
An investment property is real estate purchased to generate income (i.e., earn a return on the investment) through rental income or appreciation. Investment properties are typically purchased by a single investor or a pair or group of investors together.
What is the difference between hard money and soft money?
- Hard money is the loan used for specific needs and with criteria for paying it back. ...
- Hard money has more lenders compared to soft money.
- Closings in hard money are quick and can be even two business days while closings in soft money can be thirty days. ...
How much do hard money lenders charge?
Hard money loans can charge an origination fee between 1% to 3%. This can be higher compared to traditional commercial mortgages which usually charge 1 percent on origination fees. For example, if you’re origination fee is 3 percent and your loan is $850,000, your origination fee would cost $25,500.
How does hard money and soft money differ?
Main Differences Between Hard Money and Soft Money
- The main difference between Hard Money and Soft Money is that Hard Money is defined as the direct contribution to a specific personality. ...
- Next coming to a very important factor, the rate of interest. ...
- Hard Money is a good option for long-term loans. ...
- While closing, Hard Money requires less amount of paperwork. ...
What is the definition of a hard money loan?
A hard money loan is a type of loan that is secured by real estate and is considered somewhat difficult to acquire. The property, in this case, is the collateral

What is hard money vs soft money?
This means that it is direct corporate and union contributions and large individual and PAC contributions. On the other hand, hard money means the contributions that are subject to FECA; that is, limited individual and PAC contributions only.
What does hard money mean in government?
"Hard money" donations to candidates for political office (tightly regulated, as opposed to unregulated "soft money")
Does hard money mean cash?
A hard money loan is not cash but, in some instances, it is considered an equivalent. Hard money is finances contributed directly to an individual by a private lender. Most of these funds are available to the individual after offering their property as collateral.
What is hard money in history?
The term “hard money” originated in the United States during the Great Depression. The collapse of the banking industry left individuals panicked — they took their money out of banks and kept it at home, reducing the amount of money in circulation.
Is crypto hard money?
Getting back to Bitcoin: The reason Bitcoin is the purest form of “hard money” ever created is because the elasticity of Bitcoin is zero. This is a feature built directly into Bitcoin's immutable mathematical programming.
What is the difference between hard money and private money?
This type of loan is collateralized by real estate. A company that provides hard money loans is licensed, whereas private money loans do not need to necessarily follow certain guidelines (and can vary from person to person).
What is another term for hard money?
Hard money is a type of lending often used in real estate investing. Hard money loans are also known as asset-based loans, bridge loans or STABBL loans (short-term asset-backed bridge loans).
What are the risks of a hard money loan?
Cons of Hard Money Loans They come with a lower loan-to-value ratio because of real property protection. They charge higher interest rates. The lender faces considerable risk. The lender may not provide financing for owner-occupied residence because of property rules and regulations.
Can you refinance out of a hard money loan?
The short answer is yes, but there are many things to know and understand before starting the process. For the most part, refinancing a hard money loan is similar to refinancing any type of mortgage, but it may not be as straightforward because you must pay attention to your hard money loan terms and conditions.
Is gold hard currency?
Hard money policies support a specie standard, usually gold or silver, typically implemented with representative money.
Why is it called a hard money loan?
Hard money loans are essentially a type of asset-based financing in which the borrower acquires funds that are secured by real property. It's called a “hard money” loan because it's harder to acquire and pay back than its soft money counterpart.
What is hard money in banking?
Hard money or hard money loan is used when the loan is given for a specific purpose, and involves certain criteria for repaying the amount, while soft money or soft money loans do not need a specific purpose.
What is a hard money loan example?
There are various types of hard money loans available such as: fix and flip loans, refinance loans, construction loans and rental property loans.
What is a soft money position?
In general, "soft money" refers to positions where the funding source is based on external grants and contracts. As long as there is a sufficient supply of such money that a person can obtain or that somebody else is willing to devote to their support, they are employed.
What is soft funding?
soft funding (uncountable) (business) Those forms of funding, such as donations and subsidies, that impose no direct requirement for return on investment.
