Hard Money Lenders Kansas City: Fast Funding and Alternative Financing Options
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Joseph Gordon EditorCloseJoseph Gordon Editor
Joseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
Do you need quick funding for a real estate deal in Kansas City? Whether your goal is to flip a historic home in Westport or invest in rental units in the bustling Crossroads Arts District, hard money loans can provide the necessary capital in no time. Unlike traditional loans, these loans are based on the property’s value after repairs, offering flexibility for various types of investors.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of hard money loans in Kansas City, including what they are, how they work, and who can benefit from them.
We’ll also highlight alternative financing options like HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program, ensuring you have all the information needed to make the best financial decisions for your real estate projects.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes and is not intended to be construed as financial advice. HomeLight always encourages you to consult your own advisor.
What is a hard money lender?
A hard money lender is a private lender or company providing short-term loans secured by real estate. Unlike conventional lenders that assess credit scores, hard money lenders prioritize the property’s worth. These loans are ideal for house flippers and investors in rental properties seeking quick access to capital and flexible terms.
Loan amounts are based on the after-repair value (ARV), which is the estimated value after repairs. Lenders typically lend a portion of the ARV, ensuring the property’s profitability. Interest rates range from 8% to 15%, with terms between 6 to 24 months. Borrowers also face origination fees, closing costs, and points upfront. Failure to repay can lead to the lender seizing the property to recover their investment.
How does a hard money loan work?
Kansas City real estate investors who need quick financing might find hard money loans to be a good option. Here’s a detailed look at how these loans work:
- Short-term loan: Typically, hard money loans have short durations of 6 to 24 months, compared to traditional 30-year mortgages.
- Faster funding option: These loans can be processed and funded within days, much quicker than the standard 30 to 50 days for conventional loans.
- Less focus on creditworthiness: Hard money lenders emphasize the value of the property rather than the borrower’s credit score.
- More focus on property value: The loan amount is based on the loan-to-value ratio, securing the lender’s investment.
- Not traditional lenders: Provided by private entities or individuals, these loans bypass traditional banking systems.
- Loan denial option: They are beneficial for those who possess significant home equity but have been denied conventional loans.
- Higher interest rates: Interest rates are higher due to the increased risk associated with these loans.
- Might require larger down payments: Borrowers may need to make substantial down payments, often between 20% and 30%.
- More flexibility: Hard money lenders can offer flexible loan terms and adjust debt-to-income ratios as needed.
- Potential for interest-only payments: Some loans may feature interest-only payment periods, providing initial financial relief.
What are hard money loans used for?
Hard money loans serve distinct financial needs in Kansas City’s real estate landscape.
They offer quick, flexible funding for investors and homeowners who might not qualify for conventional loans. Here’s a look at common uses:
- Flipping a house: Investors in Kansas City aiming to flip homes can leverage hard money loans for swift property acquisition and renovation. These loans enable quick purchases and timely renovations, facilitating profitable sales.
- Buying an investment rental property: Hard money loans are ideal for buying rental properties, especially those needing urgent repairs. Investors can renovate quickly and start earning rental income sooner.
- Purchasing commercial real estate: These loans are beneficial in commercial real estate due to their fast approval and flexibility. Quick funding is crucial in competitive markets to secure valuable properties promptly.
- Borrowers who can’t qualify for traditional loans: Individuals with significant home equity but poor credit histories often turn to hard money lenders. The property’s value is prioritized, providing access to necessary funds.
- Homeowners facing foreclosure: Homeowners facing foreclosure might use hard money loans to refinance or sell their property, avoiding the detrimental effects of foreclosure on their credit score.
How much do hard money loans cost?
The cost of hard money loans is higher due to their quick, less restrictive funding. Typical costs include:
- Interest rates: These can range from 8% to 15%, depending on the lender’s risk assessment.
- Origination fees: Lenders charge 1% to 5% of the total loan amount.
- Closing costs: These include various fees such as legal, appraisal, and administrative expenses.
- Points: Lenders might require upfront payment of points, which are a percentage of the loan.
You can use online calculators to estimate these costs here.
Alternatives to working with hard money lenders
If you need to leverage your home’s equity but want need an alternative to hard money loans, here are a few options:
Take out a second mortgage: A home equity loan or HELOC offers funds at lower interest rates than hard money loans.
