Category Archives: Arizona hard money

3 Ways to Get More from Your Arizona rental property Loans

iStock_000002338446_LargeIf you’re taking out Arizona rental property loans, finding ways to improve your ROI is essential. However, most advice you’ll hear could wind up costing you money, so stick to the tried-and-true methods to keep your cash flowing.

Maximizing the return on your investment should always be a priority, but if you’re paying on Arizona rental property loans, that monthly check serves as a constant reminder that it takes money to make money. It also likely makes you want to work that much harder to improve your gains. Here’s how to do it without unintentionally sabotaging yourself.

1. Focus on staying full. Oftentimes, landlords come in with the intent to make improvements and then bump up rents to generate more cash. This can actually backfire because it frustrates tenants and often places their existing home outside their budget. Before you make a move to hike up rates, consider what it will cost you to replace your tenants. Chances are, you’ll make more money by keeping their rents as-is and increasing rates as people move on. This is especially true if you have really great tenants who pay on time and make life easy, so always work out what costs you might incur by having to fill vacancies.

2. Allow tenants to sublet for a fee. The Airbnb craze is here to stay. Some landlords detest it because of the potential for damage and uncertainty of who will be renting, but it’s worth noting that your tenant is still ultimately responsible for what happens in the home. Consider including a clause in your contracts that allows your tenants to use services like Airbnb, but only if they sign up for it and agree to an additional monthly fee for the duration of their lease.

3. Have a late fee clause. Nobody likes to be the bad guy, but the reality is you rely on your tenants to pay in a timely manner in order for you to make good on your obligations. Having a late fee clause can help get them to have better payment habits and will give you a small revenue boost when they don’t. Follow-through is paramount, though. If you’re uncomfortable requesting the fee face-to-face, consider using a service to process payments instead. You might find that this saves you time and money as well.

Hard Money Can Help You Add to Your Portfolio

Getting approval for Arizona rental property loans isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t have great credit or don’t have much experience with property management. If you’re in the process of picking up your first property or you already have one and want to have more but traditional funding won’t work, the more relaxed approval process offered by alternative lenders can help you pursue your dreams.

Find out if alternative Arizona rental property loans are right for you.

There are lots of ways to grow your portfolio, but finding the best terms and the right options are key in ensuring your ROI is all that it should be. Have a chat with a broker about your goals and portfolio plans to learn which options are best for your needs.

Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

How to Get Arizona investment property Loans without 20-40% Down

Arizona-Home-Loan-Team-Matt-and-Judy-Callahan-150x150Banks usually expect you to make a massive down payment when you apply for Arizona investment property loans, which puts them out of reach a whole lot of investors. The good news is, there’s a way to get around the standard 20-40% most expect.

Checking out Arizona investment property loans can be a rude awakening for someone getting into the business. Most people at this stage have purchased a home to live in before and expect the process to be somewhat similar. You apply for a mortgage and your broker works some magic, then comes back with numbers and tells you what you qualify for. But, when the property you’re buying is not going to be your primary residence, a lot of that magic disappears and the yesses are replaced with nos. What gives? You haven’t changed at all, your credit is the same, and you’re diversifying. Shouldn’t the banks be happy? Not exactly.

When it comes to traditional mortgages, the bank knows you plan to live there and that you’ll do everything you can to keep your home, even when times get tough. So, they’ll sometimes give a bit of wiggle room with their options. On top of this, if you don’t have the full 20% to put down, you can often get mortgage insurance. Although you pay for it, it actually protects your lender in the event you default. When you’re making a purchase with the plan to rent it out, fix-and-flip, or fix-and-hold, mortgage insurance is not an option. Ergo, the bank is going to expect you to bring at least 20% to the table.

From there, they may expect a greater down payment if your credit isn’t excellent as well, among other things. Depending on the circumstances, that down payment can skyrocket as high as 40%. And, that’s if they approve you at all. Without a couple years of property management experience under your belt, many of the big banks won’t even consider helping you out.

Alternative Funding Can Help You Out When Banks Can’t

The good news is, there are other places you can turn to for Arizona investment property loans that are easier to qualify for and don’t require the same massive down payments. Hard money is one of those choices. While lenders still look at things like your credit and your plans or ability to manage your Arizona investment property successfully, the biggest thing they consider is its value. What’s more, it’s possible to get up to 90% of the value, meaning you could wind up only needing 10% or less, if you grab a sweet deal for less than it’s worth.

