Tag Archive for: real estate investor

How to Make Real Estate Investing EASY: 3 Steps to Funding Your Fix and Flip Deals

How to Make Real Estate Investing EASY: 3 Steps to Getting A Fix and Flip Loan

When you’re looking to buy a value-add property like a fixer upper, then you’re probably also looking to get a fix and flip loan (aka, a hard money loan).

But what exactly does a fix and flip loan process entail for real estate investors?

Well, let’s take a look at the first 3 steps you need to take to fund your fix and flip deals. Because in order to make the most money, you need to make sure you’re working with the best lender. For you!

How to Make Real Estate Investing EASY: 3 Steps to Getting A Fix and Flip Loan

S0, here we go!

Know the difference between fix and flip lenders

Just like houses, real estate lenders come in all shapes and sizes. Some require in-depth real estate portfolios, good credit scores, and 10 to 20 percent into each project. These are typically the larger national companies.

Some lenders will work with newer investors with little to no money in the deal. Some will charge higher rates and less points. And some have a ton of junk fees, while some have none.

Overall, you’ll likely find the more flexible the lender, the higher the cost.

But to discover the best lender for you, you’ll need to shop around in your area.

Know what you bring to the table

If you want real estate lenders competing for your business, make it easy for them. Become a borrower that all lenders want to help.

What does that mean? Well, simply put:

  • Keep your credit score high
  • Get projects done on time
  • Pay your lenders on time
  • And build your real estate portfolio to show everything you’ve completed and who’s on your team.

Know what you’re looking for

It’s so important you know what YOU need. For example, do you need a lender who requires less money in? Less experience? Better rates? Faster closings? Just ask yourself, “What will make me the most successful?”

Once you complete these 3 easy steps, we can guarantee your search for the perfect fix and flip lender will be a great one. And that means your bank account will be very happy with you.

Ready to chat? Our team is here and ready to help you find the right loan for you!

Happy investing!

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How To Make More Money with More Lender Options

How To Make More Money With More Lender Options

Let’s talk about how you can make more money with more lender options.

Because one of the biggest problems that impacts your cash flow is getting too comfortable with a single lender.

We’re talking about thousands-of-dollars-kind-of-impact.

The Alarming Truth About Your Real Estate Loans

Let’s face it. Sometimes it’s just easier to keep using the same lender for all your loans. But here’s the truth: Sticking with the same lender will suck money out of your pocket every month and make banks fatter.

Stop giving the banks your extra money every month!

That’s money you should be using to make your life easier and more enjoyable. If you want a leg up on most real estate investors, then spend an hour or so and shop around for lenders who can get you the best deal on each loan. Why? Because not all lenders are made the same or have the same products available. Or, worse, they think mainly of how much money they can make and not how much they can increase your monthly cash flow.

Let’s look at two examples that cost our clients thousands of dollars. All because they didn’t want to shop around or change their current lenders:

Example #1

Our team recently spoke with two couples who purchased a fix and flip together and decided to keep it. Neither had tax returns that made the cut to qualify for a traditional loan. So, they needed to use a non-traditional loan that qualified them using bank statements for income.

An important side note: Once you venture into non-traditional loans, rates can vary greatly between lenders. There are fewer lenders who offer these products, which leads to them charging higher fees.

So, back to our example! Our two couples entered a loan for $575,000 that had a 5.8% interest rate. They stuck with this loan for two weeks until they called us to chat about other options.

Our team priced the same loan 1.5% lower. That cheaper rate saved them hundreds of dollars every month, which means they enjoyed a huge boost to their monthly cash flow.

Example #2

A real estate investor reached out to us to chat about a rental property he wanted to purchase.

His current hard money lender offered him a loan that wouldn’t require him to use his tax returns, because he writes everything off and doesn’t show taxable income.

He decided to call us to see if he had other options. Using just market rents and a good credit score for approval, we were able to quote him a rate 1.125% lower than the lender he was currently working with.

Again, this was a big cash boosting move on his part. All because he chose to shop around rather than stick with who and what he knew.

