Wednesday, August 31, 2022

You don't have money to be a real estate investor?

One of the most common excuses investors make is not having enough money. Instead of going out and finding a private hard money lender, they complain about their lack of funds. While excess capital is nice, it is far from a necessity. Many investors get their start without money. What they find is that this allows them to meet more people and develop more contacts. In the end, not having money turns out to be the best thing that happened to their business. It may be difficult to see that if you are just getting started, but a lack of funds is no excuse to not invest in real estate.

If you don't have hard money, you should focus more on finding deals. By having access to deals, you can find someone to buy them. Your goal at this stage in your career should be to build your business. Since you don't have the cash to buy deals yourself, you are not in a position of strength. This means you need to find deals and earn a flat fee or a small percentage of the profits. There will not be six-figure rehab profits in this method. You most likely will not see many five-figure deals come your way either, but you are generating money in real estate and – more importantly – building your network. This is more important than closing one deal and then waiting six months for your next one.

To find deals you need to find sellers. Since you are on a budget, you need to think of ways to market without spending much money. Start by calling for sale ads you see on Craigslist, Zillow, and other real estate websites. Every ten calls you make you may end up with one or two homeowners who may be interested in selling. You should also contact any for-sale-by-owner signs or ads that you see. The name of the game with finding deals is to get as many leads as possible. At this stage, the business is a numbers game. You need to put the time in and find deals. Once you find deals, you can find buyers.

Finding buyers is not as difficult as you may think. This stage is easier if you have deals, but even if you don't, it shouldn't stop you. You probably know many people who are interested in real estate that is looking for a way in. Between your friends, family, and co-workers alone, you most likely have an investor in the group. Talking about business and finances can be a difficult topic to discuss, but it doesn't have to be. Start by having an idea in place of how you are going to find deals. Here is where you can validate yourself by having a deal ready to go. Without private hard money, you need to have a plan for generating leads. The more detailed your plan is, the more likely you will find the money you need. If you are serious about the business, you need to reach out to your closest contacts and see if anyone has an interest in real estate investing. The odds are that someone will.

Start by sending your contacts an email stating your real estate intentions. If you send this to 50 people, you should get at least five interesting replies. Many investors are scared or embarrassed to discuss the business at this point because they have not closed any deals. Every successful investor had to get their start somewhere. All it takes is a couple of deals to go from not having cash to having a network and money for a down payment of your own. You need to take the step and reach out to the people closest to you.

Another way to find buyers is to promote yourself on social networks. One post stating that you are looking for an investor partner will surely elicit a few responses. In addition to tapping into your network, you can generate local contacts. There are many local networking clubs and groups that are free to join. Even if you can't find buyers you will meet people that will help grow your business. You can also find local real estate investment clubs. These meetings will often have dozens of investors who are constantly looking for deals. Find out what deals they have an interest in and what area investors may be looking for. You can also network with fellow investors who may have been in the same situation as you. Listen to the advice they give and see what works for you in your market.

In most markets, you should be able to find private money lenders. These are lenders who do not follow traditional lending guidelines in lending out money. Between your realtor, attorney, and local network, you can surely find someone in your area. They will lend based on the deal, so you need to have a deal or a business plan in place.

Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not a Good Faith Estimate and this is not a Guarantee to lend and should not be considered as such. Costs, rates, estimates and terms can only be determined after completion of a full application. Actual payments will vary based on your individual situation and current rates. APR for loans vary from 7.99 - 29.5% and is based on Credit Score, Down Payment, LTV, Income. Mortgage rates could change daily. To get more accurate and personalized results, please call 623 582 4444 to talk to one of our licensed mortgage experts. Terms and conditions of all loan programs are subject to change without notice. Level 4 Funding LLC, 22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112, Phoenix AZ 85027, 623-582-4444 NMLS 1018071 AZMB 0923961 This e-mail is for the exclusive use of the intended recipients, and may contain privileged and confidential information. If you are not an intended recipient, please notify the sender, delete the e-mail from your computer and do not copy or disclose it to anyone else. Your receipt of this message is not intended to waive any applicable privilege. Neither this e-mail nor any attachment's establish a client relationship, constitute an electronic signature or provide consent to contract electronically, unless expressly so stated by Dennis Dahlberg RI/CEO, Level 4 Funding LLC, in the body of this e-mail or an attachment. To the extent this message includes any tax or legal advice this message is not intended or written by the sender to be used, and cannot be used, for legal or tax purposes or advice.

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

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Can You Get a Hard Money Loan for Owner Occupied Homes?

