hard money loan approval

Questions To Ask Before You Get A Hard Money Loan

By on October 20, 2025   /   Flipping Houses In Arizona, hard money loan approval, hard money loans, Investment Property Loans, Questions To Ask Before You Get A Hard Money Loan  
Questions To Ask Before You Get A Hard Money Loan

The process of obtaining a hard money loan is substantially less difficult than that of obtaining a bank loan; nonetheless, applicants still need to be aware of what they are getting themselves into before submitting an application. There are five questions that you should ask yourself before you sit down to talk with your hard money lender if you are considering using hard money to fund a real estate acquisition. Here are the questions:

1. What strategies do you have in place to pay the monthly loan payments?

Due to the fact that hard money loans are asset-secured loans, it is essential to ensure that you will be able to make the monthly payments on the loan in order to avoid losing the property that is used to secure the loan. Numerous hard money lenders, provide loans that are contingent solely on the repayment of interest. There are also some that will contain cash to construct a payment reserve, provided that the property in question has a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio that is sufficiently high to meet the higher loan amount.

2. Could you please describe the appearance of your credit history?

Your credit history and score can nevertheless have an impact on the interest rate that you are charged for your loan, even though hard money lenders do not normally base their acceptance decisions on credit scores in the same way that banks and other institutional lenders are required to do. As a result, before to submitting your application for a loan, it is recommendable to take care of any problems that you could be experiencing with your credit.

3. How much of a return do you expect to receive on your investment?

Before submitting an application for a hard money loan, it is essential to consider the expenses of the loan, which are generally always greater than those of a standard commercial mortgage, in comparison to the return that you anticipate receiving (either from the sale of the property or from the enhancement of its potential to generate revenue).

4. How do you plan to pay off the majority of the loan installments?

If you want to get a hard money loan, this is perhaps the most crucial question you need to answer before you get one. This is because your hard money lender will definitely want to know the answer to this question before they will approve and underwrite your loan. The duration of hard money loans is often between six months to three years, making them a type of short-term loan. Refinancing with a conventional lender or selling the home are two common exit alternatives that are utilized.

5. Do you have a connection with a lender who has a good reputation?

There are both good and bad hard money lenders, just like there are in any other industry. Be wary of brokers who are pretending to be hard money lenders but who are unable to actually decide whether or not to fund your loan on their own for whatever reason. If you are looking for a reliable lender, they will supply you with referrals and testimonials to assist you in conducting necessary research on them. Additionally, you should be sure to inquire about the terms of their loan, and you should steer clear of any lender who either refuses to provide their terms or whose terms appear to be too good to be true (as they typically are!).

Phoenix Hard Money Real Estate Loans

If you’re interested in getting involved with real estate investing and need the capital to purchase properties hard money is a great way to get started.  Brad Loans has extensive experience in both real estate investing and hard money lending and is proud to offer Phoenix Valley real estate investors the financing they need.  It is easy to get started applying for hard money loan and Brad Loans is able to work with clients with bad credit and no credit. We are your source for hard money when traditional banks say no.  Read more about Brad Loan’s hard money loan programs or get started fill out our hard money loan application or give us a call to ask questions at 602-999-9499.

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Is Phoenix Flippable in 2025?

By on September 8, 2025   /   Flipping Houses In Arizona, hard money loan approval, hard money loans, Investment Property Loans  
Is Phoenix flippable in 2025?

The Phoenix metro area the highest delisting rate in the country this year, which means sellers are blinking first and you’ve got leverage… but it’s not a full-on buyer’s market. Think “balanced with buyer edge,” not “fire sale.” Axios MarketWatch

  • Delistings surged in Phoenix this spring,softer seller posture, more price cuts. AxiosMarketWatch

  • List-to-sale is under 100%, days on market are elevated vs. boom times, patience wins. RealtorZillow

  • Median prices have flattened/slipped a touch YoY,  great for entry pricing, but you can’t count on rising comps to bail you out. RedfinZillow

Neighborhood Playbook

1) Alhambra / Melrose (Central Phoenix)

1950s ranches + mid-century charm near light-rail stops = cosmetic flip heaven (floors, kitchens, baths, landscape, paint). Entry prices are still sane, and the buyer pool loves “done” homes here. Wikipedia+1

Target deal: 3/2, 1,400–1,700 sq ft ranch with tired kitchen/bath, good bones.
Why now: Rail-access lifestyle sells; comps reward tasteful mid-century refreshes. Wikipedia

2) South Central / Central City South (along the new rail hub/extension)

The South Central Extension & Downtown Hub ties these neighborhoods tighter to downtown, a classic “buy the corridor” play. Not a guarantee, but transit adjacency historically boosts absorption after the dust settles. Newsweek YouTube

Target deal: Small SFRs or duplexes needing systems + cosmetic; prioritize walkability to stations.
Why now: Sellers are more flexible in softer pockets; ride the connectivity story. Axios

3) Sunnyslope (North-Central)

Hilly views, hospitals/employers nearby, eclectic stock. Value jumps when you fix the “big three” (roof/HVAC/windows) and add clean, light interiors. Wikipedia

Target deal: 1950s–60s 3/1 or 3/2 with tired systems; add curb appeal and energy efficiency.
Why now: Median pricing isn’t running away; buyers reward move-in ready. Redfin

