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Tuesday, August 18, 2020

What are the different finance options for real estate.

 A Guide To Real Estate Financing

As a beginner investor, understanding how to finance a deal is just as important as finding one. A lack of real estate financing continues to hinder most new investors in today’s market, simply because they are not aware of the different financing avenues. Whether you have access to working capital or not, there are always ways to acquire capital.

Investing in real estate is never a bad idea. It offers potential investors a slew of financial and personal benefits such as increased cash flow, home appreciation and tax benefits. In fact, real estate investment continues to be one of the most popular vehicles in producing financial wealth. According to the IRS, approximately 71 percent of Americans that declared more than a million dollars on their income tax returns in the last 50 years were in real estate. Ironically, beginner investors face the challenge of learning how to obtain real estate investment financing before they can start creating wealth. Read on to learn about some of the most common types of real estate financing options out there, as well as prominent loans for real estate investing.

What Is Real Estate Financing?

Real estate financing is a term generally used to describe an investor’s method of securing funds for an impending deal. As its name suggests, this method will have investors secure capital from an outside source to buy and renovate a property. Not unlike traditional financing, however, real estate financing comes complete with terms and underwriting, not the least of which need to be fully understood before entering a contract.

How To Obtain Real Estate Investment Financing

One of the biggest misconceptions of real estate investing is that you need to have a lot of money to get started, which simply is not true. The secret that many professionals do not understand however, is the fact that there are a multitude of different real estate financing options available to fund every investment. Because the method in which a specific deal is funded can greatly impact its outcome, understanding the financing aspect is imperative.

As an investor, there are a few different ways to go about financing real estate investments. Each one will have its own set of pros and cons, and your financing approach will depend on the property and the situation. For beginner investors, it is important to remember that not all real estate investment financing options are created equal. What works for someone else may not necessarily work for you, but the trick is understanding which real estate financing option will compliment your business strategy. By taking the time to research the various real estate financing options out there, new investors are sure to realize how accessible investing can be. Broadening one’s toolkit of real estate investment financing options is simply a matter of being knowledgeable about what strategies exist, as well as proper ways to leverage them. Keep in mind that all investors have faced the financing hurdle at some point in their career; when in doubt, there is nothing wrong with tapping into your investor network and ask for advice.

Real Estate Financing Options

Investors with a deal lined up have already accomplished one of the most important steps in home flipping. However, finding a viable deal is only one piece of the puzzle. Once you find a good property to invest in, you need to then be able to finance the impending transaction.

Financing a real estate deal tends to send new investors into a fit of anxiety or is even enough to compel them to pack up their dreams and retreat to their nine-to-five job. However, if an investor commits to doing his or her due diligence, the fear of a lack of funds is irrational.

If you have a great deal on the table, there is no limit when it comes to ways to fund it. A great example would be leveraging a self-directed IRA, which would require some careful consideration beforehand; however, it goes to show that there are many available options for real estate investment financing. For investors wondering how to finance an investment property, I’ll explain some of your real estate financing options:

Cash Financing: Great for investors who have access to a significant amount of capital, either personally or through their network, and wish to purchase properties free and clear.

Hard Money Lenders: Accessible to investors who have less-than-perfect credit or financial history and need a short-term loan.

Private Money Lenders: Investors who are well-connected can often tap into capital from personal connections, borrowing money at a specified interest rate and payback period.

Self-Directed IRA Accounts: Individuals who have elected to create savings through a self-directed IRA may make the decision to tap into their account as a way to access capital.

Seller Financing: Buyers and sellers can sometimes strike up a mutually beneficial agreement, allowing the investor and seller to avoid having to go through a private lender altogether.

Peer-To-Peer Lending: This is a great option for investors trying to raise the last portion of funding for a project. Peer-to-peer lending can offer high flexibility and low interest rates[DD1] .

Cash Financing

As an investor, cash is a monumental tool to getting what you want. Along with getting more offers accepted, cash financing enables investors to save on interest, increase their cash flow, and receive instant equity in their investment. It also could save investors on the purchase amount.

In the first quarter of 2016, all-cash homebuyers for single-family homes and condos paid, on average, 23 percent less per square foot than all homebuyers nationwide, according to RealtyTrac.

