Tag Archives: fix and flip loan

Fix and Flip Loans: Exit Strategies.

iStock_000002512608_LargeYou are in the flipping game, and you’re just brimming with hopeful expectations about your next project. The house is a diamond in the rough, and in your capable hands, you will polish it into a sparkling gem. You are ready to apply for a loan, but what if things don’t quite go according to plan? With Arizona fix and flip loans its best to have an exit strategy in mind before you even apply.

Finding the right opportunity isn’t everything the flipping game, in fact, it might be even more critical to plan ahead in case things go wrong. Don’t be overconfident going into your next deal. No matter how beautiful the renovations you intend to make or how splendid profit your projections look on paper, math and reality don’t always line up. When it comes to flipping, there are two classes of exit strategy: preemptive and “well that sucks,” strategies.

Preemptive Exit Strategies for Arizona Fix and Flip Loans

A preemptive exit strategy involves you getting out of a deal before you begin the project in earnest. When it comes to taking preemptive action there are two basic strategies:

  • Keep it Simple:  in this case, you’ve lost confidence in the prospect of doing a full-blown renovation, but you still think there’s some money to be made. So keep it simple, narrow the scope of work, replace the carpet or give the interior a fresh paint job. Then you sell the house for a little less money to a prospective buyer.

  • Wholesaling: Basically you leave the house untouched, you don’t do any work, and you sell the house back to another real estate investor. Whatever preemptive strategy you choose you need to ensure the sale price can pay-off the remaining balance of your loan.

The worst-case scenario is that you’ve already gone full bore into a project, completed renovations and…

“Well, that sucks,” exit strategies for Arizona Fix and Flip Loans

Your once shambolic home is now full of snappy furniture and shiny finishes, but no one is buying.  The open door creaks in the wind and the cookie plates go unconsumed at every open house. All the while the home sits unsold and you are paying real estate commissions and the cost of carrying your loan. There are two basic things you can do in this case:

  • Rent it:  You find someone who is willing to pay for the privilege of living in your home every month.  Of course, if you go for this option, that high-interest short-term loan you took out the flip house in the first place might be too expensive. The rent you charge must at least equal your loan payments. If not you might need to refinance, 

But if you can’t refinance you might have to,

  • Eat it:  You keep lowering the list price until someone takes the house off your hands.  Hopefully, in the end, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief, you might not have made a profit but at least the final sale price paid for the loan. But this won’t always be the case, you might just have to eat the difference between the final sale price and the outstanding loan balance. But this better than going into default.

So how do you avoid eating it? Don’t just waltz wistfully into every opportunity, hold off a bit. If you have some uncertainty, ponder if you’ll be able to refinance if the property doesn’t sell. But if you regularly flip houses, sometimes you will simply have to eat it.

Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

Dreams Come True with Arizona Fix and Flip Loans

How to invest in real estate with Arizona Fix and Flip Loans

Before applying for an Arizona Fix and Flip Loan, you need set a plan in motion. First, locate a property and analyze the surrounding neighborhood comparing the retail values of homes that have recently sold in the area. Put a number on how much the properties are worth. Afterwards, get an idea for how much the renovation of the property will cost. Does it need a new kitchen, a new roof, or exterior paint? What are all of the perceived costs? Once you have found a property that is profitable on paper, you need to factor in the costs of financing and other unforeseeable expenditures.

After setting out the basic blueprint, acquire lending. From lender to lender, note that the structure of Arizona Fix and Flip Loans may vary. Generally, hard money Arizona Fix and Flip Loans have an average LTV ranging between 55% to 80%. If you possess property with phenomenal positive equity or have property that you own outright, you may be able to qualify for Arizona Hard Money Loans of 90% and even up to 100% depending on lender stipulations. However, on average, you will need anywhere from 20% to 45% cash down to get a hard money loan. This shows the lender that you are committed and that you have the equity to buffer a foreclosure.