Cash-out refinance: Refinancing your property allows you to pull out cash for new investments, often with lower interest rates than hard money loans. Refinance to access these funds.
Borrow from family or friends: Personal loans from family or friends can be more affordable, offering flexible repayment terms and lower interest rates.
Use a government-backed loan program: Programs from the FHA, VA, or USDA can help purchase homes with lower down payments and interest rates.
Peer-to-peer loan: Peer-to-peer loans through platforms like Funding Circle provide alternatives to hard money loans, often with different terms.
Specialized loan programs: Look into loans for fixer-uppers or refinancing investment properties, which can replace hard money loans.
Request a seller financing option: Sellers may finance the purchase themselves, leading to lower closing costs and less strict eligibility requirements.
How to buy before you sell
Finding the perfect home in Kansas City can happen at any moment, whether it’s a stunning Tudor or a cozy loft downtown. If you want to buy a new home before selling your current one, HomeLight has an efficient solution to help you achieve your goals.
HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell (BBYS) program enables you to leverage the equity in your existing home to present a strong, non-contingent offer on a new property. For homes that qualify, you can get approval for your equity unlock amount in less than 24 hours with no cost or commitment. This approach allows you to secure your new home first and then sell your old one without the inconvenience of moving twice.
Here’s how HomeLight Buy Before You Sell works:
The program charges a flat fee of 2.4% of the sale price of your current home. Even with this fee, the potential savings on moving expenses, temporary accommodations, and possibly a better purchase price for your new home can make it advantageous. Plus, HomeLight’s BBYS fees are generally lower than bridge loan interest rates, which are currently between 9.5% to 12%.
3 top hard money lenders in Kansas City
KC Investor Funding
KC Investor Funding, based in Kansas City, specializes in providing hard money loans to real estate investors. They offer a variety of loan programs, including fix and flip, rental, and bridge loans. They can usually close loans within 7-10 days.
Lending clientele: Residential and commercial real estate investors. They are willing to fund properties such as single-family homes, multifamily units, and commercial buildings.
Loan criteria: LTV up to 70% of ARV
KC Investor Funding has earned a 5.0-star rating on Google. Reviews laud the company for its fast approval process, professional staff, and transparent communication.
816-293-2999
Worcester Financial
Worcester Financial offers a variety of hard money loan programs to real estate investors. They specialize in providing quick and efficient funding solutions, including fix and flip, rental, and bridge loans. Worcester Financial can often close loans in just over a week.
Lending clientele: Residential and commercial real estate investors
Loan criteria: LTV up to 70% of ARV
Worcester Financial has earned a 5-star rating on Google. According to their website, clients appreciate the firm’s knowledgeable and helpful staff, praising their ability to provide sound financial advice and personalized service.
816-479-6599
North Oak Investment
North Oak Investment provides hard money loans tailored for real estate investors. Founded to support investors in achieving their property investment goals, it focuses on delivering personalized service and flexible financing solutions.
Lending clientele: Residential real estate investors
Loan criteria: LTV 60% up to 80% of ARV
North Oak Investment has a 4.6-star rating on Google and an A+ rating on BBB. Clients appreciate their responsiveness, transparency, and efficient loan processing.
816-542-6840
Should I partner with a hard money lender in Kansas City?
Determining if a hard money loan is right for you in Kansas City depends on your situation and real estate goals. These loans are usually ideal for investors needing quick funding or those who can’t get traditional financing, perfect for fast projects like flips or rental properties.
For homeowners aiming to use their home’s equity, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program is a smart alternative. It allows you to make competitive offers without high-interest rates, paying a small flat fee instead.
Consider your long-term strategy and consult a financial advisor to ensure it fits your goals. If you need to find knowledgeable agents and hard money lenders in Kansas City, let HomeLight connect you with top professionals.
Header Image Source: (Darren Hibbs / Unsplash)
- "What is ARV and how is it calculated?," Rehab Financial Group (June 2023)
- "What Is Loan-to-Value and Why Does it Matter?," U.S. News, Ben Luthi & Rebecca Safier (March 2024)
- "Why Do Hard Money Lenders Require A Down Payment?," RCN Capital (April 2024)
- "A Comprehensive Guide to Common Terms Used in Hard Money Lending," LinkedIn, Joseph Walker (September 2023)
- "What Are The Costs Involved In A Hard Money Loan?," NorthWest Private Lending (March 2024)