Hard Money Loans – How They Work
The most often asked question when dealing with San Diego Hard Money is how does this work. Private money is another term used when referring to hard money.
In this article you will learn about a San Diego hard money loan and the different aspects it takes to complete one. Refinance loans, development loans, purchase transactions and processing of the loan will be explained.
Typical ideas associated with a private money loan must be explained. The private loan must have a low LTV (loan to value) ratio. This is due to the basis of the loan being weighed upon the equity available for the property being promised as collateral.
Most of these loans are written for 65% LTV or lower, which means the loan amount must be 65% or less of the total value of the property. The property is going to have to be marketable. Some private lenders and investors will consider a property that has a low enough LTV even if it is in an area that is not as marketable if the risk is low enough.
Furthermore, the borrower who is taking the loan must be able to show the capacity and wherewithal to repay. Typically strong collateral, and a borrower’s ability to repay will justify making a hard money loan.
The type of transaction will govern the terms,as a result fees and rates will vary from transaction to transaction.
As a general rule, the rates are usually anywhere from 9 to 15% according to the risk of the loan, the type of property being used for collateral and the lien position. Unlike a bank loan, the terms for this type average from 1 to 3 years. However, the fees are double or even four times the fees charged for a typical loan.
Now that typical guidelines for private money have been explained, some different types of transactions will be explored.
1. Purchase Transactions – The purchase transaction loan will require the lender to check the purchase agreement very closely. This will go for the appraisal as well. The appraisal is the way the value is determined. The purchase agreement is the determination for the market and the foundation of the transaction.
Using the appraisal or the purchase price, the lower of the two will be the basis for the LTV and the loan amount. True value is normally the result of the price. Where a purchase is concerned, the price is the agreement reached by the buyer and the seller. Most lenders will evaluate purchases in this regard. In certain cases, equity consideration may be given for a discount in price as long as the borrower can prove an extreme discount has been made.
Another way that purchase loans differ from typical transactions is the borrower must set aside the down payment and fees into an escrow account.
2. Refinance Loans – In contrast to purchase loans, lenders are concerned primarily with the appraisal, existing liens and corresponding loan amount. Different than purchase transactions, refinance loans are typically written so that the fees are incorporated in to the loan amount. To clarify, the fees are added to any amount that the borrower needs to net after cash out and/or repayment of existing loans.
3. Development Loans – The construction loan or the development loan has three basic features. The LTV often is contingent upon the future value of the property. The funds are distributed according to a draw plan.
And last but not least, an account called an interest reserve account is opened for the money to be deposited for repayment during construction. This is what makes a development loan different than other private money loans.
Documentation will be required depending upon the loan that is being sought. Usually what will be required is the standard docs, while more specific information may be required. The standard package may include the title policy, appraisal, income documentation, borrower’s application, bank statements and the borrower’s credit report.
More specific documentation might include; purchase agreement, executive summary, construction breakdown, and draw schedule. With most private money loans you are usually looking at 7-14 business days from lender receipt of the entire loan package. These times may vary depending on the complexity of the transaction.
In the end, a San Diego hard money loan is the best way to get the money for a non-conventional undertaking in the least amount of time. Ideally this has given you a basic understanding about the workings of a hard money loan.