Thursday, September 24, 2015

Texas Hard Money Loans: A Good Investment Option in a Bad Economy

In this economy, consider all your options financially

iStock_000004004971_Large.jpgIndeed, tight lending these days creates opportunities for hard-money lenders and individuals who want to get into the hard money lending game. A Texas hard money loan is a type of real estate mortgage backed by private investors or a private investment company. The mortgages carry interest rates of 6%-14%. For lenders, the profit potential is much greater than with traditional lending, and it is possible for individual investors to get into the hard money lending game. It is also a safer investment than many other options because it is backed by real estate. If you lend on a piece of real estate, you can brag about it, drive by it, smell it, take pictures of it.

That’s why private money lenders Texas is such a popular tool these days – even people who have lost it all in the recent real estate bubble bursting can stand proud and say, “My credit is terrible, but my ethics are not!”

Typically, individual hard-money lenders are matched with borrowers through loan brokers who make a commission on each deal. As with traditional mortgage brokers, they charge points and fees, which can be several thousand dollars per transaction. Some loans are set up with low monthly payments and a balloon payment due at the end of the loan term — a feature they share with some of the mortgages that contributed to the financial bust.

But even if the economy does recover, it’s not likely that Texas hard money will go away over night. Some of the benefits that will always be there include fast funding within 24 hours, loan values up to 80%, investors or flippers are treated fairly and accepted and interest only payments are encouraged. Markets always crash and recover – trends like this tend to stay on track, even when times are good. If you are interested in a Texas hard money loan as a borrower or an investor, call Level 4 Funding today to find out how to get started!


Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 

Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027



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Wednesday, September 23, 2015

A Quick and Easy Guide to Finding the Right Texas Hard Money Loan

A quick and easy guide to finding the correct hard money loan

Hard money loans can be a great way to finance a specific or fun real estate investment but the loan application process can be quite different from traditional bank loans. Many potential hard money lenders Texas aren't prepared to apply for a loan. Don't be one of the unprepared borrowers and you can do that by following these easy, simple steps.

Find the right project. Texas hard money is collateralized with the property in question so finding the right one is very important. A property valued in the right range may not be in a suitable neighborhood. Remember, rule number one is the old real estate standard: location, location, location – even if you flip a mansion, no one wants to live next to a crack house. Hard money lenders want to know that the property and the location are a safe investment.

Also, always have an exit strategy. Hard money loans are typically short term and usually are 1-2 years in length. The lender always wants to know that the borrower has a solid plan for either selling or refinancing the property long before the term is up. Knowing how you plan to repay the loan is a key factor in a hard money lender's decision. If you are doing this all willy- nilly, you’re going to look bad in the eyes of everyone and no one wants that.

Finally, have the proper documents ready. Hard money loans are primarily secured within the property but also knowing about the borrower is very important. You may be asked about credit, income and assets. Like a boy scout, be prepared.


Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 

Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027



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Texas Hard Money is Easy Money in This Market

Easy money in the faltering real estate market.

Brandon Abney Arizona Home Mortgage FHA Specialists.jpgTexas has a huge population and that number is only expected to rise in the coming years. Yet, it’s not a very condensed place, spread out to the far reaches of the horizon. So many houses were built in the real estate bubble a few years ago, but many of these properties now stand empty, neglected and decaying.

The housing market is slowly, but surely making a comeback – after all, shelter is a staple of human existence, so eventually houses will be affordable again. Let’s hope anyway. Some people have based their entire livelihoods on that exact hope and they’re doing it by acquiring these decayed properties, fixing them up in less than six months and selling them for a profit. This is called “flipping.”

But most banks cannot or will not approve loans for such projects. The solution? Texas hard money. These types of lenders approve loans quickly and easily, but for a different, atypical rate than a bank or mortgage company would allow. The payments are made purely on interest, not on the loan itself, so that each party makes a pretty penny with a quicker turn around.