In addition, it is important to remember there will be times when paying cash for a property makes sense and other times when other financing options should be considered. If you have your own capital, however, you should always consider using it in the best possible scenarios.

Hard Money Lenders

Funded by private businesses and individuals, hard money lenders provide short-term, high-rate loans for real estate investors. This financing option, which doesn’t conform to bank standards of creditworthiness, is typically used by rehabbers looking to renovate a property.

Hard money financing is generally determined by the value of the investment property itself, with lenders analyzing the “After Repair Value” (ARV) to determine the size of the loan. Hard money lenders generally will not fund an entire deal, but rather fund a percentage of the purchase price or the after-repair value, which will range from 50 to 70 percent.

Hard money lenders also charge fees apart from the interest on the loan. These fees are generally delineated in points (three to five), which represent additional percentage fees based on the loan amount. In general, hard money lenders charge much higher interest rates – sometimes double the amount of a traditional mortgage, plus fees. In the end, all hard money lenders will have different requirements and real estate investors need to be fully aware of what they are getting themselves into.

Private Money Lenders

Private money lenders are integral to the growth of every new investor. They have the means and intent to invest capital into your business, and they are just as interested in working with you, as you are with them.

Generally speaking, private money lenders will provide investors with cash to purchase real estate properties in exchange for a specific interest rate. These terms will generally be established up front and with a specified payback period – anywhere from six months to a year. These loans are most common when investors believe they can raise the value of a particular property over a short period of time, typically through renovations. It is also important to understand that, like hard money, private money should only be used when you have a clearly defined exit strategy.

Self-Directed IRA Accounts

self-directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is, at its most basic level, a savings account that allows for compounded, tax-free growth, over time. Self-directed IRAs are unique from other types of savings accounts, such as a 401K, as the owner can control a wide array of investment options, including real estate.

Owners of self-directed IRA account enjoy a unique benefit of being able to purchase, rehab and sell properties while still being able to defer taxes. However, it is important to note that owners under the age of 60 are typically subject to a penalty for withdrawing funds early.

Seller Financing

There are some scenarios when both an investor and a seller can strike up a mutually beneficial seller financing deal. In seller financing, the buyer of the property will make payments directly to the seller of the property, rather than going through a bank. This can help a motivated seller sell the property more quickly, and the investor can avoid having to jump over traditional mortgage lending hurdles, such as financial and credit score minimums.

Together, the buyer and seller can often enjoy a faster transaction process, as well as avoid many costs and fees associated with the closing process. Furthermore, the owner has the option to sell the promissory note if they no longer want to manage their own owner financing.

Peer-To-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending allows investors to borrow money from other investors, or groups of investors (hence the name). The basic process can be thought of similarly to hard or private money lending, though the specifics are quite different. Like these methods, investors can bypass the strict requirements of traditional funding and allow their portfolios to do the talking.

This form of real estate financing does typically involve a lower loan-to-value ratio when compared other types of funding. This often prevents investors from borrowing the entire loan amount needed to purchase a property; however, do not be afraid to seek out the financing you need. Peer-to-peer financing offers a high degree of flexibility overall.

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

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701
About:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.
© 2019 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.


Monday, August 10, 2020

4 Warning Signs of a Bad Wholesale Deal

Wholesaling is among the most popular exit strategies for entering the competitive world of real estate. With minimal capital and no experience, wholesaling offers new investors the quickest method for generating a healthy income in real estate. However, not all wholesale deals are created equal. Truth be told, some deals are not worth your time, or your money, and you need to be able to recognize them before you make your next move. To identify a good wholesale deal, it is important to understand the fundamentals of what real estate wholesale is.

Wholesaling is the act of buying a property, marketing it to a potential buyer, and then selling or assigning the contract to a buyer. Often, the wholesaler will never actually purchase the property but instead sell the home before the contract with the original seller closes. To gain a better understanding of real estate wholesale, and distinguish the difference between a good and bad deal, here are four warning signs of a bad wholesale deal.

