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Hard money lenders for primary residences are a type of alternative financing option that can be used for home renovations or purchases.
They often have more flexible credit requirements than traditional lenders and can provide funding quickly, usually within a few weeks.
This can be a great option for homeowners who need to make repairs or renovations to their home but can't qualify for a traditional loan.
The interest rates on hard money loans for primary residences can be higher than traditional loans, typically ranging from 8-14% per year.
These loans usually have shorter repayment terms, typically 6-24 months, which can be beneficial for homeowners who need to complete a project quickly.
Hard money lenders may require a significant down payment, often 20-30% of the property's value.
Homeowners who choose to use hard money lenders for primary residences should be prepared to pay a higher cost of borrowing.
What is Hard Money Lending?
Hard money lending is a type of short-term, high-interest loan that's often used for fix-and-flip projects or other real estate investments.
Hard money lenders typically charge interest rates between 12% and 18% per annum, with fees ranging from 2% to 5% of the loan amount.
These loans are usually secured by the property itself, with the lender holding a lien on the property until the loan is repaid.
Hard money lenders often have a minimum loan amount, usually around $50,000, and a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 70% to 80%.
The loan terms are typically short, ranging from 6 to 18 months, and are designed to be repaid quickly, usually within a year.
The lender's primary concern is the property's potential for resale value, not the borrower's credit score or income.
Benefits and Advantages
Owner-occupied hard money loans offer a range of benefits that can be a game-changer for borrowers. Recent short sales aren't a problem, and borrowers with foreclosure can qualify.
You don't have to worry about limitations for recent bankruptcy, which is a huge advantage. Quick disbursement of funds means you can get the money you need fast.
One of the biggest perks is zero prepayment penalties, so you can pay off the loan without incurring extra fees. Same-day pre-approval also means you can get a quick answer on whether you qualify for a loan.
Credit score isn't a major concern with owner-occupied hard money loans. No upfront lender fees means you don't have to pay a fee just to apply for the loan.
Here are some situations where an owner-occupied hard money loan can be a lifesaver:
- You need a bridge loan to avoid taxes or liquidate your assets
- Foreclosure or sale is looming
- Divorce or probate issues are causing financial stress
- You're looking to buy a new home and want to sell an old one
- Reverse mortgage fallout has left you in a tough spot
- You're downsizing but don't want to make a double move
Finding a Reputable Lender
Finding a reputable hard money lender can be a challenge, especially if you're new to the world of real estate investing. You can start by getting a referral from someone who works in real estate, such as a real estate agent, settlement agent, or real estate attorney.
They may be able to connect you with a hard money lender who has a good track record and can provide you with the funds you need. Title offices are also a great resource, as they record loans for hard money lenders regularly and can give you referrals to lenders who lend in your area.
You can also search online for a lender, but be sure to do your research and read reviews before making a decision.
Find a Reputable Lender
Finding a reputable lender can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to securing a hard money loan. You can start by getting a referral from someone in the real estate industry, such as a real estate agent, settlement agent, or real estate attorney.
Title offices are also a great resource, as they record loans for hard money lenders regularly and can provide referrals to lenders who lend in your area. Robert Taylor, a full-time real estate investor, suggests talking to a title office as a way to find a reputable lender.
Searching online is another option, but be sure to do your research and verify the lender's credentials. A reputable lender will have a strong online presence and be transparent about their lending terms and fees.
Here are some common ways to find a hard money lender:
- Get a referral from someone in the real estate industry
- Talk to a title office
- Search online, but be sure to do your research and verify the lender's credentials
Ultimately, finding a reputable lender takes time and effort, but it's worth it to ensure you're working with a trustworthy partner for your mortgage lending needs.
Need a California?
A California is a type of loan that can be a good option for some people. California loans are also known as payday loans or cash advance loans.
Some lenders offer California loans with interest rates as high as 459% APR. This is a very high interest rate that can quickly add up.
California loans are usually short-term loans that need to be paid back within a few weeks or months. They often have fees and charges that can be added to the principal amount.
In some cases, California loans can be a helpful option for people who need a small amount of money quickly. However, it's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions before borrowing.
