Monday, August 6, 2018

Owner Occupied Hard Money Loans

There are conventional loans and hard money loans for owner occupied properties. Learn the upside and downside of owner occupied hard money loans.

You may have heard of “hard money” loans for construction purposes. Private hard money loans are actually used for multiple investment opportunities including consumer purpose/owner occupied hard money loans. If you intend to occupy the property you are seeking to purchase, then you need to look into consumer purpose and owner-occupied loans. The borrower intends to occupy/live in the property that they are seeking the loan for—In other words, your primary residence. These types of loans can be used for paying a tax lien, helping a family member, or bill consolidation, as long as the loan is tied to any form of real estate.

Since the financial crisis of 2008, the tighter lending regulations, closing time frames, documents and disclosures involved, and borrower protections has led to the whole process with private lenders being one that is overly onerous. A great Plan B could be private consumer loans. Properly underwritten and compliant are appropriate for borrowers who cannot qualify for Plan A (conventional loan).

If you are a real estate agent or mortgage professional, your clients may want to utilize this loan source if they do not qualify for a conventional loan and do not want to lose the purchase of a home.

Consumer Bridge Loans

The consumer bridge loan, short term in nature, is a good loan to consider when you’re in a time of near-term challenges or when conventional financing is not an option. Here are the many reasons for securing a bridge loan:

· If you have a home to sell AND looking to buy a home.

· If you are looking to downsize and do not want to “double move”.

· Bankruptcy, foreclosure, short sale or job time.

· Challenges when it comes to down payment.

· Personal situations such as divorce or probate situations.

· If you are seeking to avoid tax, and do not want to liquidate other assets (stocks, 401K, etc.…).

· 1031 exchange’s

· Fallout from a reverse mortgage

Terms are usually as follows: 5 to 7 days to close, requires a purchase component, a maximum term of 11 months, a typical interest rate of 9.9%, and 2-3% points plus doc and admin fees.

Long-term private consumer loans, although less common, can help individuals in certain situations.

One of these scenarios is a person with credit challenges that cannot be resolved in 12 months. Credit seasoning is a term to describe the time it takes a borrower’s credit to reach a level to qualify for a conventional loan. Another reason for this type of loan is that the borrower has not been in their current position for 24 months. The borrower may qualify for the long term 30/30 loan: A 30-year loan with fixed payments on 30-year amortization.

Additional reasons for a 30/30 loan include: self-employed, hard to document income, income history inconsistent, credit issues, bankruptcy, already own home and you need to refinance, and the purpose is consumer in nature. Terms may include the following: could close in as little as 5-7 days, no prepayment penalty, interest rate of 8.99%-9.99%, and 2-3 points plus doc & admin fees.

Word of caution: If the lender tells you that they can do a loan that does not fit into the above guidelines or seems “to good to be true,” check reviews and backgrounds before proceeding. You can be assured that when obtaining a loan with Level 4 Funding, you’re working with ethical, knowledgeable individuals that have been in the business for over 20 years. Call us for a no-obligation quote.

Happy senior business man making his notes at work Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com

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 42 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

Technorati Tags: private hard money lender,owner occupied home loans,hard money loans,hard money loan

Qualifying for Owner Occupied Hard Money Loans

There are many reasons why a borrower would consider owner occupied hard money loans. Consider these motives when making your next decision on where to obtain financing for an owner-occupied property.

You apply for a conventional residential mortgage from your local bank or credit union only to be turned down. Don’t give up on your dream. Your other option is a residential hard money lender for your primary residence. This can be a viable solution in the following scenarios:

· Your credit is classified as poor

· Your history shows a recent loan modification, short sale, bankruptcy or foreclosure

· You currently joined your employer and have less than 2 years of provable employment

· You have your own business and are classified as self-employed

· You are seeking a bridge loan for short term purposes

You locate the perfect residence and receive a conventional mortgage only to find out your lending bank or credit union is unable to perform while in escrow. Now is a good time to consider owner occupied hard money loans. The approval and funding process of a residential hard money lender is much short that a conventional bank or credit union which will keep you from losing the investment property. After the house closes, you always have the option to refinance with a conventional loan. Since Dodd-Frank, many lenders will not even consider residential owner occupied hard money loans because:

· Additional documentation is required

· The hard money lender requires additional licenses

· Time to fund the loan increase due to mandatory recession period

· Compared to investment loans, the residential hard money loan has additional risks

A very small amount of Hard Money Lenders will provide owner occupied business purpose loans, however the borrower only benefits if:

· They own the primary residence

· The primary residence that the borrower owns has a sufficient amount of equity

· The funds the borrower receives will be used for a business purpose

Hard Money Loans for Consumer Purposes

Lenders are few and far between when a borrow wants to obtain owner occupied hard money loans for a property. If you plan on living in the home, this will be considered a primary residence purchase. If you are seeking to cash-out for your equity, this also classifies you as a primary residence loan. If the funds of the loans are to be used for family, personal, or household use, then regulators will classify the loan as a Primary Residence loan

Subject to Federal regulations are residential hard money loans due to Dodd-Frank which requires a lender to verify both the borrower’s expenses and income. To verify income a borrower can submit W2’s, pay check stubs, or tax returns. A borrower will be required to keep their debt-to-income within the required ratios.

A residential hard money loan is intended for a short period of time, usually 3 to 5 years.

Before closing the loan, a borrower will be required to submit a plan to obtain long-term financing, or a different exit strategy, depending on the situation. At Level 4 Funding, we can help you come up with the best solutions to your present funding needs. Give us a call to discuss your unique requirements. The world of real estate investment is creating millionaires every day—don’t delay on taking those first steps into a very lucrative business.

