How do you negotiate a hard money loan for a fix-and-flip? (2024)

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Know your numbers

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2

Compare lenders

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3

Negotiate the terms

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Review the contract

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Close the deal

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Here’s what else to consider

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If you're looking for a fast and flexible way to finance your next fix-and-flip project, you might consider a hard money loan. A hard money loan is a short-term loan secured by the property you're buying and rehabbing, and funded by private lenders who are more interested in the deal's potential than your credit score. However, hard money loans also come with higher interest rates, fees, and risks than conventional loans, so you need to know how to negotiate the best terms for your situation. Here are some tips to help you get a hard money loan that works for you and your flip.

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1 Know your numbers

Before you approach any hard money lender, you need to have a clear and realistic budget for your fix-and-flip project. This includes the purchase price, the rehab costs, the after-repair value (ARV), the holding costs, the selling costs, and the expected profit. You also need to have a detailed scope of work, a timeline, and a contingency fund. Having these numbers ready will show the lender that you're serious, prepared, and professional, and will help you negotiate the loan amount, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, and the loan-to-cost (LTC) ratio.

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2 Compare lenders

Not all hard money lenders are the same. Some may specialize in certain types of properties, locations, or borrowers, while others may have different criteria, rates, fees, and terms. You should shop around and compare at least three to five hard money lenders before you choose one. Look for lenders who have experience and reputation in your market, who offer competitive and transparent pricing, who can close quickly and reliably, and who are willing to work with you and your goals. You can find hard money lenders online, through referrals, or through local real estate investor groups.

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3 Negotiate the terms

Once you've narrowed down your options, you can start negotiating the terms of your hard money loan. The main terms you want to focus on are the interest rate, the points, the fees, the term, the prepayment penalty, and the draw schedule. The interest rate is the percentage of the loan amount that you pay monthly as interest. The points are the percentage of the loan amount that you pay upfront as a fee. The fees are the other charges that the lender may impose, such as origination, appraisal, inspection, or closing fees. The term is the duration of the loan, usually between six to 12 months. The prepayment penalty is the fee that the lender may charge if you pay off the loan early. The draw schedule is the plan for how and when the lender will disburse the funds for the rehab costs.

To negotiate the best terms, you need to leverage your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. For example, if you have a strong track record of successful flips, a high credit score, a large down payment, or a low LTV or LTC ratio, you can use these factors to lower your interest rate, points, or fees. If you have a weak or no flipping experience, a low credit score, a small down payment, or a high LTV or LTC ratio, you can compensate by offering more collateral, bringing in a partner or a co-signer, or accepting a shorter term or a higher prepayment penalty. You should also be flexible and realistic about what you can afford and what the lender can offer.

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4 Review the contract

Before you sign the contract, you should review it carefully and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. You should also have a lawyer or a trusted advisor look over the contract and point out any red flags or potential issues. Some of the things you should pay attention to are the loan amount, the interest rate, the points, the fees, the term, the prepayment penalty, the draw schedule, the default clauses, and the exit strategy. If you have any questions or concerns, you should ask the lender to clarify or modify them. You should also be prepared to walk away if the contract is not in your best interest or if you feel uncomfortable with the lender.

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5 Close the deal

Once you're satisfied with the contract, you can close the deal and get your hard money loan. You should have all your documents and funds ready to avoid any delays or problems. You should also maintain a good relationship with your lender throughout the loan term, and communicate regularly about your progress and any challenges. You should also pay your loan on time and according to the agreed schedule. Finally, you should have a clear exit strategy for how and when you will repay the loan, either by selling or refinancing the property.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

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How do you negotiate a hard money loan for a fix-and-flip? (2024)

FAQs

How do you negotiate a hard money loan for a fix-and-flip? ›

To negotiate the best terms, you need to leverage your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. For example, if you have a strong track record of successful flips, a high credit score, a large down payment, or a low LTV or LTC ratio, you can use these factors to lower your interest rate, points, or fees.

How to negotiate with hard money lenders? ›

Negotiable Terms
  1. Loan Fees: Ask about reducing or waiving origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties.
  2. Payment Schedule: Negotiate a more favorable repayment schedule that aligns with your cash flow.
  3. Extension Options: Ensure there's an option to extend the loan if necessary, ideally without steep penalties.
Jun 21, 2024

What is the average interest rate on a hard money loan? ›

Rates for hard money loans can vary, but the average interest rate is generally between 10% and 18%, which is significantly higher than a conventional loan. On top of that, other costs are often associated with these types of loans, including points and origination fees ranging from 2% to 6%.

How do you present a deal to a hard money lender? ›

Documentation that should be included is as follows: a copy of the purchase contract (if you're buying a new property) or Broker's Price Opinion or other market analysis (if you're refinancing), an appraisal, the Commitment for Title, a copy of the survey, inspection reports, and contractor repair estimates (if any ...

How does a hard money loan on a flip work? ›

Hard money fix and flip loans are short term, and designed specifically for fix and flip investors. ABL's hard money loans for flipping houses have a 12 month term, and no pre-payment penalty if you flip the property quickly and payoff the loan before maturity.

What exit strategies are hard money loans best used for? ›

One of the most common exit strategies for hard money loans is to sell the property. This is a common option because many borrowers using hard money loans in Texas do so with the purpose of purchasing a property, improving it, and selling it for a profit.

Are hard money lenders worth it? ›

Hard money loans can be a useful tool if you need financing through a less traditional route. However, these loans have high interest rates, and there is a significant amount of risk if you can't repay the loan.

Can you refinance out of a hard money loan? ›

Fast Turnaround Times For Hard Money Cash-Out Refis

California Hard Money Direct can fully complete a cash-out refinance on a non-owner-occupied property in about 7-9 days. Owner-occupied refinance loans take a bit longer because of the mandatory guidelines all private lenders must follow.

What are typical terms for a hard money loan? ›

Hard money loans are a form of short-term financing, with the loan term lasting between three and 36 months. Most hard money lenders can lend up to 65% to 75% of the property's current value at an interest rate of 10% to 18%.

Can you pay off a hard money loan early? ›

Short-term hard money bridge loans often have a guaranteed interest clause requiring three payments as a prepayment premium, after which the balance can be paid in full without penalty. You're most likely to see sliding scale prepayment penalties for longer term, 5-15 year investment property hard money loans.

What is the formula for hard money lending? ›

To calculate the total interest paid on a hard money loan, you essentially just multiply the monthly repayment amount, by the number of months that you hold the property for. So if your repayment is $1500, and you hold the property for 12 months, the total interest paid would be $18,000.

Does a hard money loan count as cash? ›

No, a hard money loan cannot be considered as cash. Unlike cash offers, which involve using existing personal resources, a hard money loan involves borrowing funds from a lender. While both options involve financial transactions, they have different implications for the buyer/seller relationship in real estate deals.

What is an example of a hard money deal? ›

Here's how a typical hard money loan works: The borrower wants to purchase a fixer-upper for $100,000. The estimate for renovation costs is $30,000, and it's projected the rehabbed property can be sold for $180,000. In this example, the hard money lender will lend 70% of the home's projected value after repairs.

How do house flippers get financing? ›

Types Of Loans For Flipping Houses

They're typically offered by private lenders or investor groups rather than banks and credit unions. A home equity line of credit: A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a type of second mortgage that allows you to borrow money against equity you've amassed in your current home.

Do banks give fix and flip loans? ›

Fix and flip financing is available from hard money lenders but not available from traditional lenders such as banks. Financing a house flip is a quick and straightforward process for an experienced hard money lender like North Coast Financial.

What is the interest rate for a flip loan? ›

Typical terms for fix and flip hard money loans are between 12 and 36 months, and they usually have interest rates of between 7 and 12%.

Can you negotiate rate with lender? ›

The answer is yes — you can negotiate better mortgage rates and other fees with banks and mortgage lenders, if you're willing to haggle and know what fees to focus on.

How do you deal with money lenders? ›

Ask the money lender about their interest rate and any late payment fees. You should also check the repayment period to know exactly when your loan needs to be paid back. Some lenders turn brutal if payments are not made on time, so it is important to understand the terms of the loan agreement clearly.

How to negotiate with a private lender? ›

Negotiating with a private lender successfully means understanding their approval criteria. Understanding the different fees and rates helps. The average for many private lenders in 2024 is between 8% and 12% for interest and 2% to 4% in lending fees. The brokers' fees are set to match the lenders' requirements.

Can you ask your lender for more money? ›

When you improve your credit score, a lender may be willing to increase your preapproval amount. Additionally, a higher credit score may be able to lower your interest rate.

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