How I Became a Hard Money Lender
Unlike other investors, my venture into real estate was a natural extension of my secondary business as the IP Ware software developer. However, opportunity and perseverance beget wealth, or at least a decent side income. Aside from my ventures into lease optioning residential property, I and my partner have managed to acquire a number of properties with our own credit. However, when looking at our finances and the return we were getting for the amount of effort involved, we both decided there must be a better way. That is when it occurred to me. Instead of trying to leverage our existing assets for a diminishing return, perhaps we could be the bank. Here is the scenario as it has played out. First of all, we control a decent number of properties with our own credit. Most were purchased with 100% financing using multiple capital sources. However, each contains only a primary lean and is financed using standard mortgage terms. Subsequently, there is a 20% secondary credit position available on each of these properties. Now normally, an investor would use this 20% equity stake in the existing properties to leverage the purchase of more properties. However, our approach has been a bit different. Because interest rates are so low, we can borrow against the 20% equity position in each of the properties and loan this money to investors who need short terms financing to control and rehabilitate properties. Essentially, we are using our existing properties as collateral to borrow money at the going finance rate and loan it out at substantially higher rates of return. We have become the bank. For investors who need money fast, this system works out beautifully. They pledge their property as collateral, and we loan out up to 75% of the purchase price. All parties benefit, and investors with opportunities that do not need long term financing have a source of funds to do their deals. Everyone wins. If you are thinking of setting up this type of program yourself, there are a significant number of legal caveats that you must be aware of. The first is the company funding the second lean holder position on your existing properties must be aware of and amicable to what you are doing. This is a legal requirement of which there is no way of avoiding without committing fraud. Next, the usury laws in your state determine the maximum interest rate you can charge your customers. There are a host of additional laws that are more specific to the lending process, but a good lawyer will help you work through them. Regardless, there is a decent return to be made helping others do their deals. Use your existing properties to secure the funds to lend, and make sure you have an experienced lawyer to help you sort out the details. About The Author Barrett Niehus is a principal for IP Ware Commercial and Residential Real Estate Investment Analysis Software http://www.freetrainer.com
Related News
Ben Bernanke: Fresh Attack on Mortgage Rates - U.S. News & World Report
Ben Bernanke: Fresh Attack on Mortgage RatesU.S. News & World Report, DC -5 hours agoLower rates will enable some borrowers to refinance out of adjustable and into fixed-rate loans. But those who need to refinance the most have homes with ... |
Borrowers get gift of lower mortgage rates - Seattle Post Intelligencer
Recession Q & A - Newsday
Recession Q & ANewsday, NY -1 hour ago... take measures that will result in lower mortgage rates, "so people can afford to buy up housing inventory and refinance mortgages at affordable rates. ... |
Avoiding your own mortgage collapse - The News Journal
Avoiding your own mortgage collapseThe News Journal, DE -17 hours agoBy ANDREW EDER • The News Journal • December 1, 2008 It used to be that homeowners struggling to meet their mortgage payments had two options -- refinance... |
Mortgage rates fall, but many borrowers will have trouble qualifying - Los Angeles Times
Wolters Kluwer Financial Services Begins Development of Hope for ... - MarketWatch
Looking to refinance? Now might be the time - Boston Globe
Looking to refinance? Now might be the timeBoston Globe, United States -7 hours agoMortgage rates have been stubbornly high for quite some time but the government's recently announced $800B plan to bolster mortgages and consumer loans had ... |
Good time to refinance your mortgage? - WKTV
Good time to refinance your mortgage?WKTV, NY -8 hours agoBy GARY LIBERATORE (WKTV) - If you are in the market to buy a home, it's a really good time, but if you're selling, it's not so good. ... |
Treasury Yields Drop to Record Lows as Bernanke Cites Buybacks - Bloomberg
Bellingham man's adjustable mortgage became money trap - Bellingham Herald
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Florida Refinance - Refinancing in Florida
The decision to buy a home in Florida can be one of the best you will ever make. If you own a home in Florida you may be considering refinancing. Refinancing now can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the length of your mortgage. Florida lenders are offering low interest rates and could save you thousands of dollars over the length of your loan. Mortgage companies serving Florida and the United States are able to offer loan packages that make refinancing your home a wise decision. Compare your current interest rate to the rates being offered now and see how much money you can save by refinancing your home.