Find out if alternative investment property loans are right for you.

When people go for hard money, having an exit plan is essential. If you’ll be fixing and flipping, the natural exit is selling the home after you’ve finished the work. However, if you plan to rent it out right away or fix and hold it, you’ll either need a plan to refinance at the end of your term or have another way of paying off the balance, as lenders usually expect the balance paid off within a matter of months or just a few years. If you’ve got a property in mind, a comprehensive plan, and the banks aren’t able to help, talk to a broker to learn more about hard money and the terms you qualify for.

Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

Arizona commercial loans 101: Benefits and Pitfalls of 3 Common Options

1page_img2-bigThere are many different types of commercial loans in Arizona, each with their own pros and cons. Become familiar with the most common ones to determine which is right for you.

1. Bank Term Loans: The most commonly-sought form of Arizona commercial loans is bank term funding. With these, the bank lends a large sum and the borrower pays it back over a period of years with interest. Most business owners start off going for this choice, but about 75% of applicants are rejected because banks have tough criteria and expect excellent credit.

2. Lines of Credit: Similar to a credit card, lines of credit are sometimes offered by banks. With these, the business owner can take money out as they need it and pay it back over time, typically with a higher interest rate than a term loan. It’s not ideal for those who need large amounts of cash, but can work for someone who wants a cushion to help things run smoothly when cash inflows dwindle. Like the term, options, however, these are reserved for people with excellent credit.

3. Asset-Based Loans: When businesses cannot tap into cash due to bad credit, they can still sometimes get asset-based Arizona commercial loans. That means the lender looks at the value of what’s being purchased or what the borrower has and determines if it can be liquidated if the borrower doesn’t pay. When there’s less risk for a lender because an asset is available, even riskier borrowers can qualify. Equipment loans fall into this category, and work well if machinery or vehicles are needed, but sometimes borrowers can leverage other things as collateral, such as their home.

Startups and People with Rotten Credit Have Better Luck with Asset-Based Commercial Loans

Banks say “no” a lot to people who don’t have strong credit or who are just starting out, which is why alternative funding is so popular. That said, it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing sort of deal. Some begin with an asset-based option and later convert it to a term loan through a bank after they’ve built up credit, while others use it to bridge gaps between the time a large order is placed and the customer pays. Some also use a variety of lending forms to cover their needs. For example, a term loan to purchase real estate for the company and an equipment loan to cover the cost of company vehicles. The right mix is different for each company based on its needs, but suffice it to say, asset-based choices fill the gaps well and make it possible for more businesses to get funding when banks turn up their noses.

If you know how to evaluate various forms of lending, it’s easy to choose what’s best for your needs.

With this basic information in mind, choosing the right form of lending for your business needs is simple. That said, it’s also beneficial to work with a broker who is well-versed in all forms of lending who can confirm your decision and help you get the best terms once you’ve made a decision.


Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

How to Get Arizona Business Loans with Rotten Credit

4page_img7-bigGetting Arizona Business Loans when your company is growing can be difficult to begin with, but those without excellent credit scores face additional challenges. Thankfully, lack of cash on hand doesn’t have to halt your plans, provided you know where to look.

Credit Cards: Although few would consider credit cards to be the ideal choice, they can work if you’re trying to bridge a gap and have confidence your revenue will continue to grow. Without being able to demonstrate your business is solid, lenders will typically expect you to get cards in your name instead of the business name. Poor personal credit may give them reason to pause, but oftentimes there are options with higher interest rates or annual fees that can be tapped into. Use these sparingly and pay off the balances ASAP, so they improve your credit and you can apply for more favorable terms in the future.

Factoring: Technically, invoice factoring isn’t a form of lending, but it can help you bring in cash faster if your inflows are sluggish and you’re missing payments by a small margin. It works well if you send out invoices to clients for work completed or goods delivered, but your clients sometimes take too long to pay. When you work with a factoring company, they purchase the invoices from you and pay right away. Then, your clients pay them. Factoring companies aren’t overly concerned with your credit, but they will only buy select invoices from you when the person who owes you has good credit.

Collateralized Business Loans: One of the more popular ways to go is to obtain collateralized Arizona business loans. In these cases, you’ll offer an asset or assets as collateral, giving the lender confidence that they have recourse even if you don’t make good on your payments. These are easier to obtain as well because the lenders aren’t worried about your credit score quite as much; they’re looking at the value of the asset more. Some lenders will accept land, inventory, or equipment as collateral, though most prefer to use the business owner’s home. Terms vary, but you can sometimes get up to 90% of the value of your asset, which makes this a good choice if you require a large lump sum for startup costs, equipment, real estate, or to cover a surge in growth.

