Tag Archive for: real estate

Busting Myths: How to Get Out of Hard Money FAST

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Busting Myths: How to Get Out of Hard Money FAST

Busting Myths: How to Get Out of Hard Money FAST

Today, we’re going to bust another myth, and show you how to get out of a hard money loan FAST.

So many real estate investors believe hard money is a trap.

This is false!

In fact, many investors think hard money is a profit death sentence.

Again, this is FALSE.

Here’s the truth: Hard money loans should only be used as temporary solutions for your value-add properties. They’re not meant to be long-term options. If you enter a hard money loan with a long-term mindset, then yeah, you’ll probably lose most (or all) of your profits.

So, what can you do to ensure you’re in and out of a hard money loan fast? Here are 3 tips:

Make a plan to exit your loan as quickly as possible.

Don’t walk into your loan without a plan to get out of it.

If you’re doing a fix and flip, then make sure you have everything scheduled and set so you can get the work done and sell the property ASAP.

If you’re looking at fixing and holding (aka, rental property), then make sure you line up a long-term loan (aka, a traditional or bank loan) alongside your hard money loan. Don’t wait until you’ve completed the renovation portion of the project to start the refinance process.

If you work with the right lender, you can get help creating your specific plan, and get help with both your hard money AND long-term loan.

Focus on your credit score.

If you want to refinance out of your hard money loan quickly, then you’ll need to make sure you have a good credit score.

What is a good score? Ideally, you want it to be above 640. But that’s the bare minimum. Aiming for 670 or higher is even better.

If your credit score is below 640, then take the time to raise it before you get a hard money loan. Otherwise, you’ll likely get stuck because there aren’t many—if any—real estate lenders who can help you refinance with such a low score.

If you need tips on raising your score, check out some of our other videos on our YouTube channel.

Don’t delay construction.

Sometimes real estate investors close their deal with a hard money loan and then…sit. They don’t jump straight into the project and get things moving. Or they get started, but then hit a bump in the road and delay things.

Don’t do this.

The faster you get your work done, the faster you can sell or rent the investment property. Which means you can get out of your pricey loan a lot faster.

A great way to stay on track is through the Flipper Force app.

Listen, a hard money loan isn’t an expensive trap. It only becomes an expensive trap because real estate investors don’t go into it prepared.

If you need help preparing before you commit to a hard money loan, then our team is always here to help.

Stay tuned for our next video where we talk about bank lines compared to hard money loans. Believe it or not, bank lines aren’t always the cheaper path to take.

Happy investing!

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Busting Myths: What Is Hard Money

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Busting Myths: What Is Hard Money

Busting Myths: What Is Hard Money

What is hard money?

More importantly, what is it NOT?

Today, we’re starting a new series about busting hard money myths. Because there are so many rumors and misconceptions out there about this type of real estate funding. Unfortunately, most of these are negative.

Real estate investors all around the country say things like:

“Hard money is too expensive for me and my wallet.”

“It’s a trap!”

“Bank lines are so much cheaper.”

“Hard money is a curse!”

First of all, FALSE!

Second, we’re going to bust these myths and show you how hard money is not something to fear or avoid. In fact, it’s something to utilize so you can boost your cash flow and profits.

Yes, boost. Not obliterate.

But, before we dive into each myth in our upcoming video series, let’s talk about hard money.

Here are 3 keys facts you should know:

  1. It’s a special type of loan that’s usually secured by a real asset—aka, real estate. The funds for these loans is typically provided by private investors or companies.
  2. They’re not like normal bank loans that you pay off for 15-30 years. They’re meant to be short-term. Like, 3 to 9 months. You can pay them off quicker or slower than that timeframe, but this is the typical range.
  3. They’re perfect for real estate investors who want to buy value-add properties FAST, because hard money loans can get closed in days, not weeks. They’re ideal for buying discounted non-MLS properties. For example, think about wholesalers and other under-market deals.

Now that you have a better understanding of hard money, we can dig into the myths and misconceptions that revolve around it.

Our new video series busts these myths and show you how it isn’t something to fear or avoid. It’s actually something to use so you can generate positive cash flow and profits.

