Understanding Leverage, Credit Score, and Your Money Bucket

Categories:

What do you need to know about your credit score and money bucket so your investing is easy, lucrative, fun, and fast?

We want to give you the tools you need to win in the real estate game. 

In a recent article, we learned how lenders look at your credit score to determine the maximum loan they’ll offer. Today, we want to apply the same principles specifically to DSCR loans.

Some investors focus on fixing and flipping properties, while others create wealth through rentals. DSCR loans are one of the most useful tools for investors that are specifically designed for rental properties.

Understanding Leverage

Leverage is what we call using other people’s money. This typically comes in the form of bank loans, but it’s not limited to that.

Things like financial gifts, small loans from friends and family, your credit score, and loans from companies like Hard Money Mike can all give you leverage.

This leverage creates an equal playing field in the investing world. You don’t need to be wealthy to use leverage well.

Credit Score as Leverage

In this day and age, credit scores matter a lot. A good credit score is a powerful tool that you can use to increase your leverage.

We also sometimes talk about money buckets. Your ‘money bucket’ is the money you bring to the table. Obviously, if you’re a newer investor, your money bucket might not have as much personal money to fill it, in which case credit score matters even more.

However, strategically using your credit score, credit cards, business cards, HELOCs, etc. to fill your money bucket now is a great way to make sure you’re ready for future investing.

How to Fix a Bad Credit Score

If you have a low score, it’s typically because of 1) late payments, or 2) usage. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes for late payments. However, if you struggle with usage issue, there are a few things you can do.

First of all, a usage issue typically happens when you’re using too high of a percentage of your monthly allowance. This means that, even though they paid off their balance on time every month, excessive use of a personal credit card can driving down your score.

Here’s the deal: personal credit cards are not built to handle consistent real estate investing expenses. If you’re doing consistent real estate investing, we recommend looking into business credit cards.

Business cards often have higher usage limits which are ideal for the constant wear and tear of this industry.

You can also look into secured usage loans as a way to quickly boost your credit score.

Main Money Bucket Takeaways

Leverage is king, and credit scores are an important piece of your leverage.

A good credit score makes it easier for you to qualify for and refinance your DSCRs. They can also help you put less money down on a property and increase your cash flow. 

Take care of your money buckets and credit score on the front end so you can succeed when deals come your way.

To help you get prepared, you can explore our website where we have free tools you can download to help you get organized, including a DSCR calculator and a business credit card marketplace.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can E.L.F.F. your investing, feel free to reach out to us at Info@TheCashFlowCompany.com or fill out a contact card.

 

 

Read the full article here.

Watch the full video here:

by

DSCR Loans: Does Your Rent Cover Your Costs?

Categories:

DSCR Loans: Does Your Rent Cover Your Costs?

Today we are going to discuss the importance of asking “does your rent cover costs” when considering a DSCR loan. Getting a DSCR loan can be both easy as well as rewarding. Let’s take a closer look! 

First and Foremost: Check Your Rent Coverage

First, ask yourself: does your rent cover all your costs? This includes:

  • Mortgage payment
  • Taxes
  • Insurance
  • HOA fees

While it’s not always necessary, by having your rent cover these costs can in turn help you get better rates as well as higher loan-to-value products. At the very least, aim to charge rent that covers your monthly payments. However, if it does, then you’ve passed the first step!

Example: Begin by imaging that you own a rental property. Your mortgage payment is $1,200, your taxes and insurance are $200, and your HOA fee is $100. Therefore, your total monthly cost is $1,500. However, if you charge $1,600 in rent, you are even able make a little extra.

Conclusion

In sum, determining your DSCR ratio you can determine if a DSCR loan is right for you. And that’s it! If you find any step challenging, don’t worry. Our team is here to help you. We’re eager to set you on a path that helps you make the money you need to live the life you want. Here at The Cash Flow Company we want to ensure that all of your questions are answered prior to purchasing a property. Contact us today to find out more! 