After establishing LTV, the next item on the list is the interest rate. For Arizona Fix and Flip Loans, you can expect lower interest rates to start around 8%. The average interest rates range from 8% to 14%. While these rates tend to be higher than traditional lenders, banks or credit unions, they are more easily acquired with less federal regulations. Making them a popular choice among many real estate investors.

The Advantages of Arizona Fix and Flip Loans 

One of the main advantages of hard money Arizona Fix and Flip Loans is that they allow individuals to receive a 40% to 50% return on investment with a minimum amount cash down or personal investment. On top of this, the return from flipping houses can be seen within a short amount of time, say 2 to 6 months, depending on the size and scale of the flip.

From entrepreneurs and hobbyists to celebrities, Arizona Fix and Flip Loans has helped many to profit from their investments.

From blue-collar workers to HGTV celebrities, flipping houses has become a lucrative business and hobby. For this reason, Arizona Fix and Flip Loans are able maintain a supplementary profit for the weekend warrior or bolster a business capable of flipping several houses a year. Contact your hard money broker to find out if Arizona Fix and Flip Loans are right for you.


Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

THE DIFFERENCES IN ARIZONA FIX AND FLIP LOANS

825082878An Arizona fix and flip loan is a loan that investors use to purchase and renovate a property. A fix and flip is a distressed house that needs to be “fixed” and then after is quickly “flipped” making the investor a profit. Usually, the loans used for these projects are of relatively short-duration.

There are numerous types of loans available for fix and flips. Finding the loan that will work best for you depends on your experience and financial situation. Arizona hard money loans are the most popular.

How to determine which Arizona fix and flip loan is best for you?

Arizona hard money loans are best for an investor who has been successful in fix and flips. Arizona hard money loans are also known as rehab loans— due to the rehabilitation of the distressed house. These loans have lower qualifications for approval. Loan terms are short— usually between 6 months to 2 years. Approval usually takes less than 2 days. A borrower will only have to wait 10-15 days for funding. However, interest rates will be higher— typically between 9%-15%. Although, a borrowers credit does not have to be impeccable they will still need at least a 550.

Another way to finance a fix and flip is through a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC works like a credit card versus a traditional loan. Investors are granted a line of credit, from their bank, based on the value of their current property. With a line of credit, interest rates are only charged on the amount borrowed. A HELOC term is typically 25-30 years and approval time can take upwards of a month and a half. Interest rates are lower than a hard money loan—around 5%.

A bridge loan is a loan that is used temporarily during the time between real estate transactions. It gives the investor funds to purchase a fix and flip without a contingency to sell their other property first. Investors use these types of loans to purchase property before flipping the property to pay the loan off. These loans are extremely short term — typically between 3 weeks and one year. Interest rates on bridge loans are usually between 6% and 9%. A lender will look more at financial ability than credit and financial history.

Which Arizona fix and flip loan is best?

There are many factors that must be addressed to determine which Arizona fix and flip loan is right for you.

  1. Hard Money Loan: If you are a novice, but willing to work with a contractor or you are an experienced investor that has a good track record of flipping homes a hard money loan could work for you. You will be approved and receive funds quickly. There are high interest rates and shorter loan terms.

  2. HELOC: A HELOC may be a good choice if you are an investor with an owner-occupied residence and a large amount in existing home equity. The repayment is only interest for the first 5-10 years; interest and principal for the remaining years.

  3. Bridge Loan: This loan works if you know you will close quickly. You will need to be able to pay two mortgages simultaneously. The loan terms are a couple of weeks to a year.

Whichever loan you choose be sure to do your homework. Speak to a lender; they will gladly help you through the process.


Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

The Benefits of Fix and Flip Loans

David ReeseFlipping houses quickly can be a very lucrative business. But the key to being successful is having fast access to fix and flip loans.

