Take Charge Tuesday: Numbers Game

Take Charge Tuesday: Numbers Game

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Take Charge Tuesday: Numbers Game

On this Take Charge Tuesday, we want to talk about the numbers game.

At Hard Money Mike, we say it all the time: Real estate investing is all about the numbers.

Because, if done correctly, numbers don’t lie.

But in order to use the “correct” numbers, you have to research and evaluate your real estate deals and loans. That means using honest comps, being honest with your renovation budget, knowing your market and its going rates, and researching lenders.

When it comes to real estate lenders, we always recommend shopping around. Because every lender varies with their points, rates, and…hidden junk fees.

Yes, hidden junk fees.

There are many lenders who promise amazing rates and points, but then sneak in extra costs throughout the process. For example, some lenders will charge you to take money out of your escrow account (your escrow account is where lenders hold back funds for renovations). That’s like your bank charging you to withdraw money from your savings account.

So, we always tell clients and prospects to be careful. Ask lenders what other fees might pop up along the way so you know EXACTLY how much money your loan will cost.

Because, again, it’s all about the numbers. And you can’t take charge and claim a hefty reward if you don’t do your due diligence and research both potential properties and lenders.

Ready to take charge of your real estate investments? Great! Our team is always here to help you crunch the numbers, evaluate real estate deals, and decide if a value-add property is worth your time, energy, and money.

Happy investing!

How To Make $250,000 with a Good Credit Score

How To Make $250,000 with a Good Credit Score

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How To Make $250,000 with a Good Credit Score

Did you know you can make $250,000 with a good credit score?

Yep, that’s right.

But, how?

Well, let’s pretend your credit score is fishing bait. If you have good bait, then you can catch something big and juicy. But if you have bad bait, then you’ll walk away from the pond with nothing but a sunburn and bug bites.

Yuck!

So, what creates a good credit score? Well, it depends on what you have in your tackle box.

A well-equipped tackle box includes:

  • Monthly bills that get paid on time
  • Credit cards with 30% (or lower) credit usage
  • And a diverse credit mix. That means you have multiple types of payments, like a house, a car, insurance, credit cards, etc.

When you have good bait in your tackle box (aka, a good credit score), then you can live the life you want. That means owning a house, a reliable car, a fat retirement account, and many–MANY–other things. The world is your oyster when you have good credit.

Because the higher your score, the lower your rates. And the lower your rates, the bigger your bank account.

In fact, if you have a 760 or higher score, then you can reel in an extra $250,000 by the time you retire.

But if you have a score under 650, then you’re going to have a tough time catching anything in life’s pond. Because lenders don’t like subpar credit scores. When they see your low score, they’ll reject your application or charge you expensive rates.

But don’t worry!

If you want to fish with the good stuff, then you just need to focus on raising your credit score. And it’s not all that hard to do so. It just takes a few quick, easy steps to boost your number. For example:

  • Pay your bills on time
  • Keep your credit usage under 30%
  • Get a loan to help you pay off your credit cards

Check out some of our other videos for credit score boosting tips.

Everyone deserves to own a shiny, well-equipped tackle box (er, credit score). If need advice or want to chat about yours, our team is here to help.

Happy investing!

What Is Bad Debt Versus Good Debt?

What Is Bad Debt Versus Good Debt?

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What Is Bad Versus Good Debt?

So, what is bad and good debt?

Well, before we jump into that, did you know there are two types? Because most of us were raised to believe ALL debt was bad.

But no. That’s not true. At all!

In fact, good debt is necessary to build your credit score. Without it, you can’t boost your FICO score and obtain low-rate loans for things like fix and flips, rentals, and other value-add properties.

So, now that you know there is such a thing a good debt, let’s look at the difference between the good kind and the bad kind…

As you can see in the image above, bad debt is essentially any kind of consumer good. It’s something that doesn’t create cash flow. So, think about your vacations, cars, TVs, clothing, etc. They’re fun to have but not helpful to your bank account.

Good debt, on the other hand, pays for itself AND generates a profit. The best example is a real estate property. If done right, you’ll gain equity on most of the properties you purchase. It can be instant equity (aka, a fix and flip) or long-term equity (your personal home that has a 15-30 year mortgage). But, as long as you pay your monthly mortgage, owning a home tends to be a great investment.

So, the next time you hear the word “debt,” don’t cringe. Instead, ask yourself, “Is this the kind I want?”

If it’s bad (because nobody can get through life without having some bad), stop and ask yourself this: “Is this something I need?” Or, more importantly, “How quickly can I remove this from my credit history?” In other words, how can you pay for it without using a credit card? Because as long as you pay your bills and maintain a healthy credit usage (under 30%), even bad debt can be okay.

It’s all about balance and healthy finances!

Have questions? No problem. Our team is always here to chat.