Watch our most recent video to find out more.

by

Why You Need a Good Credit Score TODAY

Categories:

Why You Need a Good Credit Score TODAY

Today, we’re diving into why having a good credit score is important. Especially now, when getting a loan is more competitive than ever, you need to have a good score. Let’s explore why it matters and how you can improve it quickly.

The Loan Landscape is Changing

In the past, getting a loan was like picking apples from a tree, easy and abundant. However, now, the economic landscape has tightened. Imagine the loan market shrinking from a big ocean to a small puddle. Consequently, only the best credit scores float to the top, and are getting the attention of lenders.

Why Your Credit Score Matters

Faster Loan Approvals

Having a good credit score is like having a VIP pass. Lenders use computer models to sort through applications quickly. If your score is high, you get moved to the front of the line. As a result, your loan gets processed faster, and in turn helps you snag that investment property before someone else does.

Better Loan Terms

A higher credit score doesn’t just get you faster service, it also gets you better terms as well. This can mean lower interest rates as well as more favorable loan conditions. Over time, these benefits add up to significant savings.

Personal Credit vs. Business Credit

The Impact of Personal Credit

Many business owners and real estate investors often use personal credit cards for their expenses. Unfortunately, this can negatively affect your score because personal cards report to your personal credit score. High balances or late payments can also bring your score down.

The Benefits of Business Credit Cards

Switching to business credit cards can make a big difference. To clarify, business cards don’t report to your personal credit score as long as you pay on time. Therefore, you can use them freely without worrying about hurting your credit. Plus, business credit card companies often reward you for using your card. Personal credit card companies on the other hand might lower your limit if they see high usage.

The 911 Loan: A Quick Fix

If you need a quick boost to your credit score, a 911 Loan can help. This loan is designed to improve your score fast, getting you in shape for better loan terms. But it doesn’t stop there. After the 911 Loan, it’s important to set up your finances correctly. This means moving to business credit cards as well as managing your credit smartly. By doing this, you can prevent future issues and save a lot of money in the long run.

Real-Life Savings

Imagine missing out on a prime property because your loan didn’t get approved in time. Or paying 2% more in interest over the next 30 years. These scenarios cost real money, which can sometimes be tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Thus, a good credit score can help you avoid these costly mistakes.

Conclusion

Your credit score is more important than ever. With the loan market tightening, having a good score can mean the difference between getting the funding you need and missing out. By understanding the impact of your credit choices and making smart moves, you can set yourself up for success. So, take the time to improve your credit score today! It’s an investment in your future.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: Why You Need a Good Credit Score TODAY</b>

by

Why You Need to Get Pre-Approved in BRRRR

Categories:

Why You Need to Get Pre-Approved in BRRRR

Today, we are discussing the importance of getting pre-approved in BRRRR. To clarify, BRRRR stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Getting Long-term Loan Approval

Before buying, secure a pre-approval from a long-term lender. This step ensures you know the maximum loan amount you qualify for, which is crucial for the refinancing stage later on.

Buying with a Short-term Loan

Next, use a short term loan, like a hard money loan, to purchase the property. Short term loans are essential for fast closings and approved within days or weeks.

Rehabbing the Property

Once you own the property, it’s time to rehab it. Focus on making necessary repairs to meet the After Repair Value (ARV). Most importantly, remember that this is a rental property, so avoid high-end finishes. Just make it appealing and functional.

Renting the Property

After the rehab, find a reliable tenant. By renting the property, you journey begins because you are generating money.

Refinancing

Finally, refinance your short-term loan into a long-term mortgage. This step not only reduces your monthly payments, but it locks in a lower interest rate also. Having pre-approval speeds up this process while saving you money.