Most people are familiar with the traditional mortgage loans offered by banks and mortgage companies. But everyone also knows that securing a mortgage from a bank can take a great deal of time and effort. When time is critical, such as it is when flipping a house for a profit, Arizona Fix and Flip Loans offer all of the benefits that you need including a fast approval and funding time. A standard bank loan can take far over a month just for approval but the private lender will be able to process your documents and have an answer for you in just a few days.

Another benefit to Arizona Fix and Flip Loans is that these loans can be used on any type of property purchase. A traditional lender is not going to be willing to look at bank owned, foreclosure, short sale or a run-down property and make a fair decision. But a private lender is only really interested in the current value of the property. Banks do not like to lend on riskier investments but a private lender is willing to assume a greater risk as long as the borrower is willing to pay a higher interest rate.

Another drawback to a traditional lender is that fact that they are counting on a full interest payment. This means that if you pay the loan off early, the lender is making less money in the form of interest. So to avoid that, the lender will charge an early repayment penalty. Basically, no matter when you pay off the loan, it still costs you the same amount. But a private lender is not going to charge you any early repayment fees in most cases. But it is critical that you read the entire loan document prior to signing it as the lender is free to impose any terms that he or she sees fit. It is your job to catch any issues with the terms before you sign the loan documents.

Costs of Repairs

When you are flipping a property, you understand that a large part of the cost involved is going to be for the materials and labor for repairs. A traditional lender is not interested in this issue and will not always work with you on a loan for repairs. But lenders who specialize in Arizona Fix and Flip Loans normally will set up a loan reserve which helps to cover some of the repair costs for the property in additional interest.

Pick The Right Lender

As you begin to learn more about the process of fixing and flipping houses, you will also learn more about the financial side of the business. But when you first start out, it is important that you select a lender who is familiar with the process and knowledgeable about the real estate market. This will ensure that you have a good resource and a solid partner to guide you through your first loan experiences.

Dennis DahlbeDennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLCrg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

Triple Your Income Today with House Flipping Loans

page5-img2Start your career in real estate investment and grow your income exponentially with the help of a loan specialized in house flipping. The art of flipping houses can quickly triple your income if you follow some of the helpful strategies presented in this guide.

Are you considering getting started in the real estate market but don’t know how to go about doing it? You can make all of your financial goals a reality with the assistance of house flipping investments. Many people are reaping the rewards of real estate investments and there is no better time than now to see what these types of investments can do for you and your own financial dreams.

Consider the benefits of house flipping loans in Arizona:

Potential to Quickly Turn a Profit and Even Triple Your Income

We start any new investment with the hope of turning a profit. It makes sense that perhaps then the most obvious reason that a person might have for flipping a house or other investment property is to attempt to make some money.

The companies and individual people that are dipping their toes into real estate market are enjoying extremely lucrative results. That fact is that with real estate investment not only can you our your company achieve significant returns on your investments, but you or your company will be able to receive these returns on your investments extremely quickly in most scenarios.

Personal Networking and Development Opportunities

Though it may seem at first that investing in house flipping is going to require a significant amount of time and investment, there is actually a great deal of valuable, important experience to be gained from the art of flipping houses or other investment properties.

Beginning to get into the real estate market and starting the practice of frequently purchasing properties and the necessary materials needed to work on these properties helps you or your company begin to brush up on or develop great negotiating skills. You can learn how to become a much more capable delegator, expert at task management, and hold people accountable. Your knowledge of construction and real estate will also expand.

Are House Flipping Loans in Arizona a Worthwhile Investment?

Flipping houses is more than the money. Even if you may be only interested in flipping houses for the monetary awards, it is clear that flipping properties is more about the cash and checks.

The real estate industry is a buzzing market that has all of the tools you need to achieve your dreams and financial goals.

Updating a property is a way of cleaning up an old neighborhood and developing new communities you are in a way giving back to the community and rewarding yourself with this form of enrichment. Flipping houses goes more than achieving your income goals or expanding your wealth. Triple your income mentally and physically by giving back to the community and surrounding areas by upgrading old homes or properties and helping to elevate the quality of the surrounding community.

Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

Arizona Hard Money Lenders: Advice for House Flippers

Handsome young man looking confidentlyIf you are in the house flipping business, it is in your best interest to steer clear of conventional financing. The poor condition of any property you aim to purchase will likely mean you won’t qualify for a traditional loan. Arizona Hard money lenders are perhaps the best financing option for those who are in the flipping business. Learn some things you should look for in your lender and what you can do to maximize the benefits of hard money.

Hard money providers use the value (or potential value) of the property being purchased to underwrite their loans. Therefore, hard money is ideal when it comes to financing flips because this type of lender can look past the current poor condition of your property.

In addition, when it comes to house flipping, hard money offers considerable advantages over other types of financing. In the case of foreclosures (i.e., the properties house flippers most often purchase) banks want buyers who can make full offers right away. Most hard money deals can close in a matter of days. This speed in loan closing makes hard money an ideal way to secure the best investment properties as quickly as possible.

But how do you know which Arizona Hard money lenders are the real deal?

Basically, you want a lender who can understand the potential of your project. Ideally, your lender should have expertise when it comes to renovation projects. If you are in the flipping business, you want a lender who can offer insight into your specific project, who will understand how to value your property after the repairs are carried out and can give you insight into the amount of financing you might need.

You also want to ensure your hard money deal closes as quickly as possible, so you can secure the best investment properties before your competition. So, the ideal lender should be a direct lender, that is someone who has the already funds on hand to fully finance your project.

But when it comes to speed, what are steps you can take to ensure your deal closes as quickly as possible?

What can you do as a borrower to take advantage of the speed offered by Arizona Hard money lenders and increase your eligibility?

In the first place have the numbers and the specific details of your renovation project worked out well in advance before you approach any lender. Know the particular aspects of the property you aim to purchase, the estimated cost of repairs you need to make and have a specific timetable worked out in advance.

Having a sense of the property’s potential gives you a sense of how much it might be worth after repairs, which will give your lender confidence. 

Knowing the cost of the repairs you need to make; will also give a sense of how much financing you actually need. Hard money is expensive so have timetable in mind to get perspective on how long you will to carry the loan, as your aim should be to pay the loan off as quickly as possible.

Basically, the better your understanding of your specific project the more confidence your lender will have in you, and the faster your hard money deal can close.

In short, to get a hold of the best houses to flip, hard money is your best option. In the case of hard money, the ideal lender will have insight into your specific project. It is in your best interest to take advantage of the speed offered by this type of financing, so have all the details worked out in advance before approaching any lender.

Dennis Dahlberg Mortgage Broker[3][2][2][2][2][2][2][5]Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

What to Expect With Hard Money Loans Arizona

Hard money loans Arizona offers real estate investors a great tool. But, that tool is only useful if the investor understand the process and knows what to expect.

Hard money loans Arizona represent a good opportunity for many real estate investors. But knowing what to expect from the process and how to prepare are critical to a successful request and having the loan funded. Knowing what the lender is looking for will let you present him or her with the desired information and be prepared to meet the requirements of getting the loan.

Hard money lenders are going to want to see that the borrower has some money in the bank as a safety net in case there are issues with the property or the future transaction. Being cash poor is going to make it difficult for you to pay insurance, invest in repairs to the property or even maintain the property. So it is always wise to create a nest egg before beginning your search for hard money loans Arizona.

As a first time hard money borrower, it is also important that you do your homework. Understanding the terms for hard money loans Arizona is very important. The interest rate is definitely going to be higher than a traditional loan and the terms are going to be much shorter. But that is the price of doing business in the hard money world. However, the advantage for you is that all of the terms on hard money loans Arizona are negotiable. You simply need to work with the lender to agree to terms that meet both your needs and his or her needs.

