Hard Money Loans

Hard money loans are tools for investors, business owners, property owners, would-be property owners and others for whom conventional loans are unattractive or unavailable. Originally, the term was used to describe any loan that was secured by property or other collateral, as opposed to unsecured borrowing, such as cash advances from a credit card or bank line of credit. Today, although the meaning has not really changed, the way that the term is used has. It can all be confusing to the average person, so we hope to shed a little light on the subject.

At one time, it was relatively easy to get a hard money loan. The bank knew that if you could not make your payments, they could take possession of your property. The only real consideration was the value of your property.

Times have changed. Foreclosures take longer. Banks are often unable to recoup their losses. The large number of defaults in recent years has actually hurt some of the financial institutions. Believe it or not, the funds that commercial lenders have available are not endless. Some have had to reduce the number of loans that they make. In general, all lending institutions have adopted stricter qualifications for potential borrowers, in many cases, making it more difficult for individuals to get the money that they need.

Commercial banks are governed by the Federal Reserve and they must follow certain rules and regulations. In addition, each bank has its own policies. We commonly refer to the considerations, rules, regulations and bank policies as red tape. When we apply for a loan, the paperwork can be overwhelming and very difficult for the layman to understand. Read this, initial here, sign there, etc, etc. The red tape is meant to protect the consumer and the bank, but even when you understand that, it can be frustrating. Plus, the whole process takes a lot of time. You might wait weeks, only to hear that your request was denied.

This is where private lenders offering hard money loans may come in. In most of the United States, private transactions are not regulated by state or federal laws. There is less red tape, so you will get your answer faster. There is still no guarantee, but at least you will know that you should look elsewhere for financing in a shorter period of time. There will be less confusion and less frustration. Of course, the policies of individual lenders vary. Some check credit, references and employment. Others are more concerned about how quickly you can repay.

A hard money loan is generally a short term solution. It is most attractive to investors and others that need money quickly, in a matter of weeks, to close on a deal or take advantage of a potentially profitable opportunity. Long term financing may be available, but in the time it takes to find it, the opportunity may be lost.

There are several advantages to hard money loans from private lenders, as opposed to secured loans from conventional lenders (the banks), particularly for real estate investors. Suppose you have the opportunity to buy a property that “needs work”. The seller is particularly motivated because he is facing foreclosure or moving out of state, so he is willing to sell for far below the assessed value of the property, as long as you can close the deal quickly. If you go to the banks, it will take at least 30-45 days (probably more) to close. A private lender may be able to hand you a check in a much shorter period of time.

Time is very important to someone who wants to take advantage of the auction of a foreclosed property or a trustee’s sale. You may have the bidder’s fee, but the trustees typically want the full amount within 14 days. The banks do not work that fast.

For those who can wait for the money they need for a real estate investment, traditional loans might be the way to go. But for everyone else, hard money loans make a lot of sense.

James has been in real estate for over 30 years and is an expert on residential and commercial hard money loans. He is a regular contributer to Hard Money Guide, a comprehensive resource for those looking to secure funding for real estate projects.

Author: James Whitmore
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Difficult to come buy and carrying a high price, Hard Money Loans  are the last resort for those who can afford it.

Let’s start with a quick comparison of conventional loans to hard money loans to create a distinction up front.

Conventional loans are the tool of most home buyers. Lending institutions loan money to the buyer based on credit history and income. Hard Money Loans are less dependent on credit score and revolve around assets, instead. There should be no confusion that one is a substitute for the other. When buying a house there are many choices in loan options, but the choice between conventional or hard money is not one of them. Hard money loans are for unique, often distressed situations.

Hard money comes from private investors who can take the time to assess a borrower’s entire situation, in a way that traditional lenders cannot. The private investor understands that a few missed payments resulting from something like loss of employment, does not mean the buyer cannot repay his loan. This is a perfect scenario of when hard money works. When the homeowner has fallen so far behind on his mortgage that he cannot catch up even though he has gone back to work and resume payments, the private investor can come in, provide hard money to pay original mortgage off, offering the borrower a chance to start fresh and preserve his credit. Soon the damages of the missed house payments are repaired on his credit report and he can refinance in a traditional manner.