These types of loans aren’t for everyone. Usually, only businesses and real estate gurus should consider private money lenders Texas, but there’s no reason why an average Joe Schmoe can’t consider this an option. Hopefully, in a couple months to a couple years, the real estate economy will recover completely and these flipped properties will be worth a ton to everyone.


Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 

Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027



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Understanding the Benefits of Hard Money Lending Texas

Understanding the benefits of hard money lending in Texas

iStock_000004004971_Large.jpgWikipedia defines a hard money lender as “lending companies offering a specialized type of real-estate backed loan.” Therefore, hard money lenders provide short-term loans (also known as a bridge loan) that provide funding based on the value of real estate that has been collateralized for the loan. Hard money lenders typically have much higher interest rates than banks because they fund deals that do not conform to bank standards, but in the long run, these deals tend to pay off much more.

Texas has some of the highest foreclosure rates in the country, thanks to it’s immense sprawl. So hard money lenders Texas are more important now than ever. It’s impossible to ignore that banks and big loan companies can’t provide the same benefits as private money lenders Texas. Some of these benefits include higher, but more flexible loans and a way to put yourself at ease in this rough economy.

Just because hard money lenders will offer a range of requirements on the loan-to-value percentage, type of real estate and minimum loan size for a hard money loan doesn’t mean the everyday Joe Schmoe can’t qualify. It’d be at least beneficial to look into the whole thing. Who knows, you’re likely to find an even greater deal. Just remember, there are many different types of hard money loans such as fix and flip loans, construction loans and bridge loans, Texas land banking, Mezzanine financing, land acquisition and development, land loans joint ventures and many more. The variety is just to make sure your particular needs are met.


Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 

Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027



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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Self Employment Home Loan Texas: A Win-Win for Business Owners



If you are self-employed, a self employment home loan might be a good option for you to purchase an investment property. Contact a mortgage broker to learn more about your options and loans today!



 If you are self-employed, you know the benefits of having your money work for you. One rmark gowlovech.jpgelatively easy and painless way to invest is with real estate. Although there have been ups and downs, experts agree that real estate investing has been overall stable and a way to increase your assets. Real estate has consistently appreciated in value over time and since it is a physical investment, you always have something to fall back on, even if the value goes down.



Although real estate investing may have many perks, it can also present unique challenges if you are self-employed. Since you own your own business, you can take advantage of many tax write offs that will save you big on your taxes. Everything from your office space to your paper clips are tax deductible. These deductions can make it look like your business is not making as much money as it actually is, and in some cases it may even look like you lost money.



While normally having a negative income stream is not a problem (as long as it is temporary, if it goes on too long, the IRS may object), it can present challenges when you are looking to make a real estate investment. This is especially true if you already own a property that you use as a primary residence. The bank may take one look at your tax returns and debt to income ratio and send you to the door, empty handed.



Being rejected for a loan can sting, but do not be discouraged. Instead, say good bye to the bank and hello to a licensed mortgage broker or private mortgage lender. Brokers and private lenders have access to different self employment home loans than banks do and can often work with you around mortgage requirements to find a loan to fit your needs. There are many options, especially if you are looking for a short term investment property like a fix and flip or short term rental.