Technorati Tags: private hard money lender,owner occupied home loans,hard money loans,hard money loan

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Learn About Hard Money Loans Before You Take the Plunge

Are hard money loans too good to be true? Learn the truth about this often-misunderstood investment opportunity.

Are you a typical real estate investor seeking the best opportunity and the next best purchase? While years of experience often affect the pursuit and tactics used to find the next property, finding ways to finance your project is faced by beginner and professional alike.

On a rental property that you are analyzing to invest in, how you will be financing your investment is always on your mind. Covering your costs that come along with purchasing your investment property is another hot topic. When purchasing a rental property, hard money loans can be used to purchase the property. A little more due diligence and investigation is to be done before committing to using this type of loan to purchase your property.

Have you been wondering just what a hard money loan is? These loans are secured by real estate and the value of the investment property rather than the credit worthiness of the borrower. The term of these loans usually has a maximum of 12 months and have higher interest rates than traditional loans. The source of the funds for these loans is from private money lenders. When Should you Consider Obtaining a Hard Money Loan?

Hard money loans are perfect partners in certain situations. Some of these are:

· Turnaround Situations

· Short term financing

· A problem in your life has caused your credit to be “challenged”. If the investment property that you are seeking to invest in has substantial equity, this should overcome any credit challenge.

Brokers offer loans through private hard money lenders to real estate investors secured by one or more properties. Unlike banks, these lenders charge higher rates and fees but move much more quickly. Their main focus is the value of the collateral (property) for the loan. There is less focus on the borrower’s financial status and credit score. A typical hard money lender may be a mortgage broker with high net worth clients who will invest in the loans. Lenders have certain criteria when deciding if they will provide hard money loans.

Hard Money Lenders Differ from Each Other in a Multitude of Ways

Some of the aspects that different lenders look at include:

Deliverability of the loan, risk of loss based on the amount/underlying asset value, borrower strength, and what the borrowers repayment plan is. Then the hard money lender will look at the property itself including: the actual worth of the property, how much improvement is needed for the property and what will the actual value be after the improvements, how easy the property bill be to foreclose on if the borrower defaults, and how quickly will it be to sell the property in the market that it is located in should the borrower default.

Remember, real estate investing is risky. Explore all possibilities and get your ducks in order before proceeding.

Rejections come in all forms, but some of the main reasons lenders turn down a loan are:

· The loan is outside of the lender’s lending parameters

· The lender wishes not to lend to a particular borrower

· The loan requirements for a loan fall outside the lenders capital

Technorati Tags: private hard money lender,owner occupied home loans,hard money loans,hard money loan

Saturday, August 4, 2018

How to Choose a Hard Money Lender

With today’s tight bank lending restrictions, you may not qualify for traditional financing and need to seek other avenues to finance your project. Regardless if you need capital for purchase or refinancing of either residential or commercial property, you may need a specialized approach—a hard money lender.

If typical mortgages cannot be secured, then a hard money bridge loan may be an alternative. These loans are secured by real estate, carry higher interest rates and are short-term in nature. Consider the following a checklist when choosing a hard money lender.

· Requires sufficient capital. The hard money loan company you want to work with must have enough capital to service multiple short-term and long-term loans at the same time. These loans run one to two years, although some loans may have terms up to seven years or longer.

· Proven track record. A veteran lender that has a proven track record who knows the complexity and difficulty to structure a hard money loan will put you at ease and make you feel more comfortable with the process.

· A diverse portfolio of lenders. When seeking out a hard money loan for your project, look for a lender with a deep bench of investors who are varied in projects that they finance and have the depth in net worth to create varied loan structure solutions. When you verify that the hard money lender has a deep portfolio of investors then this assures you more loan structure options.

· Shortened turnaround time. You have done your research, visited a number of properties and located your new project. Your offer to buy has been submitted and accepted. Now you need to finance the project. Time is of the essence and you need a hard money lender who can put together financing quickly. In narrowing your search for a lender, you need to discuss this with the lender upfront.

What Other Benefits are Available?

To improve your chances of investment success and continued training, lenders will have programs, software and tools they will offer with the loan to assure their investment is in good hands. Do not be afraid to ask what tools the lender is willing to provide. A reputable hard money lender will be invested in your success and, let’s face it, they do not want the property back.

Make your list of the pros and cons of each lender when making your final choice.

Now you have located your property, your offers been accepted, and you’ve spent time locating and narrowing down the lenders that you would like to use. The next step is to spend hours talking with varied lenders and contact the BBB. Find out which tools each lender will add in with the loan to help with your success. Make up your Pro and Con List. On your list, add the lenders capitalization, BBB ranking, do they offer financing in the state of project, provide tools over the competitor’s, and which one is eager to work with the type of project you are investing in. Now is the time to choose, finance your project and begin.

Technorati Tags: private hard money lender,owner occupied home loans,hard money loans,hard money loan

Friday, August 3, 2018

How do Hard Money Lenders Differ from Each Other?

Know your lending options so that you are educated on what to expect when you’re ready to obtain that first commercial loan. There are several things to consider when evaluating hard money lenders.

The following are the varying differences you will encounter when obtaining a commercial loan:

· What is the loan to value ratio of your project? If the ratio is high, the more cash that you will receive for your project.

· What is the minimum and maximum loan amount of the lender?

· Are the hard money lenders that you’re talking with direct lenders (funds in house) or are they a broker? Brokered loans can delay delivery unless dealing with agents that have an extensive rolodex.

· Is the lender local or what geographic region do they serve? Where is your project located?

· What are the closing costs and interest rate?

· Can they close the loan quickly? Are they responsive to you and your project?

· Is the lender trustworthy and experienced in the type of project you are seeking to fund?