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.
Where does hard money come from?
The funding comes from private lenders or better known as hard money lenders. They get finances from a plethora of sources. Like typical financing institutions, hard money lenders use people’s money which they lend to investors with a promising rate of return.
Why do people use hard money?
It enables you to quickly close a lucrative deal which you would otherwise miss if you follow traditional loan procedures. Hard money loans do not conform to conventional lending standards. You can use it temporarily as you wait to acquire a regular form of financing for your property. Many investors use a hard money loan to purchase ...
What blunders do people make when seeking hard money loans?
If you want your hard money loan to run smoothly, there are a few mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
Why is hard money preferred?
Perhaps you want to know, “Why is hard money preferred? Well, wouldn’t you be interested in a form of funding that offers a predictable stream of cash? In case of a fix-and-flip deal, the money gives you a budget certainty when planning to pay off the existing mortgage and, at the same time, extracting equity from the same property.
Is a hard money loan a partnership?
Keep in mind that a hard money loan contract is like a professional partnership. You must stay committed until the end.
What Is a Hard Money Loan?
A hard money loan is a type of loan that is secured by real property. Hard money loans are considered loans of "last resort" or short-term bridge loans. These loans are primarily used in real estate transactions, with the lender generally being individuals or companies and not banks.
How does a hard money loan work?
How a Hard Money Loan Works. Hard money loans have terms based mainly on the value of the property being used as collateral, not on the creditworthiness of the borrower. Since traditional lenders, such as banks, do not make hard money loans, hard money lenders are often private individuals or companies that see value in this type ...
Why are hard loan investors not concerned with repayment?
Hard loan investors aren't as concerned with receiving repayment because there may be an even greater value and opportunity for them to resell the property themselves if the borrower defaults .
Why is the funding time frame shorter?
Because hard money loans rely on collateral rather than the financial position of the applicant, the funding time frame is shorter.
Why is hard money loan better than mortgage?
One advantage to a hard money loan is the approval process, which tends to be much quicker than applying for a mortgage or other traditional loan through a bank. The private investors who back the hard money loan can make decisions faster because the lender is focused on collateral rather than an applicant's financial position.
What is the average interest rate on a hard money loan?
For hard money loans, the rates can be even higher than those of subprime loans. As of 2020, the average interest rate for a hard money loan is 11.25% with rates varying from 7.5% to 15% for the United States in 2020.
Is hard money lending an investment?
Hard money lending can be viewed as an investment. There are many who have used this as a business model and actively practice it.
What is hard money loan?
Hard money loans are a way for borrowers to take out a real estate loan without having to work with traditional lenders, like banks, credit unions, or mortgage agencies. Traditional lenders usually base their willingness to lend you money, and the interest rate they’ll charge you, on factors like your income and credit score.
Why is hard money loan useful?
Hard money loans can be useful in that case because the term that borrowers have the loan is short — just until they’re able to fix and flip the property, then sell it. A cash bidding battle may also be a case where a hard money loan can be handy.
Why do hard money loans have flexible repayment schedules?
Some hard money loans offer flexible repayment schedules. Because they are borrowed against tangible assets, and because you’re working with a smaller company rather than a larger corporation, the agency may allow some wiggle room when it comes to your repayment plan.
What happens if you don't keep up with your loan?
That’s where the term hard money comes from; it’s borrowed against a tangible asset, rather than based on your merits as a borrower in the past.
How much interest does a hard money loan cost?
Importantly, hard money loans also have comparatively high interest rates. In fact, rates can be as high as 15 %, as opposed to traditional loans, which are often closer to 4%. That makes the loans fairly expensive, especially once other expenses like closing costs, service fees, and signing fees are factored in.
How do banks know if you are a reliable lender?
They can assess that by looking at your credit history, your personal track record when it comes to borrowing money (say, for college, or to buy a car). This is measured by your credit score.
Is a hard money loan more stable?