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

Reasons Why Borrowers Use Owner-Occupied Hard Money Loans

Bad Credit

Hard to prove income

Self Employed

or dealing with a problem property

Typical borrowers pay off this loan by refinancing after being qualified for a conventional or FHA loan.

Common Uses Of Owner Occupied Loans

Buying a first or second home.

Refinance an existing loan.

Cash out for repairs or remodeling.

Cash out for debt consolidation.

Owner Occupied Hard Money Loan Program Options

100% financing is available if the borrower has another property that is free and clear, or has a small mortgage with value ( substantial equity) to pledge as additional collateral ( aka Cross Collateralized Loan).

Hard Money Lender is making real estate loans to both Investors & Owner Occupants in Arizona.

Typical hard money programs for owner-occupants are below.

NO PRE-PAYMENT PENALTY

Typically no pre-payment penalties on our loans.

PURCHASE

Down payment: 30% - 40%.

Up to 60% or 70% of the appraised value

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

REFINANCE

Up to 65% of the appraised value

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

ORIGINATION FEE

A loan Origination fee of 2 to 6 points (2 to 6% of the Loan Amount).

Requirements For Owner Occupied Hard Money Loans

Income must be able to be verified by a 3rd party source.

If the owner-occupied loan is considered a "high-cost loan", hazard insurance and property taxes must be impounded for the 1st year of the loan. This is the borrower's responsibility.

There are disclosure laws that require us to make you aware of the loan terms before signing any loan documents. These are the same requirements as a traditional bank loan.

Apply for an Owner Occupied Hard Money Loan

If you are interested to see if your qualify for an owner-occupied hard money loan in Arizona, give us a call today at 602-497-4444 or fill out our loan application to get started. Getting your owner-occupied hard money loan is simple and fast, and we do the funding! So if we say you're approved you'd better start packing to move into your new home!

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 home loans using private hard money have easier requirements than investor loans and can even benefit from our cross-collateral 100% LTV loan option.

Are you looking to become a private lender? How to find attract a Private Lender

How To Attract Investors for Private Hard Money

While each investor may have an agenda when it comes to a particular exit strategy, the returns provided by an investment are of the utmost importance. The ROI is the motivation behind any investor. After all, money means security. Who wouldn't want to maximize their ROI? Having said that, private lending is perhaps one of the best ways to increase returns. Private mortgage lending has typically provided an annual return of 8-10%, based on the historical interest rates charged to borrowers.

The Pros of Private Lending

Assuming you have decided to pursue becoming a private money lender, it is important to familiarize yourself with the benefits it provides borrowers. However, it is equally important to know the drawbacks as well. As with any new business venture, you will face both positive and negative circumstances. The decision of whether or not to proceed with this moneymaking strategy lies in the balance. Do the pros outweigh the cons for you? The following illustrates some of the biggest pros involved in private investing:

The Pros:

Reliable Cash Flow: While there are no guarantees, private money lenders can typically expect an annual return somewhere between 8% and 10%. Depending on the loan structure, there may be other ways in which profits are realized, like interest.

Capital Preservation: In loaning your own money, your investment will be secured by a first position "priority" lean on the property in question. Additionally, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratios are typically 60-70%, allowing the invested capital to be preserved in the event of foreclosure. Structured correctly, your investments are very safe.

Diversification: As a private money lender, you are encouraged to diversify your portfolio.

Minimal Volatility: Loans are typically short in length (usually not more than 12 months).

Passive: Private money lenders earn relatively passive income, in that their money is working on their behalf. The return on investment is not correlated to the amount of time they put in.

Private Lenders: The First 3 Steps To Get Started

Whether you are interested in having your money work for you now or in the future, understanding what it takes to get started is a critical step. Having said that, it is imperative to equip yourself with the right tools should you decide to become a private money lender. Before you make the transition from the borrower to lender, be sure to familiarize yourself with the following:

Make Sure You Qualify: Before becoming a private money lender, you must become seasoned. Essentially, you should be actively investing and using the systems that are offered to you. Moreover, if you have already rehabbed, wholesale , or turned profits with some relative degree of success; then there is a good chance you are ready to make money with the money you have already accumulated. You really can't know where you are going until you are familiar with where you have been. Provided you meet the qualifications, you will also need to make sure that you can afford to become a private money lender. In other words; can you manage your monthly expenses while simultaneously working as a private money lender? If your answer is yes, becoming a private money lender may be right up your alley.