Qualifying and Requirements
Qualifying for a hard money loan for your primary residence can be a relatively straightforward process, especially when working with a reputable lender like Marquee Funding Group. They may only require a short submission story and the property address to get started.
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The team at Marquee Funding Group will examine your case on a case-by-case basis, which means the specific documentation required can vary. However, they strive to make the process uncomplicated and common-sense driven.
In some cases, lenders may look at your assets and bank statements to make a decision. This is particularly helpful for borrowers who may not have a long history of income, such as someone who just got a new job.
Qualifying for
Qualifying for a hard money loan can be a bit different than what you're used to with traditional lenders. Hard money lenders have little oversight or regulation, similar to payday lenders.
Hard money lenders charge higher interest rates due to the greater risk they take on. This means you can expect to pay more for the loan. Lenders can charge what they want for the risk they take in making a loan.
Hard money loan terms are typically shorter, ranging from a few months to a few years. This is because hard money lenders are free to set their own requirements on things like credit scores and debt-to-income (DTI) ratios.
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Here's a brief overview of what you can expect:
Some hard money lenders, like Marquee Funding Group, offer a simpler qualification process. They may look at your assets and bank statements to make a decision.
Borrowers Who Don't Qualify
For borrowers who don't qualify for traditional loans, hard money loans can be a viable option. A recent divorce can negatively impact a borrower's credit score, making it difficult to secure a traditional loan.
Business owners, especially those who are self-employed, often struggle to prove their income. Self-employed individuals who write off many expenses on their taxes may be able to afford a mortgage, but their taxes don't reflect their true income.
Hard money loans are particularly suited for self-employed borrowers who can't document their income. These loans are designed to help borrowers who may not fit the traditional lending criteria.
Here's a brief overview of the benefits and drawbacks of hard money loans:
Keep in mind that hard money loans come with higher interest rates and shorter loan terms. This is because lenders take on more risk when making these loans.
Disadvantages and Considerations
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Hard money loans for primary residences come with some significant disadvantages and considerations.
Hard money loans typically last up to 5 years, which means you'll eventually face a balloon payment due, potentially leaving you owing hundreds of thousands of dollars at once.
Having a clear exit strategy is crucial to avoid financial difficulties. Without one, you could find yourself in a tough spot.
Some popular exit strategies before the balloon payment comes due include using a different loan, refinancing into a subprime or conventional loan, or using assets from other investments to pay it off.
Here are some potential exit strategies to consider:
- Use a different loan, such as a loan from the Small Business Administration
- Refinance into a subprime loan
- Refinance into a conventional loan
- Use assets from other investments to pay it off
- Refinance with another hard money loan
- Sell the property
You should always discuss your exit strategy with your loan officer to ensure you're prepared for the balloon payment.
Real World Scenario
Independent Lending funded a $110,000 Owner-Occupied Hard Money Loan for business purpose in Stockton, California. The loan was secured by a single family home with an appraised value of $595,000.
The borrower was self-employed and requested the funds to expand her business. We were able to fund her business purpose loan in 2 weeks.
Income and credit were not major factors in the approval.
Here are some key facts about this scenario:
- Loan amount: $110,000
- Appraised value of the property: $595,000
- Loan purpose: Business expansion
- Time to fund: 2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score is needed for a hard money loan?
To qualify for a hard money loan, you typically need a credit score of 550 or higher, although some lenders may consider scores as low as 500. A good credit score can improve your chances of approval and more favorable loan terms.
What is an owner occupied loan?
An owner-occupied loan is a type of loan available only to homeowners who live in the property, not investors or absentee owners. To qualify, borrowers typically must move in within 60 days and occupy the home for at least a year.
Sources
- https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/hard-money-lenders/
- https://www.calhardmoney.com/borrowers/owner-occupied-hard-money-loans.php
- https://ihlend.com/owner-occupied-hard-money-loans/
- https://privateloanfinancial.com/borrow/owner-occupied-residential-loans/
- https://marqueefundinggroup.com/owner-occupied-hard-money-loan/
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