Could someone please give me advice on which loan would be the best for quick rehab and flipping of properties. I am in Houston, Tx. and have good credit (680 and climbing) I make over 100,000 a year and have already been pre-qualified for up to 100K with a hard money lender. However I am thinking a conventional loan might be a better option for me. I know it takes more time but would be less expensive payment wise. I plan to flip the properties as quickly as possible. I am thinking a 1 or 3 year arm could be more benifical than hard money. My only concern is rehab cost. Can you get a conventional loan with rehab cost built in? will they do that? I really need a good bank or lender. My wife and I plan on making this a business. Any advice or help would be appreciated.
Most of the rehab loans through conventional lenders still require down payments. 5% for owner occupied and 10% for investments. Some also frown upon the owner being the general contractor. Loans are generally a lengthy process.
Hard Money is quick and fairl easy. Scores are generally not that important. LTV and experience play a major factor.
With those scores it is not necessary to go hard money, there are lenders that will do the loan and cover the whole purchase price and rehab costs and even with pts rolled in. They are not a typical conventional lender or hard money, and there rates will hover in between conv. and hml, somewhere around prime plus a pt or two.
Personally if you’re doing a flip I’d say get the money from wherever you can, get your contractors in, get it done and get out in a couple of weeks. Add in selling time and you should only have one mortgage payment to make on the place so if the payment is slightly higher then who cares. You’re out and on to the next one. Just make sure you buy well in the first place and have your contractors lined up ahead of time.
Hello Frank, I must agree with Zachj. Hard money should be used as a last resort. You could also use a private money investor. They have funding available also.
There are a lot of misconceptions regarding Hard Money Loans and Hard Money Lenders (HMLs). Most of the confusion surrounds the differences between conventional mortgages and HMLs. I wanted to take a moment and try to answer many of the general Frequently Asked Questions as well as to compare a HML to a Conventional non-owner occupied investor loan.
Frequently Asked HML Questions
How does the program work?
HMLs provide Real Estate Investors access to asset based capital. We can fund quickly, typically within 72 hours of receiving the final docs from the Title Company. Hard Money is available for adequately collateralized loans on single-family residential houses and other Real Property including commercial projects.
What is the interest rate?
The interest rate depends upon the Lender. The rate will range from 14% interest only to 18% interest only annual interest rate payable monthly in most cases.
What Loan-to-Value are HMLs looking for?
Typically a loan does not exceed 70% of the after-repaired-value (ARV).
How long is the loan for?
HMLs typically write the notes from 6 months to 12 months depending on the Lender and your needs.
What are the costs?
Costs vary depending on which Lender you use. All loans will require at-least a Title Policy, Vacant Dwelling Insurance, Inspection, “As-Is” Appraisal & Flood Certificate. Most require origination points.
Can I get repair money?
Yes. HMLs can fund repairs. HMLs require a “Draw Request” form to be filled out to identify the completed repairs to the property, Copies of the invoices from the vendors. Then, we will pay you once the work is inspected-HMLs do not pay in advance for any work.
Does my credit matter?
Yes and no. For the most part, HMLs look at the value of the property after it is repaired, how much you are paying for it, and how much the repairs will cost to determine how much we will lend. In some cases, with your consent some HMLs may need to checkout your credit history.
How do you decide how much to loan?
Typical loans range from $25,000 to $1,000,000: All loans are considered on a case-by-case basis. Each HML has their own criteria.
Do HMLs need an appraisal?
Yes, HMLs require “as-is” and “as-repaired appraisals”.
Do HMLs require inspections?
Yes, HMLs require inspections including the interior before funding and before a repair draw to ensure the work is completed in a satisfactory manner.
Do I need to put any money down?
In most cases, Yes. Most HMLs want to ensure that you have enough resources to finish the repairs and cover the costs of the loan plus any surprises. Therefore most HMLs require that origination/discount points and other required items be paid at or before closing. We are confident that if you cannot afford to close you typically cannot afford to take out this type of loan.
How much will my payments be?
To figure your monthly payment simply, multiply the rate by the loan amount and divide that number by 12.
Will HMLs finance commercial properties?
Yes, many HMLs will on a case-by-case basis finance commercial properties and then only if the loan is secured by improved real property such as the building and land.
Will HMLs finance apartment buildings?
Yes, many HMLs finance apartment buildings however understand that it will take us longer to get our due diligence done.
Do HMLs allow interest to be deferred to the end of the loan?
Some HMLs do. Most however have interest payable monthly. Again, we are confident that if you cannot afford to make monthly interest payments you typically cannot afford to take out this type of loan.
Final Analysis
In many cases an HML can be obtained faster and easier then a conventional loan and while in almost all cases the amount you can borrow from a HML exceeds the amount you can qualify for from a convention lender the cost difference is minimal. HMLs are not for everyone and every HML has a different program and qualification process. However if you need fast access to capital for REI then a HML may be your new best friend.
Good luck and may all your investments be profitable!
Hello Everyone, Rob I couldn’t have said it better myself. I think that information, explained in that way, was the best. I totally agree. Rob I hope your doing well!