How Can I Tell Which Options I’ll Qualify For?

Applying for financing repeatedly can damage your credit too, so it’s not wise to apply for everything all at once. That’s because lenders will typically assume you may well get all the credit you’ve applied for, and if you do, the chances are slim you’ll pay them. Instead, you have to make an educated guess as to which options will fit your needs and then inquire what each lender is looking for. Do a little research before you apply to ensure credit checks aren’t being done when you aren’t likely to be approved.

If You Own a Home, Collateralized Arizona Business Loans Can Supercharge Your Company

Various forms of lending exist because people and businesses have unique needs. If your credit isn’t good, but you own your home, a collateralized option can put a substantial amount of cash in your hands now, so you can grow your business and thrive.

Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

The Guide to Arizona Investment Property Loans

iStock_000002302749XSmallMany real estate entrepreneurs turn to Arizona Hard Money Lenders for Arizona investment property loans. There are several options available when looking to obtain a loan for your investment.

All of a sudden, the market takes a 20 percent corrective move.  One of the hedges is the real estate market. Afterall, owning an investment property offers a number of perks. Becoming a landlord is a very good way to realize a passive income stream.  Keep in mind that there are a number of lenders they will require that you have skin in the game or cash to invest. Taking a loan out when you do not have a positive cash flow is one way to close the deal.

Arizona investment property loans can take several forms, including the criteria that the borrower needs to meet.  If you do not do your research and choose the wrong type of loan, it can impact your ROI or Return on Investment. You will need to do your research on the various types of lenders in your market.

You’ve probably all heard or worked with conventional bankers. Expect to put close to thirty percent down of the purchase price when your loan is on an investment property. Lenders will look at debt-to-income calculations.  Keep in mind that future rental income is not figured into this calculation. Be prepared to have six months of cash set-aside to meet the mortgage obligation as this may be a lender requirement.

One popular investment these days is the fix-and-flip model. Flipping a property is most attractive because it allows the investor to receive their profit in a lump sum after the sale of the investment property as opposed to waiting for a rent check each month.

Fix-and-flip loans are short term loans which allow the investor/landlord to make the needed renovations.  Once the renovations have been completed, the investment property is put back on the market as soon as possible.   Fix and flip Arizona investment property loans are secured by the property.  You may want to also look at a real estate crowdfunding site as an option.

The advantage of using a hard money lender as opposed to a conventional lender is that it is easier to qualify.  The hard money lender looks at the after-repair value (ARV) as to if you are able to repay the loan. The advantage of a hard money lender versus a conventional lender is the speed of getting the loan, days as opposed to weeks or months as is customary with a conventional lender.

Interest Rates

Expect to pay higher interest rates when compared to conventional lenders.  You will also need to pay points of the Arizona investment property loan amount upfront to close the loan.  Some lenders allow you to take the cost of the points out of the proceeds of the loans.

More home owners are looking to Arizona Hard Money Lenders for home equity loans.

If you are a home owner and have equity, then you can access the equity through various loan programs.  There are some loan programs that access the equity like a credit card and allow interest-only payments.  A cash-out refinance is another option and a long-term loan is the final option. Both rental properties and fix-and-flip ventures are risky.  The opportunity for big returns, however, is attractive. If the obstacle you face is funding the necessary money, consider a hard money lender for your next investment property.

Happy senior business man making his notes at work Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

The Definitive Guide to Fund your Investment Property with Arizona Hard Money Loans

iStock_000067965589_XXXLarge v2Why are more and more investors obtaining Arizona hard money loans?  There are certain investment strategies that make this type of loan appealing and lucrative.

This is a type of loan that is not obtained from a conventional financial institution.  The expense, almost always, is slightly higher than a conventional loan. The points involved can be about 2% to 6% and are the initial compensation to the broker.  The interest rates can be between 8% to 12% or more. There are a number of factors affecting the points and interest rates, such as loan duration, borrower credit, real estate type and the market fluctuations.

In the aftermath of the housing crisis in 2007-08, conventional loans came under stricter regulations. If you have good credit, proof of income, and are seeking a 30-year fixed rate loan, a conventional loan may be your best option. These types of loans are, however, under tighter underwriting restrictions and, if the loan officer cannot check all the boxes when you are applying for the loan, you may just be out of luck.