4 Warning Signs Spotting - A Bad Wholesale Deal

No Seller Motivation

The earliest sign of a bad wholesale deal is a distinct lack of motivation on behalf of the seller. As a foreshadowing of things to come, lack of motivation from the seller will hinder almost any deal — no matter how profitable it may be — and should be eliminated during the early stages of property analysis. Asking the following questions will assist in determining a seller’s motivation:

What is your reason for wanting to sell currently?

How quickly are you looking to sell the property?

What is your ideal closing date?

What are your plans if the property does not sell?

If the seller is not motivated, and the property does not appear to have a significantly higher after repair value (ARV) compared to the price, it may not be a good deal. However, a last-ditch effort may be to make a very low ball offer over the phone to ensure you didn’t miss something.

General Property Information Does Not Match

Most bad wholesale deals can be eliminated by simply minding your due diligence. The first step in evaluating a good wholesale deal is to gather the critical information about the property, including the seller’s situation, which can usually be found from either the seller, agent, or a third party. It is important to know the status of a property and whether it’s owner-occupied, vacant or a rental, as this will provide insight and better information on the seller’s motivation to sell.

Owner-occupied: This is when the seller is currently living in the property. Not only will they have a stronger emotional attachment to the home but arranging buyer showings will be much more difficult.

Vacant: A vacant property is ideal for wholesalers for two reasons: for one, there is no one living in the property so it’s much easier to schedule buyer showings and two, this could be a sign of distress depending on the seller’s situation which means more motivation to sell.

Rental: It is important to gather as much information as possible on rental properties. You should educate yourself on the number of tenants, their rents, and lease terms for a potential property because the buyer will essentially inherit them.

To ensure information is correct, it’s important to obtain its property card. As the city’s record of information about a property, including ownership and all of its improvements, a property card will ensure there aren’t any discrepancies between what the agent or seller has told you.  

No Equity/Not Enough Upside

The magic word when locating a wholesale deal is equity and securing this information beforehand will make it much easier to decide if you want to make the seller an offer. If there is little or no equity and the seller is current on his mortgage, there will not be much you can do with this deal. To make a profitable deal that is worth your time, it is crucial you consider the following:

What does the seller currently owe in total against the property?

Does that include all liens and mortgages?

Is the seller current on payments? If not, how many months behind?

If there is little or no equity and the seller is behind payments, then the only way for you to create equity is to negotiate a short sale with the bank. Remember that when wholesaling there needs to be enough upside for you to not only get the property at your price point, but also getting an investor to see the value.

ARV (After Repair Value) Is not High Enough

Valuing real estate accurately is a major cornerstone of success for any wholesaler. It is also a make-it-or-break-it moment for wholesale deals.

When assessing the ARV (After Repair Value) of a potential wholesale property, it is important to use a sales comparison approach–the litmus test to figuring out if a deal has potential. This approach will directly compare the potential property against three or four recent sales of similar properties, as well as comparing common significant property variables that warrant price adjustments. For wholesalers, using the 70 percent of ARV rule is a great formula to measure profit margins when purchasing distressed real estate, as it will calculate the maximum you can pay for a given property.

Remember, you are ultimately trying to determine what the subject property will be worth once it is fixed up. This is quite different from trying to appraise the property in its “as-is” condition. As a wholesaler, you must show a rehabber that he or she can make a profit from the transaction by adding value to the property.

To locate data on comparable properties, there are a slew of paid and free services such as Redfin and Zillow, as well as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for more detailed information. It is also important to speak with a local real estate agent or expert in the area, as they are best at determining an accurate after repair value. To gauge the ARV of a property accurately, relying solely on online tools and websites is not recommended. Instead, a combination of online resources and due diligence is preferable and will ultimately provide the most comprehensive insight.

At the end of the day, wholesaling is not a get-rich-quick business but rather an entrepreneurial path to achieving financial freedom. With some hard work, planning, time, energy, and resources, you too can find the right wholesale deal to get started wholesaling.

 

 

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

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701
About:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.
© 2019 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

       

Sunday, August 2, 2020

3 Scenarios When A Private Money Lender Is The Best Financing Option

In what circumstances would the assistance of a private money lender be your best option for financing a transaction?