As the markets tighten, there ARE ways to increase your positive cash flow. And there ARE ways to get the best rates and loan products for your unique situation.

Often times, it pays to avoid hitting the easy button for your loans. We understand comfort zones are a big deal for a lot of real estate investors, especially when it comes to funding their value-add properties.

But if you don’t break out of your comfort zone, you and your cash flow won’t grow the way it could (or should). So do your due diligence and spend the time shopping around. Go ahead, and discover your lender options. If you do, we can guarantee you’ll see your cash flow soar.

Ready to chat? Great, our team is here to help. We’re excited to set you on a path the helps you make the kind of money you need to live the life you want.

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Temporary Funding: How to Generate Positive Cash Flow with a Bridge Loan

Temporary Funding: How to Generate Positive Cash Flow with a Bridge Loan

Temporary funding is one of the keys to real estate investing right now.

So, the world is going a little crazy lately. Things seem to be changing on a daily basis. Many areas of the country are seeing extremely low inventory, which makes it harder to find profit-making deals.

So, what can you do to ensure your cash flow doesn’t take a major hit during these strange and uncertain times? Especially if you’re stuck in a project or need temporary funding?

We suggest getting a bridge loan.

What is a bridge loan?

It’s basically a short-term loan that closes a financial gap.

For example, let’s say you have a hard money loan for a fix and flip or another value-add property, but you’ve run out of money. Well, you can get a bridge loan to help you finish your project. Because it’s way cheaper to get a short-term loan than to get stuck in an expensive long-term loan for months or years while you figure out a way to come up with funds to complete it.

Not to mention dealing with the costs of an unfinished project. Think about materials, contractors, taxes, insurance…the list goes on and on.

Think about your next project!

Bridge loans also work great when you are looking for your next project, but your current project’s closing is delayed. A bridge loan can help with this. It allows you to use the equity in the current project to secure a new one. And then when your current project closes the bridge loan is paid off and you’re on to your next project.

These loans keep your business humming without the stalling out due to lack of funds. You can even get a bridge loan so you can make a cash offer on a real estate deal.

Essentially, a bridge loan is immediate cash flow.

It’s an excellent way to keep your projects moving along and your cash flow, well, flowing! It also prevents you and your bank account from growing stagnant—or worse, depleting.

Ready to chat? Great! Our team is here to help.

We’re eager to set you on a path that helps you make the kind of money you need…to live the life you want.

Happy investing!

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Busting Hard Money Myths: Why Hard Money is a Cure, Not a Curse

Busting Hard Money Myths: Why Hard Money is a Cure, Not a Curse

Today, we’re going to wrap up our Busting Hard Money Myths series, and talk about why hard money is a cure, not a curse.

But, first, be sure to check out our YouTube channel in case you missed any of our other hard money myth busting videos.

So, this past month, we’ve explored the important question of, “What is hard money?” That means we’ve busted myths and revealed how it:

  • Can be acquired for cheaper rates than most investors believe.
  • Are NOT a trap if you create a plan ahead of time.
  • And can be cheaper than bank lines.
Why Hard Money is a Cure for Real Estate Investors

As you can see, hard money is far from a curse.

It’s a cure.

A cure to:

  • Buying properties faster and cheaper.
  • Keeping your real estate investment projects moving along so you can sell or rent ASAP.
  • Boosting your cash flow.
  • Tackling more value-add properties than you ever could with a traditional bank loan.

Look, hard money gets a bad rep because so many real estate investors have serious misconceptions about it. But if you address each myth and see that that’s all it is—a myth—then you can transform your investments and generate positive cash flow.

No longer will you be limited to conventional loans that are harder to qualify for, and far more time consuming. Now you can buy fast, renovate fast, and either sell or rent fast.

Remember, time is money.

And hard money is the key to keeping your real estate deals moving along—AND keeping money flowing into your bank account.

Ready to chat about your hard money and other lending options? Great! Our team is here to help. 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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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!

How to Get Out of a Hard Money Loan FAST

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

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.

Hard Money Loans for Real Estate Explained

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 Refinance and Boost Your Cash Flow

Today, let’s explore how to refinance and boost your cash flow.

