Saturday, October 13, 2018

A Borrower’s Guide to Arizona Business Loans


4page_img5-bigThere are several different types of loans suitable for businesses. Make sure you know the difference between each one before choosing your next Arizona business loans.

If you are running a business, you may find yourself in need of working capital, new equipment, or additional inventory.  A business loan specifically for one of these needs may be your best bet when it comes to continued success or hanging in there during the slow season. There are an assortment of Arizona business loans to choose from including bank loans, mezzanine financing, asset-based financing, invoice financing, microloans, business cash advances and cash flow loans.

  • Bank loan: Just as the name indicates, the originator of this type of loan is a bank.  The loan may or may not be a secured loan. A secured loan requires approved collateral.  If payments are not made, then the collateral will be kept and usually sold. An unsecured loan is, just as the name states, one in which there is no requirement to pledge collateral to obtain the loan.  Before making an unsecured loan, a bank may want to see the borrower’s business accounts, balance sheet and business plan, the principal’s background, and credit histories.

  • SBA Loans: The Small Business Administration is a government agency that offers guaranteed backed loans through your local bank.  The SBA (a) includes both a standard and express loan approval process.

  • Mezzanine finance: Mezzanine financing effectively secures a company’s debt on its equity, allowing the lender to claim part-ownership if the loan is not paid back in full and on time.  The loan is made with collateral. Dilution of the debtor’s equity occurs in a default situation.

  • Asset-Based Finance: If you are lacking the credit rating or track record to qualify, this type of financing has become a very popular choice.  The lender focuses on the borrower’s assets instead of their credit rating. Various assets are considered including the premises, plant, stock, or receivables.

  • Invoice Finance (factoring): An alternative to conventional financing, this type of lending requires the borrowing at a discounted amount of the invoices.  Once established, you will be able to obtain funds as soon as a new invoice is created. This may not be the best option for your business.  There may be a negative view by customers, and the lender will take ownership over the businesses’ invoices until the loan is paid.

  • Microloans: These Arizona business loans are for amounts of $100,000 or less.  Alternative lenders are more likely to make these types of loans than traditional banks.  If the traditional bank makes this type of loan, it is made based on the individual personal credit score than the business credit score.

Checking out Online Lenders

A number of online lenders have begun popping up on the World-Wide-Web.  Since 2014, $12 billion dollars have been made. Since 2000, non-bank online lenders have doubled their outstanding portfolio balance each year. Another option is crowdfunding—an option that allows businesses to raise capital from a wide variety of sources.

Personal guarantees are usually required if you own a certain percentage of the business.

If you are an owner of 20% or more of a business, most lenders will require a personal guarantee.  This allows the lender to collect on a Arizona business loan in the event of a default.  In most cases, as a personal guarantor, you will need a strong personal credit score. 


Dennis-Dahlberg-Mortgage-Broker_thum[1]_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumbDennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

Friday, October 12, 2018

Things to Consider When Obtaining Hard Money Loans


Arizona-Home-Loan-Team-Matt-and-Judy-Callahan-150x150 Are you wondering what Arizona hard money loans are and where they fit into your investment strategy? Here are the basics of these types of loans and what they can do for you as an investor.

This type of loan is an asset-based loan.  The borrower wishes to secure a loan backed by real property.  Private investors and companies are typical issuers of these loans.  Unlike banks, Arizona hard money loans can carry higher interest rates.  These interest rates are higher than a convention real estate loan because of the higher risk and the duration of the loan which is shorter than conventional real estate loans.

People using Arizona hard money loans are usually looking for funding for projects lasting from a few months to a few years.  The criteria for lending and borrower costs are similar to bridge loans. In fact, many hard money lenders specialize in bridge loans. Bridge loans are used for properties that are in transition and may not be able to qualify for traditional financing.  An example of a bridge loan is when a home buyer finds a new home they’d like to buy before their old home, which is on the market, sells.

Many hard money lenders will lend 65% to 75% of the current property value. The amount of the loan is determined by the loan to value or LTV. It is figured by the ratio of the loan amount divided by the value of the property. Arizona hard money loans are mainly used for commercial property.  These types of loans first started in the 1950s and have been growing in popularity.

Although mostly unregulated by state and federal laws, some restrictions on interest rates by states, commonly known as usury laws, prohibit hard money loans. Two of these states are Tennessee and Arkansas.

Federal Guidelines

Since the 2009 mortgage crisis and the passing of the Dodd-Frank Act, these loan programs have greatly expanded.  This is in part due to the strict regulations that were put on banks and lenders after the passing of this act. Truth in Lending and Dodd-Frank set out Federal guidelines for lenders, mortgage originators, and mortgage brokers requiring them to evaluate the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.  The ability to repay the loan is on the borrower’s primary residences. If the lender does not conduct the proper due diligence, they are faced with high fines for non-compliance. Hard money lenders mostly lend on commercial loans or business purposes so that they can avoid non-compliance with TILA, HOEPA and Dodd-Frank guidelines.

Before any offer of financing, the lender will want to determine the LTV (loan to value).  The basis for the loan is the liquidation value of the collateral.