Happy investing!

How Your Credit Score Can Make You Thousands of Dollars

How to Make Money with Your Credit Score

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How to Make Money with Your Credit Score

Today, let’s chat about how to make money with your credit score.

Your credit score is kind of like a baseball game. With it, you can knock it out of the park and enjoy great success with your finances. Or you can strike out, and–well–lose (ouch).

 

When you “win” the credit score game, you win countless opportunities. These include:

  • The best interest rates
  • Affordable loans
  • And, in the end, hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Yes, you read that last one right. Hundreds of thousands of dollars. Because a good credit score means cheaper rates. Which means cheaper bills. Which means you save A LOT of money over the years.

Before we go on, let’s talk about what a “winning credit score” look like.

Winning Credit Score

Most lenders like to see scores in the 700’s or higher. Anything lower will likely lead to rejections and expensive rates.

But what if you have a score under 700? Nobody wants to walk up to the plate and strike out, right?

Well, let’s take a look at 3 strategies to help you prepare for this financial ballgame.

Increase Your Available Credit

Pick up the phone and call your credit card company so you can apply for a higher limit. Why? Because then it’ll be easier to keep your credit usage at or below 30%.

What do we mean by that? Well, let’s take a look.

If your credit card balance is $8,000 and you have a maximum credit line of $10,000, then creditors can see you’re using 80% of your available funds. Yikes! In their critical eyes, this means you’re a risk–a BIG one–and you might not be able to meet your financial obligations (i.e. you won’t be able to pay them back).

Not good.

Now, if your credit card balance is $3,000 and you have a maximum credit line of $10,000, then creditors see you’re only using 30% of your available funds. That’s much, much better. In fact, it could be a home run in the eyes of lenders.

Because when you manage your credit usage, creditors will think you’re financially responsible. AKA, you pay your bills. And that will lead to more loan approvals and lower rates.

Yay!

Pay Extra

A large chunk of your credit score revolves around your monthly reported balances to the credit bureaus.

So, it always helps to pay extra on your credit cards before your next statement. If you do this, the credit bureaus will be happy with you. Very happy! That means your score will rise.

Now, if those first two strategies don’t work for you, then you can always take a more creative third approach (one we’ve recommended to many clients).

Get a 60 to 90 Day Note

Basically, you can get a loan to pay down or pay off your credit cards. You can get one from a bank, a family member, a friend, or a private lender. This way you can keep your real estate projects moving along and your cash flow, well, flowing.

Make Money with Your Credit Score

If you take one, two, or all three of these steps to boosting your credit score, then you’ll have a much better chance of getting lower rates and generating thousands of dollars over time.

And if you play the game right, you can knock it out of the park and make hundreds of thousands of dollars!

Happy investing!

Motivational Monday: Wealthy vs Average People

Motivational Monday: Average vs Wealthy People

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Motivational Monday: Wealthy vs Average People

Did you know there are key differences between wealthy and average people? And they’re the kind of differences we can all work on to ensure we’re on the wealthy side (rather than the average side) of life.

Look, we all know Monday can be a little rough. That’s why we like to offer a little motivation to kickstart your week.

Today, we’d like you set your minds on a positive path. Because those who think and act positively tend to be more successful.

With that said, let’s look at some of the major differences between wealthy people and, well, average people.

Motivational Monday: Wealthy vs Average People

As you can see, those who make more money act pretty different from those who, well, don’t. As we mentioned above, they’re more positive. But they’re also more proactive, more forgiving, and more humble.

Successful individuals also adapt to their surroundings. They don’t get stuck in rut and refuse to change.

Let’s face it: change is one of the hardest obstacles we deal with as humans. But being open to change will offer a lot more avenues in life, right?

For example, when COVID struck the nation last year, many real estate investors threw in the towel and hunkered down to wait and see what happened to the market. While they hid and waited, successful investors adapted to the pandemic and found new opportunities. And thrived! Because even in bad times, someone will make money. Why not you?

Again, we understand Mondays can be rough for most of us. But if we start the week with a positive outlook, and maintain an open mind and heart, then anything is possible. Especially when it comes to real estate investing.

If you’re ready to get this week started on a positive note and get your value-add properties moving, our team is always here to set you on a path to success.

Happy Monday! And, as always, happy investing!

Investing in Real Estate with Zero Down

How to Buy a Value-Add Property with No Money Down in 4 Steps

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How to Buy a Value-Add Property with No Money Down in 4 Steps

Do you know how to buy a value-add property with no money down?

Because, believe it or not, it only takes 4 steps.

Let’s take a closer look at these 4 steps:

#1: Buying discounted properties

It’s pretty rare to find a discounted property on the MLS. You’d have far better luck finding cheap deals through a wholesaler or investor-friendly realtor. And buying a discounted property is very important to making a profit. If you pay full retail value…well, you’ll make far less. In fact, you might not make any money at all.