Repeating the Process

Build a robust rental property quickly and easily by being pre-approved in BRRRR today. Set your goals, search for the right properties, secure financing, and repeat the process. Contact us to find out more! Watch our most recent video.

by

Expert Tips for Starting and Growing Your Real Estate Empire

Categories:

Expert Tips for Starting and Growing Your Real Estate Empire

Welcome to your journey in real estate investing! Whether you’re dreaming of flipping houses, building rental property portfolios, or simply exploring the vast opportunities in real estate, starting strong is crucial. Today we will be sharing expert tips for starting and growing your real estate empire! It all begins by setting up your business correctly. This can make all the difference in how lenders and partners view you, and ultimately, in your success.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential steps to set up your real estate business. First, we’ll discuss choosing the right name, then we’ll move on to securing funding and finding great deals. Additionally, we’ll share practical tips and real-life examples to help you understand and apply these strategies effectively. With a clear plan and the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving real estate empire. Let’s get started!

Setting Up Your Business for Success

First: Choose a Business Name

  • Search for Availability: Immediately start by checking with your state to ensure the name is available.
  • Avoid Real Estate Specific Names: More importantly, opt for a generic name like “John Smith Consulting” instead of “John Smith Fix and Flip.”

Second: Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

  • Apply with the IRS: The EIN is actually a social security number for your business. It’s essential for not only tax purposes, but even for opening a bank account.

Third: Set Up a Business Bank Account

  • Separate Finances: Immediately separate business finances from personal finances. Keep your business and personal finances separate in order to make things clear for lenders.
  • Use Your EIN: Again, this is required to open a business bank account.

Forth: Establish Your Business Presence

  • Create a Website: By creating a simple website, it can show lenders as well as partners that you’re serious.
  • Get an Office Address: To clarify, even a virtual office can help establish credibility.

Building Your Bucket of Money

Leverage Other People’s Money (OPM)

  • Private Loans: Begin by approaching family, friends, or other investors who are looking for better returns.
  • Show Confidence: Most importantly, know your projects well and present them confidently to potential lenders.

Use Business Credit Cards

  • Avoid Personal Cards: In fact, business credit cards don’t impact your personal credit score.
  • Build Your Business Credit: This will surely help you get better loans, as well as better rates in the future.

Finding Great Deals

Work with Wholesalers

  • What They Do: Since wholesalers find undervalued properties, they can offer them to investors at a slight markup.
  • Build Relationships: Therefore building relationships and getting to know wholesalers will help you find good deals.

Network with Real Estate Agents

  • Investor-Friendly Agents: Actually, some agents specialize in working with investors. Begin by finding those who understand your needs.

Growing Your Empire

First 90 Days: Lay the Foundation

  • Research and Networking: Spend time not only finding finding properties, but more importantly lenders as well.
  • Set Up Systems: By setting up a system, you can ensure that you have all your business basics in place.

Ongoing: Improve and Expand

  • Consistent Effort: Regularly look at properties and evaluate deals.
  • Learn and Adapt: Each project will teach you something new, which will actually make future projects easier and more profitable.

For Example: The 2008 Crash

  • Pivot to Private Money: Following the financial crisis in 2008, banks stopped lending. Successful investors turned to private lenders.
  • Build Trust: In deed establishing good relationships with private lenders can provide a stable source of funding in the future.

Setting Yourself Up to Win

  • Think Long-Term: By setting up your business correctly from the start it makes future growth easier.
  • Be Realistic: Understand that while the process takes effort, it will easier over time as you build experience as well as a network.

Summary

  • Get Organized: From your business name to your EIN and bank accounts, make sure everything is set up properly from the very beginning.
  • Find Funding: Use a mix of business credit cards, private loans, and other funding sources.
  • Network: Build relationships with wholesalers, as well as real estate agents in order to find the best deals.
  • Stay Consistent: Regular effort and learning will lead to success and growth in your real estate empire.

To put it briefly, by following these steps and staying committed, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful real estate business. After all, the key is to set up your foundation correctly and maintain consistent effort. Do you have any question regarding where to get started or how to grow your empire? Contact us today to find out more! 

Watch our most recent video: Expert Tips for Starting and Growing Your Real Estate Empire

by

DSCR Loan Approval: E.L.F.F. Your Rental Properties

Categories:

What do you need to know about your DSCR loan so your investing is easy, lucrative, fun, and fast?

