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Hard money loans in Texas are a little bit different from regular bank loans. Those who have never tried to obtain one of these loans before may be a little unclear about what they need to qualify. Compared to traditional loans, there are fewer requirements. These loans are asset-based meaning the lender will mostly look at the value of the property and the borrowers’ equity in the property. The larger the equity, the safer the loan will be for the lender and the more likely they will be to approve the borrower. Lenders also look at the financial strength of the borrower. They want to be sure that you will have the money needed to make monthly loan payments and cover all the other responsibilities of caring for the property. Keep reading to learn more about what lenders look for in a loan application and how you can improve your odds of getting approved.

Down Payment and Equity

The main thing you’ll need to qualify for a hard money loan is the necessary down payment or equity in the property. This will serve as collateral for the loan. For residential properties, the minimum amount ranges between 25 and 30 percent. The minimum increases to 30 to 40 percent for commercial properties. You will have a better chance of qualifying for hard money loans in Houston if you have a larger down payment. The more money the borrower has invested in the property, the less risk for the lender. In some cases, you may be able to use multiple properties to secure a loan. This process is known as cross-collateralizing.

Overall Financial Strength and Cash Reserves

The next thing you will need to have to secure a hard money loan is enough cash reserves to make monthly loan payments and holding costs. The holding costs usually include taxes, insurance, HOA payments, and other costs for property maintenance. The more cash you have to show the lender, the better your chances of approval will be. If you do not have any cash reserves, you will have a hard time obtaining a hard money loan. In certain cases, the lender may be able to increase the amount of the loan and hold back the funds of the borrower to cover the holding costs. This way, the borrower can still get the loan, and the lender will have more assurance that essential payments are being made. 

Real Estate Experience and an Exit Strategy

Additionally, your lender will want to know that you have experience in real estate. Someone who has been investing in real estate for years and years will have an easier time qualifying for a hard money loan than someone who is trying to fund their very first house flipping project. They will also want to know about the details of the property and the project, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience in real estate. You will need to prepare an exit strategy for the property and how you plan to repay the loan as well.

For more information about hard money loans or to apply for one today, contact us at Investor Loan Source.

Hard money loans have become a common tool used by real estate investors who need lump sums of money quickly to seize profitable opportunities before they slip away. Unlike traditional lending sources which require a much longer timeframe before releasing funds, hard money loans can get money in the hands of investors quickly with little risk since the loan uses the property as collateral.

While most providers of hard money loans in Houston, TX, are legitimate private parties willing to invest in property-backed lending opportunities, there are some loan providers who run fraudulent schemes on borrowers. Hard money lenders aren’t held to the same regulatory standards as traditional lenders, and therefore the industry features loopholes which can be exploited by unscrupulous lenders. Fortunately, it’s not hard to spot scammers in many cases if you know what to look for. Keep reading to learn how to get hard money loans in Texas without falling into a scam.

Shady Rate Structure

A sure sign of a scammer is a lack of transparency when it comes to loan rates for hard money. Rates should be honest and fair. Though you will usually pay higher interest rates on hard money loans when compared to traditional funding sources, rates shouldn’t be exorbitant. Rates above 18 percent should be a red flag that something may be awry. Likewise, if the lender gives you a rate that seems exceedingly low, such as below 10 percent, something foul may be afoot as well. Lenders who give you a low rate upfront may later come back with exorbitant fees that can drive prices higher. You’ll also want to avoid any lenders who won’t present you with a clear-cut APR. If they won’t provide you with that basic information in a forthright manner, move on to another option. 

Abbreviated Application Process 

One of the benefits of hard money loans is that the application process is streamlined so that lenders can provide funds to real estate investors quickly and efficiently. That doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t still be an application process that requires you to submit key details and sign a contract. If a lender fails to require you to apply before providing you with funding, there’s a chance that there are nefarious ends in store for you. The process should include filling out forms and allowing the lender to inspect the property. It usually takes several days. If the lender you’re considering doesn’t want to see the property and requires no up-front paperwork, there could be a fraud in the making. Also, if a lender claims to provide funds for anything, it could indicate bad intentions.

