Tag Archive for: ARV

How to Get the Best Rates for a Hard Money Loan

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Today we are going to discuss how to get the best rates for a hard money loan! Let’s talk about the truth about hard money rates. More importantly, let’s talk about how you can save real money on them.

After all, many investors wonder why two people send in the same deal, yet one gets better rates, better terms, and faster closings. The good news is this isn’t luck. Instead, it’s about preparation, fit, and presentation.

Let’s break it down step by step.

Why Hard Money Rates Are All Over the Place

First of all, hard money is not a bank loan.

Because of that, rates do not come from one big Wall Street rulebook. Instead, every lender sets their own guidelines. As a result, you may see one lender offer 9.5% while another offers 13.5% on the same deal.

At the same time, one lender may cap you at 70% LTV, while another offers 75% of ARV.

However, here’s the key point: most of the pricing comes down to you and your deal.

So yes, shopping around matters. Even more important, learning how to attract better terms matters even more.

Understand This First: Hard Money Is a Segmented Market

Before anything else, you need to know this:
Every hard money lender has their own bucket of money.

Because of that:

  • Each lender has different rules

  • Each lender wants different types of deals

  • Each lender tightens up when their money runs low

So, when one lender pulls back, another may still be aggressive. That’s why understanding the market helps you land better terms faster.

The 4 Biggest Mistakes That Drive Up Your Rates

Now, let’s look at the mistakes that quietly cost investors thousands.

1. Not Having Your Numbers Ready

First and foremost, lenders want to know you understand your deal frontwards and backwards.

So before you submit anything, make sure you know:

  • Purchase price

  • ARV

  • Scope of work

  • Rehab budget

  • Timeline

For example, when you clearly explain your numbers, you signal confidence. Because of that, lenders often move faster and sharpen their terms. On the other hand, when numbers feel fuzzy, your deal often drops to the bottom of the pile.

Preparation matters.

2. Not Showing Enough Liquidity

Next, liquidity plays a big role in hard money underwriting.

Why? Because lenders want to know:

  • You can make payments

  • You can handle surprises

  • You won’t stall the project

For instance, if an unexpected repair pops up, liquidity keeps the project moving. As a result, lenders feel safer, which often leads to better pricing.

3. Missing the Mark on ARV

Just as important, your ARV must be spot-on.

That means:

  • Using nearby comps

  • Matching square footage

  • Matching beds, baths, and garages

  • Staying in the same property type

Remember, appraisers follow national standards. So if your comps stretch too far, your deal weakens. However, when your ARV makes sense, lenders gain confidence. And when you buy right, you can fix almost anything that comes later.

4. Not Knowing the Lender’s Sweet Spot

Finally, many investors send good deals to the wrong lender.

Some lenders prefer:

  • Small commercial

  • Condos

  • Rural properties

  • City-center homes

  • Small loan sizes

  • Large loan sizes

So before you submit, ask yourself: Does this deal match what this lender likes?
When it does, rates and terms often improve. When it doesn’t, pricing usually gets worse, or the deal gets declined.

How Hard Money Lenders Actually Price Deals

Now let’s talk about how lenders really think.

In simple terms, pricing depends on:

  • Your experience

  • The deal fit

  • Available capital

  • Loan size

  • Clean documentation

For example, when lenders have extra money to place, pricing often improves. Meanwhile, when money is tight, lenders get picky.

Most importantly, lenders focus on math—not emotion. They want:

  • Interest paid on time

  • Clean exits

  • Fast turnover to the next deal

So the easier you make that process, the better your leverage becomes.

Rates, LTV, and How to Lower Your Costs

Here’s another powerful lever: loan-to-value.

When you reduce lender risk, rates usually drop.

For instance:

  • Putting in 10–25% down often improves terms

  • Covering repairs yourself can lower rates

  • Using outside funds reduces points and interest

At the same time, tools like HELOCs or 0% credit cards can lower your blended cost. For example, borrowing repairs at 7.5% with no points often beats paying 10–12% plus points through hard money.

So always ask lenders:

  • What happens at 10% down?

  • What happens at 20% down?

  • What if I cover the rehab?

Then compare the total cost. Small changes add up fast.