We want to give you the tools you need to win in the real estate game. 

In a recent article, we learned how lenders look at your credit score to determine the maximum loan they’ll offer. Today, we want to apply the same principles specifically to DSCR loans.

Some investors focus on fixing and flipping properties, while others create wealth through rentals. DSCR loans are one of the most useful tools for investors that are specifically designed for rental properties.

Understanding Leverage

Leverage is what we call using other people’s money. This typically comes in the form of bank loans, but it’s not limited to that.

Things like financial gifts, small loans from friends and family, your credit score, and loans from companies like Hard Money Mike can all give you leverage.

This leverage creates an equal playing field in the investing world. You don’t need to be wealthy to use leverage well.

Credit Score as Leverage

In this day and age, credit scores matter a lot. A good credit score is a powerful tool that you can use to increase your leverage.

We also sometimes talk about money buckets. Your ‘money bucket’ is the money you bring to the table. Obviously, if you’re a newer investor, your money bucket might not have as much personal money to fill it, in which case credit score matters even more.

However, strategically using your credit score, credit cards, business cards, HELOCs, etc. to fill your money bucket now is a great way to make sure you’re ready for future investing.

How Does Credit Score Impact a DSCR Loan?

DSCRs are investor-friendly loans. Banks calculate these loans based on the break-even point between the income of the property (rents) and the payments for that property (taxes, insurance, HOA, etc.). 

Let’s look at an example to see how credit score can impact your DSCR loans:

Once you subtract your expenses from the monthly rent, you’re left with $2,100. This means that, in order to maintain a DSCR ratio of 1 (the minimum to break even), you need a loan that has monthly payments of $2,100 or lower.

In the following example, Investor 1 has maintained a high credit score while Investor 2 has dipped below most banks’ minimum requirements.

In the two examples above, everything is the same except for the credit scores, and the effect is significant. Investor 2 can’t get a loan to refinance, and they’re either going to have to sell the property or keep their original loan for far longer than they wanted. 

Regardless, the person with the higher score is able to move through the investing process easily, lucratively, and quickly.

A bad credit score can tank your leverage and sabotage your investing by creating unnecessary roadblocks for your projects. 

How to Fix a Bad Credit Score

In the example above, Investor 2 struggled with a usage issue. This means that, even though they paid off their balance on time every month, excessive use of their personal credit card ended up driving down their score.

Here’s the deal: personal credit cards are not built to handle consistent real estate investing expenses. If you’re doing consistent real estate investing, we recommend looking into business credit cards.

Business cards often have higher usage limits which are ideal for the constant wear and tear of this industry.

You can also look into secured usage loans as a way to quickly boost your credit score.

Main DSCR Loan Takeaways

Leverage is king, and credit scores are an important piece of your leverage.

A good credit score makes it easier for you to qualify for and refinance your DSCRs. They can also help you put less money down on a property and increase your cash flow. 

Take care of your money buckets and credit score on the front end so you can succeed when deals come your way.

To help you get prepared, you can explore our website where we have free tools you can download to help you get organized, including a DSCR calculator and a business credit card marketplace.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can E.L.F.F. your investing, feel free to reach out to us at Info@TheCashFlowCompany.com or fill out a contact card.

by

Why a DSCR Loan is Perfect for Real Estate investors

Categories:

Why a DSCR Loan is Perfect for Real Estate investors

Many investors ask why a DSCR loan is perfect for real estate investing. To clarify, a DSCR loan stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan and is designed specifically for real estate investors. This type of loan helps you buy rental properties, whether they are long-term or short-term rentals. However, It’s not for flips or homes you plan to live in.

Why Choose a DSCR Loan?

Choosing a DSCR loan can be a smart move for several reasons:

  1. Easy Qualification: You don’t need to worry about how long you’ve been in business or your personal income. Even if you started your business yesterday, you could qualify.
  2. Focus on Property Income: The loan qualification is based on the income generated by the property, not your personal income.
  3. 30-Year Loan Options: You get a good 30-year loan product, which can provide stability and predictability.

