Real estate investing is a fast-growing trend that allows individuals to make a lucrative investment in their future. While many people think about buying property to rent out to generate a passive income, there are other options. If you love doing fix-it jobs around the house, buying property that needs work to fix it up and resell it for a higher price can be a more attractive real estate investment option. However, it can be a challenge to get the funding you need for this type of project, which is where hard money lending comes into play. The following will tell you everything you need to know about fix and flip hard money loans so you can get started.

The Basics

Hard money lenders often loan out their money at higher interest rates with larger down payments required in exchange for some other benefits that can make traditional lending more difficult. For instance, your credit will have much less bearing on these arrangements than seeking a traditional mortgage loan through a bank. In addition, the lender typically looks more at the overall value of the project, rather than whether your credit is good enough for a loan. In these situations, the property you buy is used as collateral. These loans are designed to last for a shorter period, just long enough for you to make the needed renovations and sell the home, which means the higher interest rate doesn’t have as big of an impact on how much you spend.

Hard Money Loan Requirements

The requirements for fix and flip hard money loans are quite different from your traditional mortgage loans. Rates for these loans typically run between seven and 12 percent, which is often higher than traditional mortgages. Your lender will look at the loan-to-value ratio to determine how much to offer, as well as the terms of the loan. Fee or point between one and 10 percent may also be charged.

How to Qualify

Once you make the decision to use fix and flip hard money loans, you next need to learn how to qualify so you can increase your chances of finding a lender who will work with you. In many cases, hard money lenders operate with a simple online form, especially since they don’t usually factor your credit into the equation. All you need to do is complete the loan application and pay the application fee. You may also need to provide two to three months of bank statements, a signed offer for the property you intend to purchase, the address of the property, any contractor agreements you have and your plans for renovation. This will help the investor decide if they want to fund your project.

Why Use These Loans

Most individuals who purchase and flip properties can benefit from using hard money loans versus a more traditional mortgage. Not only are they easier to qualify for and include shorter terms, but they also offer faster approval times so you won’t lose out on buying a great value you can turn around for significant profit. Including a business plan with a clearly defined project end date can help increase your chances you will be approved for this type of loan.