When searching for hard money lenders, a Google search will produce hundreds of options. Be sure to look for the following:

Experience. The lender you are talking with should have plenty of experience in the real estate industry as well as experience in the niche industry of hard money loans. An experienced lender will have knowledge in the specifics of hard money loans. The experienced lender will also have the knowledge of procedures and regulations that must be followed which will simplify the process.

Licensed. A hard money lender should hold licenses with state and local real estate bureaus and associations. If the lenders originate consumer loans, then they should be registered with Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS).

Rates and Terms should be Competitive. Look out for lenders who charge interest rates that seem too good to be true. This may be indicators that the lender you are talking with or negotiating with is either unexperienced or untrustworthy.

Transparency is Key

Some lenders will use a bait and switch tactic. Published rates that are very low are often used to attract novice investors looking for the best deal. In all communications, a reputable hard money lender should be clear and upfront about rates, fees and terms.

Quick funding is one of the most common reasons that real estate investors choose to obtain capital from a lender specializing in hard money.

You locate the real estate you want to invest in, your offer is accepted, and now the clock runs, and time is of the essence. You may be choosing this type of lender because of the time-consuming process a conventional lender takes to approve a loan. Then, of course, there is the massive documentation that is needed with a conventional lender. Hard money lenders are known to deliver the loan quickly. As many an investor will tell you, if you do not get the loan funded quickly, you may very well lose the deal. If the lender you’re working with cannot fund the loan in an expeditious manner, you may want to seek capital elsewhere.

Technorati Tags: private hard money lender,owner occupied home loans,hard money loans,hard money loan

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Considering a Fix & Hold? Read What This Broker Says First

Broker Explains Why Arizona is Tops for Investment Properties

Most of the people we help at Level 4 Funding work in the fix-and-flip industry. They use hard money loans to purchase a property, make repairs, and get it back on the market quickly. We’ve recently interviewed several clients who do just this. However, hard money loans are also utilized by borrowers who need to move quickly in the market; particularly if they’re trying to grab up an investment property before someone else does. This unique angle is attractive to a different category of real estate investors; perhaps those who fix-and-flip, but also those who fix-and-hold in situations where a traditional bank loan won’t suffice. Realtor Chris Mendenhall of Harcourts Prime Properties spoke with us on this front and gave us a few insights for those hoping to make smart real estate investments.

Chris has Been in Real Estate Since 1987

A true veteran of the industry, Chris began his career as a real estate broker more than three decades ago. Although he works primarily in north Los Angeles County, he also serves Orange, San Diego, and Riverside Counties. Chris was working in lending during the 90s crash, helping buyers with their loan applications. “It was a tough time,” he says. “There were only 12,000 sales that year, in an area with 12,000 realtors.”

His Current Focus is on Asset-Based Auctions

Working with Harcourts Prime, Chris’ current focus is on asset-based auctions. He helps sellers get top dollar for their properties within a very short period of time and also gives buyers the chance to purchase property at public auction using a transparent process. Unlike other auctions, buyers can see everything from home inspections to pest inspections prior to making a bid. Despite the quick turnaround, Chris says most properties are grabbed before they make it to auction. Those that do land in the hands of trusted auctioneer Ben Brady, who has handled $4.5 million in properties over the past year alone.

Chris Says Arizona’s the Place to Be for Fix & Flips and Fix & Holds

One of the most recent deals that left Chris in awe was a 26-unit building in Phoenix, which was purchased by investors with the intent to flip and hold. “Mark changed their lives,” Chris says of Level 4 Funding partner Mark Gowlovech. “He helped them generate close to one million dollars in equity.” After a few rounds of funding, the property, which was purchased for next to nothing, now has a value of about $1.5 million and is filled with renters on month-to-month leases. When asked what he thinks of the industry, Chris compared the Arizona market to California. “Arizona’s a better place to do it,” he explained. “It’s easier to rent. The laws are more favorable.”

Focus on the Numbers if You Plan to Get into the Industry

Aside from working in Arizona over California, Chris gives investors some additional advice: “Identify a property that has the numbers. It’s all a numbers thing. Not, I like this color or I like this floorplan,” he explains. He also adds that working with someone like Mark is advantageous. “He has tools that really help his clients,” and ensures they’re making smart investment decisions.

Work with Chris or Learn More About Hard Money Loans

Chris says he often works business professionals who run into situations in which properties have to get to market quickly and the sale must be handled by a neutral third party, which is quite common when it comes to the legal realm, especially family law. Harcourts Prime Properties is only in California thus far, with plans to expand across the US in the near future. If you’d like to connect with him, you can visit his LinkedIn profile, follow him on Facebook, or visit his site ChrisMendenhall.HarcourtsPrime.com.

Level 4 Funding, on the other hand, helps people in California, Arizona, and Texas. If you need funding for a project, such as a multi-family dwelling or general fix-and-flip, and a traditional bank loan isn’t a viable option, learn more about how we can assist you.

Technorati Tags: fix and flip,hard money loan,hard money loans,hard money lender

Here’s What it Takes to Be a Rebel Rehabber/ Fix & Flip Pro

Curious what it takes to be a rebel rehabber? At Level 4 Funding, we have the pleasure of helping some amazing people who work in the fix and flip business and sometimes they’re kind enough to share their stories with us. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Yvette Stevens of Miami Beach Fix & Flip, and she not only gave us her personal story, but some epic tips for those of you who are interested in becoming a house flipper as well.

Yvette Always had a Fascination with Finance and Homes

While she may not have known it at the time, Yvette was being primed for the fix and flip business from an early age. Growing up in Chicago, she often visited her father’s construction sites and fell in love. It wasn’t long before she was begging her parents to take her on tours of the city, so she could soak up the architecture and imagine what it would be like to create similar homes. While other kids were nagging their parents for spending cash, Yvette was happily balancing her mother’s checkbook and paying the household bills. It’s no surprise, then, that when it was time for Yvette to choose a career, she jumped headfirst into lending.