How Does a DSCR Loan Work?

The key to a DSCR loan is that it focuses on the property’s ability to generate enough income to cover its expenses. Here’s how it works:

  1. Property Income: The income from the rental property should at least cover the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and any HOA or flood insurance fees.
  2. Credit Score: Your personal credit score is important. The higher your score, the better the terms and rates.
  3. Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV): This is the amount of the loan compared to the property’s value. Lower LTV means less risk for lenders and better terms for you.

Who Can Benefit from a DSCR Loan?

DSCR loans are perfect for:

  • New Investors: If you’ve just started your real estate investment journey, you can qualify even without a long business history.
  • Tax Savvy Investors: If you write off a lot of expenses on your taxes, which can reduce your reported income, this loan can still work for you.
  • Expanding Portfolios: Investors looking to add more rental properties can benefit from the flexible qualification criteria.

Example

Imagine you are an investor who just started a year ago. You found a great rental property, but traditional lenders won’t approve your loan because you don’t have two years of business income. A DSCR loan can help. As long as the rental income covers the mortgage and other expenses, you can get the loan and grow your investment portfolio.

Get Started with a DSCR Loan Today

A DSCR loan is an excellent loan for real estate investors. Is it right for your investment needs? Contact us at The Cash Flow Company. We have the tools and expertise to help you understand your options and find the best loan for your needs.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: Why a DSCR Loan is Perfect for Real Estate investors

by

What is Leverage Money in Real Estate?

Categories:

Building wealth is all about leverage in real estate investing. But what exactly is leverage money, and how can you use it correctly?

If you look at investing, it’s all about using other people’s money. It’s all about leverage. 

Understanding leverage and using it correctly is the key to unlocking the profits of real estate investing.

Why Leverage Matters

Leverage is the term we use for using someone else’s money (typically in the form of loans) to make a profit for yourself.

Frequently, you will also use a small amount of your own money. But leverage—the opportunities you can access with external funds—is what makes real estate investing accessible regardless of your personal wealth. 

Additionally, leverage allows investors to enter the market quickly, without needing to wait 5 years to save up for a downpayment.

If you know how to get money from others and use it to strategically turn a profit for yourself, you’ll be able to build income out of nearly nothing. 

Different Kinds of Leverage

Leverage comes in many forms:

  • Financial gifts
  • Loans
  • Mortgages
  • Liens
  • And more!

The most common form of real estate leverage is probably a classic mortgage. However, how you use that mortgage (and what you look for in a property) can make all the difference.

Looking for undervalued properties that owners are looking to sell quickly typically maximizes the ARV (After Repair Value). By getting a mortgage to cover the cost of the purchase price and leveraging those funds, you can fairly easily increase the value of the property and turn a profit on the resale (or rental).

Additionally, if you’re looking to buy a property that’s appraised under the market value, lenders are more likely to cover 100% of the purchase price (and sometimes a large piece of the renovations as well). 

How Far Can Leverage Take You?

In the current market, successful investing over the next few years is likely to have a huge payoff. 

Many real estate investors are even able to accumulate hefty retirement funds strictly through real estate investing in addition to annual income.

There are so many strategies you can use to build income with leverage:

  • Fix and flip (buy, fix, sell)
  • Renting (buy, fix, rent)
  • House hacking (buy, fix half, rent fixed half, fix other half with income from first half)

Even new investors can make quick progress if they use leverage wisely.

Recently, we had an investor from a smaller community who has already purchased 8 properties this year with little-to-no money down on each. They’ve been refinanced, rented, and are building her income. By the end of the year, she’ll probably have purchased anywhere from 10-15 properties. And she’s accomplished this by using other people’s money.

Of course, some markets are harder to work in and some communities move a little slower. 

But if you are committed to the game, and you pursue the best loans, you can build a successful business without emptying your pockets.

It’s all about finding the right leverage and using it wisely.