Hard Money vs Banks: Know the Difference

Of course, banks offer lower rates. However, they also require:

  • Tax returns

  • Work history

  • Long approval timelines

In contrast, hard money costs more on paper but offers:

  • Faster closings

  • Higher LTVs

  • Flexible property types

  • Creative structures

Because of that, hard money can actually save you money when speed, flexibility, or deal certainty matters.

How to Get the Best Deal Every Time

To wrap this up, getting the best hard money rates comes down to this:

  • Know your numbers

  • Match the right lender

  • Reduce risk where possible

  • Present a clean, clear deal

When lenders see a solid plan, they respond with better terms.

And finally, if you want help comparing options, use a Loan Cost Optimizer. It lets you compare multiple scenarios side by side, so you can see the true cost of each option.

Because in the end, every deal is different. And the investor who compares wins.

Bottom line:

Shop every deal. Prepare every file. And always know your numbers. That’s how you stay on the fast track and keep more money in your pocket.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: How to Get the Best Rates for a Hard Money Loan

Download our free Loan Optimizer, to see which loan option is best for you!

What is ARV

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What is ARV? ARV stands for After Repair Value and is the amount that the property is worth after it is repaired. To put it another way, ARV is the value that the property could sell or appraise for. It is determined by three min factors.  

First, you need to determine what you will do to improve the property. This would include any upgrades or additions to the property, as well as the quality of the repairs.

Second, you must research the comps for your property. Comps are properties that are similar to yours, but are finished. It is imperative that comps are in the same area, approximately the same size, and have a relevant sales date that is within the last 3 to 6 months.

Finally, take into consideration any concessions. Concessions are when the seller helps the buyer purchase the property. Keep in mind that any contributions will impact your bottom line. 

Be honest and realistic!

It is imperative that you are honest and realistic with your numbers! The more truthful you are, the better it is. An honest ARV leads to more deals, more loan approvals, better terms , and more money!

Contact Us Today! 

To find out more about how to calculate your ARV  Contact us today.

Free Tools For You! 

We also have free tools available! Download the Quick Deal Analyzer now to see what changes you need to make in order to get on the right path.

Learn more!

Visit our YouTube channel to learn more about real estate investing and how you can get on the fast track to success! 

How to Guarantee 100% Financing for BRRRR Properties

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Investing in BRRRR properties (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) can be a great way to grow your real estate portfolio. However, one big question always pops up: How to guarantee 100% financing for BRRRR properties? With some careful planning and understanding of the numbers you can set yourself up for success. Let’s walk through the steps.

Step 1: Know Your Maximum Loan Amount

Before diving into the deal, you need to know how much your lender will finance. This comes down to two key numbers: your After Repair Value (ARV) and your lender’s Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio.

What is ARV?

ARV is the expected value of your property after repairs. It’s what you can sell it for or the appraised value when you refinance.

Loan-to-Value (LTV)

LTV is the percentage of the ARV that your lender is willing to lend. Most lenders offer 70-75% of the ARV. So, if your property’s ARV is $200,000, and your lender offers 75% LTV, they’ll lend you $150,000.

Here’s a quick example:

  • ARV: $200,000
  • LTV: 75%
  • Maximum Loan Amount: $150,000

Step 2: Fit All Costs Under Your Loan Amount

To guarantee 100% financing, all your costs need to fit under the maximum loan amount. Your costs typically include:

  • Purchase Price
  • Rehab Costs
  • Closing Costs

For example, if your maximum loan is $150,000, your purchase price, rehab, and closing costs need to total $150,000 or less.

Example:

Let’s say you have the following costs:

  • Purchase Price: $100,000
  • Rehab: $40,000
  • Closing Costs: $5,000

Total costs = $145,000. Since this is under your $150,000 maximum loan, you can cover all your costs with the loan, meaning 100% financing!

Step 3: What Happens if Your Costs Are Over?

Sometimes, your costs may exceed the maximum loan amount. For instance:

  • Purchase Price: $120,000
  • Rehab: $40,000
  • Closing Costs: $5,000
  • Total Costs: $165,000

If your loan maxes out at $150,000, you’ll need to bring $15,000 of your own money to the table. This is why it’s crucial to carefully estimate your costs and compare them to your maximum loan.

Tips for Securing 100% Financing

  • Plan Your Rehab Costs Wisely: Keep your rehab within a budget that fits under the loan amount.
  • Negotiate Purchase Prices: The lower you negotiate the purchase price, the more room you have for other costs.
  • Include Closing Costs: Some lenders allow you to roll closing costs into the loan, which can help with 100% financing.