Pick An Angle: As a private money lender, there are multiple routes to consider. However, your choices will be entirely dependent on the amount of funding you have available, how long you want your money tied up, and the time you have to dedicate to a particular opportunity. To better understand the directions you can take, consider the following criteria:

Residential vs. Commercial

Short Term vs. Long Term

Direct vs. Passive

Each of these options will become available to you as a private money lender. It is up to you to choose the path you want to take.

Speak With A Professional:

Those set on becoming private money lenders should seek counsel from a professional that has already done it. Moreover, speaking with someone that has already done what you want to do can lead to some valuable in sight. However, if you choose to lend directly, you should speak with your team of professionals. This includes your Escrow Company, Title Company, attorney, and anyone else who may be of concern.

It is an even better idea to speak with a team of people who have been private lending for a while. While you may want to try direct lending, finding a private lending company with a good track record is a very good place to start. Remember, investing with a pool of people is one of the safest ways to go.

For More Information on private lending…

If you have realized success in real estate thus far, it may be time to invest your hard-earned money into another facet of the industry. Learn the anatomy of a private loan, how to identify the most qualified borrowers, and what paperwork and legal documentation you can expect.

Monday, August 29, 2022

Best Scenarios When A Private Money Lender Is Best

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 real estate 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.

A 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. 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 to make offers they normally wouldn't 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 the majority of 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 wouldn't 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 can close on more deals in a shorter period. 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 can't 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 its own set of costs, so investors are advised to conduct their due diligence.

The ace up any successful real estate investor's 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 identify with their needs but their financial demands as well. Not every private money lender is the same, and every lender will have its 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.

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Guide To Financing Investments A Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Hard Money Lending

What Is Hard Money Lending? Everything You Need To Know

The basics of understanding what is a hard money loan represent the first step in breaking down real estate financing. Hard money loans are, after all, a real estate investor's best friend; they are the quickest path to securing a deal. Nonetheless, hard money lending can get complicated quickly, so you need to realize what you are getting into before making any decisions for yourself.

When exploring real estate hard money lending, you need to comprehend several questions: What are the pros and cons of such a strategy? When should you use private financing for real estate? Where can you find hard money lenders for real estate? The more you know about hard money, for that matter, the better. This guide should serve to lay a solid foundation for everything you need to know about one of today's greatest sources of capital.

What Is Hard Money Lending?

Many investors looking for alternative financing that doesn't involve their local bank may have heard the term "hard money." They may have even asked themselves a simple follow-up question: what is hard money lending?

Hard money lending is a short-term loan obtained from private investors or individuals at terms that may be strict than a traditional loan. Though the terms of this creative financing option may be stricter, this form of private financing for real estate generally has more lenient criteria.

Hard Money Lending FAQs

1. The Big-Picture of Hard Money Lending

Hard money lending is another way an investor can finance their real estate projects outside of the traditional mortgage means. This is a short-term loan secured from private investors or individuals instead of other traditional institutions like banks or credit unions.

Hard money lending is often used by investors who aim to improve or renovate a property and sell it. Given that you can usually get a loan in a matter of days (as opposed to weeks from banks), this is a fine choice for house flippers and real estate developers. This is also an option for investors who only need to do quick fixes to raise a property's value, then secure another loan based on the new value to pay off the hard money lender.

2. Hard Money Lending Vs. Other Lending Types

The main difference between hard money lending and other types of loans is that this type of financing does not focus on your credit history or income as collateral. Instead, lenders will see the property's value as the determining factor, emphasizing its after-repair value (ARV). ARV is the worth of the property once your renovations are done.

Other differences include:

· Hard money lenders do not invest in primary residences. Owner-occupied residential properties are subject to many rules and regulations, thereby increasing the risk for lenders.

· Hard money lenders do not sell loans to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Often, lenders use their own money or raise it from a pool of investors. The loan amount is based on their property specialization (if there are any) and the risks they are comfortable taking.

· Hard money loans are short-term. You will not have the luxury of 15 to 30 years to repay your loans. Hard money loans are typically needing to be repaid anywhere between 6 to 36 months.

· Hard money lenders have their own lending criteria. A private lender, for example, could be your friend, family, or business associate. As such, they may not have any preset criteria before lending you money, giving you more flexibility in negotiating terms. Hard money lenders, on the other hand, come with a specific set of upfront points, interest rates, and defined durations.

3. What Are Hard Money Loans Used For?

Hard money loans can be used for a wide variety of investment types and purposes. In the real estate industry, hard money loans are commonly used to purchase both residential and commercial properties. This is partly because of the approval requirements and because hard money lenders can work on the quick timeline that closing deals often demands.