It’s probably pretty safe to say that in the real estate world, cash flow is KING!  Because cash flow makes life flow.

But what does cash flow mean to you? Because it comes in all shapes and sizes.

What cash flow means to one investor might be very different from another.

Let’s look at an example.

We have 3 real estate investors: John, Jane, and Jack.

John likes to focus on putting less money down so he can keep more money in his pocket.

Jane likes to focus on making consistent monthly income.

And Jack likes to focus on using cash-out refinancing to gain the most leverage.

Today, let’s take a closer look at Jack’s strategy.

It’s a simple one, but popular, especially during a refinance boom.

Essentially, Jack likes to refinance all of his value-add properties every 3-5 years so he can unlock his equity and bring more money into his life. He can use this money for personal or business matters, but it’s usually for something personal.

Now let’s break this simple strategy down a bit more.

So, Jack owns 3 properties.

He bought each one for $100K.

After 3 years, each property gains $25K in equity. So, Jack refinances and takes the $25K out of each property. All because he wants to use the money for…whatever! Maybe he wants to pay off his credit cards, buy another value-add property, or go on an epic skiing trip to the Alps. The sky’s the limit.

Well, mostly.

Once Jack has this money, he relaxes for another 3-5 years. Then, if interest rates drop, or he gains more equity, or both, he’ll refinance again. And, again, he’ll use the money for whatever he needs or wants in life.

The process repeats over and over until Jack decides to sell his properties or find a different cash flow strategy.

Now, Jack’s method of refinancing isn’t for everyone. But it’s definitely a popular cash flow strategy that many investors enjoy using.

Is it the right strategy for you? Our team is here and ready to help you discover the best path for you.

Happy investing!

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How to Make Monthly Income: 3 Methods for Real Estate Investors

How to Make Monthly Income: 3 Methods for Real Estate Investors

Have you always wanted to learn how to make monthly income? Well, today we explore 3 methods for real estate investors.

As a real estate investor, you likely believe cash flow is king. Because why else would you put your hard-earned money into value-add propertied?

Hopefully, a lot of it.

But let’s take a step back and ask ourselves:

“What is cash flow?”

Because, the truth is, all of us have different goals, expectations, and perspectives when it comes to making money off our investments.

There tends to be 3 popular approaches to cash flow. These include:

  1. Putting less money down
  2. Making monthly income
  3. Using cash-out refinancing to gain the most leverage

All of these cash flow methods share two common similarities:

  • Using the BRRRR method.
  • Buying discounted properties (non-MLS listed properties).

Let’s take a closer look at the second cash flow approach:

Making monthly income.

3 EASY Ways to Make Monthly Income in Real Estate

This is probably the most common strategy among real estate investors, because most of them like to create a consistent monthly income. Why? Well, probably because they want to:

  • Replace a full-time job;
  • Supplement their current income;
  • Or create a nice sized nest egg for their future.

Let’s look at an example.

Jane the Investor doesn’t mind putting SOME money down at closing. And, on top of using the BRRRR method and buying discounted properties, she tends to focus on 3 methods to ensure she makes positive monthly income.

What are these 3 methods? Well, let’s take a look.

  1. Focus on maintaining a healthy credit score. The higher your credit, the better your rates, which means you pay less money to the banks and keep more money in your pocket. Every. Month.
  2. Choose investor-friendly real estate lenders who offer options. We’re not just talking about one or two options, but many. More options means better financing. And better financing means, yet again, less money to the bank and more money in your pocket.
  3. Invest in higher quality properties. That means putting some work into a value-add property so it’s, well, nicer. Nicer properties tend to draw tenants who treat the property, well, nicer! They’re more respectful and cause less damage than tenants who rent lower quality properties. Better yet, when a property looks nicer, it tends to be more desirable. That means demand increases and you can charge a higher rent. And higher rent means higher cash flow.

So, there you have it! If you’re looking to generate solid, consistent, monthly income, then this would be a great strategy to take.

Ready to discover how you can make a good monthly income? Great, our team is here to help.

Happy investing!

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