Phantom Lenders

A reputable lender is easy to find by using internet search engines. Most good hard money lenders have been around long enough to build a successful business under a recognizable name. If you search for a lender online and can find nothing about the company, it may be a sign of a scammer. Many lending scammers operate a short time under one name, then shutter the operation and open another under a new name to prevent former bilked customers and authorities from catching up to them. A lender with good business practices and ethical lending standards will want its name to be known. A company that remains in the shadows is there for a reason.

If you’re considering hard money lending in Texas, be sure to use this advice to avoid potential scams that can submarine your real estate transactions and create frustration. To learn more about the characteristics that separate scammers from legitimate hard money lenders, visit Investor Loan Source at https://ils.cash/.

If you have bad credit, finding financial products to purchase a home isn’t always easy. It’s even harder when you’re a real estate investor and need a loan to purchase another property. When you’ve had properties foreclosed on or you’ve been late with payments, this brings your credit score down and makes it hard to find lenders willing to work with you. However, there are options. Continue reading to learn more about hard money investor loans in Texas and how they could benefit your situation.

What Is a Hard Money Loan?

For those new to the hard money lending concept, you might not have any idea what this program is. Hard money loans are ideal for people with bad credit because lenders of investor real estate loans in Texas aren’t concerned with your credit score. What these lenders are most interested in is the value of the property. Hard money loans are considered collateral-securing loans. If something happens and you can’t pay back the loan, the lender simply takes possession of the property and makes their money back this way.

Hard money loans are short-term financial products. They were designed for real estate investors, not people interested in 30-year mortgages. Unfortunately, when investors have deals that fall flat and they can’t pay the mortgage, it leaves them with a bad credit score and foreclosed properties. It also makes them ineligible for bad credit lending programs reserved for traditional home loans. When you’re an investor and you have less-than-perfect credit, finding lenders for real estate investors is hard, which is why hard money loans are the perfect solution.

The Benefits of Hard Money Loans for Bad Credit

The #1 benefit is that you’re more likely to be approved for a loan. As mentioned previously, these loans are collateral-securing loans and not credit-based. If the property has enough value and equity, securing a loan is easier.

Hard money loans offer bad credit borrowers the following benefits:

• Fast closing – Hard money loans close faster than traditional loans, which means you can start making repairs or doing what’s needed to get the property back on the market and sold ASAP.
• Available for all types of properties – Hard money loans are real estate investor loans for residential and commercial properties. They can even be use for land purchases.
• Flexibility – Unlike traditional loans, these hard money loans look at each situation individually. Because you’re dealing with a smaller company, you don’t have to put up with the strict policies banks and other mortgage companies have in place. 

Is a Hard Money Loan Right for You?

Hard money loans are an attractive option for investors with past financial challenges and bad credit scores. But are they right for everyone? If you’re considering this type of loan, keep in mind that these loans are short-term. Hard money lenders want to be paid back within 6 months – 5 years, depending on the loan terms. Also, because these are short-term financial products, the interest rates are higher. Paying the loan off as quickly as possible saves you the most money.

To learn more about how hard money loans benefit those with bad credit, contact Investor Loan Source today!

Are you familiar with the term hard money loan for real estate investing funding in Texas? You might have heard of this kind of loan before, but you may not understand how it differs from traditional bank loans. If you’re considering investing in real estate but don’t have a solid financial background or good credit, keep reading to learn the benefits of hard money lending.

Timeline

Hard money loans aren’t ideal if you’re buying your forever home and looking for a low-rate on a 30-year mortgage. However, these loans are wonderful for house flippers looking for short-term lending options. The interest rates on hard money loans are higher than your average home mortgage and are a high-cost lending product for the average buyer. However, real estate investors aren’t your average buyer. When you invest in real estate, you need cash fast to make the deal and turn around the home as quickly as possible. For house flippers looking for legitimate real estate investing funding, hard money loans provide many benefits.

Credit Isn’t an Issue

Traditional banks have strict lending policies and require minimum credit scores from their applicants. Hard money loans might look at your credit, but this type of real estate investor funding is concerned more with how much equity is in the property than your credit score. Most investors with poor personal credit scores don’t have a problem qualifying for a hard money loan based on their credit history. Instead, the hurdles they face may have more to do with the amount of equity in the property.

