Investing in real estate is essentially one of the smartest and safest strategies to promote wealth building. With the proper foundation and knowledge, investing in real estate can be highly lucrative for anyone. But let’s be honest, you already knew that. That’s why you’re here, ready to learn & take action! What we’ll be covering today is what an investor can do with the money they make from a profitable career.
While a portion of profits will be allocated to the lifestyle of their choice, investors are advised to be smart with their money. Of course you can reinvest into another property or syndication, but if you are looking for an alternative method, there may be one option you haven’t considered yet. Private Money Lending.
Investors who have the funds to do so should consider private money lending in real estate. This process offers the same type of security and profit potential as rehabbing or wholesaling, but without any active role! I recommend extensive knowledge in any asset class you decide to lend on, but nonetheless, a lucrative opportunity.
What Is Private Money Lending?
Private money lending is when investors lend their own capital to other investors or professionally managed real estate funds, while securing said loan with a mortgage or lien against real estate. In its most basic form, private money lending serves as an alternative to traditional lending institutions, like big banks.
As rookie investors gain experience, they aim higher. Leaving your hard-earned money in a savings account is a nonsensical way to protect and grow your assets. Private money lending allows you to secure a loan with real estate that is worth much more than the loan. In some ways, this process can be less risky than owning real estate. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the best real estate financing options available to today’s investors.
In the past, real estate financing typically came from banks, government agencies, insurance companies, and pension funds. Now, however, with a list of strict requirements and a timeline not conducive to the average real estate investor, a need for alternative lending sources quickly developed. At the same time it became obvious to those with adequate capital that their money could better serve investors than large institutions. Now, private money lending is a critical component to the real estate investment industry. Its presence makes it possible for the average investor to run and maintain a sustainable career.
There are several benefits involved for those who choose to lend private money. If done correctly, offering alternative real estate financing options can heavily mitigate risk while simultaneously establishing wealth. This is not a path for everyone. You need to ask yourself if you can afford to do so. Having a little extra money in the bank does not necessarily mean you should throw it at the first investor who comes your way. If you are equipped to mitigate potential risks and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves, private money lending could be a viable option.
You may want to consider private money lending if one of these applies to you:
You are a real estate investor looking to expand your portfolio.
You are a doctor, lawyer, CEO, or professional of another kind who has a great income or a surplus of cash.
You have a large retirement savings account.
You are a retiree looking for a passive income investment.
You are a owner of an estate or other trust fund.
You are a tech entrepreneur who owns a successful start up.
You are a lottery winner.
You want to and are able to help out a friend or family member.
Still uncertain if this is for you? Don’t fret. The remainder of this article will hopefully answer any questions or concerns you may have about pursuing private money lending.
The Concept of A Private Money Loan
The concept of a private money loan is quite simple, three elements are required for a loan to transpire: a borrower, a lender, and a lot of paperwork.
Private money lending is an excellent avenue for creating a passive wealth generation tool for decades to come. If for nothing else, private money loans can provide for investors in need. While they seem to serve the same purpose as traditional lending institutions, there are several differences. Private money loans typically charge higher rates than banks, but they are also more readily available in cases an average bank would pass on. Additionally, banks and other financial institutions typically do not provide the same combination of speed and transparency in the decision making process.
How To Become a Private Money Lender
Private money lending can offer several benefits for everyone involved. It is not uncommon for investors to eventually expand into private money lending themselves due to these benefits. If you are interested in private money lending, there are a few steps you can follow:
Establish your business and obtain the required insurance.
Meet with a lawyer to create your company structure.
Identify your preferred lending focus.
Join a peer to peer lending platform or network to find possible investments.
Evaluate any potential clients by calculating potential returns and risk levels.
Start your business in private money lending.
How To Identify Borrowers
The concept of private money lending is relatively simple, without access to capital, real estate investing does not exist. Capital, like in every other industry, is the lifeblood of an investor. Real estate investors need to actively work on securing private money loans to fund their deals. More often than not, the average investor isn’t capable of funding a deal with their own money. Even if the funds are readily available, investors will still seek the assistance of private money. Regardless of a particular investor’s situation, there is an increased likelihood of them needing private money assistance. Instead of having to pool money or stretch every dollar, investors are given more options to grow their business with the use of private money.
Perhaps even more importantly, is the speed and efficiency in which private money may be obtained. The speed of access is critical to an investor, and it can mean the difference between closing on a deal and losing one. Having the money in a timely manner can make it that much easier to close on a deal.
With private money lending, you will be confronted with several types of borrowers. While each is unique, they are all looking for the same thing. Here are the four types of borrowers you may encounter:
Rehab/Sell: This type of investor will typically purchase a residential property and complete renovations with the intention of reselling it once the project is complete. Borrowers in this sector find private money attractive because conventional banks will often not lend to properties in poor condition. Perhaps even more importantly, access to private money is more conducive to a timely and profitable flip.
Rehab/Rent: These investors typically purchase a residential property and complete renovations with the intention of renting the property for cash flow purposes. These borrowers find private money attractive for the same reasons as investors in the rehab/sell category.
Builders/Developers: Builders and developers will purchase vacant land to permit and develop into residential or commercial use. Borrowers in this sector are interested in private money primarily based on the speed with which the funds can be available. Also, many banks will not lend on speculative development.
