Hard Money Lenders Memphis: Quick Funding Tips
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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.
Securing the right financing is important when considering a real estate venture in Memphis. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a homeowner looking to leverage property equity, knowing how hard money loans work can make all the difference. Hard money loans offer a quick and flexible solution, especially beneficial in the vibrant and competitive Memphis market.
This guide will explore the ins and outs of working with hard money lenders in Memphis. From the basics of these loans to specific advantages and potential alternatives, this comprehensive overview is designed to help you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.
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?
Hard money lenders provide short-term loans backed by real estate, typically used by house flippers, investors, and those needing quick financing. Unlike traditional lenders, they focus more on the property’s value than the borrower’s creditworthiness. Loan amounts are determined by the after-repair value (ARV), which is the property’s estimated value after renovations.
These lenders often cater to clients who need funding fast or may not qualify for conventional loans. Interest rates are higher, ranging from 8% to 15%, and fees can include origination and closing costs. If a borrower fails to repay, the lender can foreclose on the property to recover their investment.
How does a hard money loan work?
Knowing how hard money loans work in Memphis can help you decide if this financing option fits your needs. Here are several key things to consider:
- Short-term loan: Typically, these loans range from 6 to 24 months.
- Faster funding option: Loans can be approved and funded in days rather than weeks.
- Less focus on creditworthiness: Approval is based more on the property’s value than the borrower’s credit score.
- More focus on property value: The loan-to-value ratio is critical in determining the loan amount.
- Not traditional lenders: These loans are often provided by private individuals or companies, not banks.
- Loan denial option: Lenders may deny loans if the property doesn’t meet their criteria.
- Higher interest rates: Rates can range from 8% to 15%, reflecting the higher risk involved.
- Might require larger down payments: Expect to pay a down payment of 20%–30% of the loan amount.
- More flexibility: Terms can be more flexible compared to traditional loans.
- Potential for interest-only payments: Some lenders may offer interest-only payment options during the loan term.
What are hard money loans used for?
Hard money loans serve various purposes in the real estate market:
- Flipping a house: Ideal for house flippers who need quick funding to buy, renovate, and sell properties.
- Buying an investment rental property: Investors can use these loans to purchase and renovate rental properties.
- Purchasing commercial real estate: Suitable for acquiring and upgrading commercial properties.
- Borrowers who can’t qualify for traditional loans: A viable option for those with poor credit or unconventional income sources.
- Homeowners facing foreclosure: Provides a lifeline for homeowners needing quick funds to prevent foreclosure.
How much do hard money loans cost?
The cost of hard money loans is typically higher than traditional loans due to the increased risk lenders undertake. Here are some typical costs associated with hard money loans:
- Interest rates: These can range from 8% to 15%, depending on the lender’s risk assessment.
- Origination fees: Lenders may charge an origination fee of 1% to 5% of the total loan amount.
- Closing costs: Additional fees at closing can include legal fees, appraisal fees, and other administrative costs.
- Points: Lenders might charge points (a percentage of the loan amount) upfront, which can add to the initial cost of obtaining a loan.
There are also many hard money loan calculators available on the Internet to give you an idea of your costs.
Alternatives to working with hard money lenders
If you’re a homeowner looking to leverage your current home’s equity, here are a few options to consider:
- Take out a second mortgage: If you have substantial equity in your home, a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) can provide the needed funds at a lower interest rate compared to a hard money loan.
- Cash-out refinance: This option allows you to refinance an existing property, pulling out cash to finance your new investment. It often comes with lower interest rates than hard money loans.
- Borrow from family or friends: A personal loan from family or friends can offer flexible repayment terms and potentially lower or no interest rates, making it a more affordable option.
- Use a government-backed loan program: Programs offered by the FHA, VA, or USDA can assist in purchasing homes with lower down payments and reduced interest rates.
- Peer-to-peer loan: These loans are provided by individual investors through lending platforms, functioning similarly to hard money loans but often with different terms.
- Specialized loan programs: If you already have a hard money loan and want to replace it, consider specialized loans for fixer-uppers or investment property refinancing.
- Request a seller financing option: In some cases, sellers may agree to finance the purchase themselves, resulting in lower closing costs and less stringent eligibility requirements.
How to buy before you sell
HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program is designed to help homeowners buy a new home before selling their current one. This innovative program provides a solution for those who need to move quickly and avoid the hassle of carrying two mortgages or making contingent offers.
By leveraging your existing home’s equity, HomeLight makes a guaranteed offer on your behalf, allowing you to purchase your new home without the stress of timing the sale of your current one. The program covers up to 90% of the purchase price, with bridge loan rates typically ranging from 9.5% to 12%. This approach ensures a smoother transition, reducing financial pressure and allowing you to move when it’s most convenient.
Here’s how HomeLight Buy Before You Sell works:
3 top hard money lenders in Memphis
Traditional lenders might not be the solution for every real estate investment. If you’re looking to move quickly and capitalize on an opportunity, explore the hard money lending options in Memphis.
CoreLand Financial
CoreLand Financial specializes in providing a wide range of hard money loan programs. Their services include fix and flip loans, rental property loans, and commercial property loans.
Lending clientele: Residential and commercial real estate investors.
Loan criteria: LTV up to 80% of ARV
CoreLand Financial has a five-star rating on Google. Clients commend the company’s efficient service, professional staff, and ability to deliver on their promises.
901-350-0685
Nashville Money Guys
Nashville Money Guys, based in Nashville, TN, offers hard money loan solutions for real estate investors. They specialize in providing fast funding for fix and flip projects, rental properties, and new construction.
Lending clientele: Residential real estate investors. They fund various property types, including single-family homes, multi-family units, and new construction projects.
Loan criteria: LTV up to 65% of ARV
Nashville Money Guys has a five-star rating on Google. Clients appreciate the company’s quick funding process and knowledgeable staff.
615-358-8820
The Wendy Thompson Lending Team
The Wendy Thompson Lending Team, based in Tennessee, offers a range of mortgage options, allowing clients to meet their financing needs in various situations.
Lending clientele: Residential real estate investors. They fund various residential properties, including single-family homes, townhomes, and condos.
Loan criteria: LTV up to 80% of ARV
The Wendy Thompson Lending Team holds a five-star rating on Google based on 197 reviews. Reviews praise the company for its exceptional customer service, knowledgeable staff, and ability to provide timely and effective lending solutions.
901-461-8858
Should I partner with a hard money lender in Memphis?
Deciding whether a hard money loan is right for you depends on your financial goals and the specific circumstances of your real estate venture. These loans are best suited for real estate investors who need quick access to capital for projects like flipping houses or acquiring rental properties. The flexibility and speed of hard money loans make them viable for those who can handle higher interest rates and shorter repayment periods.
However, for homeowners looking to leverage their equity without the higher costs associated with hard money loans, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program offers a compelling alternative. This program simplifies buying a new home before selling your current one, providing peace of mind and financial flexibility in the Memphis market.
Header Image Source: (sepavone / Deposit Photos)
- "What is ARV and how is it calculated?," Rehab Financial Group
- "What Is Loan-to-Value and Why Does it Matter?," U.S. News (March 2024)
- "Why Do Hard Money Lenders Require A Down Payment?," RCN Capital
- "What Are The Costs Involved In A Hard Money Loan?," NorthWest Private Lending
- "Bridge Loan Rates: Current 2024 Interest Rates," Vaster (October 2023)