If you’re considering purchasing a piece of property with a hard money loan, do your research. Hard money lenders invest in properties with 30%-50% of equity in the property as a protective measure. What does this mean for you? It means you need to find properties at the right price to make hard money lenders happy. While they may loan you up to 100% of the purchase price, they want 30%-50% of built-in equity already in the property. Therefore, if you default on the loan, they’re able to recoup their investment.

Stream-lined Processes

Traditional bank loans can take as much as 90 days to close. This means 3 months waiting for keys to the property. Anyone interested in real estate investing knows that timing is everything. What’s hot today might not be hot 3 months down the line. For this reason, hard money loans make better sense for investors. Depending on the type of loan you’re applying for, the closing process can be completed in as little as 5 days. Hard money lenders look at each case individually and aren’t tied to strict lending requirements like traditional banks or mortgage lenders. This is a huge benefit for real estate investors who need to close a deal fast.

The biggest difference between traditional bank loans and hard money loans is that hard money lenders have programs designed specifically for investors. These loans make the process quick and easy, include funding for repairs and renovations, and don’t require any money down. If you’re interested in learning more about accessing a real estate investing fund in Texas, contact Investor Loan Source and learn more about their residential, rental, and commercial investor loans.

In the realm of commercial real estate, time is of the essence. When opportunity knocks, a savvy real estate investor must be able to seize it by having money to push a transaction through before another investor can pounce on it. That’s one reason that hard money lending in Houston, TX, has recently come into vogue for those who make a living from commercial real estate investments.

Hard money loans are approved and executed on a fast timeline because they are not secured by the borrower’s credit, but by the value of the property to be purchased. That makes them a nimble lending tool for those who must capitalize on the dynamic commercial real estate market. Continue reading to learn more about how you can use hard money lending in Houston to give you greater financial fluidity for closing commercial real estate transactions.

Negates Importance of Credit History

Those who are getting started in commercial real estate investment may not have a long loan history that can be used to satisfy the demands of traditional lenders. Also, some investment groups may be newly-formed LLC organizations that have absolutely no borrowing history at all. Hard money loans can help overcome those traditional obstacles to becoming a player in the commercial real estate game.

The money loaned in a hard money transaction is not contingent on the credit history of the borrower, but the value of the property to be purchased with the loan. Therefore, hard money loans provide the perfect option for those who want to get involved in commercial real estate who may have a checkered or inadequate credit history.

Makes Your Deal More Powerful

Countless commercial real estate deals fall through once under contract because the loans fall through at the last minute. Banks and other traditional lending organizations must meet stringent guidelines when loaning capital for commercial projects, and sometimes, those demands simply can’t be met. In those cases, the seller wastes time and loses a sale in the process.

A hard money loan can make your offer more attractive amongst a sea of offers based on traditional lending because it’s less likely to fall through. Because hard money loans streamline the lending and approval process, you can quickly be ready to close with funding in hand. A seller will appreciate that increased confidence in the sale, and your odds of completing the transaction are enhanced.

Provides Buyer Leverage

In a competitive commercial real estate environment, the seller may have the upper hand. The property on the market may be in a prime location, for example, so offers on it come from many angles. That allows the seller to pick from any number of attractive offers. However, use of a hard money loan can provide the buyer with additional leverage. A hard money buyer is attractive to a seller because of the reduced risk of loan denial and a faster escrow and closing timeline.

Therefore, among a sea of offers, the buyer with the hard money will be the seller’s preference. That gives the buyer some leverage to negotiate in some cases, as a hard money loan sale benefits both parties.

Speedy Approval Timeline

Maybe the biggest benefit of using hard money loans for commercial real estate transactions is the fast application timeline and quick availability of funds. With a traditional loan, you may not have the confidence to make a binding offer until the loan is approved. In those cases, you may miss out on a chance to put in an offer on a prime piece of commercial real estate. However, because the timeline for a hard money loan is much shorter, you can get involved with an offer more quickly, thus enhancing your chances of closing on the property and beating out other suitors.

