Tag Archive for: The Cash Flow Company

Why You Need to Find Other Money Sources Now

Categories:

Why You Need to Find Other Money Sources Now

Banks are experiencing a significant decrease of money flowing into the lending pool. This has created a bank collapse that is greatly impacting real estate investors today. As a result, banks are forced to swim upstream in search of the “best of the best clients”, thus leaving investors to find other money sources. What can real estate investors do? We are here to help navigate you through these rough waters.

Private Lenders

A waterfall effect occurs when banks are focused on the “best of the best” clients. Thus, forcing investors to cascade down to private lenders in order to keep their business afloat. The influx of new clients has led private lenders to begin swimming upstream alongside banks in search of new borrowers. These borrowers are more experienced, have more money, and more liquidity. Unfortunately, this is making it harder for many investors to qualify for loans.

Other People’s Money 

In addition to private lending, another funding source is “other people’s money” aka OPM. These are individuals that are within our community and can lend $10,000 to $100,000. By knowing who to ask and where to look, you can easily ride the wave to success. So dive in and discover additional lending options and how to succeed during this bank collapse.

What you need to succeed

Investors can prepare for this lending squeeze by making sure they have cash, high credit scores, and are keeping up on projects. By getting into a deal now and holding it for 2-3 years, it can set you up for success in the near future. We can help guide you through the process of starting your business, increasing your credit scores, finding ways to improve your income, and helping with OPM options.

Need more help navigating these rough waters watch our most recent video!

 

by

Why business credit cards make real estate investing easier

Categories:

Why business credit cards make real estate investing easier

70%-80% of investors are overwhelmed with business expenses and are resorting to using their personal credit. By using personal credit cards for business expenses, investors are jeopardizing their credit score and endangering the success of their business. How can you get your personal credit in good standing and back on track? What can you do to stabilize your business expenses? The answer to both of these questions is business credit cards. Let’s look closer at how they can make your life easier.

First, personal credit scores are no longer taking the hit.

While personal credit cards are easily accessible, they make life more complicated for investors. Whether it’s a fix and flip, or a rental property, expenses can easily add up and jeopardize your credit score. Putting expenses on personal credit cards drives down your score due to the utilization rate. This in turn makes everything harder, from trying to apply for a loan, to putting more money into the investment. The ultimate solution is business credit cards because they do not impact your credit score, nor do they have the same utilization rate restrictions. This is a simple step that every investor should be taking to alleviate future strain on personal credit scores.

Second, making things easier, faster, and cheaper

How can you make things easier, faster and cheaper for your business? The answer once again is applying for and using business credit cards! Once a card is established, you can start moving expenses over to consolidate balances, thus making your life easier. They have the same benefits as personal credit cards if not more! By using them more often and making payments in chunks, investors are able to increase their credit limits quickly. In doing so, personal credit scores will increase and create more leverage for additional loans, as well as create better funding options. 

Third, we are here to get you on track.

In having better credit scores, it then opens the door to endless possibilities that will create wealth. We can help you by providing a usage loan that can be used to pay down personal credit cards. With the utilization rate then decreased, your credit score will increase, allowing you to make the switch. We can help guide you through the entire process from setting up your business correctly, to researching credit cards, and provide usage loans to get you back on track. Don’t wait for corporate credit to take effect! Call or message us today to find out more.

Watch our most recent video to discover more about the importance of business credit cards and how we can help guide you to success.

 

by

The ABC’s of DSCR loans: What every investor should know

Categories:

The ABC’s of DSCR loans: What every investor should know 

Do you need additional income for rental properties without the hassle of tons of paperwork or long processing times? Let’s take a closer look at the ABC’s of DSCR loans and how they can help. There is no need for employment history, and better yet there are only a few factors that are needed to qualify. DSCR, also known as the debt service coverage ratio, calculates whether or not a property breaks even or better yet, has a positive cash flow. These investors only loans are not only simple to apply for, but they can also be used for properties that have 1 to 4 units. Larger unit sizes can also apply, however, there are normally only a few available. DSCR loans are an excellent way for investors to get a 30-year product without worrying about how long they have been in business, their income, or even their business income. 

What three factors impact DSCR loan approval? 

1. Income from the property

The main factor that impacts an approval for a DSCR loan is income. When an investor is buying a property, the lenders will look at personal income, business income, or both. In almost all cases, lenders require two years of taxes showing a businesses income prior to approval. If you are a new investor, or like to write everything off, you will not meet the necessary requirements to apply. This is where a DSCR loan comes into play. The only thing that is taken into account, is whether or not you are going to break even with the rental property. The lenders will then look at the mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, HOA, and flood insurance to determine if you are eligible.