Conclusion

Getting 100% financing for BRRRR properties is possible when you know your numbers and plan carefully. Focus on maximizing your ARV and keeping your costs within your lender’s loan limit. Contact us today if you have questions about fitting everything under your loan, tools like loan calculators can help you run the numbers before you commit. 

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: How to Guarantee 100% Financing for BRRRR Properties

Does Your Real Estate Loan Cover All of Your Costs?

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Does Your Real Estate Loan Cover All of Your Costs?

Hey everyone, it’s Mike with Hard Money Mike! When you’re planning to invest in real estate, one of the most important questions to ask is: does your real estate loan cover all of your costs? Today, we’ll dive into what goes into your loan, how to verify it, and how you can make sure you’re covered.

What Goes Into Your Loan Amount?

When you’re dealing with real estate loans, it’s easy to know your loan amount. But the real question is, what can fit under that loan amount? Let’s break down what could be included to ensure you’re not caught off guard by unexpected costs.

The Basics: ARV and LTV

Two key numbers determine the maximum loan available for your property:

  1. After Repair Value (ARV): This is the value of your property after all repairs and improvements. It’s the price you expect to sell it for or its value when you refinance.
  2. Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV): This is the percentage of the ARV that a lender is willing to lend you. Most lenders offer between 70% to 75% of the ARV.

Example:

Let’s say you have a property with an ARV of $200,000. If your lender offers an LTV of 75%, they’ll lend you $150,000 (which is 75% of $200,000). Now, the question is, will that amount cover everything you need?

Breaking Down the Costs

To figure out if your loan will cover all your costs, you need to look at the expenses involved in your project. Typically, these costs include:

  • Purchase Price
  • Rehab Costs
  • Closing Costs

Let’s see how these add up in a real-world scenario.

Real-World Example: Are You Covered?

Imagine your total costs look like this:

  • Purchase Price: $100,000
  • Rehab Costs: $40,000
  • Closing Costs: $5,000
  • Total Costs: $145,000

With a maximum loan amount of $150,000 based on your ARV and LTV, you’re in good shape! Your total costs of $145,000 fit comfortably under the loan amount, so you won’t need to come up with extra money out of pocket.

But what happens if your costs increase?

What If Costs Go Up?

Let’s say your purchase price jumps to $120,000 while keeping the rehab costs at $40,000 and closing costs at $5,000. Your new total cost is $165,000. Since your loan maxes out at $150,000, you’d have to cover the extra $15,000 on your own.

Make Sure You’re Prepared

Understanding what fits under your loan amount can make a huge difference in your project’s success. If your costs exceed what your loan covers, you’ll need to have additional funds ready.

Tools to Help You

At Hard Money Mike, we offer free tools like the Loan Cost Optimizer to help you run these numbers. Use it to make sure your loan covers everything, so you’re not surprised by out-of-pocket expenses.

Have Questions?

We know this topic can be tricky, so if you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. We’re here to help you run through the numbers and make sure your next project is a success!

Stay Connected!

For more tips and tools to make your real estate investments easier and more profitable, check out our website at: HardMoneyMike.com. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this article with other investors! 

Watch our most recent video to find out more!

Hard Money: Why You Have Nothing To Fear

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Hard Money: Why You Have Nothing To Fear

Today we are going to discuss why you have nothing to fear when it comes to using hard money. Many believe that hard money lenders are loan sharks who are waiting to take their property from them. However, this could not be further from the truth! Hard money is there for the right investor and for the right property. It can help investors out when other lending options are not meeting their needs. No need to fear! Let’s take a closer look!

What is hard money?

Hard money is based on a hard asset and is not typically based on your income or credit. There is no need to fit into a box either. Hard money is an excellent choice because it may be in a second, third, or even a cross lien on the property. Don’t let the misconceptions prevent you from taking advantage of one of the most flexible lending options available! Just to clarify, a hard money loan is typically referred to as a bridge loan. A bridge loan is a short term loan that is used to quickly get you from where you are to where you’re going quickly. Normally these loans can range from 3 to 12 months.

Flexibility at a better rate!