What Are Mortgage Brokers And Why To Use One
"Mortgage" is formed from two words: the French word "mort" meaning "dead" and the word "gage" from Old English meaning "pledge". Sir Edward Coke (who lived from 1552 to 1634) explained the term: the land as considered "dead" to the mortgagor, as if the person never had it.
Renters Have Much to Gain by Pursuing Home Ownership
Buying a home vs. renting is a big decision that takes careful consideration, as most mortgage consultants will agree. But the rewards of home ownership are great. For many years, purchasing real estate has been considered an extremely profitable investment. It is an achievement that offers a sense of pride, financial stability and potential tax advantages.
Home Loans for Credit Challenged Borrowers
Just because you have negative items on your credit report doesn't mean you can't obtain a home mortgage loan. There are options for you. Bad credit is not the end of the world. It's true that getting a bad credit mortgage loan is not always the easiest or fastest mortgage loan out there, but you can still buy your own home even with bad credit.
Recent Bankruptcy? Its Not Impossible to Obtain a Home Loan
Because the new bankruptcy laws go into effect on October 17, 2005, more Americans than ever are filing for relief using the federal bankruptcy laws. The vast majority are simply overextended and cannot possibly repay the obligations they have open.
How easy is it to get a Commercial Mortgage in the UK?
As is the case when applying for any mortgage, be it a residential or a
commercial mortgage, the better your credit and the better the collateral, the
easier the process becomes. But that doesn't mean that if your credit is less
than perfect, or you want to purchase commercial property in a less then
desirable part of the city, that you are automatically locked out of getting
the money you need. It just means that you need a "friend" in the business.
Home Equity Loan Tax Deductions
Interest - is an amount you pay for the use of borrowed money.
Kingsland Georgia Mortgage Company Information For Homebuyers Transferring to Kings Bay
If you are transferring to the Kings Bay Georgia Naval Submarine base, more than likely you will need a lender to buy a home.
Your Mortgage Rate Compare and Save
When trying to obtain the best mortgage rate compare offers from several lenders or brokers. Know how much of a down payment you can afford, and find out all the costs involved in the loan. Knowing just the amount of the monthly payment or the interest rate is not enough. Besides your mortgage rate compare information about the loan amount, loan term, and type of loan from varies lenders and brokers. The following information is important to get from each lender and broker:
How to Find Cheap Home Improvement Loans
If you have home improvements that you'd like to see done but don't have the money to do them, you might want to consider looking for cheap home improvement loans.
Buying a Home when Rates go Up
Many people fret the rising tide of interest rates. You'll hear things like, "Did I miss the boat? Is it too expensive now to buy a home? How can I afford the house of my dreams? Maybe I should wait! Maybe I should just rent for a while! Maybe the rates will go down in a few weeks. "
Home Loans -- The Hot New Product? The 30-year, Fixed-rate Mortgage
In recent years, the mortgage industry has introduced dozens of new types of loans. The needs of every borrower are different, so the mortgage companies have tried to come up with an answer for every problem. They've introduced 40-year mortgages, promoted 15-year mortgages, and introduced the wildest array of variable-rate mortgages imaginable. There are mortgages that have interest rates that adjust every few months, every few years, or just once. A recently popular product that thrives on the East and West coasts is the interest-only mortgage, which reduces payments by not requiring payment on the loan's principal for the first few years of the loan. The prospective homebuyer could have as many as one hundred possible types of loans to choose from when searching for a mortgage. Amidst this huge array of loan types, one type is growing in popularity faster than all the rest, and it may surprise you. The fastest-growing type of mortgage in America right now is the traditional 30-year, fixed-rate loan. Last year, only about 35% of all borrowers took out a 30 year, fixed-rate loan, but so far this year, the rate has increased to nearly 50%.