2. Your personal credit  

Especially in the real estate industry, your credit score plays a huge role in your success as an investor. Here at The Cash Flow Company, we see investors who struggle to pay bills on time, overuse credit cards, and don’t use enough credit. This greatly affects your personal credit scores. What can you do to get things turned around? The most important thing is to separate your personal credit from your business expenses to raise credit scores. In turn, it will allow for better rates with better terms for future investments. 

3. Loan to value

The loan to value, or LTV, is the amount of the mortgage compared to the value of the property. Most DSCR loans have a max LTV set to 80% for purchase, as well as rate and term refinances. This percentage then changes to 75% LTV for cash out refinances.  LTV’s can go 5% higher with the right factors, but investors should expect to pay a higher rate. In summary, the lower the loan to value, the less risk for the lender.

DSCR loans are incredibly helpful for investors who need additional income for rental properties. Not only are they fast and easy to apply for, but they also allow you to apply before your investment property is up and running. This is done by appraising properties in the current market and estimating the rent. In doing your research and estimating your cash flow, the sky’s the limit for success! Would you like to find out more and see if DSCR loans are right for you? Use our DSCR calculator to see the impact a DSCR loan can have on your investments.

Find out more about DSCR loans by watching our most recent video. 

by

Why real estate investors need to understand escrow?

Categories:

Why real estate investors need to understand escrow?

Real estate investors need to understand escrow for their business to be successful. Escrow is a portion of the loan that a lending company puts aside for repairs on the property. As a real estate investor, you need to understand the rules and regulations of the lender in regards of Escrow, in order to save both time and money.  When investors understand escrow, and what they are responsible for, it can ease their frustration, prevent a finance wall, and establish a foundation for cash flow.

1.Understand the rules of escrow

As a real estate investor, you need to understand escrow by researching the rules and regulations for your lender. Any misunderstandings can very easily stall or even jeopardize a project. Investors also need to construct their budget beforehand, to ensure that they stay within it during the process. There is no flexibility after the amount is approved by the lender. Without the ability to expand the Escrow, any additional expenses will come out of your pocket instead.  

2.Begin repairs to receive escrow

Lenders allocate a set amount to not only purchase a property, but also to fix it up in order to get it market ready. The only way to access Escrow funds when buying a fix and flip, or an undervalued rental property, is to submit proof. These can be in the form of receipts, photos, and other documentation sent to your lender to show that repairs are underway. 

3. Optimize profits by using escrow correctly

When real estate investors understand escrow, they can optimize profits and avoid missing the market when it’s “hot.” This is achieved by taking into account all repair costs, having the money set aside to complete repairs, and completing the work quickly. Remember the longer you’re on hold, the more it will cost you, plus it will delay paying contractors. By understanding the importance of cost and timeline, it will result in a larger profit. 

So, what are the other Major Roadblocks that cause burn out, financial hemorrhaging, and unfortunately defeat? 

Watch our latest interview to discover more about the 5 Major Roadblocks

Want more information on real estate investment roadblocks or have any other questions? Contact us today!

 

by

80% of Real Estate Investors fail at taking this step

Categories:

80% of Real Estate Investors fail at taking this step:

A looming problem that 70%-80% of investors are facing today, is the effect that business expenses are having on their personal credit. How can you make things easier, faster and cheaper? The answer is applying for and using business credit cards! This is a simple step that every investor should be taking to alleviate future strain on personal credit scores. In having better credit scores, it then opens the door to endless possibilities that will create wealth. Let’s look closer at how business credit cards can make your life easier both on the personal side, as well as on the business side.

1. What impacts investors’ personal credit score?

High credit scores are important for investors because it creates the leverage and funding they need to grow their business. Almost every investor runs up their personal credit card balance, by putting too many business charges on them. Thus, jeopardizing their personal credit score due to their credit utilization rate. For personal credit cards, MyFico only allows for a 20% utilization rate before it impacts your credit score. However, business credit cards do not have the same restrictions. Instead, you are able to use the entire credit limit without having to worry. In having better credit scores, it opens the door to endless possibilities that will create wealth.

2. What are the benefits of getting a business credit card?

Business credit cards are the most important thing that investors can do to ensure success. They not only provide funding, but also the leverage required to create further growth. Many investors have heard of corporate credit and have taken the steps to get started down that path. Unfortunately, this option results in years of hard work and multiple steps before any progress can be made. Business credit cards on the other hand, are quick to set up, extremely flexible, and most importantly they will not impact your credit score. Eliminate the cash crunch by separating your personal credit from your business.