#2: Setting up a loan properly.

When you want to buy a value-add property like a rental, then you should consider our 2-Step Process. Because it’ll save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

What is the 2-Step Process?

Well, it’s strategic funding method. The first step is buying a property with a hard money loan. The second step is turning around and quickly refinancing with a long-term loan. When you do this, you’re able to qualify for the highest loan amount possible. Plus, you have a much better chance of getting out of a hard money loan fast and into a cheaper traditional loan.

#3: Use rate and term, NOT cash out.

Take a deep breath.

And don’t panic, because we’re not going to dive deep into these hefty mortgage terms. But we are going to highlight the significant differences.

It can be really tempting to set up your loans as cash outs, because you get money at closing. But did you know when you use a cash out loan, you end up:

  • Paying higher costs
  • Taking longer to refinance out of hard money loans (which come with pricy rates)
  • Qualifying for lower loan amounts

Doesn’t sound so good anymore, does it?

So, let’s talk about the benefits of a rate and term refinance instead. With a rate and term, you:

  • Spend less money upfront
  • Refinance faster out of hard money loans. Like, months faster than a cash out refinance.
  • Enjoy lower rates

Better yet, when you use a rate and term refinance, your cash flow will multiply because you get to do more with your money when you pay less for your loans.

This is actually a simple process if you work with someone who can help you with both your hard money and long-term loans, like our sister company the Cash Flow Mortgage Company.

#4: Put $0 down by finding the right lender

The last and most important step is to find a lender who can handle 2-Step loans.

The truth is, there aren’t many real estate lenders out there who are qualified to provide both hard money and conventional loans. That’s why we do.

So if you’re ready to take your real estate investments to the next level and put less money down on your deals, then reach out to our team. We’re always eager to set you on a path the helps you make the kind of money you need to live the life you want.

Happy investing.

The Truth About Hard Money: 3 Steps to Make Hard Money Cheaper

The Truth About Hard Money: 3 Steps to Make Hard Money Cheaper

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The Truth About Hard Money: 3 Steps to Make Hard Money Cheaper

Have you ever wondered you can make hard money cheaper? Or have you always assumed there’s no such thing as “cheap” hard money?

Well, it’s time to explore the truth about this investor-friendly lending option. Because one of the biggest misconceptions about hard money is it’s took expensive.

Spoiler alert…This assumption is false!

Here’s the truth. Getting a hard money loan doesn’t mean automatically paying 12% interest or higher. Actually, if you take these 3 steps, you can pay a lot less for it.

Experience is everything

That’s right. If you can prove you have real estate experience, a lender will feel a lot more confident giving you money. And when a lender feels confident about a client, they will offer lower rates.

How can you present your experience to a hard money lender? Well, the best method is to create a real estate portfolio. This portfolio should include things like:

  • Before and after pictures
  • Budgets
  • Profits earned

Put SOME money down

If you’re willing to put money down at closing, then a lender will see you’re serious about your deal and lower the cost of your loan. Because it helps lower their risk.

How much of a down payment should you make, you ask? The ideal amount would be 10% or more, but even 5% would ease the cost of your loan.

Manage your credit score

We know you’ve heard it once, but it bears repeating. Your credit score matters, especially when it comes to qualifying for a competitive loan. Because the higher your score, the lower your interest rates.

But, let’s say your credit score is lower than 670. Well, don’t get flustered, because you can quickly raise it if you follow some of our credit boosting tips, including these 3:

  • Keep your credit card in your wallet and, instead, focus on paying it down (or off). This method is simple, but effective. Just remember when you whittle your credit card balance down to $0, keep your card. Do NOT close your account. Closing an account that’s in good standing is anti-productive in keeping your score healthy.
  • Keep your card balance low. By that we mean only use 30% of your total maximum credit line. So if you have a  $1,000 maximum, don’t let your balance rise above $300. Pay it down every week or month to keep it under the 30% range. The credit bureau likes to see that.
  • Pay your bills and pay them on time. Again, simple, but effective. If you make your payments on time for the next 12 months, your score WILL go up.

Look, hard money can be pricy, but you can make it cheaper by following these 3 easy steps. In fact, we promise if you adhere to these steps, you will greatly reduce the cost of your next hard money loan.

Want more truths about hard money? Then stay tuned for our next video where we discuss the myth of getting trapped in a hard money loan.

Ready to chat about your hard money and other lending options? Our team is always here to help.

What is hard money? Learn more on our YouTube channel!

Happy investing!

Fun Friday: Flipping Humor

Fun Friday: Flipping Humor

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Fun Friday: Flipping Humor

It’s Friday, and that means it’s time for some fun with a little flipping humor.