3 Types of Self Employment Home Loans That Can Help You Make Money




iStock_000004004971_Large.jpg Once you have found a mortgage broker or private lender, you will be given many different self employment home loan options. Like anything else in life, it is important to remember that all loans are not created equal, and the best loan for you will depend on your ultimate investment goals. A few loans to look into are:
  1. Hard money loans. A hard money loan is a great self employment home loan if you are looking for a short term investment. A hard money loan is not backed by a bank but instead by an equity firm or group of investors. They evaluate the property you are purchasing based on its investment potential. This makes your income or other debts less important because their investment is protected by the physical collateral of the property in question. Once they decide a property is a sound investment, they give you the money and you pay interest on it. The interest rate is usually pretty high so a hard money loan is best used as a short term loan to fix up a property and sell for a profit quickly. Once you sell the property, you repay the investors and any additional income is yours.
  2. Adjustable Rate Mortgages. An adjustable rate mortgage is a good option for a longer term investment. An adjustable rate mortgage or ARM has an initial fixed interest rate that is usually very low. The low interest rate means lower payments so it is easier to qualify for, even if you have other mortgage debt or a low income due to business deductions. After a period of 1 to 7 years, the rate resets to a higher rate and your payment goes up. An ARM is a good option if you are going to rent out a property for a few years or do a long term fix and flip. An ARM can also be a good option if you anticipate your income increasing and will be able to refinance before the rate resets.
  3. Stated income mortgages. A stated income mortgage does not use W2’s and tax documents to verify your income but rather goes by what you state it is. This can be a good option if your taxable income and actual income are vastly different. Just keep in mind that you may pay a higher interest rate and it is important to not over-extend yourself.



With a variety of self employment home loan options, don’t let a bank keep you out of the property investment market. Call a mortgage broker and get started today!



Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 

Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027



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Texas Home Loans: How to Buy a House With Bad Credit



 If you have bad credit you may find it difficult to buy a home. By being proactive and taking certain steps to repair your credit, you can find Texas home loans that will help make your dreams come true.

Bad credit can make getting a car loan, credit card, and even a job difficult. Although you may feel isolated, you are far from alone. According to recent statistics released by FICO Inc., the average credit score is about 670 which is considered a “fair” score. In addition, nearly one quarter of all credit using Americans have poor credit. So, although you may feel alone, there are nearly 42 million Americans who are in the same boat as you. Bad credit can also become a vicious cycle. You need to repair your credit by making on time payments, not one will give you the opportunity to make on time payments so you bad credit stays bad. You may begin to feel that the situation is hopeless.

One way to help rebuild your credit is by purchasing a home and making on time mortgage payments. If you have bad there are a variety of ways and programs to help borrowers with bad credit get Texas home loans. Since the housing crisis of 2008 there has been a rumor that only borrowers with perfect credit can be approved for home loans. However, with banks and lenders relaxing their credit requirements, more home loans are being approved at lower borrower credit scores. Some programs will even approve borrowers with a score as low as 500 as long as the borrower has some cash for a down payment.

If you have bad credit and are thinking about applying for Texas home loans, there are a few steps you can take to help make sure that you will qualify. First, make all of your rent payments on time. 12 months of on time rent payments can help when a lender is trying to decide if you are worth the risk in terms of a mortgage investment. In addition, start saving cash. Money talks, usually louder than credit alone. Having 6 months to a year of living expenses in the bank (including mortgage payments) will make it more likely that a lender will finance your mortgage. In addition, save up for a down payment. 

Types of Arizona Home Loans Available to Borrowers with Bad Credit

 

The type of loan that you will be able to qualify for depends on how low your credit score is. If you have a score of 650 or higher, you have a possibility to qualify for a traditional loan. A traditional loan is a fixed 15 to 30 year loan with payments that will remain roughly the same for the entire loan term. Payments may fluctuate slightly based on property tax amounts but they principal and interest will remain the same. In order to qualify for a traditional loan you will need to put between 5 and 20 percent of the loan amount down.

If your credit score is less than 650, you can still find Texas home loans that you can qualify for. One of the main types of loans that can help sub-prime borrowers is an FHA loan. An FHA loan is a loan that is secured by the federal government. You will pay a fixed rate for principal and interest for a 15 to 30 year loan term. You will also pay mortgage insurance in the amount of 80 to 200 dollars each month, depending on the amount of your loan. You can qualify for an FHA loan with a credit score as low as 500 as long as you have between 3.5 and 10 percent of the loan value to put down.

If your credit is less than 500 or you don’t have the cash for a down payment or can’t be approved for other reasons, you might want to look into some less common mortgage programs like rent to own, seller financing, or having a cosigner. Just keep in mind that all of these programs do have some inherent risk and you should make sure you are well informed about the loan type going into it. 


Find a mortgage broker to lend a helping hand.