One of Yvette’s current projects: completed stock plan, a 2,721-square-foot beauty

She Decided to Kiss the Corporate Ceiling Goodbye

Although Yvette loved many aspects of her career, particularly reading the plans that came in with loan applications, she wasn’t content to sit still. “Corporate America has a ceiling,” she says, “especially for women.” She rebelled. Using her expertise in both construction and lending, Yvette began transitioning into development in 2005, building homes from the ground up.

The Market Crash Left Her with “Beans”

“Real estate goes in ten-year cycles,” she says. The money, mortgages, real estate, and politics are all tied together, resulting in regular shifts. This, she says, is also the cause of the “steak and beans” lending cycle. During lean times, Yvette has been able to refocus on her career in finance, while searching for development opportunities when the market has been good. Like many others, the crash of 2008 hit Yvette hard. She was working on building an entire subdivision that September, but she managed to climb back up out of it and now does fix-and-flip work too.

When Choosing Fix-and-Flip Properties, Yvette Goes for a Blank Slate

Every fix-and-flip pro has a specialty. For Yvette, her ideal property is one she can tear down to the studs, simply because she loves having a blank slate to work with. “The uglier they are, the more we like them,” she says. Her current project is an older home in a historic district, which comes with rigid requirements for what can be done to the outside of the home, but she doesn’t mind at all. “Construction feeds my creative side,” she adds. Her primary focus is Florida these days, but Yvette researches various markets and finds new opportunities all over the country.

Yvette Offers a Wealth of Advice for Potential Fix-and-Flippers

“It’s not that easy,” she says. “People think they’re going to jump in and make money,” but there’s so much more involved. You have to “live, breathe, and eat real estate.”

“You’ve gotta have some cash.” Even if you get 100%, you’ll need to have money set aside for things like closing and emergencies.

“Look at it like a line of credit.” Lenders look for 20% verified liquid assets in order to ensure the borrower can finish the project. “Be prepared. Everybody wants something for nothing these days, but it just doesn’t work that way.”

“Learn, learn, learn before you earn.” Research your market; don’t jump into it. Get a good understanding of how credit and assets work. Learn about the business and concentrate on a market. Yvette’s a fan of BiggerPockets.com and points out that newcomers may benefit from the free information and tools the site offers, like fix-and-flip calculators.

“Make a lot of offers. Keep throwing them up against the wall until one sticks.” Resilience is paramount because you’ll get a lot of rejections before you find one that’s really a great deal you can work with.

“Love what you do. If it’s not fun, you’re not going to be successful.” There will be a lot of ups and downs when you do home rehabs. Enjoying what you do will keep you motivated and on your toes, even when things are difficult.

Learn More

If you’d like to connect with Yvette, head over to her LinkedIn profile and say “Hello.” We’ll be covering the stories of other Level 4 Funding clients as well, so pop back over soon for the next installment. You can also reach out to us directly if you’re interested in financing your next fix-and-flip with a hard money loan.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Dallas Texas Hard Money Loans

Looking for Private Hard Money Loans in Dallas Texas for you real estate investment, development or need funding fast.

Level 4 Funding LLC is an Texas top Hard Money Lender Commercial Lenders for Dallas, Houston, Austin.

We are brokers and can find you the best possible hard money loans

for your Commercial, Construction,

Hard Money Loan in Dallas Texas.

Yes we work state wide and have years of experience as Private Hard Money Lender for Dallas Texas. If you need a quick decision and a quick loan, we can deliver Low Rates and Great Terms on Private Hard Money.

We look for the best possible deal on rate and terms and

will provide you an underwriting decision

within 24 hours.

Level 4 Funding provides hard money loans to real estate investors and developers who need Hard Money Loan quickly. We are a direct private money lender – this term is synonymous with “hard money lender” – hard money broker who looks at applications and finds an outside lender to provide funds for the Private Loan.

We lend statewide and have extensive experience in Dallas Texas, Austin Texas and Houston Texas.

We can make decisions on your loan applications quickly and we underwrite loans in-house, cutting out the middleman and helping us to minimize the time and processing costs by creating as few steps in the Hard Money Loan Application process. We can provide Hard Money Loans in Dallas for Commercial, Residential, Office Multi Family, Warehouse, Storage Complex, Student Housing, Raw Land, Construction. We offer:

· Investment Property Financing for Commercial and Residential

· Funding in as little as 24 hours

· Rates as low as 7.9%* (8.4% APR)

· No upfront prepaid fees in advance

· Terms from 6-60 months*

· No pre-payment penalties, no back-end points, no hidden fees*

As an asset-based lender, we are mostly concerned with the real estate used for the Hard Money Loan. As an Dallas Texas -based lender, we work with Texas real estate investors in Dallas, Houston, Austin and other Texas markets, making us ideal to work with thanks to our understanding of the state’s market as well as being easy to reach during hours that work for you.

Level 4 Funding Has the Experience in Hard Money Loans in Dallas Texas to Help You Today

We look for the best deal for you. Our team is built to see the potential in a property and provide a financing solution that can bring value to your project and save you profit! We have taken the time and care to understand Dallas Texas Market unique real estate market to ensure that we can create a customized Private Hard Money Loan fit for any property or project in the area.

When Your Loan Can’t Wait and Need a Dallas Texas Private Hard Money Loans

Level 4 Funding has assisted with financing a variety of investment properties. we have the experience and knowledge to get you to the next stage of your project from purchasing a property to either hold onto while it appreciates in value or to turn it into a monthly cash flow asset in your portfolio, to fix and flips, to full scale residential subdivision construction, We make asset-based lending a quick, simple and easy-to-apply-for process.