A common obstacle among real estate investors is financing. While some have the working capital, they need from day one, others will have to seek ways to obtain it. Often, the average investor will not be able to fund a deal with their own money, which means the assistance of alternative financing is required. Also, most lucrative rstate deals are predicated on timing and capital, as serious sellers are essentially looking to close deals yesterday. That said, real estate investors may find themselves in situations where the benefits of a private money lender are their best option.

 

private money lender is an individual that loans money to fund real estate purchases and transactions. They operate much differently than an institutional bank, as they offer upfront financing with a specific payback period (anywhere from six months to a year) for real estate investors looking to raise the value of their property over a short period of time. The appeal of a private money lender is their capability in bringing speed and efficiency to every transaction, specifically when it comes to finances. They not only have the means and intent to invest in your business, but they are just as interested in working with you as you are with them.

3 Scenarios When A Private Money Lender Is Best

Because private money lending is based on relationships, as both sides stand to gain something from every deal, it can be advantageous in several ways for beginner real estate investors. Here are three examples of when it’s best to use a private money lender:

 

1. You Need Cash

The attraction to private money lenders is the ability to obtain cold, hard cash. Having access to private money enables investors make offers they normally would not be able to make. This upside is significant, as nothing has the power to entice a seller more than a cash offer. This approach is ideal for investors looking to acquire bargain deals or distressed properties.

 

“Sometimes the best way to win a bidding war and avoid paying a higher price is to increase your down payment,” says Coldwell Banker agent Robert Pennington. “Sellers favor strong buyers. If you can afford to make an all cash offer, do so. That’s almost always a definite way to slam-dunk a sale.”

 

It’s no secret: the advantage of an all-cash offer lies in its ability to sway the seller into taking your deal. Cash offers have a greater chance of being accepted, as most distressed sellers do not want to deal with the burden of a bank. Along with extended closing times, the uncertainty of a conventional mortgage is another reason why sellers prefer cash offers over other financing options. The power of cash offers can also help to fuel more deals for investors.

2. You Need Financing Immediately

Securing financing in a timely fashion has proven to be the bane of existence for many new investors. Finding a real estate deal is great, but if you don’t have the money to fund the deal it’s a waste of time. In most cases, investors seeking to acquire a lucrative deal in real estate will need working capital immediately to close the deal. Investors looking to capitalize on speed and efficiency when making a deal should seek private money lenders. Rather than waiting an extended period with a bank, investors can move quickly and more swiftly to secure time sensitive deals, helping to capitalize on opportunities that otherwise would not have been available.

Although a private money lender will demand a cost of somewhere between six and 12 percent interest on money borrowed (more than a traditional bank or institutional), the benefit of a real estate investor is in the form of volume and efficiency, as you have the opportunity to close on more deals in a shorter period of time. As an investor, this is an invaluable asset.

3. Your Credit Isn’t Up To Par

A private money lender can be beneficial in many ways, but none more than those with below-average credit scores. The appeal of private money lending is the ability to borrow money without being subject to traditional credit guidelines and requirements. Banks and credit unions are generally less willing to work with investors that have less-than-perfect credit or cannot provide proof of a steady income. However, with a private money lender, investors can sit down and discuss their options, including negotiating the amount and terms that make sense for them.

 

Investors have more options with private money lending, as lenders will make loans that the average bank would typically pass on. However, it will also come at a cost.  The use of a private money lender will entail a higher rate than other loans. In some cases, private money lenders can even delineate points (three to five) to represent further percentage fees based on the loan amount, like hard money lenders. That said, it’s important to note that every lender will have their own set of costs, so investors are advised to conduct their due diligence. 

The ace up any successful real estate investor sleeve is their aptitude for securing capital. The best investors not only have the resources, but the access to obtain working capital when needed. Investors looking to make their mark in the real estate market need to seriously consider the use of a private money lender, as it can take their real estate business to the next level.

 

That said, its important investors take the necessary time to find compatible lenders that not only identity with their needs, but their financial demands as well. Not every private money lender is the same, and every lender will have their own set of rules when it comes to lending money. Done right, the use of a private money lender can help investors obtain more deals and ultimately boost the success rate of their business.