3. How do low credit scores impact acceptance?

One challenge that many investors have, is that their personal credit is too low to apply for a business credit card. In this case, they need to pay down their credit card balances by using their savings, or they can take out a personal loan. How can real estate investors repair their credit score and help grow their business? By applying for a usage loan, investors can pay off credit card debt quickly and easily. This in turn allows them to qualify for fix and flip loans, DSCR loans, or other bank loans that can get the business back on track. 

4. What steps do you need to take to set up your business correctly?

The fourth and most important step is setting up your business properly. If it’s not, fix it now! In having your business set up correctly it will make it easier to access more lending options and increase your profits. How can you get on track and set up your business correctly? We are here to help by providing a 1-10 checklist for you to follow. This includes links to the Secretary of State, EIN information, and much more to help get the ball rolling. Our goal is to make it as easy and profitable as possible.

By using personal credit cards for business expenses, you are jeopardizing your credit score and endangering the success of your business. Do not join the 80% of real estate investors who fail. We can help guide you through the entire process from setting up your business correctly, to researching credit cards, and can even provide usage loans to get you back on track.

Watch our most recent video to discover more about the importance of business credit cards and how we can help guide you to success.

by

Credit Score Shock: Understanding Why it Takes a Hit

Categories:

Credit Score Shock: Understanding Why it Takes a Hit

More often than not, businesses are using their own credit for business expenses, thus creating credit score shock. Whether it’s for fix and flip projects, paying contractors, or even a regular trip io Home Depot, it all takes a toll. By doing this, people are increasing their credit utilization rate to a concerning level. 

Usage 

Usage is tricky and counterintuitive, because it is constantly testing willpower. Looking closer, usage makes up 30% of your overall credit score. Not making payments on time can push this rate up to 35% or more.

MyFico

Personal credit cards are tracked by MyFico. Fico wants to see people at 20% or less of their available credit. We see a lot of people who have $50,000, $100,000, or sometimes even more in credit card debt. By continuing high usage habits or maxing out credit cards, it can create a hard hit against personal credit scores.

Debt Apples to Apples:

An example of this would be two individuals with similar jobs, income, and savings. Person A has $1,000 on a $1,500 limit card, and Person B has $1,000 on a $5,000 limit card. Both owe the same amount; however, Person A would take a harder hit because the credit utilization rate is much higher. Those who don’t owe very much could fix it quickly by simply increasing their credit limit through a different company. 

In Summary:

What’s happening to the people who are not used to the higher percentages? The feds are going to make it harder to get funding until they get it to the point where no one is spending money. 

Watch our latest video to find out more about credit score shock!

If you want to be in business and take advantage of the current market, give us a call. We can help you learn the ins and outs of what is affecting your credit score.

by

How a Bank Collapse Impacts Real Estate Investors

Categories:

How a Bank Collapse Impacts Real Estate Investors

Without a doubt, banks are experiencing a significant decrease of money flowing into the lending pool. But, how does this impact investors? There are three main ways a bank collapse could impact real estate investors today. What are they? Let’s dive in and discover more!

Banks are Lending Less

Nowadays, banks are being forced to swim upstream in search of the “best of the best clients.” But what makes a perfect client? Well, it’s those who have more cash in the bank, more revenue, and higher credit scores.

Investors Book of Debt

To put it briefly, savings accounts and CD’s that were booked years ago at low percentages are experiencing a dramatic increase. What started at a monthly profit of 3% to 4%, has become a deficit of 5% to 5.25%. For this reason, investors are now upside-down on their assets.

Book of Business

Now, the notes that banks wrote 3 to 5 years ago, are now coming due. What started at 3%- 4% interest rates, has skyrocketed to 8%-10%. As you can see, lending is no longer in the forefront of banks’ minds in the traditional sense. 

How Investors are Managing the Lending Squeeze

So, what can real estate investors do? To start, they can prepare by making sure they have cash, high credit scores, and keeping up on projects. At this point and time, money and credit are going to be your keys to success. They are what will ensure you are in the game as rates continue to rise.  

Undoubtedly, there’s a bank collapse on the horizon. But as long as you’re aware of the situation and are willing to put in some work, you’ll be okay. Plus, we can guide you through a bank collapse by helping you improve your credit sores, increase your cash flow, and explore alternative lending options. Contact us today! 