In many instances, a hard money loan will have a better rate than a traditional loan. This is due to the fact that there is little competition for us as hard money lenders. There are very few people who do this, and there are more people who are looking for hard money. All of the lenders want in return is their money back and the interest on the borrowed amount. Do you need a loan that will fit your unique needs? Hard money loans will provide you not only the flexibility to meet your unique needs, but a better rate as well.

Protection for the investor and the lender.

One of our main goals is to make sure that everyone is protected throughout the process when providing a hard money loan. This includes having loan docs, liens, and everything in between to ensure that it is all written out correctly. Here at Hard Money Mike we also make sure that there is a third party involved in the process. In doing so, it will not only protect the customer, but the lender as well. 

Hard money vs traditional loans.

A traditional loan looks at three factors when investors apply for a loan. These factors include credit score, loan to value, and income. Let’s take a closer look.

Credit Score:

In regards to traditional lenders, if you don’t have a good credit score, you are kicked out. Hard money on the hand doesn’t take into consideration your credit score. Instead, they look at your credit to make sure that you are paying off your debt in a timely fashion.  

Income:

Hard money lenders are also not concerned about your income or if the property is making money. Instead, their main concern is whether or not you have good security for the loan. 

Down Payment:

Another thing we need to take into consideration is the down payment. If you bought a house for $200K, but it is worth $300K, then you got a good deal in the eyes of a hard money lender. Traditional lenders on the other hand are not interested in it being a good deal. They will only lend based on what the property is worth.

Uniqueness:

There are very few lenders who are going to do a second, third, multiple cross liens, or land purchases. Here at Hard Money Mike we call it the 911 credit score. We are giving people a private loan to pay off their credit cards by putting a  lien on a property. This in turn allows them to get their credit score up, and can result in a better loan later on. 

Getting our money back.

Another thing that we need to take inconsideration is whether or not we will get our money back in a timely manner. We don’t want to be involved in a transaction where someone can’t pay us back. This would unfortunately result in a legal process. Therefore, we want to make sure that we set both of us up for success. Keep in mind that as long as you have a good deal, good property, and a good exit strategy, a hard money loan is the easiest loan to get. 

We are here to help!

Hard money loans provide the flexibility you need without having to navigate the rigid criteria of traditional lenders. Contact us today to find out more about hard money and how it can help you get on the path to success. 

Watch our most recent video to find out more about Hard Money: Why You Have Nothing To Fear.

DSCR: Will You Be Able to Refinance Your BRRRR Property?

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DSCR: Will You Be Able to Refinance Your BRRRR Property?

Today we are going to compare and contrast two properties in order to see how the differences can affect your ability to refinance. Here at Hard Money Mike we do a lot of 100% financing for both the purchase as well as the rehab on a BRRRR property. Before jumping into financing, we also make sure that the property will qualify for a long term loan. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that while you may qualify for a rate and term of 75%, the property may not qualify. Let’s take a look at some numbers to see what that means to you and whether or not you will be able to refinance your BRRRR property.

Look ahead to the refinance before purchasing the property!

More and more people buy a property, get it all fixed up, and then expect to refinance it at 75% to 80%. Unfortunately, when they go to refinance they end up hitting a wall. Oftentimes the property doesn’t qualify for a refinance based on the DSCR ratio. We want to go over a quick example to make sure that you know how to run through the numbers before you purchase that BRRRR. 

What do we mean when we say that the property doesn’t qualify?

It is important to remember that the numbers have to break even when using the DSCR ratio. This will to keep the interest rates lower. Just to clarify, breaking even means that your rents equal your expenses. While your property and credit score might qualify because they break even, your property might break even at a lower LTV. Why would this occur and why is this different in different zones? Let’s look at the numbers!

Property has a valuation or ARV of $200K

You are looking for a rate and term at 75%

That would be a loan amount of $150K

$200K x .75 = $150K

You get into a BRRRR and you are all in at $150K

Rate of 7.5% would be $1,050 per month for principle and interest on a DSCR loan

What are the rents for this property in different areas?

It is important to research the rents in the area to make sure that your property will break even. One property might rent for $1400 while another would rent for $1800. We want to find the maximum LTV before you purchase a property to see if the property qualifies. While you need to consider your mortgage payment, there are other factors that you need to consider as well. This includes the taxes, insurance, flood insurance (when applicable), and HOA (when applicable). These amounts all have to be added to your payment before comparing it to the rents. 