If you’re looking for a private loan, don’t wait –

start you application today.

We look forward to working with you.

We do them all! Give us a quick call to discuss your situation and your project. We can provide you with an answer over the phone with no obligation or pre-paid fees in advance. If we can help we will, if not we can tell you the course of action you need to take to get your project funded. Yes we do them all, give us a call today for a Private Hard Money Lender for AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, OR TX and WA! Give me a call at 623-582-4444 or for Texas Hard Money Loans call us at 512-516-1177.

Technorati Tags: hard money lender,hard money loans california,hard money texas

Commercial loans tied to retail properties

Commercial loans tied to retail properties will find new strength over the coming year, as retailers find new efficiencies.

The record pace of retail defaults and store closures will likely slow in the coming year. retailers are benefiting from newfound efficiencies and an improving economy. Analysts believe that even struggling to department stores, like Kohls and Macy’s, could see their situation improve in 2018.
Moodys analysts anticipate a better outlook for retail across the board. Moodys predicts that the owners of retail properties could see growth in operating income between 3 1/2 to 4 1/2% over the coming year. 5 out of 14 categories of retailer may even see profits grow higher than 5% in 2018. Moodys claims particularly strong players will include online sellers, dollar stores and home improvement retailers. Warehouse clubs, department stores, office supply stores, auto retailers, apparel sellers and drugstores will continue to struggle.
2017 was particularly dire for brick-and-mortar retailers. Store closures grew by 224% over the course of last year. Retailers planned to shutter a total 6879 locations by the tail end of 2017. 6,163 store closures had already taken place at the end of last November. 2017 broke the record for store closures which was previously set during the depths great recession.

The defaults in retail related commercial loans seen last year seemed to have little to do with the economic situation.

Paradoxically, in spite of record breaking store closures, consumer confidence and retail sales overall reached all-time highs. Store closures last year seemed to have occurred mainly in long brick and mortar retailers unable to adapt to changing consumer shopping habits. The National Retail Federation found in a recent survey that last year's Christmas shopping season was the first time record for the majority of those surveyed plan to shop online exclusively. 59 percent of consumers surveyed by the group had no plans to do holiday shopping at a mall or department store.

The holders of retail based commercial loans are expected to adapt and defaults are expected to slow as a result.

The record number of defaults last year was likely among retailers who were unable to keep pace with changes in consumer shopping habits. Moodys cites restaurants as a particular example of an industry that has adapted to the needs of consumers. “Consumers are wrestling with higher non-discretionary spending needs while restaurant companies face higher operating costs — predominantly labor — and challenging traffic trends,” said Moodys vice president Bill Fahy. According to Moodys restaurants and other retailers are expected to meet these and other challenges over the course of the coming year. As retailers close more locations, these same retailers will likely find better ways to boost sales at their remaining locations. Moodys expects the wave of defaults to peak by March of this year to 10 1/2%. By this October these defaults are expected to slow with an estimated 4.9% of retail debt in default by that time.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

Saturday, June 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.

Monday, June 4, 2018

What to Expect With Hard Money Loans Arizona

Hard money loans Arizona offers real estate investors a great tool. But, that tool is only useful if the investor understand the process and knows what to expect.

Hard money loans Arizona represent a good opportunity for many real estate investors. But knowing what to expect from the process and how to prepare are critical to a successful request and having the loan funded. Knowing what the lender is looking for will let you present him or her with the desired information and be prepared to meet the requirements of getting the loan.

Hard money lenders are going to want to see that the borrower has some money in the bank as a safety net in case there are issues with the property or the future transaction. Being cash poor is going to make it difficult for you to pay insurance, invest in repairs to the property or even maintain the property. So it is always wise to create a nest egg before beginning your search for hard money loans Arizona.

As a first time hard money borrower, it is also important that you do your homework. Understanding the terms for hard money loans Arizona is very important. The interest rate is definitely going to be higher than a traditional loan and the terms are going to be much shorter. But that is the price of doing business in the hard money world. However, the advantage for you is that all of the terms on hard money loans Arizona are negotiable. You simply need to work with the lender to agree to terms that meet both your needs and his or her needs.

What to Ask For

The loan to value rate is simple the comparison of the amount that you are asking for and the current market value of the property. In most cases a hard money lender will never fund over 70% of the cost of the property. So you need to be aware of this “magic” number and limit your request accordingly. In addition, you will need to be able to demonstrate your ability to provide the remaining amount of the purchase price for the down payment on the property.

Have a Planed Exit Strategy

All that the lender is really interested in is recovering his or her investment and interest on the hard money loan. But the lender understands that for you to pay off such a large loan in a short period of time, then you will most likely need to resell the property for a profit. So the lender will want to know how you plan to accomplish that task. And because it is only on a very rare occasion that things go perfectly, it is best for the lender and for you, to have more than one exit plan. You might want to do a quick flip on a residential property. But if you can’t find a buyer then a reasonable backup plan it to rent the property and seek a traditional loan to pay off the hard money loan.

Knowing what to expect and being prepared will not only help you to secure a hard money loan but it will also help you to be successful in profiting from that loan.

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Spotting a Business Loan Arizona That Is Too Good To Be True

(Looking for a great deal on a business loan Arizona is smart. But you need to be able to determine which offers are legitimate and which are actually a scam.)

When you are searching for a business loan Arizona, it can be difficult to tell which lenders are legitimate and which are actually running a scam just to collect fees from unsuspecting potential borrowers. But completing your due diligence will reveal some information that will give you a good indication of which firms are legitimate and which are scams. There are some legitimate lenders who do request a processing fee when you submit your request. So that is not always a sure sign of a scam but there are a few dead giveaways.

