Do you know the difference between soft money and hard money lenders? If you want to finance investment real estate, you’ll want to understand the differences so you can determine which borrowing method will be best for your situation. In this post, we will break it all down so you can make the right decisions when buying real estate in Fort Myers!
If you’re like most people, you don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars laying around, just waiting to be spent on a new property investment. If you want to buy real estate in Fort Myers, you’ll likely have to borrow some money. Both soft and hard money loans are viable options, however, they are quite different and should be chosen based on your needs and circumstances. Whether you choose to use a bank or a private lender in Fort Myers, make sure that you do your homework and ask all of the right questions.
What Is A Hard Money Lender?
Hard money lenders play a crucial role in the realm of real estate investing by offering short-term bridge loans secured against collateral such as real estate. Unlike traditional loans where a borrower’s credit score heavily influences approval, hard money lenders prioritize the value of the asset being used as collateral. This makes them more accessible to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit histories, as the focus shifts towards the property’s market value and potential profitability rather than the borrower’s creditworthiness alone.
Typically, hard money loans have significantly shorter repayment periods compared to conventional loans, often ranging from a few months to about a year. This expedited repayment schedule aligns with the intended use of the funds, which are commonly utilized for quick-turnaround investments like fix-and-flip projects. Real estate investors often turn to hard money loans because they provide rapid access to capital, allowing them to seize opportunities that require swift financing to acquire distressed properties, renovate them, and then sell them for a profit. Despite generally higher interest rates and fees associated with hard money loans, their flexibility and speed can outweigh these costs for investors aiming to capitalize on time-sensitive deals in the real estate market.
What Is A Soft Money Lender?
Soft money lenders, such as banks and credit unions, provide traditional loans that are primarily evaluated based on the borrower’s creditworthiness, including factors like credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and their ability to repay the loan. These loans are typically used for major purchases such as homes, cars, or education expenses. For instance, an auto loan is a common example of a soft money loan where the borrower receives funds from a certified lending institution to purchase a vehicle. Soft money loans often come with longer repayment periods, allowing borrowers to spread out payments over several years, which can make them more manageable and affordable compared to other types of financing.
One of the key advantages of soft money loans is their accessibility relative to hard money loans. Because soft money lenders evaluate borrowers based on established credit metrics and financial stability, they tend to be more willing to lend and offer competitive interest rates. This accessibility makes soft money loans a preferred option for individuals and businesses seeking funding for various purposes without needing immediate repayment. Unlike hard money loans, which are typically secured by collateral and involve higher interest rates and shorter terms, soft money loans are designed to facilitate long-term financial planning and stability. Overall, soft money lending plays a crucial role in providing financial flexibility and support for borrowers looking to achieve their personal or business-related goals over an extended period.
How To Get The Borrowing Process Started
Borrowing money usually requires you to do some research on the different lenders out there. Once you’ve chosen one, you’ll need to go through the application process. Before you being the process of borrowing money, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions first.
- What do you intend to do with the loan?
- What do you have for collateral?
- Do you have a business plan?
- How long until you can repay the loan?
- How quickly do you need the cash?
Once you have really sat down and established what you will need, you’ll want to do your homework on trusted lenders. Each lender works a little bit differently. When researching soft or hard money lenders in Fort Myers, you’ll want to learn about…
- The interest rates
- The loan terms
- The origination and lender fees
- Qualifications to receive funding
- What other people have to say
If you are unsure about who to work with, talk to other investors who have been in your shoes. Getting first-hand accounts will better prepare you when choosing your lender. Don’t just choose the first one that pops up, take some time to do your research, interview the lenders who can offer what you are after, and choose the one who is best suited to you.
What You Need
When seeking a hard money loan for your real estate investments, you’ll want to have all your ducks in a row before filling out the application. First, you’ll need to have a well thought out and concise plan to show to the lender. You’ll need to show what you plan to profit with a clear exit plan in place. To get the funding you’re after, you’ll need to have a down payment and equity in the property. Hard money is asset-based, which means they will require some collateral on the loan. The lender will also want to see that you have some cash reserves and the ability to make your loan payments each month as well as cover the other expenses of the property.
Resources For Investors
Fit Small Business has created a guide to The Best Hard Money Lenders in 2019. In this guide, they have researched over 20 of the most popular hard money lenders and provided detailed information about the top 8.
The Private Money Lending Guide is another great resource for connecting lenders with borrowers. The provide lender listing throughout the United States and can help with many types of real estate loans.