Imani Francies, an investing expert with Loans.com, says that "loans of last resort or short-term bridging loans are called hard money loans. Real estate serves as collateral for a hard money loan. Due to their lack of red tape, hard money loans are ideal for wealthy investors that need to get funds for an investment property swiftly".

Hard money loans are also commonly used to fix and flip properties. These investors may be less worried about higher interest rates because the end goal is to sell the property for a profit once the rehab is finished. Hard money loans make a perfect fit because they can be used to purchase properties and make renovations.

The Pros And Cons Of Hard Money Loans

I maintain that hard money loans represent one of the single most advantageous funding opportunities for investors to take advantage of. If any, few sources of capital can compete on the same level as hard money and offer the same competitive edge. It is hard money loans, after all, that many investors must thank for acquiring their deals in the first place. That said, hard money is not without its own caveats. Loren Howard from Real Estate Bees states that "hard money loans are fast to approve and fund and can speed up the entire real estate investment process. However, they have much higher rates than a traditional loan and are not suited for non-real estate investors". Despite its superior benefits, there are downsides to hard money that warrant the consideration of every investor.

Let's look at the pros and cons of hard money so you can weigh the pros and cons yourself.

Pros

Securing financing with a hard money lending loan offers you several benefits, including:

· Speed: The Dodd-Frank Act is financial reform legislation enacted in the past decade. It came with new regulations on mortgage lending, which means a lot of time (often, months) is needed for an investor to close a loan. On the other hand, hard money lending is fast, as you can secure a loan in days or weeks (depending on negotiations). Time is essential, especially for large development projects, and hard money lending can help speed that process along.

· Flexibility: Terms can be negotiated with hard money lending loans since you are dealing directly with individual investors. Banks are not as flexible.

· Collateral: With hard money financing, the property itself is your collateral for the loan. Some lenders even accept other assets, like your retirement account or residential property under your name, as a basis for starting a loan.

· No "Red Tape": Getting a loan for an investment property with a traditional mortgage is difficult, if not impossible. Traditional borrowers need to worry about credit score, LTV ratios, debt-to-income, and several other indicators they need to meet criteria for. However, hard money lenders function as asset-based lenders who are more concerned with the property than the borrower's credentials.

· Convenience: There is something to be said for the convenience of being able to close with cash. Having to supply a lender with bank statements, income documentation, tax returns, and leases can become overbearing and consume your focus and energy. Hard money, on the other hand, cuts out the middleman and a lot of the headaches.

· Volume: Hard money lenders allow investors to leverage other people's money. That means investors could potentially fund more than one deal at a time. Traditional loans will do no such thing. If you want to fund multiple deals at a time, you should consider a hard money loan.

· Competitive Edge: Hard money allows investors to beat out the competition, or at least those using a traditional loan. If for nothing else, sellers prefer the two things hard money offers: cash and a timely transaction.

Cons

There are, however, certain disadvantages to using hard money for real estate investments:

· Cost: The convenience that comes with hard money lending may be its primary benefit; however, it is also its main drawback. Given that hard money lenders are at higher risk than borrowers, many may demand up to 10 percentage points higher than traditional loans. Interest rates range from 10 to 18 percent. Expect other fees to be also at a relatively increased rate, including origination fees and closing costs.

· Short Repayment Schedule: A shorter repayment period is the price to pay for being able to get a property listed on the market ASAP. This can be anywhere between 6 to 36 months. Make sure that you can sell the property and profit the soonest time possible.

Hard Money Loan Rates

Hard money loan rates are typically much higher than fixed-rate mortgage loans. Compared to the average 5.5% fixed-rate mortgage loan, a hard money loan typically falls between 8% and 18%. In addition, hard money loans may not cover the full value of the property you seek to finance. If a hard money loan does not cover the full value, you may be required to present a higher down payment on the property or find an additional source of financing to close the deal.

When To Use Hard Money for Real Estate

Though hard money lenders will often issue loans for almost any type of property, certain types of property investments were absolutely made for hard money. Rehab projects, construction loans, and land loans were made to be financed through hard money.

For example, when flipping a house investors need access to funding for both the purchase and renovation costs. André Disselkamp from Finsurancy advises that "these projects typically happen on a quick timeline, meaning investors do not have time to wait through the process of a traditional loan approval".