 

A broker can help you start your home ownership journey. Call one today and stop letting bad credit define your home ownership goals.




Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 

Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027



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Bad Credit and Texas Real Estate: How to Qualify for a Subprime Mortgage Texas


With great weather, a stable economy, and a real estate market with great deals, it is no wonder that so many people want to move to Texas. With some parts of the state getting over 300 days of sunshine each year and skiing in the northern part of the state, it is the perfect place people with any climate preference. The relatively low humidity also makes it ideal for people with respiratory problems and mild winters are great for snow birds. If you find yourself dreaming of moving to Texas, but have bad credit, you will want to start researching Texas sub prime mortgage  to learn about the different types of mortgages available in the state for borrowers with bad credit or high debt to income ratios. If you cannot qualify for a traditional mortgage due to a low credit score, a subprime mortgage might be a good option.

A subprime mortgage is a loan given to a borrower who is considered to be a higher risk due to a poor credit score. Typically a sub prime borrower has a credit score of less than 640, but this does vary. Since the lender is assuming a higher risk, the interest rate is also generally higher. Critics of subprime lending argue that it charges unfair interest rates and further burdens individuals with low incomes and high amounts of debt. However, for many individuals, a subprime mortgage, Texas is the only way they can qualify for a home loan. There are several types of subprime mortgages available and each type has different advantages and risks. 

Although subprime mortgages generally charger higher interest rates, for almost 42.5 million Americans, it is the only home loan they can qualify for due to a low credit score. If you find yourself having trouble obtaining a home loan in Arizona based on your credit, do your research on subprime mortgage Texas to determine the type of loan programs you may be able to qualify for. Knowing the different types of subprime mortgages can help you select the right product for you and your family.

Types of Mortgages Available to Borrowers with Bad Credit


One type of mortgage available to subprime borrowers is what is known as an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. An ARM starts off at a low interest rate, usually lower than the prime rate around 2-3 percent. After a period of time from 1 to 5 years, the rate then adjusts to a much higher rate anywhere from 10 to 20 percent, depending on market conditions. This will cause your payment to go up rapidly. ARMs got a bad reputation during the housing crisis of the mid 2000s and were accused of being a way for banks to loan money to and take advantage of subprime borrowers. Many people lost their home due to the inability to make the new, higher payments after the rate adjusted. An ARM can be a good option if you are in the process of rebuilding your credit and will be able to refinance to a traditional loan before your rate adjusts. It is also a good option if you are buying a short term home to either fix and flip, or you plan on moving within the low rate period. An ARM is also a good option as long as you budget accordingly so you do not get priced out of your home and wind up unable to pay your mortgage.

A second, less common type of subprime loan is a hard money loan. A hard money loan is offered by a group of investors, rather than a bank. It is a short term loan that is designed primarily for fix and flip houses. Since investors are offering the loan, not a bank, they are more likely to give loans to borrowers with low credit, providing they have a sound real estate investment. Hard money loans are usually short term loans and last for a couple years. A hard money loan is a good investment but not if you are planning on living in the home for any amount of time.


Another program that is available to low credit borrowers is an FHA loan. This type of loan is backed by the federal government and offers low interest rates and low down payment options. Most FHA loans only require a 3.5% down payment which makes it a great option for borrowers without a large amount of liquid cash assets. This is also a great option for someone buying a second home who may not have the down payment they would have if they sold their first home. The loan is insured by the government so the borrower will end up paying what is called primary mortgage insurance or PMI payments. PMI payments can range from anywhere between 80 and a few hundred dollars so it does increase your monthly mortgage payment. You will make these payments until you have paid off 20% of your home loan.

Deciding on the right loan product is essential to making your sub prime borrowing experience positive.


Talk with a mortgage broker to further discuss your loan options. You may also qualify for certain federal programs that offer down payment assistance or cash back at closing. Some of these include the Home in 5 program or the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). Call a Texas mortgage broker to help get you started on your move to the Loan Star State. 



Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 

Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027



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