If you want to increase negotiating power and enhance your chances of closing on commercial real estate in Houston, TX, hard money lending can provide you with an advantage over other potential buyers. It’s quick, streamlined, and increases your likelihood of successfully completing commercial transactions. For more information on hard money lending for commercial real estate, contact Investor Loan Source.

Do you know the difference between private loans and hard money loans? If you’re interested in real estate investing, it’s important to know the difference. While they each have their similarities, there are quite a few distinctions between the loan products that house flippers must know. Keep reading to discover why hard money lending in Houston, TX, is a better option for real estate investors.

Credit Scores

A lot of people with less-than-perfect credit scores want to get in on real estate investing opportunities. Renovating and flipping houses is a great way to build wealth when it’s done correctly. However, many people who have the skills to do the job well lack good credit. If your credit is holding you back from opportunities, Houston, TX, hard money lending might be the answer.

Private loans that are managed by traditional lenders like banks and credit unions have strict credit requirements. If you have a credit score below 700 or 650, it’s harder to get approved for a loan. Hard money loans have fewer credit restrictions because they are more interested in the property’s value. That being said, if the property doesn’t have equity or isn’t worth much in the market when it’s fixed up, the lender may pass on the deal.

Interest Rates

You’ve probably heard that interest rates are higher for hard money loans than private loans. This is true, and there’s a very good reason for this. Ideally, when a person applies for a hard money loan, their goal is to pay the loan back within 6 months to 3 years, depending on how fast they’re able to move the property. People who take out private loans aren’t usually investing in property they’re going to sell for profit within a few years. Instead, these are your traditional home buyers.

When dealing with hard money lending in Houston, it’s important to understand that private loans have a longer period to collect interest payments. Therefore, the rates appear to be substantially higher for hard money loans, but it all equals out in the long run.

Process Timelines

Money lending in Houston doesn’t always go as fast as you need it to for an investment property, if you’re trying to get a private loan. That’s why investors choose hard money loans. The private loan process can drag out for months and require a lot of paperwork and verification.

With hard money products, the lenders want the process to go as quickly as you do because they want to see a return on their investment as quickly as possible. Whereas private loans might take 1 to 3 months to fund, hard money loans can be funded in as little as 7 days, depending on varying factors.

The Bottom Line

So, which loan product is best for you? It all comes down to why you’re buying the property. If you’re a real estate investor looking to make quick cash on a “flip” house, then hard money loans are the better deal. They’re easier to get with less-than-perfect credit, and the funding process isn’t as long. For people buying their forever home, it’s a better deal to go the private loan route and find a lender offering great 30-year or 15-year interest rates.

To learn more about money lending in Houston, TX, contact Investor Loan Source today for commercial, rental, and fix & flip loan options.

Hard money lending in Houston can be a sale-saving source of funds for some contractors, prospective homeowners, or business owners who need to make capital improvements to their facilities. If a person needs cash quick or has credit issues, a hard money loan might be the only option they have. There are, however, some things common mistakes everyone considering hard money lending as a funding source should avoid before they sign on any dotted lines.

Not Getting Prequalified

Setting up as a sale before you know you can fund it makes no sense. Getting prequalified for any money lending arrangement is smart business because it makes your purchase a cash buy for all intents and purposes. That not only will appeal to sellers, but it also will expedite the purchase process. It will make a sale go quicker than having to wait for approval for a bank loan and can open the door to negotiate a better price. Avoiding the paperwork, wait, and processing of a loan usually makes a seller much more open to coming down in price.

Finally, liquidity lets you get started if you are borrowing for a project. Waiting on a loan can take days or even weeks, which means you and your crew aren’t able to start work on a project. Having preapproval gives you the cash you need to start buying supplies, lining up contractors, and even to complete actual project work. That ultimately saves time and money, which makes it easier for any contractor or developer to hit their budget goals. There is a reason the saying “cash is king” has been around for so long!

Not Building a Relationship with the Lender

This is just common sense. When you deal with a bank, it’s easy to treat the entire transaction as a swap. You present the bank with your credit score and information and ask the bank for a certain amount. Then, the bank looks at your credit score, and, if it’s good enough, offer you a certain amount. With hard money loans, though, relationships between the lender and borrower are much more important. The more they know about you and your project, the more likely it is they will view you as a worthy investment.