So, are you ready to talk about your real estate funding options? Great, our team is here to help.

Happy investing!

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How to Put Less Money Down on Your Real Estate Deals

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How to Put Less Money Down on Your Real Estate Deals

How to Put Less Money Down on Your Real Estate Deals

When you put less money down on your real estate deals, you keep more money in your pocket.

Now, if you’re a real estate investor, then chances are you put a lot of focus on positive cash flow.

But what does cash flow really mean?

Well, all investors have a different perspective, but most fall into 3 popular categories:
  1. Putting less money down.
  2. Making monthly income.
  3. Gaining leverage with cash-out refinancing.
All of these cash flow strategies share 2 common similarities:

Today, let’s dig deeper into the first cash flow strategy: putting less money down.

Investors who take this approach like to focus on leverage. Limiting the amount of money in each real estate deal leads to higher leverage. Higher leverage means you keep more money in your bank account. But it also means you lower your MONTHLY cash flow.

But that’s okay. It’s not always about monthly income.

It’s also about equity.

Investors who use this strategy aim to limit their initial outflow so they can keep more money in their pocket, and possibly buy more value-add properties with the same money.

What do we mean by that? Well, let’s take a look at a sample:

Let’s say Jane and John each have $50,000 to invest.

Jane decides to buy her property at the full retail value of $250,000 with a 20% down payment.

20% / $250,000 = $50,000

That’s Jane’s entire savings. So, she can only afford to buy the one property and must save up to buy another.

John, on the other hand, decides to use the BRRRR strategy to invest his $50,0000. Because he wants to limit the amount of money he puts down at closing.

So, John finds a wholesale property (aka, a discounted property) for $225,000 that has an ARV of $300,000. He puts $25,000 in for renovations, which leaves him with $25,000 in his bank account. Plus $50,000 of equity. He can use that money to do, well, whatever. That includes buying more value-add properties. We’re talking 2-4 additional houses.

So, while Jane used all of her $50,000 to buy ONE property, John used his $50,000 to buy multiple properties. Or simply live more comfortably.

Does this sound like your kind of cash flow strategy?

If not, no worries. There are still plenty of strategies to take, and our team is here to help you discover which one works best for you. We’re excited to set you on a path that makes you the kind of money you need…to live the life you want.

Happy investing!

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How to Make More Money: 3 Cash Flow Strategies

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How to Make More Money: 3 Cash Flow Strategies

How to Make More Money: 3 Cash Flow Strategies

How can you make more money? Well, today, we’re going to explore 3 cash flow strategies that will make your wallet very happy.

First of all, when most of real estate investors think about real estate investing, they think cash flow!

But here’s the thing.

Everyone has a different definition of cash flow.

For example, what cash flow means to John might differ from what it means to Jane. And what Jane values might drastically differ from what Jack values.

Of course, even if their cash flow goals differ, there are a few similarities between John, Jane, and Jack. Those similarities include:

  • Using the BRRRR method
  • Buying discounted properties
  • Making money (obviously!)

Now, while John, Jane, and Jack might share a few similarities in the real estate world, they also share many differences, especially when it comes to generating positive cash flow.

What kind of differences are we talking about?

Well, let’s take a look at their 3 individual real estate methods:

  1. Less Money Down: John likes to focus on leverage. He wants to limit his initial outflow so he can keep more money in his pocket. This strategy tends to work best for him and other investors who want to break even every month with their tax write offs.
  2. Making monthly income: This cash flow strategy is probably most popular, because it’s all about making money every month. Jane, who likes to take this approach, doesn’t mind putting some money down at closing. She also has a reason for wanting to generate consistent income each month. For example, she might need it to supplement her current income, replacing a full-time job, going on a big vacation every summer, or another reason.
  3. Refinancing: While some investors want to see money flowing into their bank account every month, others, like Jack, prefer to wait 2 to 3 years to refinance—or whenever there’s a movement in equity. When equity rises, Jack likes to get his money out of a property to use for his life and/or to buy more value-add properties.

As you can see, cash flow comes in all shapes and sizes.