This doesn't mean that other types of investments should not be financed through hard money. If you, the buyer of a property, have credit issues, or you need to act quickly on a deal before it disappears, the speed and convenience afforded by a hard money loan can be worth its weight in gold. In these cases, hard money loans can be used to purchase residential or commercial properties.

Finding Hard Money Lenders for Real Estate Investing

Many new investors fret over how they will find hard money lenders to get moving on the financing of their projects. But here are a couple of simple ways to approach this:

· REIA or MeetUp Meetings: Often hard money lenders will speak at local real estate events. If not, ask fellow members to see if they know any trustworthy lenders.

· Real Estate Agent or Traditional Lender: Ask that realtor, or mortgage broker, in your real estate network if they know a hard money lender you could do business with.

· Google "Hard Money Lender": Just be careful, there are some unscrupulous individuals out there. Be sure to ask for references and talk to fellow investors to get their opinion.

Working With Hard Money Lenders

Working with hard money lenders will be less different than going through a traditional bank for financing. To begin with, hard money lenders are not regulated in the same way as traditional financing institutions. The lack of regulations means the rules of the loan will be different. Borrowers can negotiate directly with lenders on the loan terms. Hard money lenders will decide what to accept at their own discretion, specifically in regard to credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and more. Keep in mind that the most important thing hard money lenders are looking for is a return on investment. Melanie Cohen from Instaya advises to "make sure that the property is worth investment and communicate its potential to your lender. When compared to a traditional loan, working with hard money. lenders are more about investment potential than your own financial standing".

How Does Hard Money Lending Work?

Given that these are private individuals, every hard money lender is different. As stated above, these lenders come with their own requirements, including the process they need to close the transaction.

To give you a general idea, this is the usual course hard money lending takes:

1. Find a hard lender near you. Do not let the rejection of a bank loan drive you to desperation. Research and make sure the lender can be trusted. Do they have a legitimate website? Are they in good standing with their own investors? Do they have pending lawsuits over bad loans?

2. Arrange a meeting with the lender. This is also the time when you can inquire whether they specialize in a kind of investment property or if they have worked with projects previously that mirror yours. Assess the time frame specified for the loan and see if this is something you can work with.

3. Prepare a contract. Make sure that you are offering a good deal with a sound financial plan.

4. Inform the lender of your contract price. Most lenders are willing to fund 60 to 80 percent of the property's ARV. The remaining 30 to 40 percent is up to you. You will increase your chances of getting approved if you already have this at hand.

5. Get the property appraised. The lender will either send a list of their trusted appraisers or have their own.

6. Prepare additional documents needed. Some lenders may require that you present other documentation, like W-2s, bank statements, pay stubs, etc.

7. Wait for the lender's approval. If it is a deal that the lender finds satisfactory, then they will inform you of the amount and terms for payment.

8. Consult with a lawyer. Make sure that you are legally protected, especially after getting the lender's counteroffer.

9. Close the loan. Typically, this will be done at a title company or a lawyer's office. The lender will then put the money into escrow at the title company. The title company would make sure all paperwork is completed and that checks are issued to all parties involved. Additional costs may include any closing fees and property insurance.

Often, lenders grant money to properties that will not be in the market for long, and that have good selling potential. Make sure your team budgets ample time to complete renovations. There's no sense in coming up with unrealistic projections. This cannot only set you back financially but possibly burn a possible future relationship with your hard money lender.

Alternatives To Hard Money Loans

Hard money loans are not the only form of financing with approval requirements that differ from a traditional home loan. Numerous alternatives may help you buy your next property:

· Home Equity Loans: If you are trying to finance your second property (or an investment property) consider tapping into your existing equity with a home equity loan. The approval requirements are largely based on the value of the property and the amount of equity you have built up. These loans are also associated with lower interest rates when compared to hard money loans.

· FHA Loans: Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are an option for borrowers who do not meet the traditional criteria. FHA loans have lower approval requirements and do not consider past financial challenges (namely bankruptcy) during the application process. Read our guide to FHA loans to learn more.

· VA Loans: Loans by the Department of Veterans Affairs require no down payment and have much lower approval standards. These loans are only provided to qualified veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses. The interest rates and application requirements are often much more favorable if you do qualify.

Summary

Learning what is a hard money loan for real estate acquisitions has become commonplace in the housing sector. If for nothing else, a hard money loan gives investors an edge over those using traditional financing methods. Not only should hard money borrowers be able to secure capital faster, but sellers will also favor their offers because they are made with cash. That said, if you are looking to fund a deal, you may not want to ignore hard money; it could be the one thing that gets you what you need.