Do you need more resources on how to navigate a bank collapse? Watch our most recent video to learn more!

by

5 Major Roadblocks in Real Estate Investing Solutions Revealed

Categories:

5 Major Roadblocks in Real Estate Investing

Did you know there are 5 major roadblocks in real estate investing? From buying and holding rentals, to flipping properties, to dividing land, investors face numerous roadblocks that create frustration, and lead to defeat. But fear not! When investors identify these 5 roadblocks, they can ease their frustration, prevent a finance wall, and learn how to create consistent cash flow.

We work with many clients, including those who are just starting out on their real estate investment journey, to those who have become experts. Every day, our company receives numerous calls  from people saying, “I wish I would have,” or “I wish I did that too.” Therefore, we’ve  created a guide to help others skip bumps in the road that can impact their success. When you’re aware of these 5 roadblocks, do your research before embarking on your real estate journey, and reevaluate quarterly, the sky’s the limit.

So, what are the 5 Major Roadblocks that cause burn out, financial hemorrhaging, and, unfortunately, defeat? Well, here’s what you need to know to make your real estate investments successful.

5 Major Roadblocks:

1. Cash Flow 

The first roadblock that can greatly affect your success is not understanding the importance of cash flow. If your property’s expenses outweigh your profits, then that’s going to hurt you and your business. You want to make sure your profits are always greater than your expenses. The best way to avoid this roadblock is to make a plan and know your numbers upfront! Don’t dive into an investment before you know if your property will cash flow. 

2. Escrow 

The second roadblock every investor should understand is escrow. Escrow is a portion of the loan a lending company puts aside for repairs to the property. The only way to access these funds is to submit receipts, photos, and other proof to your lender that the repairs are underway. So, if you want to optimize your profits and avoid missing the market when it’s “hot,” you need to take all repair costs into consideration, make sure you have money to get the repairs started without your lender’s help, and complete repairs quickly and correctly.

3. Too Many Projects

The third roadblock is having too many projects. From multiple property costs to paying contractors, investors can get too big too fast. It is important to “err on the side of caution” to prevent the “finance crunch” that often occurs. So, slow down, be realistic, and limit your losses. 

4. Rentals

The fourth roadblock is navigating rental cash flow. The deal needs to be a positive investment not a negative one after considering all costs. These costs include rents, taxes, and insurance. In real estate investing, you cannot afford losses or simply break even. The numbers game is intense! It is vital that you are prepared and learn the ropes!

5. Personal Credit Usage

The fifth and final roadblock is the misuse of personal credit cards to cushion purchases or expenses. If you want to avoid spiraling into debt, then quickly set up your business and begin using a business credit card. Business credit cards are easy, fast, and make every investor’s life easier. 

At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is keeping personal and business expenses separate. It’s vital to a successful real estate investing.

Watch our latest interview to discover more about the 5 Major Roadblocks

 

Want more information on real estate investment roadblocks or have any other questions? Contact us today! 

by

The Real Estate Investor’s Battle: Hurdles and Solutions

Categories:

The Real Estate Investor’s Battle: Hurdles and Solutions

Do you want to use other people’s money to generate cash flow? Wondering what hurdles you will face along the way? Unfortunately people tend to get greedy and let emotions take over their investing decisions. They begin purchasing multiple properties in a short period of time, which is not always a profitable method. Investing is all about the numbers and determining whether a property will create cash flow, or will instead create spiraling debt. By setting your business up correctly and not letting your emotions take over, the sky’s the limit for your success. Let’s take a closer look at the real estate hurdles and the solutions that will get you back on track. 

First, limit the number of properties

We see so many people who want to do 5 or 6 deals a year. In doing so, they tend to lose money on at least 2 if not 3 of those properties. Thus resulting in investors breaking even, as opposed to making money. By taking on too much too quickly, investors fail to grow their money. It is possible in 3 years to obtain good wealth, but achieving it in one year is very difficult. Be strategic to ensure that you’re making money on each deal!

Second, regulate your emotions

80% to 90% of people either take on too much, or they let their emotions drive their business. Even though they know their numbers going into a deal, many investors let their emotions drive the bidding. This causes them to become overextended and unfortunately results in little to no profit on the property. Real estate investment is designed for everyone, however it’s only profitable for those who can take their energy and put it back into the property.

Third, leverage

It is imperative that you leave your emotions out of the deal and instead focus your attention on the leverage that your investment holds. As an investor, you have to understand how to use leverage properly in order to create income and generational wealth. While not everyone has $300K to start investing, you need to make sure that the property can pay for itself. For example, if a property is bringing in $4K and is only costing $2K, then you can feel comfortable taking on another mortgage without facing financial strain.  

