What You Can Be Thankful For as a Real Estate Investor

What You Can Be Thankful For as a Real Estate Investor

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What You Can Be Thankful For as a Real Estate Investor

If you’re thinking about fixing and flipping or fixing and renting properties, then there are a few things you can look forward to being thankful for.

https://youtu.be/LDrF5Bs_JLs

Money

First, the most obvious, you can make quite a bit of money in the fix and flip and fix and rental game. As long as you understand how to properly find, value, and buy properties, then you can expect some excellent pay days in your future.

Cash flow

Second, you can take the money you make and boost your cash flow. And that extra cash flow means you can start living the kind of live you’ve always dream of. That means quitting your day job, taking more vacations, saving up for a more comfortable retirement, or doing whatever  else it is that would make your life better.

Community

Third (and the least thought about) you can make an extremely positive impact on your community.

Without real estate investors, communities would slowly deteriorate and eventually fall into disarray.

Think about the HGTV show, Good Bones. A mother and daughter team up to fix homes that have aged and withered throughout their neighborhood. But, home by home, they’ve revitalized and given their community new life. They’ve given it value, once again.

That’s what all fix and flippers do.

They find neighborhoods, towns, and cities that have fallen into disrepair, and breathe fresh life into them. By doing this, they revive the economy because people want to live there again. Schools, safety, and quality of life rise drastically.

But the only way this can all happen is if real estate investors continue tackling fixer uppers.

So, as you can see, real estate investing is something you can truly be thankful for. It’s a way to boost your cash flow and help your community.

Happy investing!  And happy Thanksgiving from our team to you and your family.

We Love Small Town Fix and Flippers

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We Love Small Town Fix and Flippers

Do you flip or rent properties in a small town or a rural area?

If so, do you have a difficult time finding someone to fund your deals? Because, the truth is, a lot of hard money lenders shy away from smaller markets.

Well, guess what? We love helping small town real estate investors.

Unlike other lenders, we don’t care if loans are under $100k or if the property value is less than $100k. We can help.

Better yet, we can lend on properties without waiting for appraisals. That means we can close deals FAST. We’re talking days instead of weeks.

And our loan requirements are intended to be small town friendly, so all we ask is that the loan:

  • Be secured in first lien position.
  • Close with and through a title company.
  • Be at or under 70% of the after-repair value (not the current value).

Most of us are from small towns, too. So, we understand how frustrating it can be to find timely funding. That’s why we love to focus on small town flippers and rental owners.

So, if you have a property and want to get it funded and closed right now, our team is here to help.

Happy investing!

Hard Money is Scary

Hard Money is Scary

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Hard Money is Scary!

So, you just found the perfect house to fix and flip, but the only way your bid will get accepted is if you can close within a week.

That means you need to team up with the much feared and misunderstood creature: Hard Money.

AHHHH!

You’ve heard many rumors of this being, like it’s a big, ol’ fat trap that’ll suck your bank account dry. But fear not! Hard money isn’t as scary as rumor has it, especially if you take three simple steps to protect yourself.

Ignore the rumors and do a little homework.

What is hard money? Really. Understanding this type of loan will save you tons of headaches in the future. Because those who have a scary run in with it do NOT use it correctly. They might treat it like a regular bank loan or accept the first hard money loan offered to them. Both spell trouble.

Understand the REAL costs and benefits.

If you only look at interest rates, then yeah, hard money is more expensive than bank loans. But bank loans come with other costs, like time, contingencies, and paperwork.

For example, if you’re competing against five other investors, you have the power to bid lower and still win. Because sellers of fixer uppers don’t want to deal with banks. Banks take too long to close and require appraisals and inspections. Therefore, cash buyers usually win even if they bid thousands of dollars lower than the next bid.

Learn the difference between hard money lenders.

Hard money lenders come in all shapes and sizes. It’s like buying new furniture. If you only go to one shop, then you get what you get. But if you go to multiple shops, then you can compare different styles, prices, and terms.

Hard money lenders are no different. If you only call one, then you get what you get. And that, again, spells trouble. You need to shop around so you can compare lenders and find out what they offer…and what they require. And if you come across a hard money lender who offers an interest rate that’s too good to be true, then be prepared to face the scary monster that you’ve heard about. Because junk fees might come spewing out of it.

Bottom line, turn on the lights. Hard money is only scary if you sit in the dark and hope for the best.

