The primary focus of hard money lenders is the value of the collateral (usually real estate) rather than the borrower's creditworthiness or financial history. The property becomes the collateral and secures the loan.
Hard money loans are usually short-term loans, often with terms ranging from a few months to a couple of years. They are a means of quick financing for various projects like property flips or bridge loans.
One of the main advantages of hard money loans is the speed of approval and funding. Because the loan decision is primarily based on the collateral's value, the approval process can be much quicker than traditional lending.
Hard money loans typically have higher interest rates and fees than traditional bank loans.
Hard money lenders often have more flexible lending criteria than banks, allowing borrowers with unique or non-standard situations to secure financing. No matter the credit situation, if there is a good LTV (Loan To Value) in the property, a private lender will consider it.
Hard money loans can be accessed by pledging a variety of property types, including residential, commercial, industrial, and land, depending on the lender's preferences.
Like bridge loans, hard money lenders are interested in the borrower's exit strategy and expect to hear a carefully thought out design—how they plan to repay the loan. This exit strategy might involve selling the property, refinancing with a traditional mortgage, or another means of repayment.
Borrowers need to be cautious with hard money loans, as the risk of losing the collateral property is significant if they cannot repay the loan as agreed.
Hard money loans can be valuable for real estate investors, business owners, and individuals needing fast short-term financing. However, due to the higher interest rates and fees, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the cost of the loan and the potential profitability of the real estate project before proceeding with a hard money loan. As with any financial decision, I would suggest you seek professional advice and conduct thorough research