When researching lenders to submit loan applications to, it is wise to always eliminate any that are outside the United States. This will greatly help to reduce the number of shady or fake lenders that you will be speaking to. Any lender who is outside the country is not going to be forced to follow any U.S. laws and that greatly increases the potential for you to become a victim of a scam or to have your personal information and identity stolen. In addition, if you are working with a firm who claims to be in the United States and then in fact is not, stop all transactions. A business who is hiding their location is more than likely not legitimate.

If you are told that there are no qualifications to be met for business loan Arizona approval, you are likely dealing with a fake company. These “firms” are likely to say that they charge a somewhat substantial fee for the loan request to be processed but then the fees are applied to your loan points. And that it is just a formality because there are no criteria that you must meet to get approved. These are all lies to get you to pay the fee. Once you pay then the lender never calls you again and will not return your calls or emails.

Don’t Be Fooled By an Office

Even if the company has a nice office in a respectable neighborhood there is no guarantee that they are legitimate. In most cases the office is in another state or city and all that you are seeing are pictures on a website. Not only is the office likely to belong to someone else but the entire business could be nothing more than a person who is running a website and collecting application information to sell as well as bilking borrowers out of application fees.

There Is No Free Loan

You are never going to find a legitimate business loan Arizona that is offered without any fees or interest. Lenders are in business to make money just as you are. So always look very closely at the entire contract and all of the fee and payment structure of any loan that appears to be too good to be true.

Owner Occupied Borrowers Can Get a Private Hard Money Loan From Lenders

Welcome we offer Private Hard Money Owner Occupied Loans in Arizona up to 80% LTV. Our Arizona owner occupied hard money loans program makes it easy for you to get the new home you need despite not having credit, having bad credit, or even if you’re not from the United States. Owner occupied loans have easier requirements than investor loans and can even benefit from our cross collateral 100% LTV loan option.

Owner occupied hard money loans are also considered Principle Residence Loans, alternative financing, and private money loans.

We continuously stay up to date on all regulation required to offer owner occupied hard money loans.

Poor Credit, BK, Foreclosure, TIN Numbers, Self Employed YES we can!

No Up-Front Fees and No Cost to Apply.

Quick and simple to Apply for a Owner Occupied Private Hard Money Loan

Reasons Why Borrowers Use Owner Occupied Loans using Private Money

Bad credit

Hard to prove income

Dealing with a problem property

Cannot qualify for conventional or FHA/VA financing

Common Uses Of Owner Occupied Private Hard Money Loans Arizona

Buying first or second home

Refinance an existing loan

Cash out for repairs or remodeling

Cash out for debt consolidation

Hard Money Owner Occupied Loan Program Options

100% FINANCING AVAILABLE if the borrower has another property that is free and clear or has a small mortgage in relation to value (substantial equity) to pledge as additional collateral.

We are a Private Hard Money Lender in Arizona, making real estate loans to both Investors & Owner Occupants in Arizona.

NO PRE-PAYMENT PENALTY

We have no pre-payment penalties on our loans.

PURCHASE - REFINANCE

Down payment: 20-30%

Can accept co signers

Allow seller carry back for the Down Payment

Up to 70% or 80% of appraised value

Up to 100% financing with a 2nd free and clear property.

Interest Rates from 9.5% for Owner Occupied Private Hard Money in Arizona.

Requirements for Private Hard Money Owner Occupied Loans

Income verified – 3 months banks statements or tax return.

BK, Foreclosure, INN, Self Employed YES we can!

Apply for an Owner Occupied Hard Money Loan

If you are interested to see if you qualify for an owner occupied hard money loan in Arizona, give Jamie a call today at 623-582-4444 or fill out our loan application to get started.

What is an Owner Occupied Private Hard Money Loan?

These types of loans are considered consumer loans. This means that they are for the individual home owner not an investor or corporation. These loans are for borrowers who will live in the home as their primary residence home. These are loans where the borrow will use the funds for consumer purposes, such as paying down debt, buying a boat, debt consolidation or paying a tax lien. The funds are going to be used to help the consumer. When you are applying for a consumer Private Hard Money home loan there are a lot of requirements that the lender must do to make sure that the borrower fits the loan. These are recent requirements, but the main requirement is that the Private Hard Money Lender Lending for an Owner Occupied Homes needs to make sure that the borrower can make the payments. They call this verifying the ability to pay the loan. Since this a Private Loan, these requirements are easier and more relaxed that the traditional lender. Additionally, Arizona Private Hard Money for Owner Occupied Loans usually have a lower credit requirement. Another requirement is that the loans must be ‘fully amortized over 30 years’ and cannot have a balloon payment. The advantages of a Private Hard Money Lender are that the loan is completed quickly, and the borrower can move fast. Typically, the lender is private individual that will look at the property and make a quick decision. Rates on the loan are higher that a traditional loan, but usually range from 6-12%.

A few other reasons for a Private Hard Money Owner Occupied Consumer Loan:

Self-employed

Trouble documenting income

Inconsistent income history

Credit issues due to a recent loan modification, short sale or foreclosure

Bankruptcy

Client already owns the home and needs to refinance, the purpose is consumer in nature, and there’s no purchase component.

Saturday, June 2, 2018

The Benefits of Hard Money Loans Arizona

Hard money loans are not as intimidating as many borrowers have come to believe. Understanding the benefits of hard money loans Arizona will clarify why they are a very useful financial tool.

Many borrowers view hard money loans Arizona as some type of shady deal that operates on the fringe of the legitimate lending world. But nothing could be further from the truth. Hard money loans are a completely legitimate and legal way to seek funding when a traditional lender or bank is not able to meet your needs. In addition, there are a number of benefits that are specific to a hard money loan.

