The 4 Most Prominent Financing Options For Real Estate Investing

By Author: Real Estate Investor Forum
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When you are investing in real estate, financing is the make-or-break component to your plan. Where’s the money going to come from, and how is it going to influence the investing process? There are 4 common financing options for real estate investments. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, depending on each specific deal.

What are the most common types of financing for real estate investing?

Before we compare the different financing options, here are quick definitions and details for each type. Again, each financing option has pros and cons for every real estate venture. Make sure you take your time planning ahead for each.

1. Traditional Financing: Conventional Approach

Traditional financing includes bank loans and mortgages, going through either a banker, mortgage broker, or a credit union. This approach requires a relatively average interest rate, but consists of a lot of guidelines and rules. If you have an above average credit score, clean background check, and adequate money in the bank, this will work for you. If you don’t have a great record or application, a different approach ...
... may be better for you.

2. Banking: Loans, and Non-Traditional Options

Banking includes loans and non-traditional options, with less strict options. Personal loans, buyer’s financing, and seller’s financing are a few of the options. This avenue for financing still requires a cleaner record, and adequate assets. There are more creative avenues within this option as well, for specific real estate investments. For example, if you are rehabbing a property, you may quality for a 203K Loan, which will loan you the money for the rehab costs. Banking options are a pretty safe, accurate, and helpful financing option to utilize.

3. Hard Money: Top Short-Term Financing Choice

Hard money financing is a risker option, but works for many real estate investors. If you plan on purchasing a property, only to quickly resell it, hard money is your top choice. Hard money is financing through a private investor or company, which will in turn charge a high interest rate. So, again, a guaranteed quick turnaround will be the best reason for this type of financing. Most hard money lenders don’t care about your credit, or the same technicalities as banks. If your credit, background check, and assets aren’t going to help you with the more traditional approaches, this is a great option.

4. Private Money: Networking Done at Its Finest

Private money deals work well when the parties involved have a well-established, trusting partnership. This approach is one of the riskiest options, but has shown to be extremely successful. If someone is lending hard money, it’s because that’s their full-time job. Private lenders are more likely to be individuals who are interested in investing, but have different full-time jobs that supplement that type of income. Once you establish relationships with various professionals, you may not have to use a more traditional or formal financing approach. Private money financing can be individualized, and the terms are typically customized for each investment.

Comparing: What financing options are most similar?

As you read through the description, you quickly see that there are similarities throughout all of them. This is a good sign. This means you will rarely not find an option for financing. Your financing options don’t fully depend on if you’re new to the real estate industry, or a long-term investor. What is important is what your potential property’s project plan needs, and where you stand with current funds. As we continue to compare and contrast, let’s put the 4 options into 2 main categories.

· Traditional Financing vs. Banking

These 2 options are most similar due to the parties involved: the bank. There’s a bank or credit union involved in both of these approaches, creating a similar list of requirements and credentials. Traditionally speaking, these are safe and effective approaches for funding. However, if you’re unsure of your credit score helping or hurting you, these may not be your best fit. Inquiring and applying for specific loans for different plans you have for the potential property will definitely benefit you. Ask your trusted bankers and loaners, and see what will work for you.

· Hard Money vs. Private Money Lenders

Hard money and private money lenders are obviously the other two with the most in common. Based on the process and requirements, they demand less technical information. However, they do require you to risk more, and pay a higher interest rate. These approaches work best when you’re more experienced in the real estate industry, and when you know the right people. Both options create long-term partnerships, and create an alternative route for people who need it.

Contrasting: What are the pros and cons for the 2 main options?

Now that we have narrowed down the 4 options into 2 main categories based on similarities, it’s time to look at the differences.

· Conventional Approaches

When it comes to this approach, you aren’t required to really have a working relationship with any individual. If you are just starting out, and are unsure of professionals in your area, banking is your best option. Both traditional financing and banking provides you with the money, and experience working with the delegation of money. Learn what you can with this approach, and see what types of loans work best for your business ventures.

· Riskier, Private Options

Both hard and private money lenders are most successful when there’s a preexisting relationship. If you’ve gotten to know the people in your community, and are well-known for your business, this will easily happen. Some of the best ways to learn and network with private lenders is through local networking events. Hard money lenders are also going to trust you more, the more they see you in their circle of professionals. Get your name out there, and get working on establishing the relationships. If you’ve already done this, these financing options will ensure great success for both parties.

If your goals and plans differ with each potential property, so should your financing options. Assess each real estate venture as its own to determine which financing option will help you achieve your goals. Networking and establishing working relationships with any and all of these professional types is greatly beneficial to the short and long term standing of your business.