  • John focuses on less money down.
  • Jane focuses on monthly income.
  • Jack focuses on refinancing.

Is one real estate method better than the other? Absolutely not. All 3 are valid cash flow strategies. It just depends on which one works best for you and the lifestyle you want.

So, what’s your strategy?

Our team is here to discuss your options, create a personal strategy, and set you on the path to making the kind of money you need.

Happy investing!

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Real Estate Goals: How to Turn 2020’s Lemons into Lemonade

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Real Estate Goals: How to Turn 2020's Lemons into Lemonade

Real Estate Goals: How to Turn 2020’s Lemons into Lemonade

It’s 2021, which means it’s time to come up with some fresh real estate goals.

The year 2020 had its opportunities, sure. But we think it’s fair to say that, overall, it was a year full of lemons.

Lots and lots of lemons.

And, yeah, we know 2021 isn’t going to be overflowing with daisies. But we think it’s time to take 2020’s lemons and make them into lemonade (hmm, lemonade!). It’s time to come up with more than goals and resolutions this year. It’s time to come up with a plan. A plan to:

Let’s not wallow in fear and uncertainty in 2021. Instead, let’s look on the bright side and generate positive cash flow. Because in good times, bad times, and in-between times, someone will always make money. Why not you?

So come on, let’s chat about your goals and a plan to achieve them this year. Because our team is eager to set you on a path to help you make the kind of money you need to live the life you want.

Happy investing!

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Hold-and-Rent in Greeley!

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Check out this cozy little hold-and-rent property our client purchased Greeley, Colorado! This deal was funded using a Hard Money Mike loan.

We love seeing our clients’ success stories and look forward to checking in on the progress with their investments.

Ready to fund your own investment property deal? Chances are good that we can help!

Hard Money Mike is a lender based in Colorado. We regularly lend money on all types of commercial-based properties. So whether you have your eye on a potential fix-and-flip, vacant land, whole tailing, or a builder bridge loans, we’re happy to help make your investment property dreams come true.

We even lend on deals in several states outside of Colorado, so don’t let our location stop you from achieving your investment goals. If we’re not yet lending in your state, we’re still happy to discuss your numbers and plans with you to make sure you’re on the right track.

In the market for a property in the single-family or commercial sector? Our sister company The Cash Flow Company funds investor loans on those, too! We’ve got a lending solution to most investment opportunities, so let’s get you on the path to investment property greatness.

Questions or just need help deciphering your numbers? Feel free to reach out!

Hard Money Mike 303-539-3000

*All non-commercial and construction loans offered by TNS Loans NMLS #1719349

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Property Transformation: Ohio Fix-and-Flip

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Check out these inspiring Before-and- After property transformation photos! These pics come courtesy of one of our clients’ fix-and-flip projects in Canal Winchester, OH!

Quite the amazing kitchen glow-up.

We love seeing the results of hard work and the creative vision our clients hold for their investment properties and rehab projects. All it takes is a little inspiration, a lot of hard work, and some investment capital to get started on your investment property transformation journey.

And we’re happy to help with that last part.

When you go through Hard Money Mike, you can count on a hassle-free process for rehab projects like this one. Hard Money Mike is a lender based in Colorado, lending money to several states, including Ohio. We regularly lend money on all types of commercial based properties: fix and flip, land, whole tailing, and bridge loans. So regardless of what type of property transformation you’re trying to achieve, chances are, we can help you fund the deal!

Call Mike Bonn at 303-539-3000 or email Mike@HardMoneyMike.com

*All non-commercial and construction loans offered by TNS Loans NMLS #1719349*

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What’s the Cost of Your Credit Score?

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a less than perfect credit score is eating away at your profit.

How much money might a lackluster credit score be costing you over the life of your investment business?

the impact of your credit score

You probably hear a lot of talk in the mortgage industry about your credit score and the effect it can have on your interest rates, but do you really have an idea of how much it’s affecting your bottom dollar?

Do you know how to determine your Return on Credit (ROC)?

Can you crunch the numbers to figure out how much your score is helping your cash-flow (or how much money it’s sucking out every month?)