So, this past week, it’s probably fair to say that many of us learned a valuable life lesson, right? Even if it was just a small one.

Well, one of those lessons might’ve been the discover that sometimes it’s better to do a job yourself.

For example…

As funny and ridiculous as this is, it’s probably cringe-worthy for some of you. Because we’ve all had our fair share of “what the heck?” moments with contractors.

But we hope those laughable (and, uh, very frustrating) moments are in the past for you. And that you’ve found a trustworthy, reliable, skilled contractor to help you complete your fix and flips, rentals, or other value-add properties. Or you’ve simply learned to do the work yourself.

Because nobody wants a door that has the handle on the hinge-side (doh!).

Wishing you all a great, relaxing, and satisfying weekend. If you’re ready to start next week off with a bang, give our team a call. We’re always here to help you succeed in real estate investing and generate positive cash flow.

Happy Friday and happy investing.

Reach Your Cash Flow Goals

Hard Money Mike: Reach Your Cash Flow Goals

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Hard Money Mike: Reach Your Cash Flow Goals

So, why do you need Hard Money Mike?

Well, our company goes far beyond providing quick hard money loans for your value-add properties. We also strive to help you reach your cash flow goals.

We think it’s fair to say that in real estate investing, cash flow is king. Right?

Generating positive cash flow is probably the key similarity among all investors. Whether you’re interested in fix and flips, rentals, or another value-add property, it’s likely main reason you risk your money, dedicate your time, and shed your tears is to make money.

A lot of it.

And the Hard Money Mike team gets that. In fact, we make it our main focus here. Because we know that cash flow means everything. It also means different things to different people. Such as:

  • Freedom from a 9-5 job
  • More time with family
  • Extra vacations
  • A safer, happier retirement
  • A comfier lifestyle
  • Daily Starbucks
  • A new house…Or, you know, a second house that you can escape to when winter hits. Because wouldn’t you’d rather spend the winter sipping piña coladas on a sandy beach than drinking hot cocoa in an ice-covered city? Well, to each their own, right?

Anyway, there are a million reasons why you might want more money in your life, and we want to support you by helping you create specific goals. And then a plan to reach each goal as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Because no matter what kind of real estate investing you’re interested in, it all comes down to numbers. If the numbers don’t work, then the real estate deal doesn’t work. And if the deal doesn’t work, then you won’t be able to generate extra income.

Then it’s bye-bye to those piña coladas. Or, you know, whatever your reason is for investing in real estate and making money.

So, if you’re ready to talk about your goals and creating a strategy to achieve them, then go ahead and reach out to us. Our experienced team is always here and eager to assist you.

Happy investing!

How to Fund Your Fix and Flips in 3 Easy Steps

How to Fund Your Fix and Flips in 3 Easy Steps

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How to Fund Your Fix and Flips in 3 Easy Steps

Do you know how to fund your fix and flips?

Let’s say you come across a fixer upper and you’d like to buy it. Well, the best way to quickly purchase a value-add property before another real estate investor can is with a fix and flip loan (aka, a hard money loan).

But what do you need to do to ensure you get the best fix and flip loan?

Today, we take a look at the first 3 steps of the process. Because if you want to make the biggest profit you can on a deal, then you need to make sure you’re working with the best lender.

For you!

 

Different Lenders, Different Outcomes

Just like properties, real estate lenders come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some lenders require extensive real estate portfolios, excellent credit scores, and a hefty down payment. These are typically the larger national companies.

On the flip side, some lenders are willing to work with newer investors who have little to no money to lower the risk. And some charge higher rates and less points, while others sneak in hidden junk fees.

It all depends on what works best for you. If you want flexibility, then you should prepare yourself to pay more for your loan.

One of the smartest and easiest ways to find the best lender is to shop around in your area. That’s right. You’ll need to pick up the phone and make some calls. But, trust us. Those calls will be worth it because you’ll end up saving yourself a lot of time, stress, and MONEY!

What Do You Bring to the Table?

If you make things easy for lenders, then you’ll have many of them competing for your business. How can you do that? Well, here are some basic, but valuable tips:

  • Maintain a high credit score
  • Complete projects on time
  • Pay lenders on time
  • Create a real estate portfolio that presents completed projects and team members (contractor, insurance agent, title company, etc.)

What Are You Looking For?

Are you okay working with a lender who requires a down payment? Or do you need to find someone who’s okay with little to no money at closing? How about experience? Low rates? Fast closings?

Understanding what you need is vital to a successful real estate deal. So, create a must-have list before you shop around. That way you’re prepared and can find the best fix and flip lender for you and your bank account.

If you complete these 3 easy steps, we can promise your hunt for the perfect lender will get your the results your hope for.

Ready to chat about your next fix and flip deal? Our team is here and ready to help you find the right loan for you!

Happy investing!