Conventional loans can be denied if you have bad credit, no income, lots of assets, or numerous liabilities.  Under various circumstances, you may benefit from Arizona hard money loan. These include:

  • Unimproved land purchase

  • Your purchasing an unusual property such as a church or marina

  • A quick closure is required. You can often close in as little as a week

  • Personal assets are limited

A hard money loan, in the instances above, may be your best bet.  An Arizona hard money lender will step in when a conventional loan will not work.  The ability to quickly purchase the property you have located can mean the difference between a successful investment and one that goes nowhere.

Arizona Hard Money Loans that are Flexible

Arizona hard money loans are often more flexible than conventional loans. And once you locate that unique property, timing is of the essence.  Typical Arizona Hard Money Lenders close within a week. At Level 4 Funding, we present you with an approval in as little as 24 hours, and with funding in as little as two days. This gives you the flexibility to go after those properties that traditional banks may view as too risky.  You may see a higher rate of return with a hard money lender. The hard money lender values the properties themselves and may be willing to loan at a higher loan-to-value ratio as long as you can demonstrate the potential for repair value improvements. When you get into a competitive bidding situation, the hard money lender can offer repair funding which may lead to acceptance of your offer.

Many contractors, real estate brokers, investors and developers have experienced financial distress such as bankruptcy, asset for foreclosures, and delinquent accounts.

Because of the failure to meet the credit score requirement with conventional loans, Arizona Hard Money Lenders are there to fill the gap.  To repair your credit rating and convert your hard money loan to a conventional loan, utilizing a hard money lender will assist you to archiving this with positive performance. With few employees and licensed as a real estate broker, a Hard Money Lender is an advantage since you are dealing with the decision maker directly.

Call Level 4 Funding and talk to us directly. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your potential investment.


Dennis-Dahlberg-Mortgage-Broker_thum[1]_thumb_thumbDennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

What you Need to Know About Arizona Hard Money Lenders

iStock_000004067318XSmallThere are several reasons that investors turn to Arizona Hard Money Lenders. Learn when a hard money loan is a borrower’s best bet.

Asset-based loans and Arizona Hard Money Lenders are one and the same.  An Arizona hard money lender looks at the collateral as opposed to the borrower’s credit profile; this is opposite to what the conventional lender looks at.  From the lenders prospective, these loans carry more risk than a conventional loan. Most Arizona hard money loans lend funds from private investors or companies.  The private investors and companies will realize an above average rate of return. These types of lenders may charge additional points or an origination fee. This will vary by lender and is much higher than a conventional lender.  You can expect 2% to 5% of the purchase price at closing. While the points are high, most Arizona Hard Money Lender offer terms that range from a few months to 15 months.  This assures the lender that they achieve their ROI on the loan.  Since the financial crisis of 2009, Arizona Hard Money Lenders have blossomed and grown. 

If you are a real estate investor and are seeking a short-term loan to purchase property that is in need of repairs, otherwise known as the “Handy Man Special,” it may be difficult to qualify the property to be refinanced with a conventional lender.  In today’s environment of tightening of credit, traditional lenders have pulled back and conventional financing has been harder to obtain.

There are several reasons that investors are turning to Arizona Hard Money Lenders for their financing needs:

  • They have poor credit

  • They cannot provide verification of their income

  • They have had a short sale or foreclosure

  • The property is a “handy man’s special”

  • They are in need of a short escrow period

Skin in the Game

Knowing the local market is a sign of a good hard money lender.  The hard money lender also requires the borrower to have “skin in the game,” in other words, the borrower must have some of their own money in the transaction.  When the borrower has skin in the game, it proves to the lender that they have a financial incentive to finish what they have started. The lender looks at the borrower‘s track record to see their experience in the type of project that they are seeking financing for. The borrower also needs to demonstrate to the lender that they have a viable exit strategy.

Each hard money lender will have their own lending criteria and borrower requirements.  Each borrower’s project also has unique requirements.

Do your research, call several Arizona Hard Money Lenders, and ask questions about their loan programs.  Talk with a lender and make sure that you are getting straightforward answers about fees, points, duration of the loan, and all the information you need to make an intelligent decision.  Additionally, it helps if the lender is from the local market, or at least understands its intricacies. The lender can assist you in market direction, economic direction of the community, resale value of similar properties, and comps of properties that have sold. At Level 4 Funding, we are happy to ask any questions you may have and guide you in the direction of your dreams. Call for a no-obligation quote.