Commercial Investors: This population of investors may seek to use private money as a “bridge loan” for a commercial property when a conventional bank will not lend on an un-stabilized asset. This type of borrower is Ferrari Capital. We don’t necessarily source capital for means of a bridge loan per say, it might be a stabilized loan for a long term play, but we do source private money from everyday investors looking to expand their reach & portfolio into a larger, more lucrative, and more stable asset class.
How To Get Paid
Private money lending is attractive because of the flexibility it offers, not only to borrowers but to lenders as well. You see, with a traditional loan, lenders will generate income through interest payments made by the borrower. Private loans, on the other hand, allow lenders to negotiate exactly how, and when, they will be paid back for the loan. This opportunity opens up a number of perks not traditionally offered to investors. Here are some typical agreements to help you learn more about making money as a private lender.
Joint Ventures: As a private money lender, a profit split can be one of the most attractive options for financing an investment. Investors can negotiate to a receive a percentage of the final profits in this type of agreement. The amount will vary based on the contract and the investment, though it could be quite profitable. In some cases, private money lenders will even find borrowers who propose this option. Just make sure you believe in the potential success of the deal and you are all set.
Exit Fees: This loan structure requires the borrower to pay a predetermined amount at the end of the loan term. The exit fee is often negotiated as a percentage of the overall price of the investment. In some cases, lenders may even negotiate an increasing exit fee that changes depending on when the loan is paid in full. For example, if the borrower needed a few extra months to repay the loan, then they would pay a larger exit fee.
Interest Payments: As I mentioned above, interest payments are one of several ways to generate income from a private money loan. In fact, this is the most common set up in private money. Lenders can set an interest rate at the time of the loan approval and sit back and wait for the money to arrive. Typically, private money loans are associated with higher interest rates than other loans, making this a particularly attractive arrangement for lenders.
Points: Points are essentially fees paid by borrowers in exchange for lower interest rates. Points are calculated as percentages of the overall loan, with one point referring to one percent of the loan amount. The reason some lenders prefer this system is that points allow them to be paid in larger sums, with additional interest payments to follow. More often than not, points are paid at the beginning of the loan term and are suggested by the borrower as an incentive for granting the loan.
Become A Private Money Lender: Tips From The Pros
Private money lending allows you to act as the bank for other investors. Rather than directly purchasing assets, you get the opportunity to fund those owned by colleagues and partners. By now you likely realize how beneficial this set up can be. However, there are a few more things you should know before getting started. Check out the following tips before taking on your first deal as a private money lender:
Start Out Small: Identify a range you are comfortable working with, and stick to it. The number one mistake private money lenders make when starting out is spreading themselves too thin. Assess your finances, and your preferred level of risk, and create clear guidelines for potential projects. If someone approaches you searching for more than you want to offer, do not be afraid to refer them elsewhere.
Find A Good Attorney: Becoming a private money lender doesn’t make you a lawyer. You will still need help when it comes to negotiating and reviewing contracts. Additionally, if you start a private money lending business there are a number of legal protections you need to have in place before getting started. Find a qualified real estate attorney in your area and bring them on to your team. Their role in your company will be invaluable over time.
Work Locally: There are profitable real estate deals all over the country; however, there are also deals right under your nose. If you decide to start your private money lending business locally, you can meet face to face with investors. Additionally, you will likely be more available for communications and future investment options. Don’t underestimate the potential of your own market, you never know what kind of deals may come your way. You can always expand out in the future.
Be Transparent: Avoid inflating your portfolio or background to attract potential investments. No matter what point you are at in your investing career, let your work speak for itself. You don’t want to misrepresent yourself or your lending business. Always maintain transparency and stay true to your mission and values.
Don’t Forget About Yourself: Remember, just because you aren’t purchasing assets directly does not mean you aren’t an investor. Continue your professional and financial education even if you opt for the role of the passive lender. You still need to stay on top of market trends, financial news and other factors impacting the real estate world. While you don’t have a hands on role in the investments you finance, you still need to have a strong business understanding.
Learn The Subject Matter: Review the types of borrowers listed above and familiarize yourself with the different deal types. Learn what factors go into a successful rehab, buy and hold, commercial syndication, or rental property. That way, when a borrower pitches a deal you know how to evaluate it for yourself. Obviously they are going to paint the investment in a good light, but is it actually profitable? To be a successful private money lender it is crucial to understand exactly what goes on in the niche you choose to invest in.
What about Hard Money Lending?
Hard money lending is another alternative to traditional lending sources and allows borrowers to use the investment, typically real estate, as collateral on the loan. While many lending sources rely on a borrowers credit history, hard money lending relies on the asset. Hard money lending will typically require higher interest fees than traditional loans, but can provide borrowers with increased access to capital and a more lenient approval process. Investors with low credit and high equity in a property will often turn to hard money for funding. Additionally, property owners at risk of foreclosure may also utilize hard money loans.
Summary
Private money lending can represent an attractive opportunity for both parties. Investors seeking alternative financing sources will find the benefits include a faster approval process and increased access to funding. On the other hand, those lending may find they have unique access to potential investments and deals. No matter which side of the transaction you are on, private money lending is definitely a viable option for expanding your financial portfolio and wealth building.