Happy investing!

Is hard money a trap

Hard Money is a Scam

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Hard Money is a Scam

Many years ago, a rumor spread that hard money is a scam.

It all started with a real estate investor who could not qualify for a bank loan, so they turned to a hard money lender. Unfortunately, this real estate investor didn’t understand how hard money worked. So they had a bad experience. Like, really bad.

After that, they told ALL of their friends, “Hard money is a scam.”

And then those friends told their friends the same thing, even though they themselves had never used a hard money loan.

The rumor spread quickly. For miles and miles, investors caught wind of the false news that hard money wasn’t good for them or their wallet. One by one, they turned their back on this loan option and struggled to find another. And they lost a lot of money.

All because one investor had a bad experience. A bad experience that could’ve been prevented had they done just a little bit of homework.

Because here’s the truth. Hard money is NOT a scam.

It’s actually a genuine, honest-to-good option for investors who:

  • Can’t qualify for a bank loan.
  • Need to close deals fast.
  • Want to save money by avoiding extra costs for things like appraisals and inspections.
  • Or all of the above.

So, what gives hard money such a bad rap? Well, most of the time, it’s because real estate investors jump into a hard money loan without understanding it.

So, what is hard money?

Well, it isn’t like your normal bank loan.

Bank loans are usually long-term. Like, 15-30 years. Hard money, on the other hand, is intended to be short-term, like 3-6 months. If you keep a hard money loan longer than a year, then you’re not really using it correctly. Because, yes, hard money lenders charge higher interest rates than banks. There’s no denying that. And you don’t want to pay those rates longer than you need to.

That’s why it’s so important to have a plan to flip or refinance a property before entering a hard money loan.

Another major difference between bank and hard money loans is the closing process. Bank loans take at least a month to close. They also require more paperwork and fees to make that closing happen.

Hard money loans can close in just a few days and require far less, well, requirements. You don’t need to worry about appraisals and inspections and other costs that don’t get taken into account with bank loans.

That’s why they’re perfect for fix and flips, rentals, and other value-add properties. You can find a great property, bid on it, and buy it FAST.

Basically, hard money is an excellent tool to help investors compete in a very competitive real estate business.

It’s not a scam.

And anyone who claims it to be scam has either never used it because they listened to the false rumors that spread many years ago. Or they’ve used it, but they didn’t use it right.

To learn how to use hard money right, check out some of our other videos on our Youtube channel.

Our team strives to help investors understand hard money so they can buy the properties they want, when they want…and without hurting their cash flow.

Happy investing!

Introducing Flip-It, Pro-Fit, a Contractor Partnership Program

Introducing Flip It, Pro-Fit, a Contractor Partnership Program

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Introducing Flip It, Pro-Fit, a Contractor Partnership Program

Today, we’d like to introduce our new contractor partnership program. Because we want you to make more money doing the work you love.

And with our Flip It, Pro-Fit Contractor Partnership Program, you can.

https://youtu.be/sB9TZ-vvk4Y

This special program is designed for any contractor who’d like to stop doing work for flippers, and start doing work for themselves…but who might want help on the business side.

That’s why it’s a partnership. Our company will handle all of the funding and paperwork, while you’ll handle all of the renovations.

Basically, we fund. You flip.

It’s as easy as that!

And, no. Right now, we do NOT charge commitment fees or anything else like that. This is truly a partnership program.

And when you partner with us, you can expect:

  • Less paperwork
  • More Money
  • No payments
  • And help creating a “bank worthy” portfolio.

Best yet, we’ll find the properties for you.

All you need to qualify for the Flip-It, Pro-Fit program is:

  • 3-5 years of experience as a contractor
  • A crew or team
  • Properties that sell for $250K or less AFTER they’re repaired
  • And a no BS attitude!

If you love fix and flips, but you don’t like seeing someone else get all the profits for your hard work, then here’s your chance to take control.

With the Flip-It, Pro-Fit program, you can keep doing the work you love, but make A LOT more money.

Ready to chat? Our team is always here to answer your questions and get your cash flow moving in the right direction.

 

What is a value add property

What is a Value Add Property?

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If you’re a real estate investor, then it’s likely you’ve heard the term value-add property.

But what IS a value-add property?

https://youtu.be/CMPAhNeOddo

Well, first of all, a value-add property means exactly like what it sounds like: a property that has value added to it.