 

If You Are Not Using Level 4 Funding, You’re
Probably Paying Way Too Much

 

 

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

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701
About:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.
© 2019 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

       

The Seller Financing Real Estate Option You Cannot Ignore

Have you ever found yourself out of financing options and wondering where the capital for your next deal will come from? Do you feel as if you have exhausted all your options? Do not worry, you are not alone. Far too many people simply do not realize the sheer volume of financing options made available to them at any given point in time. If you find yourself out of options, there is a good chance you have not looked everywhere. Do not ignore the one seller financing real estate option that could save your next deal: “subject to.”

Few things are more important to today’s real estate investors than constant, reliable access to capital. Outside of the actual knowledge required to run a competent real estate business and the relationships you make along the way, nothing is more valuable than the ability to finance a deal in a moment’s notice. After all, what is financing if not for a tool to facilitate each deal?

It is worth noting, however, that to retain the ability to finance a deal whenever the situation calls for it, you must have options. If for nothing else, real estate is a numbers game; the more financing options you have at your disposal, the more likely you are to receive the leverage you require. I maintain that those investors with the easiest access to capital are also those who will have a significant advantage over the competition, but I digress. Not all financing options are created equal, nor are they from the most obvious originators. However, those that not only know how to identify a good opportunity, but also take advantage of it, will find that the financial scale tips in their favor.

Whether you realize it or not, there are multiple financing options made available to savvy investors; you just need to know where they are and how to find them. Instead of relegating your search efforts to traditional financing, think outside of the box. There are a lot more options out there than institutional lenders and private money lenders. In fact, there is one financing option I don’t want investors to neglect: seller financing real estate.

As its name suggests, seller financing real estate will witness the seller play the role of the lender. In its simplest form, seller financing is a real estate agreement in which the financing provided to the buyer is offered by the seller. Often, seller financing real estate becomes an option when the buyer does not have the necessary credit to purchase a respective property. Provided the seller can offer terms both sides can agree upon, there is no reason seller financing real estate options cannot benefit everyone involved.

Provided the situation calls for it, seller financing can offer creative financing options for buyers, sellers, or even as a deal facilitator for other parties. There is no doubt about it: seller financing real estate has its place in the housing sector, and those that complement their existing financing options with it will find that buying a home is rarely ever out of reach.

”Subject To”: Your Best Seller Financing Real Estate Option

Before I get ahead of myself, it is worth noting that the following seller financing option falls under different naming conventions in different states. What someone may know in California as a “subject to” could be known as something different just one state over. That said, I highly recommend checking with a trusted legal advisor, accountant, and title company before you set out to acquire seller financing real estate options.

The most well-known, seller financing real estate option made available to buyers is known colloquially as the “subject to,” meaning the terms of the loan are subject to the seller’s existing mortgage. Otherwise known as “getting the deed,” “subject to seller” financing real estate options are probably the most well-known, but far from general knowledge. And since so few people know the ins and outs of a “subject to,” it is in your best interest to familiarize yourself with them. At the very least, it will give you one more option to choose from when the time comes to finance a property.

Typically, the seller will offer the buyer a Grant or Quitclaim Deed in exchange for some type of consideration (i.e. money, a note, or other assets). In exchange, the buyer is expected to put down “earnest money,” which is not usually a large sum of money; it is just a gesture to show your interest. In exchange, the borrower essentially takes over the payments of the existing mortgage. What is more, the seller will maintain the loan liability until all obligations have been met. The original terms of the note will stay the same, including the name on the loan it was originated for.

I want to make it abundantly clear; you are not assuming the loan. The terms you decide on are strictly between you and the seller, so long as they comply with the terms that were set forth in the original loan.

In the event you decide to pursue a “subject to” seller financing real estate option make sure the title is free and clear of any discrepancies. Hire a title officer to be certain that the home in question is void of liens against the property and that could cause problems down the road. Only once you are certain that there is nothing that could stall the sales process, or even call into question the real owner of the property, can I recommend moving forward with a “subject to.”

Seller financing real estate options are not as well-known as traditional financing options, but they are nonetheless an option. In fact, there are times when “subject to” financing options just make more sense for everyone involved. So long as everyone agrees to the terms, you may find that seller financing is the best way to go to acquire your next deal. Of course, mind due diligence and make certain that it is your best option, but do not simply ignore it; you could find it to be extremely beneficial.