Home Equity Loan ? When Does Refinancing Make Sense?
For the last two years, interest rates have been much lower than anytime during the last thirty years. This has resulted in an unprecedented boom in real estate sales, home refinancing and home equity lending, as borrowers try to take advantage of these rates for the long term. But refinancing or even borrowing against your home's equity may not make sense for everyone. When is it a good idea to refinance your home? When is it not advisable?
Thought Fixed Rate Will Give You a Respite from the Perils of Variable Rates! Think Again
Slight increases in the interest rates raise your hackles. Tension grips your mind as to how you are going to make the extra payment. Preparations begin right then to provide for the repayment, though it requires a huge cut in the monthly expenses.
Interest Only Home Loan ? Is It Right For You?
There are many benefits to interest-only mortgage loans. There are many situations where an interest-only mortgage loan could be best for you.
6 Things to Consider Before Refinancing
Perhaps you're a homeowner in need of some quick cash.
Remortgage Serves To Rewind The Reimbursements Of Mortgage
It takes a mighty big effort to secure a home and even mightier to convert it into an earning member. Can a home be converted into an earning member? In contemporary configuration anything is possible! You must be aware of the advantages of mortgage, for you certainly have opted for that before going for a remortgage. Remortgage is a tool that solidifies the benefits that you have compiled as a result of mortgage. Remortgage allows you to apply for a new money lending service, if you are not satisfied with your current loan lender.
Mortgage Information for the First Time Homebuyer
Inflation in the United States is increasing rapidly and home prices are soaring! There are millions of american families that are unaware of the many mortgage programs that are available for first time homebuyers.
Home Equity Loans ? Research Your Lender Carefully
Real estate prices are rising across the country, and Americans are tapping into their home equity like never before. Americans took out $431 billion in home equity loans in 2004, and that amount may increase in 2005. The reasons vary; some are using the money for home improvement, others are using the money to buy real estate, and some are taking reverse mortgages in order to enjoy a better retirement. With interest rates still near historic lows and the bull real estate market continuing, more and more predatory lenders are entering the lending profession.Most lenders are honest, and prospective borrowers will probably not have any problems resulting from taking out a loan with a national bank. On the other hand, newer, smaller, and less honest lenders are advertising aggressively and may grab your attention by offering terms that seem more favorable than those offered by the larger banks. Sometimes, these terms sound too good to be true, and they often are. Here are a few things to watch out for when taking out a home loan:A promised low interest rate "disappears", only to be replaced with a higher figure on the contract at closing time. The borrowers, who expected to close right then and there, feel pressured to sign and often accept the higher interest rate.Previously unmentioned fees turn up on the application at closing. Again, by presenting these previously undisclosed fees at closing time, the borrower is pressured to sign.Blanks on the application form. It's hard to believe that a lender would present a blank form and assure the borrower that the blanks will be filled in later, but this actually happens, and borrowers actually sign such deals. Remember, your signature on the form constitutes your agreement to the terms, even if the terms are filled in later.These problems can be avoided by taking a few simple precautionary steps. Ask about the total fees and interest rates ahead of time. Inform your lender that you fully expect to see those same figures on the documents at closing, and make it clear that you will not sign documents that state otherwise. Make certain that you have provided honest information to the lender. Refuse to sign any blank documents. These things may seem obvious, but when closing approaches, borrowers tend to get in a hurry, as they are eager to get the closing out of the way. Borrowing against your home is not something to take lightly; you can lose your home if you unknowingly sign a predatory document. Take your time.
Refinancing vs Line of Credit
Refinancing vs line of credit are two popular options you have when deciding the best way to take equity out of your home. Sometimes it makes sense to establish a line of credit. But in other situations it's better to get a cash back refinance mortgage loan.
|
