Tag Archive for: hard money colorado

What is BRRRR?

What is BRRRR?

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What is BRRRR?

Did you know you can buy properties with as little as zero down? It just takes an easy investment strategy many investors call BRRRR.

Although the term “BRRRR” was coined by Bigger Pockets in recent years, the investment strategy has existed for decades. Some call it zero down, some call it Quick to Buy, Quick to Refi. Whatever you want to call it, it’s all based on buying properties with as little as zero down.

So, what is BRRRR?

Well, let’s break it down piece by piece so you understand how to approach each step. That way you can generate the highest cash flow possible.

The B in BRRRR stands for “Buy.”

Now, how do you buy properties correctly when using the BRRRR method?

First, you need to buy under market properties with a short-term loan, like hard money. You shouldn’t buy retail properties that are already fixed up and ready for tenants. These are supposed to be value-add properties, meaning you add value to them. That way you immediately create equity in the project.

Second, you need to be able to buy properties FAST. The faster you can buy, the better the deals. Because sellers want to sell fast. Even if you bid lower than three other investors, you can still get the property if you can close quickly. Because speed nearly always wins.

The first R in BRRRR stands for “Rehab.”

The properties you buy using the BRRRR method will need rehab to bring them up to rental grade. That means simple, but durable renovations. You don’t need to aim for high end finishes like granite countertops or new, expensive cabinets.

Even so, the work you do should add value to the property. That way when an appraiser shows up, they can see you’ve improved it and now it’s worth more than what you bought it for. Again, think about creating equity. Equity is key!

The second R in BRRRR stands for “Rent.”

The moment you decide you want to try the BRRRR method, you should start researching rental numbers immediately. Go onto Zillow, Craigslist, or Rents.com and find out what other people in your target neighborhoods are charging for rent. That way you’ll know if a property will produce good cash flow BEFORE you buy it.

And once you know what your numbers are, go ahead and start accepting applications for tenants. It’s okay to look for quality, trustworthy people to live in your home even before you have the home ready for them.

The third R in BRRRR stands for Refinance.

Refinancing into a cheaper, long-term loan is the next step in the BRRRR method…and it’s where you get to capture the equity you created in the “Buy” and “Rehab” steps.

How?

Well, if you did those first two steps right, then you bought an under market property and then renovated it to add value. The gap between the buy and the rehab is your equity. And you can use that equity (rather than the money in your own pocket) to pay for your new loan’s down payment. That’s how the zero down portion of this strategy works.

Finally, the fourth R in BRRRR stands for Repeat.

The whole benefit of BRRRR is that you can repeat the process over and over…and over. As long as you find good, under-market properties and create good equity, you don’t need to wait to save up for a 20% down payment. You can complete this process whenever you want and however often you want.

And, at the end of the day, always remember your lender matters. When it comes to BRRRR, you want a lender who can help you maximize your hard money loan, and help you refinance into a traditional loan FAST.

So, if you’re ready to jump in and try out the BRRRR method, our team is always here to help.

Happy investing!

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!

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!

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 Fund a Flip

Money Chat: How to Fund a Flip

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Money Chat: How to Fund a Flip

During our next Money Chat, lending expert Mike Bonn will discuss “How to Fund a Flip.”

If you’ve always wanted to get into the fix and flip game, but don’t know where to start when it comes to buying properties, then this Money Chat is perfect for you!

You can join other like-minded real estate investors and ask all of your questions to a lending expert.

How to Fund a Flip Property

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

Mike will answer common questions like:

  • What are my funding options?
  • What is hard money?
  • How do I qualify? What credit score do I need? Income? Experience?

By the end of the Money Chat, you should have a much better grasp of how to get going in real estate investing.

So, mark your calendar!

When: Tuesday, September 21 @ 11 AM MST

Where: Virtual nationwide.

Register for free at my.demio.com/ref/1j9cO1wJ3Co6QkW1

If you can’t make this week’s Money Chat, don’t worry. We’ll run another chat next week!

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

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

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.

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!

The Real Deal: Colorado Springs 2-Step Process

The Real Deal: Colorado Springs 2-Step Process

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The Real Deal: Colorado Springs 2-Step Process

In today’s Real Deal spotlight, we’d like to share a project that one of our clients in Colorado Springs completed. He used the 2-Step Process to add a rental property to his real estate portfolio.

And boost his cash flow.

The Real Deal: Colorado Springs 2-Step Process

But, first, let’s chat about the 2-Step Process. What is it? And why is it so important to use when it comes to funding your deals?

Well, essentially, the 2-Step Process is how investors interested in BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) buy their houses. It allows them to quickly buy a value-add property with a hard money loan, and then quickly refinance into a cheaper long-term loan.

The Real Deal: Colorado Springs 2-Step Process

By using this funding method for his short-term and short-term loan, our client was able to:

  • Save money
  • Invest more by using ARV equity
  • And boost his cash flow.

Furthermore, if our client hadn’t used the 2-Step Process, he might’ve missed out on this great deal. Because he might’ve had to wait weeks or months to close, and when it comes to discounted properties, waiting isn’t an option. If you want to buy, then  you have to buy FAST!

Hard money loans allow you to do that. And we can help you get a hard money loan.

Better yet, our sister company, The Cash Flow Mortgage Company, can help you quickly refinance. Because nobody wants to keep paying high interest rates, right? The faster you can get a long-term loan, the better!

Ready to chat about funding your next rental property? Great! Our team is here for you at any time.

Happy investing!

BUILDER BRIDGE LOAN PINE, COLORADO

BUILDER BRIDGE LOAN – PINE, COLORADO

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BUILDER BRIDGE LOAN PINE, COLORADO

Builder needed a short-term bridge loan on a finished property to start a new build down the street.

 

This loan allowed the builder to keep his projects moving and have the next property ready for the spring market.

 

Hard Money Mike is a lender based in Colorado, lending money on all types of commercial based properties: fix and flip, land, whole tailing, and builder bridge loans.

 

Investor Real Estate Loans funds investor loans in single family and commercial buildings.

 

Contact Hard Money Mike at : 303-539-3000