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Alternative for Pre-Construction Financing: Hard Money Loans

Alternative for Pre-Construction Financing: Hard Money Loans

 

One of the first questions many people often ask when building a new house, remodeling, renovating, or adding to their existing house is, “How will I pay for it? ”. And this is valid. While some people may be able to afford to pay for projects like these using their savings or financing from their loved ones, most homeowners find out that they need to seek out external financing to help with their construction needs. When it comes to new construction projects, hard money loans have become increasingly popular in the real estate investing world. 

 

For developers and investors who require rapid access to finance, these loans provide flexibility and speed as an alternative to traditional financing. Continue reading as we discuss hard money loans as a viable option for pre-construction financing and additional information.

What is a Hard Money Loan?

A hard money loan is a kind of asset-based loan that is secured by real estate. Unlike traditional bank loans, which are determined by the borrower’s creditworthiness, hard money lenders base their options on the appraised worth of the property being used as collateral. This is why they are a great choice for people who have to fulfill the strict credit requirements of traditional loans. Private companies or individuals often provide hard money loans, making the approval process much quicker and more accommodating than a traditional bank. In the case of a newly constructed building, this usually means that the proposed building and the land will act as the security for the loan. 

 

When applying for a hard money loan, borrowers consider various parameters that indicate the likelihood of a profit, including the home’s After Repair Value (ARV), the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, and others. Funding is sometimes awarded within a week of submitted applications; generally, applications are approved or denied, and the process proceeds more quickly. Consult with an experienced hard money lender in Baltimore if this financing method suits your goals.

 

After receiving an application for a hard money loan, the lender will do the required investigations to ascertain whether the borrower can make the loan’s monthly repayments. Due to the lender’s reduced need to delve into the borrower’s financial history, the hard money loan application process is faster. Because of this, interest rates on these loans are usually higher, as well as the risk.

How Does a Hard Money Loan Differ from a Traditional Mortgage?

While hard money loans and traditional mortgages can be very useful, it’s also important to realize that they serve different purposes and have a few key differences. Here are some you should know:

1.Loan application

Hard money loans are usually employed by real estate investors who typically buy property for profit. Mortgages are one of the usual options for owner-occupied homeowners and those buying a property for use.

2.Criteria for approval

Mortgages are typically based on the borrower’s financial status and ability to repay the loan in question within the stipulated period. Hard money loans focus on the property and its potential as an investment. This is due to the reasons behind which the loans are borrowed. Hard money loans focus mainly on the LTV, ARV, and the profit the property in question will amass. Mortgages, on the other hand, would put more emphasis on the income of the borrower, statements from banks, credit scores, and any other personal financial indicators.

3.Recovery period

Hard money loans usually get funded and approved a lot faster. This is because hard money lenders are more concerned with the property itself and do fewer inquiries into the applicants’ individual credit histories. Because underwriting requires less time, the approval process, as does the loan application procedure, moves more quickly.

4.Conditions of loan

Hard money loans have varying conditions depending on the lender and the type of loan. For instance, fix and flip loans only need you to pay interest during a certain portion of the loan’s duration, with a balloon payment for the remaining principal due at the conclusion. Hard money construction loans tend to require inspection during the renovation to ensure it goes according to plan. They also typically have short terms, between six and twenty-four months.

5.Interest rates

Because hard money loans are shorter and present a greater risk to lenders, their interest rates are higher. Hard money lending rates generally range from 6% to 12%. However, because mortgages are taken out over a longer period of time and include fewer risks, their rates are lower. The range of mortgage rates is between 4% and 6%, contingent on the loan term and whether the rates are fixed or adjustable.

6.Source of funding

Hard money loans are typically financed by private lenders, who can be either individuals or businesses. Financial institutions back mortgages, which are sold to larger banks or investors.

Hard Money Loan Application Requirements

As we mentioned before, hard money loans, in contrast to standard bank loans, are asset-based loans that place more weight on the property’s worth than the borrower’s credit history or credit score. To be eligible for a hard money loan, you must normally meet the following requirements:

1.Credit Requirements

A credit score is an important part of the application procedure, even if it’s not the main consideration for hard money lenders. A hard money loan often requires a minimum credit score of 550 or higher to be approved. Nonetheless, certain lenders might be more accommodating and offer credit to applicants with credit scores as low as 500.

2.Taking income into account

Even though the borrower’s income isn’t a factor in hard money loans, the lender needs evidence that the applicant has the resources to repay the loan. Verifying a borrower’s income usually entails reviewing pay stubs, tax records, and bank accounts.

3.Presence of Employment and Assets

Hard money lenders evaluate a borrower’s capacity to repay a loan based on various factors, including employment, possessions, and income.

Why Do Some Investors Prefer Hard Money Loans for Pre-Construction Projects?

1.Speed of Funding

Hard money loans are processed much faster compared to any other bank loan. You might get some hard money lenders that provide the funds within days, while conventional lenders take a little longer to consider your application for loan approval. This quick access to finance is important for all those investors and developers who plan to buy land or seize good opportunities as soon as possible.

2.Flexibility

Hard money lenders are flexible. They can structure the loan conditions to your requirements, be it more stable or short-term finance. This flexibility also extends to the payback plan, which you can adjust according to estimates of your project’s duration and cash flow.

3.Smoother Approval Process

Because the property itself is used to secure the loan, the hard money lenders do not place as great an emphasis on the income and credit history of the borrower. This is ideal for developers who fall outside traditional banks’ strict requirements or who work for themselves and find it difficult to show a consistent revenue stream.

4.Loan Disbursements in Phases

This type of loan is usually given out in segments corresponding to project events. It ensures money will be available at the needed time for construction. The phasing arrangements allow investors to sort their cash flow internally and ensure project progress happens accordingly.

5.Larger Amounts of Loans

Hard money lenders will often lend more money than the standard bank, especially if the potential profits for the project are great. This frees the investor to consider larger or more complex building projects free from constraints by conventional lending limits.

6.A great choice for high-stakes projects

Hard money lenders are normally more open to funding ventures that the conventional bank would find too dangerous. These include homes needing major repairs or considerable rehabilitation of property. Investors can, in turn, take advantage of possibilities that might not have otherwise been available due to this transparency.

Final Thoughts 

Hard money loans can be especially helpful regarding new building projects, being extremely speedy and flexible. However, every pros and cons have to be weighed carefully. The ideal candidates for these types of loans will be those developers who have an outline of what they want to do with a proper timeframe, are secure in the completion of the project at the right time, and can afford the higher interest rates and shorter repayments. For those with previous real estate development experience or a clear plan in place, hard money loans may provide the quick cash necessary for taking advantage of opportunities and seeing a new construction project through to success.