Well, you add value to it by repairing it.

Think about a fix and flip or a fix and hold (aka, a rental property).

What is a Value Add Property

When you come across these pieces of real estate, you’ll quickly discover they’re not in marketable, sellable condition. They need work.

Some need A LOT of work.

So, let’s break things down a bit more.

Step one:

You buy a property that’s in some kind of disrepair…or simply outdated.

Then you spend some money to fix it up. This can be a lot of money because you have to do things like repair the roof, replace the plumbing, demo the kitchen, and other hefty tasks.

Or you only need to spend a little to tidy things up and make it appealing to future buyers or tenants. That includes replacing old carpet, adding fresh paint, and providing other cosmetic work.

Either way, you’re adding VALUE to the property.

Step two:

Once you do that, you can turn around and sell it for a profit or rent it for positive monthly cash flow.

And that’s basically it. It’s a fairly simple term to understand.

What you need to understand even more is how to evaluate a property to ensure you’re able to add value AND make a profit.

Need help with that? No problem. You can check out our other videos on our YouTube channel to learn more. Or you can directly reach out to our team for guidance and tips.

Because we’re always eager to set you on a path that helps you make the kind of money you need, to live the life you want.

Happy investing!

Flip-It, Prof-It Contractor Partnership Program

Weekly Chat: Flip-It, Pro-Fit Contractor Partnership Program

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Weekly Chat: Flip-It, Pro-Fit Contractor Partnership Program

Are you a contractor? Good, because we want you to make more money doing what you love.

That’s why we’ve created the Flip-It, Pro-Fit Contractor Partnership Program.

Join us (online) next week to learn more about this special program that’s ONLY for contractors.

Flip-It, Pro-Fit Contractor Partnership Program

We fund. You flip.

The Flip-It, Prof-It program is easy. We’re looking to partner with contractors who want to stop doing work for flippers and start doing work for themselves. 

We’ll handle all the funding and paperwork, and you’ll handle the renovations.

It’s as simple as that. 

Hit the easy button.

When you partner with us, you don’t need to sweat the “business” side of the deal. Instead, you can do your work and enjoy:

  • Less paperwork
  • More Money
  • No payments
  • Help creating a “bank worthy” portfolio

In a nutshell, you do not need to worry about the business side of the deal. We’ll take care of that while you take care of the house.

Some basic qualifications.

  • 3-5 years experience as a contractor
  • A crew/team
  • Properties that sell for $250K or less AFTER they’re repaired
  • A no BS attitude!

If you can say yes to those, then tune into our free chat to learn more about the Flip-It, Pro-Fit Contractor Partnership Program?

You may register for FREE here.

Again, here’s when and where the chat will take place:

When: Wednesday, September 29th, 6 PM MST

Where: Virtual nationwide.

Register for free at https://my.demio.com/ref/lw8s3Krd8n4vKXqo

Mike and the rest of the Hard Money Mike team looks forward to seeing you on Wednesday! Because we want you to make the kind of money you need to live the life you want.

If you have any questions about the program, our team is here to answer them any time.

Happy investing!

My Credit Score...What's That About?

Money Chat: My Credit Score…What’s That About?

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Money Chat: My Credit Score…What’s That About?

When you need a loan, do you ever think, “My credit score…What’s that about?”

Well, during our next Money Chat, Mike Bonn is going to answer all of your questions. He’s also going to share insider tips on how to raise your score so you can get the best loan possible.

My Credit Score...What's That About?

Want to join Mike’s Money Chat? Then register for FREE here.

Mike will answer common questions like:

  • Is this based on my credit?
  • Will you pull my credit?
  • How can I boost my credit score? 
  • What score do I need to get the best rates?

By the end of the Money Chat, you should have a much better grasp of how your credit score impacts your loan options…and, more importantly, your cash flow and profits.

When: Thursday, September 30th, 11 AM MST

Where: Virtual nationwide.

Register for free at https://my.demio.com/ref/lw8s3Krd8n4vKXqo

Can’t make it? No problem. We run free Money Chats every week to make sure you have an opportunity to listen, learn, and ask all of your questions.

Mike and the rest of the Hard Money Mike/Cash Flow Mortgage Company team looks forward to seeing you on Thursday.

If you have any questions about our weekly Money Chats, then our team is here to answer them any time.