Though in most ordinary cases, a traditional mortgage is likely a more financially stable option, there are times when a hard money loan may come in handy. One common use for hard money loans is in real estate investing, and specifically house-flipping.
How long does it take to get a hard money loan?
If you can develop a relationship with a LOCAL hard money lender, you can get funds within a couple days, and sometimes with no appraisal or other costs (except for origination fees of course).
How much does an HML charge?
In Texas its 18% annual, so most HML’s will charge 5% origination and 13% interest on a 1 year note or no points upfront and 18% interest with a shorter call. Now they can get around usuary by shifting their origination fee into a commitment fee (little different protocol), but most HML’s don’t know this.
How much interest does an HML charge?
Now different HML’s have different requirements and protocol. There is a local HML that only charges 12% interest and 1 point origination if you keep it over a year and 2 more points if you keep it less than a year. He only does 30 year notes, and obviously he wants you to keep it. He has over 1100 notes, so he doesn’t want the hassle. He wants his money to stay loaned out. I have also worked with another local HML who doesn’t charge any points, but he’s extremely fickle and can be hard to work with.
Is HML a good investment?
HML’s on longer term investments are not a good idea, but for short term flips, rehabs, or for the initial purchase, they can be a very strong tool. I started my investing using HML’s, and have made very good money using them. I now use mostly a line of credit from the bank, but it took me several years to work into that. I also now do some local hard money loans to other investors.
What is hard money loan?
The term "hard money loan" refers to a type of loan that is backed by a “hard” asset, such as real estate. If you’re a real estate investor or house flipper and you need financing for a deal, a hard money loan might be a good option for you to explore. But as a real estate investing coach who often helps clients navigate ...
Why do people get hard money loans?
Real estate investors, house flippers, developers and rehabbers use hard money loans because it’s a quick and easy way to secure financing. Compared to a conventional loan, the interest rates are higher, but the higher rate is offset by the fact that the borrower can access the funds much faster and the loan is based primarily on the asset being purchased rather than the borrower's personal approval or credit. When looking for a hard money lender, ensure you find a reputable company with a long and trustworthy track record in the industry.
Why do investors choose hard money over conventional?
An investor might choose a hard money loan over a conventional loan because of the ease of access to the funds. Lending options from financial institutions often have complicated approval processes and weigh heavily on the borrower for approval.
What is the interest rate on a hard money loan?
Traditionally, hard money loans carry an interest rate of 10% to 15%, depending on the lender and calculated risk of the loan.
How long does it take to repay a hard money loan?
This means they rarely exceed 24 months and, in many cases, are required to be repaid in eight to 12 months.
Is a loan contingent on creditworthiness?
Since these types of loans are asset-based, they are not contingent on the borrower's creditworthiness.
Is hard money a mortgage?
Hard money loans are asset-based and typically secured by a mortgage, so their approval process is much faster. In my experience, lenders will review the subject property and can make a lending decision within days. That being said, these loans are not always the best choice for everyone.
What is hard money?
Hard money refers to coins, while soft money refers to paper currency. Hard and soft money can also refer to how clients pay their brokers or financial services providers. In this case, hard money refers to direct payments for services rendered—brokerage commissions—while soft money refers to payments for indirect items, ...
Where does hard money come from?
The funds can come from individuals and political action committees as with "hard money," but they can also come from any other source, such as corporations . When cash is contributed directly to a political candidate, it is known as a "hard money" contribution. These contributions may only come from an individual or a political action committee ...
What is the difference between hard and soft money?
They are used to refer to political contributions in the United States. Money contributed directly to a specific candidate is known as hard money, while indirect contributions to political parties and political action committees are known as soft money.
Is soft money free speech?
Federal Election Commission says that soft money contributions can be unlimited in that they constitute a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment, although this ruling has remained controversial. 4.
Is hard money considered soft money?
Key Takeaways. Money contributed directly to a specific candidate is known as hard money, while indirect contributions to political parties and political action committees are considered soft money. The rules governing the two types of contributions differ. Hard and soft money can also refer to how clients pay their brokers or financial services ...