These calculations can get complicated, but the takeaway here is that a less-than-stellar score can really be costing your tens of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your loan. And when your loan is on an investment property, (or several,) you may as well be lighting your profits on fire.

a less than perfect credit score is eating away at your profit.

We want to help! Contact our team so we can help you see where you’re currently at, and where you could be going instead.

Let’s get you to your goals faster by trimming some of the fat from your financing!

Hard Money Mike is a lender based in Colorado offering services in several states. We lend money for all varieties of commercial-based properties. So whether you’re trying to finance a fix-and-flip, vacant land, whole-tailing, or looking for a builder bridge loan, we’ve got you covered.

Call Mike Bonn at: 303-539-3000 or email Mike@HardMoneyMike.com

*All non-commercial and construction loans offered by TNS Loans NMLS #1719349

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Investor Inspo: Dallas Fix-and-Flip

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Dallas Fix-and-flip exterior

Nobody does fix-and-flip curb appeal like these Dallas clients.

Check out these amazing Before-and-After photos of this Dallas Fix-and-Flip!

 

Dallas fix-and-flip living room

These clients did an amazing job transforming this living room into a much more liveable space.

Dallas fix-and-flip bedroom

From dark and cave-like, to light and inviting, this bedroom looks pretty dreamy to us!

Dallas fix-and-flip kitchen

From cluttered to cool, this kitchen got a pretty serious glow-up.

Dallas fix-and-flip bathroom

Not even the bathroom escaped noticed in this impeccable flip!

We’re still in awe of this amazing fix-and-flip investment deal from our Dallas area clients. A little imagination and some investment capital can go a long way towards transforming a haggard house into an updated future home!

We never tire of watching our clients change the face of their neighborhoods in a positive way. This property is a shining example of what the real estate investing community is all about: improving a neighborhood and enjoying a profitable rehab!

Looking for a hard money loan to fund your own flip? Look no further.

How do you take the guesswork out of getting your deals funded for rehab projects like this one? Simple: By partnering with Hard Money Mike.

Hard Money Mike is a lender based in Colorado. We offer a large pool of lenders so we can be sure to find the right fit for your project. We regularly lend money for all types of commercial-based properties. So whether your project is a fix-and-flip, land, whole-tailing, or a builder bridge loan, we have you covered.

If this flip has you feeling inspired, we want to know about it! Contact Mike Bonn at 303-539-3000 or email Mike@HardMoneyMike.com to start exploring your lending options!

Want even more awe-inspiring investor inspo? Check out what some of our other clients have been up to…

*All non-commercial and construction loans offered by TNS Loans NMLS #1719349

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Investor Mortgage Report 5.26.20

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Mortgage industry is showing signs of recovery.

The Mortgage Market is Showing Signs of Being on the Mend.

What We Know:

The mortgage market is finally showing signs that it is starting to recover and heal. As states begin to lift travel and business closure restrictions and reopen for commerce, lenders appear to be relaxing some of their restrictions in-kind.  Last week, we welcomed back a few lenders offering loans outside the standard conventional box.

This week, we see even more positive progress, such as lenders expanding the LTVs up to 70% on their investor cash flow loans (based on credit score and lease.)

We are noticing the lending requirements are a little more restrictive than before Covid-19, but at least additional options are making a comeback. Hopefully, this upward trend will continue over the following weeks.

What You Can Expect:

A return to business-as-usual won’t happen overnight, of course. The lower credit scores and higher LTVs will more than likely take some additional time to return to their pre-COVID closure state. Lenders will want more data on the unemployment and rental payment front before expanding.

Real estate investors may have to be more patient for normalcy to return to their lending markets.

Rates in the standard-conforming market are coming down.  For investors, 30-year rates are in the mid 3’s for purchases and no cash-out refinances.  Cash-out refinances are still a big challenge for investors, and will more than likely continue to be so for the next few months.

Expect to find the expanded requirements (up to 6 months reserves for each property) to be in place with underwriters through the end of the year.

*All non-commercial and construction loans offered by TNS Loans NMLS #1719349

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