Time can be an investor’s greatest enemy when a deal needs to move quickly to avoid a lost opportunity. Completing a tradition loan application can take days and then there can be weeks or even months of waiting to receive a final decision. All of this time is an open door for another investor or buyer to swoop in and steal a deal. But the process of applying for hard money loans Arizona is much faster. This is because the lender is really only interested in the current market value of the collateral being used for the loan. The lender is not going to do a deep dive into the borrowers business or personal finances to determine creditworthiness and debt load. So a simple property appraisal and evaluation can be completed very quickly in comparison.

In addition to the fast turnaround for funding, the other terms of hard money loans Arizona are also more favorable to many borrowers. Unlike the long terms of a traditional loan, hard money loans can offer terms as short as three months or as long as two to five years. This flexibility is perfect for the investor or flipper who is going to purchase, renovate and resell quickly. Builders are also fond of these terms as it allow time to build on a piece of property and then sell within the year and move on to the next project.

Credit is Not an Issue

The final benefit is to those borrowers who have no credit or less than perfect credit. Having no credit is almost as bad as having bad credit. But in the case of a hard money lender, neither of these issues is a deal breaker. The lender is only going to look at the value of the collateral to determine if he or she is willing to fund the loan. Credit is not going to be an issue, so hard money loans offer an opportunity to many borrowers who just don’t meet the high standards of the traditional lenders.

A Financial Tool

There is no one all-purpose tool for everything and finance is the same concept. Not everyone can meet the criteria for a traditional loan nor can they wait for a bank to approve the long form application. In some cases, a hard money loan is just simply a better option than a traditional loan.

Private Hard Money for Owner Occupied Borrowers in Phoenix

Welcome we offer Private Hard Money Owner Occupied Loans in Phoenix up to 80% LTV.

Our Phoenix owner occupied hard money loans program makes it easy for you to get the new home you need despite not having credit, having bad credit, or even if you’re not from the United States. Owner occupied loans have easier requirements than investor loans and can even benefit from our cross collateral 100% LTV loan option.

Owner occupied hard money loans are also considered Principle Residence Loans, alternative financing, and private money loans.

We continuously stay up to date on all regulation required to offer owner occupied hard money loans.

Poor Credit, BK, Foreclosure, TIN Numbers, Self Employed YES we can!

No Up-Front Fees and No Cost to Apply.

Quick and simple to Apply for a Owner Occupied Private Hard Money Loan

Reasons Why Borrowers Use Owner Occupied Loans using Private Money

Bad credit

Hard to prove income

Dealing with a problem property

Cannot qualify for conventional or FHA/VA financing

Common Uses Of Owner Occupied Private Hard Money Loans Phoenix

Buying first or second home

Refinance an existing loan

Cash out for repairs or remodeling

Cash out for debt consolidation

Hard Money Owner Occupied Loan Program Options

100% FINANCING AVAILABLE if the borrower has another property that is free and clear or has a small mortgage in relation to value (substantial equity) to pledge as additional collateral.

We are a Private Hard Money Lender in Phoenix, making real estate loans to both Investors & Owner Occupants in Phoenix.

NO PRE-PAYMENT PENALTY

We have no pre-payment penalties on our loans.

PURCHASE - REFINANCE

Down payment: 20-30%

Can accept co signers

Allow seller carry back for the Down Payment

Up to 70% or 80% of appraised value

Up to 100% financing with a 2nd free and clear property.

Interest Rates from 9.5% for Owner Occupied Private Hard Money in .Phoenix

Requirements for Private Hard Money Owner Occupied Loans

Income verified – 3 months banks statements or tax return.

BK, Foreclosure, INN, Self Employed YES we can!

Apply for an Owner Occupied Hard Money Loan

If you are interested to see if you qualify for an owner occupied hard money loan in Phoenix, give Jamie a call today at 623-582-4444 or fill out our loan application to get started.

What is an Owner Occupied Private Hard Money Loan?

These types of loans are considered consumer loans. This means that they are for the individual home owner not an investor or corporation. These loans are for borrowers who will live in the home as their primary residence home. These are loans where the borrow will use the funds for consumer purposes, such as paying down debt, buying a boat, debt consolidation or paying a tax lien. The funds are going to be used to help the consumer. When you are applying for a consumer Private Hard Money home loan there are a lot of requirements that the lender must do to make sure that the borrower fits the loan. These are recent requirements, but the main requirement is that the Private Hard Money Lender Lending for an Owner Occupied Homes needs to make sure that the borrower can make the payments. They call this verifying the ability to pay the loan. Since this a Private Loan, these requirements are easier and more relaxed that the traditional lender. Additionally, Phoenix Private Hard Money for Owner Occupied Loans usually have a lower credit requirement. Another requirement is that the loans must be ‘fully amortized over 30 years’ and cannot have a balloon payment. The advantages of a Private Hard Money Lender are that the loan is completed quickly, and the borrower can move fast. Typically, the lender is private individual that will look at the property and make a quick decision. Rates on the loan are higher that a traditional loan, but usually range from 6-12%.

A few other reasons for a Phoenix Private Hard Money Owner Occupied Consumer Loan:

Self-employed

Trouble documenting income

Inconsistent income history

Credit issues due to a recent loan modification, short sale or foreclosure

Bankruptcy

Client already owns the home and needs to refinance, the purpose is consumer in nature, and there’s no purchase component.

Friday, June 1, 2018

Tips for Success When Considering Hard Money Loans Arizona

Every industry has its good and bad participants and hard money lending is no exception. But following a few tips can help to ensure success when seeking hard money loans Arizona.