Can soft money be used for party building?
The Supreme Court's interpretation of the law says soft money can only be used for "party-building activities," such as advocating the passage of a law and voter registration, and not for advocating a particular candidate in an election. 3 . The 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United v.
Is soft money unlimited?
Federal Election Commission says that soft money contributions can be unlimited in that they constitute a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment, although this ruling has remained controversial. 4
What Is A Hard Money Loan?
A hard money loan is a short-term, non-conforming loan that does not come from traditional lenders, but rather individuals or private companies that accept property or an asset as collateral. Borrowers may turn to hard money loans after a loan or mortgage application is denied, or to avoid the lengthy process of getting approved for a loan through traditional means.
Why do businesses use hard money loans?
Similarly, a business owner might use a hard money loan to fund the purchase of commercial real estate if they’re unable to secure traditional financing. Hard money loans can be useful for entrepreneurs purchasing a unique property that doesn’t qualify for conventional financing or those who find traditional commercial loan limits to be insufficient for their needs.
What are the different types of loans?
There are many different types of loans that fall under this umbrella, including mortgage loans, auto loans, personal loans or home equity loans . Though it’s usually possible to get these types of loans from private lenders that don’t have the same requirements that traditional lenders do, these private loans can be more expensive and less advantageous for borrowers because the risk is much higher.
What happens when you default on a secured loan?
When a person defaults on a secured loan, the lender can take over ownership of the asset to recoup its losses. Unlike traditional mortgages or other types of secured loans, hard money loans come with a fast and typically less stringent approval process, making them ideal if you need to make the purchase happen fairly quickly.
Why do lenders go through this process?
These lenders go through this sometimes lengthy process to minimize the amount of risk they take on when they lend money to an individual. By ensuring their borrowers are creditworthy, lenders can offer better rates and overall more affordable financing.
What is a traditional loan?
Though not a formally defined category, in this context “traditional” refers to loans that are taken out through a process most people are familiar with: you apply for a loan, the lender checks your credit and ensures you have the ability to repay them and, if they determine that your finances meet their standards, you’re approved for the loan.
What do traditional lenders look for in a loan?
Traditional loan lenders will take a thorough look at your entire financial situation, including your income, the amount of debt you currently owe to other lenders, your credit history, your other assets (including cash reserves) and the size of your down payment.
What is a hard money lender?
To understand “what is a hard money lender,” it’s important to know what a hard money loan is: It’s simply a short-term loan secured by real estate.
How long is a hard money loan?
The loan terms for hard money are usually much shorter; from six months to one year is most common, but sometimes they can go up to five years. And, as you would expect, interest rates are considerably higher, usually ranging from 12% to 21%. Most lenders of hard money also charge points upfront in addition to high interest rates, ...
Why would any potential borrower opt for a hard money loan from a hard money lender instead of getting a?
Why would any potential borrower opt for a hard money loan from a hard money lender instead of getting a mortgage through a traditional loan from a bank? Because hard money loans are generally less of a hassle than those from traditional lenders, especially when it comes to real estate investments. The flip side? Hard money loan rates are much higher, and you borrow the money for only a short period of time.
What is the closest thing banks have to a hard money loan?
The closest thing banks have to a hard money loan is a bridge loan, but qualification for one may be more difficult.
Who uses hard money to buy a lot?
Builders: Many contractors use hard money to buy a lot, build on it, and then sell the new real estate and pay off the loan quickly. Real estate investors: On occasion, a real estate investor will come across a killer deal on a property that needs to be snapped up pronto. If the real estate investor doesn’t have the money on hand to snag the asset, ...
How much down payment do you need to get on a hard money loan?
Down payment requirements on real estate for hard money loans are also different. You can expect to receive about 60% to 75% of the property value you intend to purchase. If you’re looking at a $200,000 property, for example, the most you’ll probably be allowed to borrow would be $150,000, meaning you’d have to pay $50,000 upfront.