Property A Property B
Taxes $1800 $3600
Insurance $1200 $3600
Flood/HOA None $1200
Annual Cost $3000 $8400
Monthly Cost $3000/12 = $250 $8400/12 = $700
Total Monthly Amount $1050 + $250 = $1300 $1050 + $700 = $1750

 In conclusion,

Before you jump into a BRRRR, or before you find out if you can qualify for 100% financing, make sure that the property qualifies. It is important to find out where your rents are, as well as any additional expenses. These numbers will be helpful to see where the property breaks even. Then you so can make sure you can get the money that you are expecting

If you want to make this easy, reach out to us at Hard Money Mike! We are happy to run through the numbers with you to make sure that you’re able to refinance your BRRRR property. 

Watch our most recent video DSCR: Will You Be Able to Refinance Your BRRRR Property? 

How to Quickly Calculate Must-Know Real Estate Numbers

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How to Quickly Calculate Must-Know Real Estate Numbers

Today we are going to go over some simple calculations that review what a point is, how to calculate monthly interest, Loan to ARV, and LTV. These are simple things that you will come across when you are talking to lenders about your lending needs. Here at Hard Money Mike we want to make sure that you not only understand what these are, but more importantly we want to show you how to calculate must-know real estate numbers.

What is a Point?

First of all, you are going to hear lenders say that there is a point on this loan, or two points on the loan. What does that mean to you? A point is a percentage of the loan, This is the fee or charge that they have for the loan that you are taking out. You will see anywhere between 1 and 3 points. Meaning that they are charging between 1% (.01) and 3% (.03)  of the loan amount as an origination fee. It is important to know what this amount is because it will not only come out of your pocket, but it will add to your cost at closing.

For Example:

Loan amount is $200K 

Lender charges 1.5 points (1.5% or .015)

$200,000 x .015 = $3,000 origination fee

How do you calculate simple interest and what does that mean for a monthly payment?

If the lender says they are charging 10% (.10), that means that they are charging that amount as an annual rate. As an investor, it is important that you do the calculations in order to determine the monthly interest amount which is based on the loan amount. As an investor it is very helpful to have this broken down into months, because you may only have the property for 6 months instead of a year.  

For Example:

Loan amount $200K

$200,000 x .10 = $20,000 (annual interest amount)

$20,000 ÷ 12 (months in a year) = $1,666.67

$1,666.67 is the monthly interest amount 

Loan to ARV

Most lenders are going to give their maximum loan based on ARV. Just to clarify. ARV is the estimated after repair value for the property once it is all fixed up. It is important to know what the market estimates the property will be worth after all of the work is completed, and are based on current sales in the area. A lot of the lenders are going to give their loan or a loan max based on the ARV. 

For Example:

$400,000 ARV (based on your comps)

Lender maximum loan to ARV is 75% 

$400,000 x .75 = $300,000

$300,000 is the maximum loan amount that the lender is able to lend you.

What is Loan to Value?

A lot of lenders and banks are going to go off of the value of the property as opposed to the after repair value. When they talk about loan to value, lenders will take two things into consideration. They will look at the appraised value or purchase price, whichever is lower. Then they will lend a certain amount based on the current value.

For Example:

Purchase price $300K

Lenders maxim loan is 80%

$300,000 x .80 = $240,000 

$240,000 is the maximum loan amount that the lender is able to lend you.

In conclusion

As an investor it is great to understand what a point is, how to calculate monthly interest, Loan to ARV, and LTV. By learning how to quickly calculate must-know real estate numbers, you will be able to find the loan that best meets your needs.

If you have any questions or would like us to run through some other numbers, contact us! 

Watch our most recent video to find out more about how to quickly calculate must-know real estate numbers.

After Repair Value (ARV) Explained – Real Estate Investing

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After Repair Value (ARV) Explained – Real Estate Investing

What is ARV? 

ARV stands for the After Repair Value, meaning, what the property is worth after it is repaired.To put it another way, ARV is the value that a property could sell or appraise for. 

How is the ARV determined?

ARV is determined by three main factors and subcategories. 

First

Determine what you will do to improve the property. This would include any upgrades or additions to the property, and the quality of the repairs. 

