, than the lender takes over the collateral and can sell it to recover their funds. In this type of loan, the funding individual or group is less interested in the borrower’s credit score or even their currently financial situation. It’s all about collateral.

This is important for borrowers that have less than ideal credit scores or have a ding in the credit history somewhere along the line that makes it difficult for them to obtain a conventional loan. The value of the collateral or the property in mind to purchase needs to have value equal (or likely higher) than the amount that is being requested to borrow. This gives people breaking into the world of investment property purchases a good place to start.

Now that you know…

This is a huge benefit of hard money loans that people don’t often realize at first. While conventional lenders can often be intimidating and the loan applications very challenging, the process of this type of loan is very straightforward. Investment properties, fix-and-flip homes and other property purchases are all great for this type of loan. It offers the cash upfront (and fast!) to make the purchase happen. Then it’s up to the borrower to take their investment purchase to the next level in order to profit to the maximum.

Working with this type of loan has great potential

For those without stellar credit or even those that are just starting to establish their business credit scores, these loans are the way to go. A private lender such as Level 4 Funding can help beginner investors with a short-term loan to build their investor career.

Monday, April 30, 2018

Tactics to negotiate a better hard money deal

You may be seeking a hard money loan and looking for the lowest possible interest rate, but there may be additional costs you could be unaware of beyond the interest rate. You will be at a disadvantage if you aren't aware of these expenses and don't try to negotiate with your lender.

Some private lenders may earn their profits by charging fees rather than collecting interest payments. In the worst case scenario, an unscrupulous lender could lure in borrowers by advertising a low-interest rate, all the while charging them exorbitant fees. Even if a lender is reputable, borrowers should be aware of any additional expenses when it comes to their loan.

Private asset based lenders are business savvy and approach each loan as a business deal. There is always room to negotiate the terms of any business deal, and the same holds true for your loan.

The most apparent expense on an asset based loan is the point fee, which is a percentage of the loan amount which is paid by the borrower up front. You should do your best to negotiate the point fee because depending on the size of your loan this cost can be considerable.

You as a borrower need to be aware of the cost of your loan in points and any other fees that may apply.

Which fees can you negotiate when it comes to hard money loans?

In the first place, there's the underwriting fee, which is the cost of a lender's due diligence. The cost of underwriting can range from 750 to 2,500 dollars depending on an individual deals complexity. In addition depending on your circumstances the cost of servicing your loan could also be a factor. Loan service fees cover the cost of recording payments and generating reports, and this price can be considerable. A lender may charge a fixed monthly payment or charge a given percentage of the loan amount annually.

In addition, be aware of any late fees, or any potential change in your interest rate if you miss a payment. You will want to keep these fees as low as possible because if you miss a payment due to financial difficulties, higher interest rates and late fees will make it harder to catch up.

The main advantage of asset based lenders over traditional banks is that they are flexible and that their is always room to negotiate the terms of your loan. If you don't try to negotiate these additional fees you may be taking on an unnecessary expense.

Take advantage of the flexibility offered by hard money lenders

Some of the fees mentioned before may or may not apply in your case. But you should try to take advantage of the flexibility offered by private lenders. If you are a borrower with considerable experience and strong collateral on hand, in most cases your private lender will work with you to negotiate any fees.

In short don't look at an attractive interest rate when shopping for a loan. If you want to get the best deal possible, know the fees that are being charged and to do your best to negotiate.

How to Evaluate a Property for Hard Money Loans

Real estate property purchases will benefit by knowing some ways to evaluate a property to best obtain hard money loans. Level 4 Funding offers the following tips to best evaluate the property you wish to get a loan for.

When entering the commercial or residential real estate market with the intent to purchase properties, fix them and then sell them for a profit, there are some things you should consider… Especially if you are looking to obtain hard money loans to fund the purchase. The better you are able to evaluate the value and prospective value of the property, the easier time you’ll have persuading lenders to fund your loan.

While unconventional or private lenders that provide investors with hard money loans are primarily interested in the collateral for borrower has to offer. In the case of real estate investors, this is typically the property that is intended to be purchased with the loan.

So it’s important to know what these lenders are going to be looking at when it comes to the property at hand. If you can pre-evaluate these things with a “lender’s eye” you may have an easier time getting approval. Level 4 Funding provides the following criteria: protective equity, which offers investors protection again payment defaults, fluctuations in the market and devaluation of the property; mortgage to value ratio, the property’s percentage of appraised value or quick-sale value – the lower the mortgage amount to the value of the property, the better; resale probability (the quicker the better); the condition of the property – which can affect how much investment will be needed to put into it to make it resalable; and location. The latter is one of the most important aspects of real estate — “location, location, location.” Consider the location of the property above all things.

There are many factors to consider, and each lender may consider some factors more important than others.

While the above are just a few of the major ones, there is a multitude of things that need to be taken into consideration when looking at an investment property. Lenders may be able to advise you as to which they consider to be most important as it related to the current market conditions.

When looking at an investment property, evaluation is a major part of the process.

With certain properties that go on the market, particularly foreclosures, time is of the essence. However, it’s more important to make a complete and unbiased evaluation of the property before jumping in “blind.” By considering all angles and factors, you can make a more education decision as to whether or not this property will be a good investment, and if you will be able to obtain hard money loans based on its current condition. Level 4 Funding can help real estate investors evaluate their property purchases to order to come to a loan agreement for the right property. Call Level 4 Funding today to see how they can help you find the investment property that will become an investment in your success.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

How to find the right hard money lender for your next project

Just because you cant secure a traditional bank loan doesn't mean you don't have other options, you may have considered a hard money lender but where do you start? What should you expect from a potential lender, and what will a lender expect from you?

A quick google search for private lenders should turn up an endless array of financing options. Because you might need a specific type of lender to match your particular project an online search can prove to be a little overwhelming. You could always try to be more exact with your search terms, trying things like ‘private rehab loans,' or ‘private construction loans.' Being specific with your online searches may help you find the lender that is right for you, but this isn't always the case.

Consider using one numerous lender databases available online to narrow down your financing options. The ideal database would allow you to aim your search for lenders based on the amount of financing you need or will enable you to search for lenders based on your specific project, (i.e., Renovation, construction, commercial, etc).

If you'd rather avoid the hassle of searching for a lender on your own, you could seek out a referral from a licensed mortgage broker. Local real estate investment groups could also put you in touch with lenders they have worked with in the past.

If you find the right lender, the question then becomes what should expect from them and how do you know you're getting the best possible deal.

What should you expect from a potential hard money lender during the application process?

Search relevant government databases to ensure your lender is licensed. Your lender should also be transparent throughout the process. Ensure that they meet their published guidelines related to fees and closing costs. You should also be wary of teaser rates offered by unscrupulous lenders.

Know that every private lender is different and will have their criteria when it comes what they expect from you as a borrower.Ask your lender to be transparent about any documentation you might need throughout the loan application process.

Know what your hard money lender expects from you to get the best deal possible

This type of loan is often used to finance rehabilitation and construction projects.If your seeking financing for renovation or construction, a lender will want to ensure that you are competent and knowledgeable about your project. In these cases, before approaching any lender, have details about the property you wish to purchase, a budget for your renovations and thorough projections about the future profitability of your project. You build up your lenders confidence and gain room to negotiate by demonstrating your understanding of a project's potential.

You need to have a detailed understanding of what your property is worth to qualify for the best possible loan. A private lender usually bases the amount of financing offered on the market value of the property you are purchasing. You won't qualify the largest possible loan if you don't have a good sense of what your property is worth.

Learn To Be A Fix & Flip Investor

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