Fourth, do your research 

Whether you are house hacking or joining a fellow investor, you need to make sure that you are comfortable with the numbers before diving in. It is important to research and compare properties prior to investing to determine if the investment will be profitable. Another component in this process is evaluating the property for sellability. Unfortunately there are a number of properties that have been fixed quickly or had things covered up for a fast sale. In knowing what you are looking for, you can save time and money by investing in a property that people want to buy. 

In conclusion

There is a reason that it’s “simple not easy” in real estate investing. You have to follow the process and take the steps until you feel comfortable enough to eliminate the emotions. This in turn will prevent you from getting into a situation that could jeopardize your success. Finally, by getting help from realtors, designers, or even finding ideas online, you can ensure that you have something that your audience will love. We can help you tackle the hurdles and find solutions to the challenges that are holding you back from achieving cash flow.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about Real Estate Investment Hurdles and Solutions

If you have any questions on liquidity, fix and flip loans, or any other real estate investment questions, please reach out to us!

by

Bank Collapse: How Real Estate Investors Can Prepare

Categories:

How Real Estate Investors Can Prepare for Bank Collapse

How can real estate investors prepare for the collapse of banks? What does that mean for them, and what does that mean for you as a real estate investor? We will coach you through this lending squeeze by not only looking at the challenges, but also highlighting lending alternatives that will help you stay afloat.

In the lending community, banks are experiencing a decrease of money flowing into the lending pool. Over 190 banks have been placed on the watch list because funds are leaving the bank at an accelerated pace. What does this mean for investors specifically?

There are three main ways this problem is impacting real estate investors today. Let’s dive in and discover more!

Changes to the Banks’ Lending Pool

1. Banks are Lending Less

Unfortunately, with the lending restrictions, banks are being forced to swim upstream in search of the “best of the best clients.” What makes up a perfect client? It’s those who have more cash in the bank, more revenue, and better credit scores. However, those specifications don’t always fit the majority of investors. 

2. Book of Debt

To put it briefly, savings accounts and CD’s that were booked years ago at low percentages are increasing dramatically. What started at a monthly profit of 3% to 4%, has become a deficit of 5% to 5.25%. This situation is forcing investors to sell bonds and get rid of old debt, so they are longer upside down on past assets.

3. Book of Business

Banks who wrote notes to businesses 3 to 5 years ago are now coming due. What started as 3%- 4% interest rates, has skyrocketed to 8%-10%. Unfortunately, because of this, many businesses can no longer qualify. What do banks do when notes become nonperforming? The government requires banks to put in more capital to help cover potential losses. Lending is not in the forefront of banks minds in the traditional sense. The primary option for investors is SBA loans, which are backed by the government, and therefore they do not have the same lending restrictions.  

Investors are Searching for New Lenders:

Why are they looking for new lenders? Investors are forced to explore uncharted waters to locate private lenders because banks are focused on the “best of the best.” This waterfall effect is forcing investors to cascade down to private lenders to keep their businesses afloat. With the influx of new clients, private lenders are also swimming upstream alongside banks, searching for borrowers with more experience, more money down, and more liquidity. Lenders who used to lend 75% ARV are now lending 75% LTV. This could result in investors spending 20%-30% more on each deal if you’re even able to qualify. 

Additional Aspect for Fix and Flip Properties

In regard to fix and flip properties, investors need to consider the current interest rates for homes. When rates go up, the ability for a buyer to buy a house goes down. In just two years’ time, a house for $295,000 in 2021 is now $500,000. The affordability of properties has stretched what investors can fit into their budget, and what they are able to qualify for depending on the DTI (debt to income). 

Managing the Lending Squeeze

How real estate investors prepare can will result in success when navigating these rough seas. The goal is to make sure you have cash, high credit scores, and that you are keeping up on projects.  Get into a deal now and hold it for 2-3 years to set yourself up for success.

Open your eyes to additional lending sources, such as “other people’s money” aka OPM, to fund part or even all of your projects. These are individuals within our community that can lend anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. They are out there! It’s just a matter of knowing where to look and who to ask.

Money and credit are going to be your keys to making sure that you are in the game as the rates continue to increase. We can help guide you through the process of starting your business, increasing your credit scores, finding ways to improve your income, and helping with OPM options.

Need more help navigating these rough waters watch our most recent video!

We’ve raised millions of millions of dollars over the past 15 years by bringing in money from other investors who are just looking for a return. If you need coaching or help taking advantage of these opportunities give us a call! 

by