Second

Research what the comps are for your property. Comps are properties that are just like yours, but finished. It is imperative that comps are the same area (within half a mile), approximately same size, and have a relevant sales date that is within the last 3 to 6 months. 

Third

Are there any concessions? Concessions are when the seller helps the buyer purchase the property. You might contribute 3% to 5%, and this in turn does impact your bottom line.

Why is ARV so important?

ARV is very important because lenders use a percentage of the ARV to determine your loan amount. For example, if your property has an ARV of $200K, and the lender offers 75% of the ARV, then they will lend you $150K. 

How do lenders determine ARV?

Lenders determine the ARV by running comps. Just like you, lenders will compare square footage, the sale date, and the sales price to properties in the area. 

Be honest and realistic!

It is imperative that you are honest and realistic with your numbers. The more truthful you are, the better it is. An honest ARV leads to more deals, more loan approvals, better terms, and More Money!

 

For more information about ARV’s, watch our most recent clip. 

Contact us to find out more about the Art of Comping and much more! 

Hard Money Vs Banks: Which Lending Option is BEST?

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Hard Money Vs Banks: Which Lending Option is BEST?

Investors are always wondering which lending option is best for their needs and when is it better to use hard money instead of banks? Let’s start by identifying what is hard money. Hard money is asset based lending that real estate investors can use when their credit scores are not up to par with bank requirements. Unlike banks, hard money lenders aren’t looking at the credit scores. Instead, they are looking at the project and the property. Today banks are getting tighter and credit score requirements are increasing. As a result there is a decrease in funding. Have no fear! It is still possible to get 100% financing with a credit score below 700. Let’s compare hard money vs banks to determine which option is best for you.

Who uses hard money?

Hard money is for everyone! From the new investor, to those who have 20 years of experience, everyone can benefit from using hard money. Hard money creates flexibility that many banks can not provide. Whether it’s a small deal in a small community, seconds, thirds, or even land, hard money can help you complete any translation that is asset based. As long as the property is good, with a good exit strategy, then you can negotiate to get hard money lending 

What can we do for you at Hard Money Mike?

Here at Hard Money Mike we are able to provide 100% financing on BRRRR and 100% financing on fix and flips, as long as the ARV is good. For clarification, ARV stands for the after repair value. A hard money lender looks at the value of the property and what it can become based on the ARV. That’s another big difference between hard money and banks. It doesn’t matter when you go to a bank, or what kind of a deal you are getting. Banks will only focus on the LTV or loan to value amount.

Let’s look at an example of hard money vs banks:

 

Property purchase $300K

ARV 600K
Hard Money As a hard money lender, I would feel comfortable lending up to 100% on the deal because it’s a great deal.
Hard money is better than banks when you are basing it on ARV
Banks  If you go to a bank, they will compare the ARV and the purchase price and determine which is lower. In this example, the banks would base their decision on the 300K purchase price. 
From that base amount of 300K, the bank will then require you to put in 20% to 25%.

When you are deciding between hard money and banks, always remember that hard money is best when you have good deals based on the ARV, and when you don’t want to put a lot of money in. This is also true for BRRRR, if you want to find that undervalued property and use a hard money lender to fund 100% of the rehab. Once again, if it’s a good deal based on the ARV in this market at 70% to 75%, and you can refinance it, then hard money has the flexibility that you need. 

Credit score requirements and limitations.

Most hard money lenders do not look at your credit score to make their decision. Instead, they might look at your score to make sure that you are paying, not in bankruptcy, and not in foreclosure. However, hard money lenders will not be concerned by high usage or low scores. These values are not a big deal for hard money lenders. Most importantly, hard money lenders will not kick you out the door because you have a 679 credit score instead of a 680. 

You don’t need to fit into a box.

While banks often have slightly lower rates and longer term options than hard money lenders, banks want you to fit into their box in order to lend. Whether that is meeting their credit score requirements, income requirements, or their coverage ratios, banks do not have the same flexibility as hard money lenders. Flexibility and uniqueness is where you go for your hard money lending. Especially if the property is based on ARV and the value is there. 

3 instances where you should use hard money over banks 

  1. If you want to base your lending off of ARV and have a good deal. 
  2. If you have a credit score that does not hit into the 700s. 
  3. If your income just started or you aren’t 2 years out. 
  4. If you just write everything off. 

