The benefits and drawbacks of hard money loans

Hard money loans are a fantastic option for some people, but they may not be the right choice for everyone. Here’s how to know if a hard money loan is a wise option for your situation.

If you’re new to the real estate lending game, you might be wondering what a hard money loan is. Put in simple terms, they are short-term loans — typically anywhere from one to five years — that are an alternative to traditional mortgage loans. There are three main benefits of this type of funding:

They’re quicker. For most, securing a loan for real estate is a painfully slow process that requires the borrower to meet a variety of strict requirements. Hard money lenders are less concerned with meticulously verifying every detail of the borrower’s finances and more concerned with the collateral. Because of this, the process can move faster and the borrower can jump on that hot property.
They’re more flexible. Most hard money lenders don’t use the same set-in-stone practices as the mortgage industry. Instead, they focus on cultivating a relationship with the borrower and evaluating each case individually. As a borrower, that flexibility means you can speak to a real person and talk about terms that work best for both parties.
It’s easier to get approved. Because most people are using a hard money loan for an investment property, the collateral is the most important factor, not credit scores, income, or financial history. That means if you’ve got a line on a solid investment opportunity, your financial situation doesn’t have to be the deciding factor in your ability to get funding.

Is a hard money loan right for me?

For people who will be able to make a profit fairly quickly on an investment property (think experienced flippers or first-timers working with a contractor), this type of funding is the perfect fit. However, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Because they are quicker and more convenient, they often come with higher rates than a traditional mortgage and may include origination fees.

Finding a hard money investor

To get your hands on the money you need to grab up that perfect property, you may want to speak with a hard money investor. He or she can sit down with you, help you understand your options, and find you terms that will work best for you.

Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC
Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Hard Money Lender

Hard Money Loans

Hard Money Loan

Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444

Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177

Dennis@level4funding.com

Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

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.