 

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

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378 
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027 
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 
About:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years. 
© 2019 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

       

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

How To Find Your First Investment Deal Fast

How To Find Your First Investment Deal Fast Most people in the residential redevelopment business will tell you that once you land your first investment deal, everything starts to fall into place, but we all know that’s easier said than done.

How exactly do you find those real estate deals when starting out? What precisely do you need to do to ensure that it leads to a speedy completion?

One of the most important components of a successful foray toward your first deal is to have a clear, articulated strategy for what your result will be, and what type of property fits in with that strategy. Another key factor is to give your marketing time (and focus) to come to fruition. Finally, perhaps the biggest element of completing your first deal quickly is to have all your ducks in a row and be ready to act when need be.

Here are some strategies you can use to find (and close) on your first investment deal, far quicker than you would have ever thought possible:

Finding Your First Investment Deal Made Simple

1. Be Clear About Your Strategy

As Stephen Covey said so eloquently in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, it is crucial that you “begin with the end in mind.” Finding real estate deals requires focus and an understanding of exactly what kind of property you want.

Are you looking for a fix-and-flip property? It is vital you understand the after-repair value (ARV) of the property, minus repairs, to see if the return will provide you enough of a cushion.

Are you looking for wholesale real estate deals to generate a little extra cash? What, exactly, is your wholesaling fee going to be? Do you have a wholesale buyers list already set up?

As with any area of business, if you know your numbers, you know whether a deal makes sense for you. Oftentimes first-time real estate investors will walk away from a promising project, just because they could not determine its projected profitability. Do not make this same mistake. Know your numbers.

2. Give Your Marketing a Chance

It can be frustrating, when trying to get your real estate investing career off the ground, to endure the many stops-and-starts that come from marketing for real estate deals. Though we would love to able to predict with absolute certainty what the results of our marketing will be, it is not always a quid pro quo — do “this” and “that” will happen — situation. This requires we approach our marketing with patience, focus and more than a little innovation.

Key things to keep in mind include:

Not giving up too early: Just because those 10 bandit signs you put up over the weekend or those 50 direct mail postcards you sent out last month didn’t yield any instant leads, doesn’t mean that the entire campaign should be scrapped. It is important to give each form of your marketing — whether Facebook Ads or Craigslist posts — a chance to work its magic.

Know what is working: Again, it is all about the numbers. What is your conversion rate? What is your cost per lead? Which marketing sources create the best, most profitable leads, and which provide truly little return on investment (ROI)? Many times, what you do not is just as important as what you do when it comes to marketing.

Always be testing: Unfortunately, there is truly little “set it and forget it” when it comes to marketing. You must always be attentive to how a marketing campaign is doing, and whether there is any way that you can improve it, even on a small scale. Will a change in copy (or color scheme or subject line) make a difference? Change one thing at a time and track your results. This can often reduce marketing cost and make the slightest difference between profit and loss.

3. Strike While the Iron is Hot 

Unfortunately, learning how to find real estate deals is just the first step. The key to successfully navigating your investing journey to a finished deal is to be able to move with speed when the opportunity presents itself. This means:

Having your team ready: Do you have a contractor in your network who can get you repair estimates or at least provide a quick walk-through of a property? How about a realtor who can run comps? How about financing? Making sure you have all the components ready, if you decide to pull the trigger on a property, can dramatically boost your chances of completing that first investment deal.

Having your numbers ready: You must know your numbers. Make sure the projected return, and cost of repairs and acquisition, work for you financially. Good deals and bad deals are relative; it is all about how it fits in with your investing picture.

Give your self-doubt a night off: A certain amount of caution is healthy — required even — before plunging ahead with an investment. However, it is important to separate healthy, critical thinking with that voice of self-doubt in your head. Just remind: If the numbers work on paper, and you have done your homework, that nagging self-doubt might be nothing more than you are shedding an old pre-entrepreneur mindset.

Have you learned anything while trying to close your first investment deal? Let us know in the comments below.

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

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701
About:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.
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