As with any loan, careful evaluations should be completed for each lender and the terms for all hard money loans Arizona. If you are not familiar with the process or the loan documentation it is always a good idea to have your lawyer review any documents before you sign them because a hard money loan document is legally binding. In addition, there are a few other tips that can help you to ensure that your entire loan application and funding process goes smoothly.

There can be a few legitimate upfront fees that a borrower is asked to pay when requesting hard money loans Arizona. But be cautious of any extremely large fees that you are presented with prior to being approved for the loan. In most cases, these fees are being charged by a third party or a “broker” who is not actually the lender but is trying to get a fee and masquerade as a lender. Not only is there a good chance that you will not get funding from this person but there is also a good chance that they will sell your identity or personal information to others for an additional profit at your expense.

When you are presenting information to a potential lender, assume that they will find out any “little secret” that you might know about the property. Do not try to hide information about the title, tax liens or any issues that could become a problem in the future. A lender is going to fully investigate the property and will not look kindly on any borrower who has attempted to be dishonest or take advantage of them.

Know the Current Rates

Not all lenders are dishonest just like not all used car dealers are dishonest. But that are a few in every crowd. So be sure that you have polled several lenders and are well aware of the current rates and terms for hard money loans Arizona. This will let you know immediately if a lender is trying to take advantage of you and you can cease the relationship immediately.

As for A Detailed Fee Breakdown

In the end, all you are really shopping for is the loan with the best overall cost to you. So it only makes sense to clearly ask for a list of all of the fees and costs that you will be paying for the use of the lenders money. Having this clear list of the total cost will allow you to easily compare all of your offers without having to sort through various terms and jargon that can be a part of a loan document.

Using these few tips will help you to more easily determine which hard money loan is the least expensive and will allow you to get the best return on your investment.

Featured Post

Monday, August 6, 2018

Consumer Bridge Loans

Long-term private consumer loans, although less common, can help individuals in certain situations.

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Hard money loans are perfect partners in certain situations. Some of these are:

Hard Money Lenders Differ from Each Other in a Multitude of Ways

Saturday, August 4, 2018

What Other Benefits are Available?

Make your list of the pros and cons of each lender when making your final choice.

Friday, August 3, 2018

How do Hard Money Lenders Differ from Each Other?

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Broker Explains Why Arizona is Tops for Investment Properties

Chris has Been in Real Estate Since 1987

His Current Focus is on Asset-Based Auctions

Chris Says Arizona’s the Place to Be for Fix & Flips and Fix & Holds

Focus on the Numbers if You Plan to Get into the Industry

Work with Chris or Learn More About Hard Money Loans

Yvette Always had a Fascination with Finance and Homes

She Decided to Kiss the Corporate Ceiling Goodbye

The Market Crash Left Her with “Beans”

Yvette Offers a Wealth of Advice for Potential Fix-and-Flippers

Learn More

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Looking for Private Hard Money Loans in Dallas Texas for you real estate investment, development or need funding fast.

We are brokers and can find you the best possible hard money loans

for your Commercial, Construction,

Hard Money Loan in Dallas Texas.

We look for the best possible deal on rate and terms and

will provide you an underwriting decision

within 24 hours.

Level 4 Funding Has the Experience in Hard Money Loans in Dallas Texas to Help You Today

When Your Loan Can’t Wait and Need a Dallas Texas Private Hard Money Loans

If you’re looking for a private loan, don’t wait –

start you application today.

We look forward to working with you.

Commercial loans tied to retail properties will find new strength over the coming year, as retailers find new efficiencies.

The defaults in retail related commercial loans seen last year seemed to have little to do with the economic situation.

The holders of retail based commercial loans are expected to adapt and defaults are expected to slow as a result.

Saturday, June 16, 2018

Jason Began as an Appraiser

He Offers Some Tips for Those Getting into Home Rehabs

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

Jason and Jennifer Have Big Plans

Monday, June 4, 2018

Hard money loans Arizona offers real estate investors a great tool. But, that tool is only useful if the investor understand the process and knows what to expect.

What to Ask For

Have a Planed Exit Strategy

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Spotting a Business Loan Arizona That Is Too Good To Be True

Don’t Be Fooled By an Office

There Is No Free Loan

Quick and simple to Apply for a Owner Occupied Private Hard Money Loan

Reasons Why Borrowers Use Owner Occupied Loans using Private Money

Bad credit

Common Uses Of Owner Occupied Private Hard Money Loans Arizona

Hard Money Owner Occupied Loan Program Options

Requirements for Private Hard Money Owner Occupied Loans

Apply for an Owner Occupied Hard Money Loan

A few other reasons for a Private Hard Money Owner Occupied Consumer Loan:

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Hard money loans are not as intimidating as many borrowers have come to believe. Understanding the benefits of hard money loans Arizona will clarify why they are a very useful financial tool.

Credit is Not an Issue

A Financial Tool

Welcome we offer Private Hard Money Owner Occupied Loans in Phoenix up to 80% LTV.

Quick and simple to Apply for a Owner Occupied Private Hard Money Loan

Reasons Why Borrowers Use Owner Occupied Loans using Private Money

Bad credit

Common Uses Of Owner Occupied Private Hard Money Loans Phoenix

Hard Money Owner Occupied Loan Program Options

Requirements for Private Hard Money Owner Occupied Loans

Apply for an Owner Occupied Hard Money Loan

What is an Owner Occupied Private Hard Money Loan?

A few other reasons for a Phoenix Private Hard Money Owner Occupied Consumer Loan:

Friday, June 1, 2018

Every industry has its good and bad participants and hard money lending is no exception. But following a few tips can help to ensure success when seeking hard money loans Arizona.

Know the Current Rates

As for A Detailed Fee Breakdown