How Hard Money "Private" Loans Work - How to Get Them

Private lending is a world unto itself. CompletelyHere's another example. Let's say you have a credit
different from the snobby banking process we're allscore in the 400 range. Institutional banks won't even
used to. Fact is, using this fast and easy money totalk to you, no matter how much equity you have.
solve debt problems is a true "God send" if and whenSo you get a "hard equity loan" make some
you need it.payments, get your credit cleaned up in the mean
While it can come with slightly higher costs, thetime, and then you refinance the loan to better rates.
benefits are through the roof. I'll even show you howBut the point is you get your money now! Not later.
to use them to flip real estate for instant profits.Example #3. You just started a brand new business.
What exactly is a hard money lender?Banks want 2 years of tax returns or proof you've
First off, they're people -- with lots of money. Theybeen in business for 2 years. But you just started 6
lend their money to people and businesses in returnmonths ago! No problem. A "hard money loan" will get
for a rate of interest. They always lend in the formyou the cash you need to do whatever: fund your
of a mortgage against some type of residential orbusiness, pay off debts, or anything you want.
commercial property or raw land.With all of the crazy talk about a "mortgage
They are also called "hard equity investors" or "hardmeltdown" and foreclosures today, private money
money lenders" or just "private investors". Thecan be a true life saver for those in need.
interest rate varies but is always higher thanCan you buy investment property with a hard money
"banking" rates. But it's also without "banking hassles"!loan?
When you want a "hard money loan" you won't careYes. One client of mine, with great credit, only had to
about the rate. You'll only care about the money andbring about $1,500 to closing and the private lender
the problems it solves.gave him enough money to buy the "fixer upper" and
Which is also what makes them unique. They solvelent him the money to fix it up! The house has since
problems.tripled in value. That's pure cold cash in the bank.
How ugly-of-a-situation will they lend on?highEveryone needs to know somebody with good
debts,bad credit,hard to prove income,noaccess to private or "hard money" lenders. You never
credit,uniqueknow when you'll need one. Find a great deal on a
property,bankruptcy,foreclosure,commercial purchasehouse you want to flip? No problem, private
or refinance loans,consolidate bills,bank turned youinvestors. Buying a commercial building that's worth
down, etc.raw landdouble what you are paying for it? No problem:
Need lots of money in three days? No problem.private investors.
They'll lend to you when nobody else will. They'll stopWhat makes my hard money unique?
foreclosures and bankruptcies and they'll give youIf there is one problem with private investors it is
money even if you have the worst credit score onthat they are very difficult to find. I'm not talking
the planet.about the institutional lenders that "say" they are
What's unique about these "hard money lenders" isprivate hard money lenders. But the real private 'hard
this.money' investors.
1) They don't ask for two dozen forms of ID, yourIf you do a search on Google you'll see tons of
DNA and the rights to your children. They only lookpeople claiming to be hard equity investors, but they
at the value of the property or business they areare really just institutional banks looking to charge
lending money on. The property is the mosthigh rates to really good customers. And those
important part of their decision. You, as a borrower,sharks turn down more stuff than they approve, or
are not scrutinized. In short there has never been anthe lend you so little money you can't make the deal
easier loan to get approved. No tax returns, no bankwork. And some are really just looking to steal great
statements no letters of explanation. No nit pickingdeals right out from under unwary clients. They could
"stipulations".care less about lending. It's scary, but true.
2) They, alone, make the decision to lend or not toThe real private hard money lenders can't be found
lend. They don't have to "run everything by" someonline, yellow pages, or the newspaper. Most of them
wicked hook-nose underwriter. It's usually just oneare reclusive, and to be blunt, a little eccentric. You
person making the decision. And they make thatjust have to know them. You have to cultivate them.
decision quickly. Usually within a day or two.My private investors have taken me over 12 years
So how much will they lend you?to find.
Usually it's about 65% of the property's value. So if aWhen you do find them, you have to guard them
home is worth $200,000 they'll lend about $130,000.like a pit-bull. That means protection from
The loans are usually interest only mortgages (whichcompetitors, and it also means you don't burn them.
keeps the payment lower) and they can close inEver.
about 3-14 days! That's fast in mortgage lending.That's where the trust comes in. I never B.S. them or
So let's say you lost your job and you're behind onsugar coat things when presenting a deal. They're
your mortgage by 4 months. You just got a "noticeextremely wary people, but if you treat them right
of default" in the mail and the lender is going toand shoot straight, they come to trust your word.
foreclose on your home. You have to save yourWhat this does is gets deals done that otherwise
home. No bank will touch this type of loan.would have been turned down.
So, if you have enough "equity" a private lender willOn top of all that, hard money lenders will lend on
pay off your old loan - catching your payments up -properties which are unusual. They each have their
giving you a chance to get back on your feet. Thenpreferences, but if the equity is there, someone will
when you've made a 12 or so payments on time"pony up" and get your money to you.
with the private, you might qualify to go back to aWhen you need a private investor, you'll be glad you
lower rate mortgage lender for refinancing.know one.