The reason for refinancing as quickly as possible is that hard money loans carry stiff terms. Interests rates average between 10% and 18% making it a costly option, albeit a valuable one.

Another motivation to use hard money which is relevant in markets driven by foreclosures is rehab purchases. Investors find a great property to renovate quickly for profit and they want the loan fast because there is already a buyer for the house when it’s done. The hard money loan is available much quicker and without the red tape of a traditional loan.

Don’t be confused, though, hard money loans are not a simple alternative for those with poor credit. Even private investors aren’t interested in a borrower with a history of bankruptcy or non payment. In addition, the closing costs on a hard money loan must be paid up front. These fees could be a couple hundred dollars or a couple thousand, making the hard money loan a non choice for most borrowers in distressed situations.

Hard Money Loans  are difficult to come by. The loan to value rate is a relatively low 50 to 75%. Hard money lenders like to only finance properties that are nearby them in areas they are familiar and comfortable with so they can monitor the property. Be wary of a hard money lender who makes things look too easy and shiny, as there are individuals who prey on homeowners and set up situations that guarantee failure so they can seize the house and profit from its sale.

If you fit into one of the unique scenarios that would benefit from a hard loan, do your research before signing any papers. Get recommendations on the private lender when you can. With no bank regulations on private lending the only one who can separate a legitimate lender from a loan shark is you.

An REO can also be referred to as a property that is still owned by the bank, after it was not sold at a foreclosure auction.  This would be the last attempt to collect the debt on the home.  Now that the bank is the sole owner of the property, they want to get it sold immediately to satisfy the debt that is owed on the home.  If you are someone who is looking to make an investment into REO property, this might be the right buy for you.  As with any sale, you want to do as much homework as possible before taking the plunge into your investment.

 Always talk with a licensed Real Estate professional before purchasing your REO.  The agent can always help you to find the best deals for your REO purchase.  The agent will work with you to find homes that homes with the best deals.  They will probably tell you to look at only the homes that held Conventional loans.  Why you ask?  This is because the home is being sold at a really low cost, opposed to what the bank bought it for, in turn profiting you a lot more money, than lets say a home with a federally backed loan such as a VA or FHA.  Those are often times dangerous, because the government owns the loan, so to speak, which means they can take it away at any time if certain guidelines are not met.  An agent will help you to find an REO with the best equity in the home.  You want to make sure that the home of your choice does not hold any liens, because once you purchase the house, you are responsible for these liens.  Another important thing is to hire a contractor or inspector upon purchase, to make sure there are no major damages to the home.  Once you take possession, the home is your responsibility and there is nothing the bank can do to help.  That’s why doing your homework is so extremely important.

 Just like any other investment, purchasing an REO from the bank can be a great thing to improve your future and knowledge of the Real Estate and Investing Business.  You should never go into a purchase like this, no matter how cheap the home is, without knowing everything that you need to know about the financials of the home, as well as anything major that may cause you problems in the future.  Don’t be blinded by a great deal.  Always remember to do your homework, because there is a reason the house is still on the market, this is just a quick way for the bank to unload the home from their inventory and collect on at least some of what is owed.  Time is money, after all.  And the faster they can push the house the better.  Work together with your agent to make sure you will profit from this in the end.  As long as you know what you are getting into, you will be  on your way to a great investment into your future.

Once purchasing the home, making your profit, you can decide if this is something that is a good fit for you.  Investing in REO’s can be very lucrative if don’t with the right amount of knowledge and caution.  Remember, the bank just wants their money on the home, so do ALL of your homework before making that big investment.

Yanni Raz is a mentor for many in the Real Estate Mortgage industry, Yanni Raz is been tutoring many homeowners in California and help some also to save their homes. http://www.homesinsale.com

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