The other benefit of building a relationship with your hard money lender is the fact that they likely will know the market better than you. Even if you work in the market you are securing the loan in, the lender will have a broader perspective of what is going on in the entire region. Having a relationship with them will likely lead to them giving you useful tips and advice regarding different properties or projects in your area.

Fretting the Interest

A hard money interest rate is high; there is no getting around it. When you consider the risk the lender takes and the terms you get, the rate isn’t all that much. Consider this:

• You can get a loan much quicker than if you went through a bank.
• You can get a loan if your credit is less than perfect.
• You get access to immediate cash upon approval, which can give you leverage with a seller.
• You get access to money with no risk to your credit rating.

Houston, TX, hard money lending is one way of getting the cash you need for an investment quickly and easily. For more information on hard money lending or how to get a loan, check out Investor Loan Source.

Are you looking for your first real estate investment loan in Texas? If so, it’s important to understand how these commercial loans work. In most cases, these kinds of loans are used to purchase and/or renovate properties that are owner-occupied. Generally, these loans are for properties such as office buildings, retail centers, and mixed-use buildings. Keep reading to learn more about the 5 main types of commercial loans and how you can qualify.

SBA 7(a) Loan

This type of commercial loan is for the investor who wants to buy a commercial property for the long-haul. It’s an owner-occupied loan for commercial properties up to $5,000,000. Real estate lenders in Texas want applicants to meet the following qualifications:

• In business for at least 2 years
• Have a credit score of 680 or higher
• 51% owner-occupied

The loan period for this type of loan is up to 25 years and funding is available between 60-90 days.

CDC / SBA 504 Loan

If you’re looking for a commercial loan with no maximum limit, this is a loan product for you. That is, as long as you meet the credit requirements of a 680 credit score and have at least 10% for a down payment. The loan terms for this loan are shorter with the average term falling between 10 – 20 years.

Traditional Mortgage

For people more comfortable with traditional loan terms, the traditional commercial mortgage is an attractive loan product. However, as with most traditional loans, credit requirements are strict. You must have excellent credit, with a score no less than 700. You also must have at least a 15% down payment. One of the benefits of a traditional mortgage is there’s no maximum limit, which is attractive for those investors looking for a good real estate investor loan.

Commercial Bridge Loan

Not every investor is looking for lengthy loan terms. If you fall into this category, a commercial bridge loan is an excellent option. These are short term loans of 6 – 36 months. They also have the following requirements:

• 700 or better credit score
• A net worth equal to the loan amount
• Have experience with 1-3 commercial investment projects
• 10% down payment

This loan product is great for investors who want to get into a project quickly since funding occurs within 15 – 45 days.

Commercial Hard Money Loan

This is another short-term loan option that has lower credit score requirements and is a great way for people with bad credit to get real estate investment loans. Many people use hard money loans for renovation projects and when they need quick funding. The average funding period for hard money commercial loans is 10 -15 days. When applying for this type of loan, you’ll need a proof of down payment, experience with 1-3 commercial renovation projects, and a 10%-20% down payment.

Commercial loan products are not the same as traditional residential mortgage loans. For this reason, it’s important that investors understand the loan product completely before signing any papers and receiving any money. To find a commercial real estate loan in Texas for your next project, work with the best lenders. Contact Investor Loan Source today to learn more about the loan options available to you.

Many people don’t understand how hard money loans in Houston work, especially when someone is first learning about them. There are a lot of misunderstandings about how these loans work and why you would want one. A lot of people automatically assume that they won’t qualify for these loans and that there are too many hoops to jump through to secure the financing. Continue reading to learn more about this type of loan product and discover the facts.

Myth #1 – These Loans Are a Scam

Any lender can be dishonest. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a lender who specializes in hard money loans in Texas or a traditional bank. People often associate hard money lending with desperation, because they require the property to have 30% to 50% of equity. The reason for the strict equity requirements isn’t a scam; it’s a safety measure for lenders. They want to make sure that, if the client defaults on the loan terms, they don’t lose all the money they invested. It’s an exit strategy, and all investors want a clearly defined exist strategy. That’s just good business.