Dennis-Dahlberg-Mortgage-Broker_thum[1]_thumbDennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

Owner Occupied Hard Money Lenders

536349311You may be surprised to find out that owner-occupied hard money lenders offer loans for primary residences. Find out the specific situations where you can benefit from these types of loans.

Are you in a circumstance where you are being denied a residential mortgage?  There are many circumstances when a borrower is denied this type of mortgage from both credit unions and banks.  When the person seeking a loan has little or no alternatives, they will often turn to a residential hard money lender to obtain a mortgage on the borrower’s primary residence.  Some of the reasons a borrower may turn to this type of lender are:

  • The borrower has bad or poor credit

  • If the borrower has had a recent loan modification, foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy

  • If the borrower has two years or less of current employment

  • If the borrower is self-employed

  • A bridge loan is needed by the borrower for a primary residence

In some instances, a borrower goes through the approval process with a conventional residential mortgage lender, and the lender is not able to perform while in escrow. The borrower then searches for a private owner-occupied hard money lender to secure financing through. The lender is able to provide fast approval and funding which will help prevent the borrower from losing the property they have a contract on. Once the escrow closes, the property is secured, and the borrower can refinance with a conventional mortgage company.

Why Arizona Owner-Occupied Hard Money Lenders are Few and Far Between

Most owner-occupied hard money lenders will not consider lending for your primary residences because:

  • Additional documentation is required

  • The lender is required to obtain additional licensing

  • Regulators will exert firmer regulations

  • The time to fund the loan increases since there are mandatory recession periods

  • Investment loans have far greater lender risks than owner occupied mortgages

Arizona Owner-occupied hard money lenders are subject to Federal regulations.  Some of these regulations consider Dodd-Frank.  The Dodd-Frank act requires the lender to verify the borrower’s income and expenses.  Paystubs, tax returns and W2’s are ways the borrower can verify their income. Debt to income (DTI) must be kept under certain levels by the borrowers.  Car payments, other mortgages, credit card payments and other debts will be considered. Also included in this ratio will be the new mortgage obligations, (taxes, mortgage payment and insurance).

The owner-occupied Arizona hard money loans are intended for short term use, generally three to five years.  Most lenders will require the borrower to have a plan in place to obtain long term financing.

A hard money loan can offer borrowers with credit issues time to repair their credit report—and not lose their chosen property. Others may be postponing obtaining a conventional loan until the mandatory waiting period for negative credit events has passed. These events may include short sale, bankruptcy, loan modification or foreclosure. If the borrower’s property has enough equity and there currently is a first (1st) mortgage and the borrower does not qualify for a conventional second (2nd) mortgage, then the borrower can consider a hard money lender.  This may be a prudent decision if the proceeds of the second mortgage is used to pay off high interest rate credit cards or pay down other high interest debt.

 

Dennis-Dahlberg-Mortgage-Broker_thum[1]_thumb_thumb_thumbDennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

Things to Consider When Obtaining Hard Money Loans

Arizona-Home-Loan-Team-Matt-and-Judy-Callahan-150x150 Are you wondering what Arizona hard money loans are and where they fit into your investment strategy? Here are the basics of these types of loans and what they can do for you as an investor.

This type of loan is an asset-based loan.  The borrower wishes to secure a loan backed by real property.  Private investors and companies are typical issuers of these loans.  Unlike banks, Arizona hard money loans can carry higher interest rates.  These interest rates are higher than a convention real estate loan because of the higher risk and the duration of the loan which is shorter than conventional real estate loans.

People using Arizona hard money loans are usually looking for funding for projects lasting from a few months to a few years.  The criteria for lending and borrower costs are similar to bridge loans. In fact, many hard money lenders specialize in bridge loans. Bridge loans are used for properties that are in transition and may not be able to qualify for traditional financing.  An example of a bridge loan is when a home buyer finds a new home they’d like to buy before their old home, which is on the market, sells.

Many hard money lenders will lend 65% to 75% of the current property value. The amount of the loan is determined by the loan to value or LTV. It is figured by the ratio of the loan amount divided by the value of the property. Arizona hard money loans are mainly used for commercial property.  These types of loans first started in the 1950s and have been growing in popularity.