What to Ask For

The loan to value rate is simple the comparison of the amount that you are asking for and the current market value of the property. In most cases a hard money lender will never fund over 70% of the cost of the property. So you need to be aware of this “magic” number and limit your request accordingly. In addition, you will need to be able to demonstrate your ability to provide the remaining amount of the purchase price for the down payment on the property.

Have a Planed Exit Strategy

All that the lender is really interested in is recovering his or her investment and interest on the hard money loan. But the lender understands that for you to pay off such a large loan in a short period of time, then you will most likely need to resell the property for a profit. So the lender will want to know how you plan to accomplish that task. And because it is only on a very rare occasion that things go perfectly, it is best for the lender and for you, to have more than one exit plan. You might want to do a quick flip on a residential property. But if you can’t find a buyer then a reasonable backup plan it to rent the property and seek a traditional loan to pay off the hard money loan.

Knowing what to expect and being prepared will not only help you to secure a hard money loan but it will also help you to be successful in profiting from that loan.

What Are Hard Money Loans Arizona?

Understanding hard money loans Arizona will provide investors with an additional lending resource when they are interested in investing in real estate. It will also greatly reduce the time involved in securing funding.

Hard money loans Arizona are just loans that is secured by real estate. In addition, these loans are funded by private investors or lenders instead of the traditional banks or loan companies. In most cases, the loan is short term such as a 12 month time frame or even as short as three or six months. But the term can be extended to as long as two to five years. Another term used for this type of loan is asset based lending.

The terms of hard money loans Arizona are flexible because the lender is not obligated to follow the same rules and restrictions that traditional lending institutions must follow. The private lender is able to work more closely with the borrower to create terms that are mutually beneficial to both parties. For this reason, many borrowers prefer hard money loans Arizona over traditional loans.

In addition to being flexible with the repayment terms of hard money loans, borrowers also like the fact that it is much easier to qualify for a hard money loan than a traditional loan. Instead of the lender reviewing the borrowers credit, income and current debt load, the lender is really only interested in the current value of the property that is going to be used as collateral for the loan. This allows borrowers with no credit or poor credit to still be able to qualify for the hard money loan.

Deals the Could Require Hard Money Loans

Hard money loans are not the perfect solution for any type of deal. They are financed at a higher rate than a traditional loan and also can have additional loan fees which are charged to the borrower. In most cases, if a borrower can get a traditional loan, then that is the best solution. But when banks are not willing to fund a loan request then hard money is a viable option. Deals such as a short term fix and flip, land loans, construction loans and deals that have a very short time frame for funding are all prime examples of the perfect reason to select a hard money loan.

Properties to Secure a Hard Money Loan

A borrower can use just about any type of property to secure a hard money loan. The only qualification for a property is that the lender be willing to accept that type of property as collateral. Often times a lender would prefer a single family home as collateral because it has a more stable market value and is easier to liquidate if the borrower defaults. But multi-family residential, commercial, industrial and even unimproved land can all be used to secure a hard money loan.

Understanding how a hard money loan works and when it is beneficial, offers borrowers a legitimate option for funding when a traditional lender has declines a loan application.


Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027


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How to Qualify for a Spec Construction Loan

First-time real estate investors could find spec construction loans a challenge to qualify for and very complicated. Get a sense for how construction loans are different from conventional mortgages and some strategies to maximize your chance of qualifying.

Construction loans differ from ordinary commercial loans in a variety of ways. They are more complicated than regular mortgages and funding is given according to a specific timetable. An initial amount of funding will be given to the borrower, and then the remainder of the loan will be dispersed on a monthly basis, or at the borrower’s request. Most lenders will require verification of a borrower’s expenses over the course of a construction project, which can create complications.

Construction loans are especially tricky to qualify for and are considered too risky by most banks. Most lenders have difficulty underwriting construction loans because they have to rely on the borrower’s assumptions about the cost and profitability of a given project. Most lenders are especially wary of spec loans and consider them too risky because there is no guarantee of a future sale.

A spec loan is usually given on a short-term basis and is not meant to be a long-term mortgage. The aim of the borrower is to sell the property quickly after construction is completed. It is crucial that potential borrowers can demonstrate their expertise in order to qualify for a spec loan.

If you can talk up your expertise to increase your chances of qualifying for a spec construction loan

Your financial projections are what a spec lender will rely on to underwrite your loan and so it is essential to demonstrate your expertise. If a lender doesn’t have faith that you will finish a project, or that you will earn a profit in the end, in most cases your construction loan won’t be approved.

The best way to qualify for a spec loan is to give any potential lender confidence in your knowledge and experience when it comes to real estate. But there are additional strategies you can employ as well.

Specific tactics to help you qualify for a spec construction loan

Seek out lenders located near your construction site. A local lender will have an emotional investment in the area and will have a better understanding of your project’s potential. Ensure you have enough capital up-front to make a sufficient down payment. Lenders will want an assurance that you have a sufficient stake in your construction project. The risk entailed by a spec loan usually entails a significant down payment.

Have a detailed understanding of your builders draw-process, meaning know how much your builder intends to spend at every step of your project and be sure this schedule matches the structure of your loan.

In short to qualify for a spec loan, demonstrate your expertise, find local lenders, have sufficient cash on hand and know your projects timetable. By employing these strategies, you maximize the chances of your spec loan getting approved.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701
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Top Situations where a hard money loan is best

A hard money loan is any loan secured by a “hard” asset (i.e., An Asset-based loan). This type of loan can be your best option especially if you need financing to construct a new facility, to renovate a distressed property or if you need to make a purchase quickly.

Asset-based loans are typically short-term loans and are more expensive than traditional financing. Because of this higher expense, it is easy to ask, who would want this type of funding in the first place?

An asset-based loan is especially useful for real-estate investors who are speculating on a quick turn around when it comes to their project. Traditional lenders avoid relying on this kind of speculation.An obvious example is a fix-and-flip project, banks avoid financing these projects because there is no guarantee of a profit and the borrower could default in the end. Traditional banks are also wary of construction loans because they have to rely on the borrowers assumptions and success isn’t guaranteed.

A hard money loan can be the help you need if you need to fund a renovation or construction project

There are other reasons to consider asset-based lenders for renovation or construction projects. Typically a bank raises funds for a mortgage by reselling it to a government agency like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Banks won’t be able to resell any mortgage on a distressed property that falls short of FHA guidelines.Therefore a typical bank will likely deny your application if you are trying to renovate a distressed property. Asset-based lenders raise their funds from private investors and have money on hand, allowing them to see past the poor condition of any property you intend to rehabilitate.

The situation can become complicated if you finance your construction loan with an ordinary lender. Banks disperse construction loans according to a specific timetable and specific benchmarks. The lender could withhold funding if your projecting doesn’t go according to plan. This scenario could be a disaster and could leave you unable to pay your contractors or to continue your project. The regulations that stifle traditional banks don’t hamstring asset-based lenders so you can get increased flexibility when it comes the terms of a construction loan.

However, asset-based lenders outshine traditional banks when it comes to time-sensitive purchases.

When it comes to time-sensitive purchases, a hard money loan can be a win-win solution

A typical bank loan usually closes within 120 days, and the best investment properties don’t stay on the market for long. Even the most qualified borrower won’t see their application go through any faster because banks have to comply with their own guidelines and with government regulations.

Asset-based loans can close within a matter of days allowing you to complete a time-sensitive purchase. An asset-based loan gives you the flexibility to then refinance to a long-term mortgage, or to sell the property for a profit.

In short asset-based lenders are ideal for borrowers who know the potential of their project, who need flexibility or who need cash quickly to make the most of a potential investment.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701
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