4) West Valley “new-build shadow” (Goodyear/Buckeye/Verrado) — with caution

There’s demand, but you’ll be competing with builder incentives (rate buydowns, credits). Only touch undervalued resales with unique lot/location or where you can beat builders on monthly payment via price. MarketWatch Wikipedia

Target deal: Quick cosmetic turns close to schools/parks; keep budgets tight.
Why now: You can win if you buy well below builder-comparable pricing. MarketWatch

Ideas To Consider

Buy assumptions, not dreams. Base ARV on the three best closed comps in 0–90 days, then haircut 2–3% to stay conservative. DOM is sticky; don’t count on appreciation to save you. RedfinZillow

  1. Hold-time reality: National flip time ~166 days; Phoenix isn’t magically faster right now. Pad your carry 6 months. FairFigure

  2. List-to-sale spread: Assume 98–99% of list on exit, not 102%. Price to move and beat stale inventory. Realtor

  3. Margin discipline: In this tape, shoot for 12–15% gross on median homes after rehab (you’ll net less after fees). That lines up with current national/Arizona snapshots. FairFigure

Rehab strategy that sells now

  • Energy & comfort first: New HVAC, efficient windows where needed, solid insulation — buyers feel it at showings (and in payments).

  • Kitchen/bath light-bright: Quartz, clean tile, updated lighting. Skip over-personal design.

  • Curb appeal: Gravel refresh, desert-friendly plantings, modern house numbers, mailbox, and a bold (but tasteful) front door.

  • Inspection killers: Roof, sewer, electrical — kill re-trades before they start.

Quick deal checklist (save this)

  • Buy box: 3/2, 1,200–1,800 sq ft; 1950–1975 stock (Central PHX/Sunnyslope) or 1985–2005 (West Valley).

  • Entry discount: 20%+ below fixed-up comps minus rehab; builders’ incentives in West Valley mean you need extra spread. MarketWatch

  • Budget guardrail: Cosmetic $35–$55/sq ft; add $10–$20/sq ft if major systems.

  • Timeline: 6 weeks reno + 8–10 weeks to close = budget 4–6 months total; pad to 6. FairFigure

  • Exit: List clean, price sharp, consider rate buydown credit vs. price cut if showings stall (you’re competing with builders doing exactly that). MarketWatch

Phoenix Hard Money Real Estate Loans

If you’re interested in getting involved with real estate investing and need the capital to purchase properties hard money is a great way to get started.  Brad Loans has extensive experience in both real estate investing and hard money lending and is proud to offer Phoenix Valley real estate investors the financing they need.  It is easy to get started applying for hard money loan and Brad Loans is able to work with clients with bad credit and no credit. We are your source for hard money when traditional banks say no.  Read more about Brad Loan’s hard money loan programs or get started fill out our hard money loan application or give us a call to ask questions at 602-999-9499.

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Are Hard Money Loans Punitive?

By on May 19, 2025   /   Flipping Houses In Arizona, hard money loan approval, hard money loans, Investment Property Loans  
Questions To Ask Before You Get A Hard Money Loan

Hard money loans are not inherently punitive, but they can feel that way if you’re not prepared for their strict terms and high costs.

Here’s a breakdown to clarify:

🔍 What Makes Hard Money Loans Seem Punitive?

  1. High Interest Rates

    • Typically 10%–15% (or more), vs. 6%–8% for conventional loans.

    • Monthly payments can be steep, especially on larger loans.

  2. Large Upfront Fees (Points)

    • 2 to 5 points (2%–5% of the loan amount) are common.

    • These are paid regardless of whether the project succeeds.

  3. Short Terms

    • Usually 6 to 12 months.

    • Not paying back in time can lead to default, extensions (with more fees), or foreclosure.

  4. Aggressive Foreclosure Policies

    • Hard money lenders often act quickly if payments are missed.

    • Since their focus is on the asset, they’re more willing to take it back.

  5. No Consumer Protections

    • These are business loans, so standard consumer lending laws often don’t apply.

    • There’s no “cooling-off” period, and disclosures may be minimal.

🔧 But They’re Not Meant to Be Punitive

Hard money loans are tools, especially for:

  • Real estate investors needing fast funding.

  • House flippers with equity but poor credit.

  • Bridge loans while refinancing or selling.

They trade cost for speed and flexibility. If used strategically, they can be highly effective.

✅ When They Make Sense

Use Case Why Hard Money Works
Fix-and-flip Fast closings, rehab draws
Bridge loan Quick capital before long-term financing
Property with bad title Lenders may work around issues
Poor credit, strong deal Focus is on asset, not borrower

⚠️ When They Can Backfire

  • If you overestimate ARV or rehab budget

  • If market shifts and you can’t sell/refi

  • If you miss payments and trigger default clauses

  • If you’re inexperienced and underestimate holding costs

🧠 Bottom Line

Hard money loans are expensive but not evil. They’re not meant for long-term use, and they work best for experienced investors who can handle risk and move fast. Used correctly, they can unlock opportunities; misused, they can cost you your property.

If you’re interested in getting involved with real estate investing and need the capital to purchase properties hard money is a great way to get started.  Brad Loans has extensive experience in both real estate investing and hard money lending and is proud to offer Phoenix Valley real estate investors the financing they need.  It is easy to get started applying for hard money loan and Brad Loans is able to work with clients with bad credit and no credit. We are your source for hard money when traditional banks say no.  Read more about Brad Loan’s hard money loan programs or get started fill out our hard money loan application or give us a call to ask questions at 602-999-9499.

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