Happy investing!

How to Find a Good Contractor

How Your Contractor Can Make or Break Your Deal

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How Your Contractor Can Make or Break Your Deal

Having a good contractor can make or break your deal.

But how can you find a quality contractor with a good reputation to complete your fix and flip, rental, or other value-add property?

https://youtu.be/AhyaOinMvyQ

Get Referrals

One of the easiest ways to find a good contractor is to ask friends and other investors for referrals.

Word of mouth is a powerful thing in this business. If someone had a good experience with a lender, title company, or, well, contractor, then it’s worth investigating.

When you ask friends and other investors about their contractor, make sure to ask them if they were happy with their contractor’s:

  • Work
  • Reliability
  • Communication
  • Overall experience

Interview

Once you collect a list of potential contractors, then it’s time to interview them.

Yes, interview.

Because, again, choosing the right contractor to help you fix up a property can be the difference between making a big or small profit.

Or no profit at all.

So, what kind of questions should you ask during each interview? Well, here are some of the most important ones to consider:

  • How many employees do you have?
  • How long have you been in business?
  • Do you have a referral list with current and past customers? Make sure to get phone numbers so you can verify this list.
  • Are you insured? With this one, remember to ask for a copy of their policy binder page showing their name and coverage. They should have General Liability and Worker’s Comp.
  • Who will be doing the work? Will there be any subcontracting, or will you and your team do all the work?
  • Has your company ever been sued or had a lawsuit against it?
  • Have you ever sued a client or filed a lien against a property?
  • Have you ever declared bankruptcy or had a company under a different name?
  • If the project falls behind schedule, what happens?
  • Has your company ever had a serious accident on the job?
  • Who will be at my house and when? Be sure to ask if background checks have been completed, and if there’s a set schedule.
  • May I have a written contract? You’ll want your attorney to review it before signing. Make sure the contract spells out timeframes, as well as how and when the contractor gets paid.

We suggest making a list of all the questions you’d like to ask ahead of time. That way you won’t forget anything during the conversation.

Red Flags

Once you find your ideal contractor, it’s important to stay alert and watch for red flags.

For example, if your contractor demands 25%-50% upfront, find someone else. Because a good contractor should have enough reserves to cover minor expenses to get the job started, except for materials. As for those, you should order everything and have it delivered to your property.

If your contractor has a problem with this, find a different one. Or tell them to purchase the materials themselves (pre-approved by you, of course). You can always compensate them when the job’s done.

They should also have pre-set dates for payments and money for materials.

Above all else, never assume anything. Get everything in writing. It’s your only resource if you need it later.

At the end of the day, it’s all about having a contractor that will respect you and your property. They should:

  • Be trustworthy and treat you fairly
  • Complete the job on time
  • Meet your budget
  • And provide quality work

This might seem like a lot of work to do before the real work begins, but trust us, it’s worth it! If you take the time to find the right property, the right lender, and the right contractor, then your flip or rental project will be a lot easier.

And the payoff will be much greater.

Ready to chat? Great! Our team is always here to help.

Happy investing!

How to Find and Value Properties

Money Chat: How to Find Cash Flowing Properties

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Money Chat: How to Find Cash Flowing Properties

During our next Money Chat, real estate expert Mike Bonn will discuss how to find cash flowing properties.

Because it’s important to understand how to invest in good, cash flowing properties before putting your hard earned money into real estate deals.

You can join other like-minded investors and ask all of your questions about finding the best deals out there.

How to Find Cash Flowing Properties

Want to join Mike’s Money Chat? Then register for FREE here.

Mike will answer common questions like:

  • How do I find properties in my area? 
  • How do I evaluate a property to make sure it’s a good investment? 
  • What resources can I use to help me out with this process?

By the end of the Money Chat, you should have a much better grasp of how to find and value your real estate investments, including fix and flips and rentals.

When: Thursday, September 23rd, 11 AM MST

Where: Virtual nationwide.

Register for free at https://my.demio.com/ref/lw8s3Krd8n4vKXqo

Can’t make it? No problem. We run free Money Chats every week to make sure you have an opportunity to listen, learn, and ask all of your questions.

Mike and the rest of the Hard Money Mike/Cash Flow Mortgage Company team looks forward to seeing you on Thursday.

If you have any questions about our weekly Money Chats, then our team is here to answer them any time.

Happy investing!