Myth #2 – Hard Money Loans Are Expensive

All financial institutions that lend money have varying loan structures and required fees. Hard money lenders offer competitive products. So, if you’ve been told that a certain lender is too expensive, do your research. Look at several different lenders before settling on one.

This is good advice no matter what type of loan you need, because pricing isn’t set across the board. Some lenders may charge higher interest rates. Others may have pre-payment penalties or other requirements that affect the cost of the loan. Most people who claim their hard money agreement was too high say this as a direct result of not researching their options beforehand.

Myth #3 – Traditional Loans Aren’t as Risky

Any loan carries risk. So, why do people get spooked by hard money loans in Houston, TX? First, it’s likely that people aren’t doing their own research but listening to other people’s horror stories. Second, they aren’t taking into account that there are 2 sides to every story. Most people who’ve had a bad experience with an investor-focused loan product weren’t prepared when they took out the loan.

Traditional loans are great for people who want to buy a house and stay in it for 10, 20, or 30+ years. They aren’t ideal for investors who want to get into a house and flip it for a profit. Investor loans do have higher fees and rates. but only if the investor hangs onto the property too long.

The best way to use a hard money lending product is to have a solid plan for flipping the home quickly. People who know how to manage the money on projects like these find that it’s easy and affordable to take out a hard money loan.

First-time Investors

Are you a first-time investor interested in profiting from real estate transactions? Then it’s important to learn as much as you can about Houston, TX, hard money loans. Discover how these loan programs can help you achieve your real estate investment goals and grow your wealth. For more information about investment loans, contact Investor Loan Source today with all your questions.

Hard money loans in Texas are considered to be one of the easiest kinds of loans to get. They are preferred among real estate investors because the application procedure doesn’t include things like income history or credit worthiness. Instead, lenders are more interested in the property’s value. That being the case, there are times when this type of loan might be denied. If you’re a real estate investor, keep reading to learn why your loan application could be denied.

Equity Concerns

Most hard money loans in Texas are not for the full amount of the property. Lenders aren’t keen on financing the entire purchase. These loans are only meant to help out with some of the investment costs. Investors often run into problems getting approval for this transaction when there isn’t enough equity in the property to borrow against. Most lenders want at least 25% equity to consider a loan application. If the property doesn’t have this much equity, then you’ll need to come up with a larger down payment to offset the difference.

Lack of an Exit Strategy

Private money lenders want to know your exit strategy. If you don’t have one, forget about nailing down hard money loans in Houston. Why is this strategy so important to lenders? Unlike conventional home loans, hard money lending products are designed to be short-term. Since these products are for the investor, they rarely offer loans beyond 1-3 years. At the end of the term, the remaining balance is due, which in many cases means a hefty payment. Lenders don’t want to be on the hook for 5 or 6-figure balances. Therefore, hard money lenders want to know what you’re going to do if you can’t pay off the balance at the end of the term.

Examples of common real estate investor exit strategies include the following:

• Refinancing either with a new hard money loan or a conventional loan
• Selling the property
• Selling another property and using the proceeds to pay off the balance

Not Enough Money to Make Monthly Payments

While it’s true that credit scores, past foreclosures, and income history don’t matter as much when applying for hard money loans in Houston, TX, you still have to prove you can afford to make monthly payments. If your income falls short, lenders see this as indicator that you might not pay back the money. You can prevent a denial because of income shortfalls by proving with income statements and/or bank statements that you have the money to follow through with your financial obligation. Investors that don’t have substantial cash reserves often team up with more financially stable partners to avoid being denied.

Are you ready to apply for one of these loans? Houston, TX, hard money loans are easier to obtain than going to your local bank branch for a conventional home loan. However, before you seek out one of these loans, make sure the investment property has enough equity and that you can make the monthly payments. Many investors find that future loans are even easier to get when they establish a relationship with their lender. Therefore, find a hard money lender whose terms you like and work to establish a relationship for future investments.

For great terms on hard money lending products, contact Investor Loan Source today!