Although mostly unregulated by state and federal laws, some restrictions on interest rates by states, commonly known as usury laws, prohibit hard money loans. Two of these states are Tennessee and Arkansas.

Federal Guidelines

Since the 2009 mortgage crisis and the passing of the Dodd-Frank Act, these loan programs have greatly expanded.  This is in part due to the strict regulations that were put on banks and lenders after the passing of this act. Truth in Lending and Dodd-Frank set out Federal guidelines for lenders, mortgage originators, and mortgage brokers requiring them to evaluate the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.  The ability to repay the loan is on the borrower’s primary residences. If the lender does not conduct the proper due diligence, they are faced with high fines for non-compliance. Hard money lenders mostly lend on commercial loans or business purposes so that they can avoid non-compliance with TILA, HOEPA and Dodd-Frank guidelines.

Before any offer of financing, the lender will want to determine the LTV (loan to value).  The basis for the loan is the liquidation value of the collateral.

A BPO (Broker Price Opinion) or an independent appraisal by a licensed appraiser in the state that the property is located in, will value the property. Typical hard money loan interest rates range from 10% to 18%.  Despite these rates, investors often turn to them due to quick loan approvals, high flexibility, less documentation than conventional lenders, and offering the ability to put a bid on a property that may go quickly after hitting the market.


Dennis-Dahlberg-Mortgage-Broker_thum[1]_thumb_thumb_thumbDennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

What You Need to Know If You Are New to Investment Property Financing

2page_img3If you think that obtaining investment property financing will be as easy as getting your home mortgage, think again. Prepare for funding your first investment property with these tips.

The default rates for borrowers on investment property loans is higher than home mortgages. Because of this, lenders require higher down payments and rely on strict underwriting for Arizona Investment property financing.  This means that, if you’re purchasing an investment property, be prepared to put down at least 20 percent of the purchase price.  There are, however, exceptions and percentage rates are often based on the type of property. For instance, anywhere from 25 to 40 percent may be required for multi-unit properties.

The advantage of a commercial loan is that the borrower is not required to carry mortgage insurance.  Conventional loan programs allow 80% LTV and, for investment properties, this is a best-case scenario.  You will also want to explore crowdfunding websites for real estate. While these tend to be more expensive, they are often more flexible than conventional loans. Before entering into an investment property, you should have at least three months payments as reserves.

Both interest rates and upfront lender fees are higher than conventional mortgage lenders.  Lenders advertise that their rates will be 0.25% to 0.5% higher than their homeowner loans. You should expect 1 to 3% points higher than owner occupied loan rates. If the lender charges 4% interest for their homeowner loans, you can guestimate an interest rate of 5%-7% for investor loans.

In addition to the interest rates, you will be charged up front points for a mortgage loan.  One-point equals one percent of the total amount of the loan. You can see how these fees add up quickly. Make sure you have reviewed your credit report and credit score. If your credit score is below 740, you will have higher interest rates, higher lender fees, and lower LTVs for your investment property.  If you have a mid-level score, then a conventional loan may not be an option. However, the collectable (property) is reviewed more than you as a borrower. As we mentioned earlier, homeowners are far less likely to default than investors. Lenders have built in loan programs with lower LTVs as caution to default.

The Effects of Multiple Mortgages on Investment Property Financing

If you are carrying multiple mortgages on your credit report, your options are dwindling.  Once you hit the threshold of four mortgages on your credit report, you may be untouchable by conventional lenders.  Fannie May has established a program to help investors that allows 5 to 10 mortgages. Fannie May’s program requires 6 months payments in liquid reserves at the time of settlement.  The program requires 30% down for 2 to 4 units and 25% down for single family homes. You are persona non-grata if there are any foreclosures or bankruptcies or late mortgage payments.  You will need a credit score no less than 720+ if you have 6 or more mortgages.

If you have 10 or more properties, you have slim options.  A good starting place is community banks. Blanket loans issued by commercial lenders are secured against multiple properties.  Be sure to ask what happens if you want to sell a property in the package.

Hard money lenders are an option that many investors turn to.

Level 4 Funding solves Arizona investment property financing issues while offering the lowest possible rate term. Real estate investing has made millions of individuals millionaires. Don’t hesitate because you are unsure of your investment worthiness. Call us today for a no-obligation quote.


Dennis-Dahlberg-Mortgage-Broker_thum[1]_thumb_thumbDennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions