Equifax reported that US personal loan debt was at $138 billion in 2019. Other than the unsecured personal loans, Americans have turned to hard loan lenders to finance several needs. For most business owners, contractors, and prospective homeowners, hard money lending is a lifesaver.
Yet taking a hard money loan can prove costly if you fail to execute your due diligence. Unlike conventional loans, hard money lending has some complexities that you need to understand.
Here are some of the hard money lending mistakes that you need to avoid
Making a Decision Based Solely on a Low Interest Rate
Some new real estate investors tend to make the mistake of falling prey to lenders promising low interest rates. You can’t blame them! Everyone wants competitive prices, but when it comes to a hard loan, don’t be hasty to fall into this trap.
When you compare quotes, a lender charging incredibly lower rates than others should be a red flag. If the lender isn’t a fraud, then you’re probably in for some clauses that will surprise you along the way. What’s more, such a lender might have unbelievable pre-payment penalty rates that you’ll know when it’s too late.
It is prudent to understand that hard moneylenders are in business, and they wouldn’t compromise on their profit. As such, hard money loan rates ought to be realistic. Don’t close a deal with a lender charging low interest before analyzing the intentions.
While the interest rate is a crucial aspect when taking any loan, it shouldn’t override every other consideration. Compare lenders based on the rate and other multiple features, such as their credibility.
Being Unsure of the Amount to Borrow
Contrary to the bank loans, the monthly payments you make on a private loan covers only the interest. You will then need to pay the full amount after the agreed period. With a bank, the monthly payment includes the money owed and the interest.
Given this position, borrowing more in hard money makes you pay more in interest. Conversely, borrowing inadequate funds can halt your project. It is crucial to estimate accurately the amount you’ll need to complete your project.
If you plan on borrowing through home improvement loans, it will help to work with your contractor for price approximations for whichever renovations you plan on undertaking. For a business, your business plan should almost be accurate when projecting the financial needs. The last thing you’d want is to take a higher hard money loan, as the repayment process can be overwhelming.
Failure to Vet Hard MoneyLenders
Making your decision in hard money lending based on what a company states on their website can land you in the wrong hands. Moneylenders are in business, and they will tell you their commendable side to make a sale. Yet some of these moneylenders can prove to be a nuisance once you take the loan.
You would be in a better position as a borrower if you researched more about the moneylender’s history. Understand how the lender has been treating customers in different scenarios. The vetting will help you to make a wise decision.
About 90% of consumers read reviews before reaching out to a local business for a deal. Once you identify a potential moneylender, check out reviews to see what customers are saying. Some of the moneylenders can turn out to be your worst nightmare if you don’t repay the loan as agreed.
Work with a moneylender who has credible testimonials. Better still, get referrals from friends, family, or colleagues. Landing on a rogue moneylender would be an unpleasant experience and might affect your project’s continuity.
Not Reading the Hard Money Lending Fine Print
With our attention span having reduced to about 8 seconds, scrolling through a fine print in oblivion isn’t surprising. Yet failure to read fine print carefully can prove costly in the long run. It is crucial to know what you agree to before acknowledging the document.
A financial document can have several clauses that you need to understand. Undoubtedly, contracts favor the lender, and signing without reading gives the lender more leverage. You need to check the fine print closely to know how the repayment works, loan terms, and any hidden charges.
If you don’t understand some of the elements of the contract, working with a financial attorney can help. A lawyer will dissect the jargon around hard money loan terms, which will assist you in making the right decision.
Failure to Build a Meaningful Relationship With the Lender
Getting hard money loans isn’t the same as acquiring bank loans. With the latter, you only need to present your credit score information, and the bank will do the rest. Ostensibly, hard money lending requires you to have a relationship with your lender for personalized assistance.
Private lenders are likely to have significant experience in the area you want to invest in. The lenders can guide and advise you on the market. You can get useful tips that will shape your investment plans.
A relational approach with your local moneylender is for your benefit. Nonetheless, the rapport shouldn’t be an excuse to settle on a lender whose terms aren’t realistic. Ensure that you get valuable information from all the private lenders you vet.
Hard Money Lending Is a Lifesaver If Your Credit Score Isn’t Commendable
If you need a quick loan to finance your real estate property, a hard money loan can be ideal. As compared to traditional bank loans, hard money lending is quick, and it requires fewer requirements. However, you need to be extra careful when signing a deal with private lenders.
Some of the mistakes borrowers make when taking a hard money loan can have adverse implications during the repayment period. A borrower needs to read the terms and conditions and vet the lender before signing the deal. Working with a reputable hard moneylender can save you significant future frustrations.
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