Call: 212-537-5833

Text: 917-267-9523

West Forest Capital

Call: 212-537-5833

Text: 917-267-9523

Private Money Loan Requirements: Is Private Money Lending the Solution for You

Private Money Loan Requirements: Is Private Money Lending the Solution for You

Real estate investors who can’t get approved for a loan through traditional financing avenues such as banks and credit unions will often turn to private money lenders instead. This is because private money loans (also known as hard money loans) have more flexible loan requirements compared to traditional bank loans.

How are Private Money Loans Different From Traditional Bank Loans?

Private money loans offer a unique financing route for real estate investments and as mentioned, are different from traditional bank loans in some key ways.

Lend on the Asset

Hard money loans stand out because they are primarily secured by the property itself, not the borrower’s financial background. This method of lending based on asset value rather than personal credit history is a key differentiator from traditional loans. It streamlines the approval process and accelerates funding, making it an excellent option for investors who need fast financial solutions to capitalize on opportunities.

Flexible Credit Requirements

Another significant difference is in the flexibility regarding credit requirements. Hard money lenders are generally more lenient about credit scores. Since the loan is secured by the property itself, these lenders are primarily concerned with the asset’s value. This flexibility makes hard money loans accessible to individuals whose credit history might not pass the stringent requirements of traditional banks.

Ideal for Fix-and-Flip Properties Renovations

Additionally, the practical applications of hard money lending are suited specifically to the needs of real estate investors. Unlike conventional loans that might have limitations on the type of properties financed or require them to be in excellent condition, private money loans can be used for properties that need renovations. This makes them ideal for investors looking to buy, refurbish, and quickly sell properties (fix and flip).

Suitable for LLCs

If you are an investor who wishes to purchase a property on behalf of a limited liability company (LLC), you may want to have the name of the LLC on the loan instead of assuming personal responsibility for the funds as the borrower. Traditional lenders often require that a borrower put his or her name on the agreement instead of a limited liability company to underwrite the loan. But you don’t have that obstacle with private money loans. The borrower can be listed as an individual or an LLC without jeopardizing approval from a private lender.

Easier Application Process

Lastly, hard money loans typically involve less paperwork and fewer procedural hurdles compared to traditional loans. This streamlined process allows for quicker access to funds, which is important in real estate markets where opportunities can come and go rapidly.

Signs You Might Need a Private Money Loan

You might need private loans from a hard money lender rather than loans from a credit union or traditional bank if you:

  • Need financing quickly
  • Your credit score is less-than-perfect
  • Have renovation projects
  • Have short-term investments in the real estate market
  • Want minimal documentation during the application process
  • Prefer asset-focused lending
  • Purchasing on behalf of an LLC
What are the Requirements for Qualifying for a Loan Through Private Money Lenders?
Getting a hard money loan can be a quick process, often with approvals taking just 3 to 5 days. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the requirements and typical steps involved when applying with hard money lenders:
1. Property Evaluation
Getting a hard money loan can be a quick process, often with approvals taking just 3 to 5 days. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the requirements and typical steps involved when applying with hard money lenders:
2. Loan Application
You’ll need to provide information about the property, along with your credit history and financial situation. Transparency in these details is important as it helps build trust with private lenders.
3. Down Payment

You’re usually required to make a down payment, typically 20% to 35% of the property’s value. The exact percentage depends on the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. This large down payment highlights the nature of hard money loans as short-term financing solutions designed for quick turnaround projects.

4. Exit Strategy
Lenders will want to see a clear plan for how you intend to pay back the loan, whether through selling the property or refinancing. Having a solid exit strategy is important for securing the loan.
5. Loan Approval
Once approved, you must stick to the agreed-upon loan terms, including any conditions regarding the typically higher interest rates of hard money loans, which reflect the greater risk and shorter duration of these loans.
6. Appraisal
An appraisal might be ordered by the lender to verify the property’s market value.
7. Insurance Requirements
You’ll need to obtain an insurance policy that names the lender as the loss payee and additional insured. For major rehab projects, builder’s risk insurance might also be necessary.
8. Lender Title Insurance
This insurance safeguards the lender’s interests, ensuring they are protected in case of legal disputes.
Do-I-Need-a-High-Credit-Score-To-Receive-a-Private-Money-Loan
Do I Need a High Credit Score To Receive a Private Money Loan?

While a credit score of 600 or higher is often preferred, funding can still be available for those with lower scores, assuming other aspects of the loan application meet the lender’s requirements. This flexibility makes hard money loans an attractive option for a variety of real estate investment projects.

Which Types of Properties Can I Renovate?

Private money loans offer the flexibility to finance a wide range of properties for renovation and repair. Whether you’re looking to invest in residential or commercial spaces, here are the types of properties you can renovate with a private money loan:

  • Apartments
  • Single-family homes
  • Multi-family units
  • Commercial buildings
  • Retail spaces
  • Industrial properties
  • Fixer-uppers
  • Foreclosed properties
Private Money Lending with West Forest Capital

West Forest Capital provides funds to real estate investors and others looking to finance non-owner-occupied real estate. We fund property types that include apartments, single-family, multi-family, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use buildings.

We provide rehab funds, or full construction costs, as needed. We also provide fast closings, almost always less than 12 days, and often as quick as 3 to 5 days. We’ve even previously closed a brand new loan in one day.

We lend in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Florida

To get started or for hard money loan pre-approval, please call us at 212-537-5833 or text us at 917-267-9523.

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To get started with your hard money loan,
please call us at 212-537-5833 or text us at 917-267-9523.

Hard Money Loans: FAQs

Hard money loans are short-term loans that are used to acquire investment properties to rehab and then flip for resale or rent. These loans are used by real estate investors and others who are looking to finance non-owner occupied real estate.

Yes, we can often pre-approve you on the same day as when you apply. For a pre-approval letter, please call us at 212-537-5833 or text us at 917-267-9523.

Yes, we do fund rehab costs through a hard money loan. In fact, we can fund 100% of your rehab costs. To do so, you will need to complete a portion of the project. We then send an inspector to review it, and we distribute the funds for the completed work. The entire process takes 2 to 3 days.

Yes, we provide extensions up to 6 months or longer on a case-by-case basis. We understand the timeframe complexities when rehabbing or building a new project – we will work with you.

West Forest Capital

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Fix and Flip Loans

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West Forest Capital
237 East 79th Street
New York, NY 10075

Call: 212-537-5833
Text: 917-267-9523

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