 

Read the full article here.

Watch the full video here:

by

Why You Need the Loan Cost Optimizer

Categories:

Why You Need the Loan Cost Optimizer

Today we are going to discuss why you need the loan cost optimizer! When taking into consideration which loan is best for your fix and flip, it is imperative that you compare everything side by side. Whether it’s a hard money loan, a private loan, a bank loan, or even OPM (Other People’s Money), each situation is different. That is why it’s essential to know what works best for you. Let’s get started!

Understanding Leverage

Leverage is key in real estate investing to create wealth. Think of leverage like a tool. When used right, it helps you build faster and better. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you get the best leverage:

Consider the Cost and Value

Just like hiring a contractor, you need to look at what you’re paying for and what you’re getting. It’s not always about the cheapest option but the best value. Typically, you might hear that hard money is more expensive than private money, but let’s dig deeper to see if that’s true.

How to Choose the Best Loan

  1. Compare Costs: Use our free Loan Cost Optimizer tool on our website to compare lenders and see who offers the best deal.
  2. Check Funding Speed: Make sure your lender can close the deal quickly to avoid losing it.
  3. Evaluate All Fees: Look at points, interest rates, and other fees to get the full picture.

Conclusion

In sum, the best loan for your fix and flip is the one that costs you the least and funds on time. By using the cost loan optimizer you can see everything side by side before making a decision. At The Cash Flow Company, our goal is to help you get the best lending options available. If you have a question or a deal to discuss, reach out to us. Visit our website, download our Loan Cost Optimizer, and compare lenders to find the best deal for you.

Watch our most recent video to discover more about: Why You Need the Loan Cost Optimizer

by

The Key to ‘ELFF’ing the Real Estate Game

Categories:

Making the real estate game Easy, Lucrative, Fun, and FAST is a critical component to your success as an investor!

A while ago, Joe Polish from I Love Marketing began using the acronym “E.L.F.” to describe an easy, lucrative, and fun business.

However, in the real estate world, time is everything. While we totally support easy, lucrative, and fun real estate investing, we also recognize that we need to move FAST.

Leverage (using other people’s money in the form of loans and gifts) is what makes real estate investing lucrative and accessible. Having the right leverage when you need it can really make or break your business.

And the truth is this:

Leverage is significantly affected by your credit score.

How Does Credit Score Affect Leverage?

Having a high credit score often comes with many perks. You might get offered better rates or terms, asked fewer questions, and experience faster approvals with less paperwork.

Unfortunately, while your credit score might make the loan process easier, a bad credit score can make your life a lot more difficult.

Let’s Check Out a Scenario…

If we look at a hypothetical purchase price of $375,000. In order to make the property cashflow, all our hypothetical investors must maintain a monthly mortgage payment of $2,000.

Even though each investor is looking at the same property and mortgage payment, their credit score affects their other payments.

Our Investors:

  • Jessica: She’s a dedicated investor who takes care of her credit, monitoring her score and keeping investment payments on business cards.
  • John: He uses personal credit cards for all his investments which has resulted in a score just above the minimum eligibility requirement for most traditional loans.
  • Sammy: He doesn’t monitor his credit and is convinced the banks just hate him. He never bothers to check his credit score.

The Numbers:

Each of our imaginary investors end up in a different financial situation purely based on their credit score. 

Even though their monthly payments are the same, Jessica ends up getting much more money at a lower rate. Meanwhile John and Sammy are stuck with smaller loans, less leverage, and a slow-moving process.

The Need for Speed

In our example above, Jessica has the advantage over these two investors because she can move through projects faster. She isn’t stuck waiting for approvals or trying to come up with so much additional money outside of her primary loan. 

Leverage makes real estate investing an even playing field for everyone out there, but credit scores can limit your leverage if you’re not careful. 

A good credit score opens doors and makes everything cheaper, easier, faster. 

To E.L.F.F. the real estate business, you need to set yourself up to win.

 

Read the full article here.

Watch the full video here:

by