What do you need to look for in a hard money lender?

It is imperative that you get a hard money lender who is flexible enough to do your deals when you have a good deal. What is a good deal? A good deal is dependent on whether or not the market is good in the area, if you have a good exit strategy, and a great LTV. Another important factor to consider is if you have a bridge or a lender set up on the other side. Hard money lenders are not looking for deals that are 100% financing with 100% LTV. 

Where do you find hard money lenders?

1. A local person or company: 

This is a local person or company who is lending true hard money. Make sure that they are well established and have a web presence before diving in. Wall Street has taken over the big loans and only accepts investors who can fit into their box. Hard money on the other hand has no box! It provides the flexibility to fit any investor no matter what the deal. 

2. Real estate groups: 

Connect with the investors in your real estate group. They all know some hard money people who they have worked with in the past. This is especially true if they’ve been in this business for more than three years. By connecting with people in the community, you will find hard money lenders who are reliable.

3. Real estate forums: 

Real estate forums are an excellent place to go and ask questions to find out who the hard money lenders are in your area. There is always a need for hard money in real estate investing. 

What do you look for and what questions should you ask?

First and foremost don’t get involved with a hard money lender who has a lot of up front fees. Some may ask for $1,000 to $5,000 down. Don’t go down that path, because they are just collecting fees, not helping investors. Instead, look for people who have experience within your real estate groups and forums. Do your own research to make sure they are funding deals and have some flexibility with their lending. Whether it is a cross lien, second, or even commercial property. It is also important to ask what they will and won’t lend on. Finally, it is important to start working with them and building that bridge. This will help you in the future if you have another deal that needs hard money lending.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about Hard Money vs Banks to discover which lending option is right for you.

We are here to help you with your hard money needs here at Hard Money Mike. Contact us today to find out more.

What Makes a Good Real Estate Investment for Lenders?

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As an investor, you should know what your lender is looking for when they’re looking for a good real estate investment. 

Recently, we discussed the 15% rule and why that 70–75% ARV is so important to ensure a profit on your deals. 

We want to make sure you’re prepared for all the ins and outs of real estate investing so you’re not surprised by any fees or payments. 

Part of that is understanding what a good deal looks like from the lender’s perspective.

What is Your Lender Looking For?

When we look at deals, we’re looking to fund 70–75% of the ARV. The final 25–30% are taken up with your profits, closing costs, and other fees.

However, when determining our numbers, there are three things we look at:

  • Purchase Price
  • Selling Price (ARV)
  • Rehab Costs

These three elements and the way the numbers balance between them tell us a lot about a property and an investor.

If an investor is looking for an ARV of $200,000, then we’re going to look at the moving pieces under the rehab proposal to make sure that’s a reasonable ask. 

Additionally, a $200,000 market is very different from a $1M market, and your lender wants to make sure all the numbers and features of the property line up for the target market.

As lenders, we also want to know that you understand the relationship between how much you’re going to need, how much we’ll lend, and how much you’ll sell for. Understanding all of this is critical if you want to be profitable.

Returning to our example, here’s where the numbers stand:

  • Purchase Price
  • Selling Price (ARV): $200,000
  • Rehab Costs: $30,000

75% of the ARV would be $150,000, the maximum loan most lenders will offer. 

When your lender looks at a deal like the one above, we want to see a purchase price of no more than $120,000. Combined with the rehab costs, that maxes out that $150,000 loan. Any higher than that, and it will be very difficult for you as an investor to turn a profit.

An unprofitable deal for an investor is a risky deal for a lender.

Of course you could dip into your profit margin and spend more. However, protecting that 15% is what lets you keep going in the real estate game. 

So What’s a Good Real Estate Investment?

A good deal is one where you put all these numbers together and prove that you’re going to make a profit.

Show your lender that you understand what it takes to bring this property up to the market conditions required for your ARV.

Especially if you’re a new investor, don’t feel pressured to take risks. It’s always better to do fewer deals if that’s what it takes to protect your profit margins.

Where We Come In…

We understand that numbers sometimes get confusing. But that’s why we’re here. We’re always happy to run through these numbers so that you understand your project before approaching a lender.

We also have free resources that can help you learn more about your investment options.

If you have any questions, reach out to us at Info@HardMoneyMike.com or fill out a contact card.

Happy investing!