Hard Money Lenders – Who are They and What Do They Offer?
What is a hard money lender? I have heard the term in internet advertisements and by word of mouth, but was not really sure what they were or how they work. I looked into it a little bit and found that they are actually just private individuals with a little extra money that they make available for investment. They will lend the money they have to real estate investors. The loan is usually short term and is generally used by the real estate investors to buy and repair certain properties.
So where does the name “hard money lender” come from then? The term is a common one used in the financial world. Soft money is money that has easy terms and a flexible payment schedule. Hard money, on the other hand, has stricter terms to it and the repayment schedule is rigid and completely outlined by the loaner. With private financing, the hard money term becomes even more harsh. The terms of a hard money lender are usually very strict and rigid.
Those rigid terms will likely vary from hard money lender to hard money lender. They will also likely be affected by experience of the investor requesting. However, there are some typical terms for hard money lenders. Usually the loan will be for around half to three quarters of the value of the home, post-repairs. The period is usually somewhere between 6 ad 60 months and will charge you 2-10 points on the loan as well. Again, though, there are going to be variations from lender to lender.
Hard money lenders are actually a great resource for you if you want to go into real estate investments. There are a couple of reasons. First of all, they give you money on hand so that you can make a purchase as soon as your offer is accepted. In some cases, these lenders will even lend you closing cost money. In addition, they are people, not institutions. You can talk to them on a personal level and build trust with them, which makes it something you can really work with. You will be able to laugh with, talk with, and even befriend your lender if you go the hard money lender route. Keep that in mind as you enter the field, but never forget that you do have a business relationship and that a lot of money can often times be at stake.
Though not always easy to find because of their private nature, hard money lenders can be a great resource for real estate investors. They offer quick money without all of the hassle of larger institutions. However, you must also be aware that terms and conditions of hard money lenders have little flexibility and are often tough. Because of that, you must make sure you establish a solid relationship and reputation with any hard money lenders you choose to work through. However, find the right one and you will have money available to you to make your real estate investment experience a successful one.
April 30th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
I wish more people would write blogs like this that are actually fun to read. With all the fluff floating around on the net, it is rare to read a blog like yours instead.