A BPO (Broker Price Opinion) or an independent appraisal by a licensed appraiser in the state that the property is located in, will value the property. Typical hard money loan interest rates range from 10% to 18%.  Despite these rates, investors often turn to them due to quick loan approvals, high flexibility, less documentation than conventional lenders, and offering the ability to put a bid on a property that may go quickly after hitting the market.


Dennis-Dahlberg-Mortgage-Broker_thum[1]_thumb_thumb_thumbDennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

What You Need to Know If You Are New to Investment Property Financing


2page_img3If you think that obtaining investment property financing will be as easy as getting your home mortgage, think again. Prepare for funding your first investment property with these tips.

The default rates for borrowers on investment property loans is higher than home mortgages. Because of this, lenders require higher down payments and rely on strict underwriting for Arizona Investment property financing.  This means that, if you’re purchasing an investment property, be prepared to put down at least 20 percent of the purchase price.  There are, however, exceptions and percentage rates are often based on the type of property. For instance, anywhere from 25 to 40 percent may be required for multi-unit properties.

The advantage of a commercial loan is that the borrower is not required to carry mortgage insurance.  Conventional loan programs allow 80% LTV and, for investment properties, this is a best-case scenario.  You will also want to explore crowdfunding websites for real estate. While these tend to be more expensive, they are often more flexible than conventional loans. Before entering into an investment property, you should have at least three months payments as reserves.

Both interest rates and upfront lender fees are higher than conventional mortgage lenders.  Lenders advertise that their rates will be 0.25% to 0.5% higher than their homeowner loans. You should expect 1 to 3% points higher than owner occupied loan rates. If the lender charges 4% interest for their homeowner loans, you can guestimate an interest rate of 5%-7% for investor loans.

In addition to the interest rates, you will be charged up front points for a mortgage loan.  One-point equals one percent of the total amount of the loan. You can see how these fees add up quickly. Make sure you have reviewed your credit report and credit score. If your credit score is below 740, you will have higher interest rates, higher lender fees, and lower LTVs for your investment property.  If you have a mid-level score, then a conventional loan may not be an option. However, the collectable (property) is reviewed more than you as a borrower. As we mentioned earlier, homeowners are far less likely to default than investors. Lenders have built in loan programs with lower LTVs as caution to default.

The Effects of Multiple Mortgages on Investment Property Financing

If you are carrying multiple mortgages on your credit report, your options are dwindling.  Once you hit the threshold of four mortgages on your credit report, you may be untouchable by conventional lenders.  Fannie May has established a program to help investors that allows 5 to 10 mortgages. Fannie May’s program requires 6 months payments in liquid reserves at the time of settlement.  The program requires 30% down for 2 to 4 units and 25% down for single family homes. You are persona non-grata if there are any foreclosures or bankruptcies or late mortgage payments.  You will need a credit score no less than 720+ if you have 6 or more mortgages.

If you have 10 or more properties, you have slim options.  A good starting place is community banks. Blanket loans issued by commercial lenders are secured against multiple properties.  Be sure to ask what happens if you want to sell a property in the package.

Hard money lenders are an option that many investors turn to.

Level 4 Funding solves Arizona investment property financing issues while offering the lowest possible rate term. Real estate investing has made millions of individuals millionaires. Don’t hesitate because you are unsure of your investment worthiness. Call us today for a no-obligation quote.


Dennis-Dahlberg-Mortgage-Broker_thum[1]_thumb_thumbDennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

Do You Wish You Could Retire Early? Arizona Real Estate Lines of Credit Can Help!


AiStock_000002302749_ExtraSmallrizona Real Estate Lines of Credit or investment property lines of credit can be the perfect financing option for you and your financial needs. Learn how these lines of credit can expand your horizons and change your life for better.

Are you stuck in a job that you hate? Have you missed holidays, family vacations, important events in your life, or another significant time just because you had to work? Don’t be chained to your job forever and start making money today through real estate investing. By building up Arizona real estate lines of credit, you will be well on your way to achieving that goal of an early retirement so that you can get back to doing the activities that you enjoy and spending more time with the people you love.

What is this type of credit? Well, when an investor is beginning to purchase different properties, they will begin to build up a portfolio of all of these items. In most cases, lenders will allow a single line of credit per the property that is invested in. So, building up this line of credit simply mean investing in multiple real estate ventures!

You CAN make real money investing in real estate. These Arizona lines of credit will give you the opportunity to do a variety of things in the real estate world from purchasing homes to flipping houses. You’ll have the freedom to purchase items wholesale or hold a property for a period of time.

Get started with commercial real estate loans or, if you suffer from a poor credit score, choose a different lending opportunity. That’s right – even if you have a low credit score, you still can make money investing in real estate. Whether it’s through a hard money lender or a different private lending opportunity, there are plenty of ways a person with a low credit score can obtain a loan even with absolutely no collateral held against them. Stop making excuses for yourself. The time to start investing in real estate is right now.

How Will You Enjoy an Early Retirement?

We spend most of our lives at our place of business rather than spending valuable time with the people that we love and cherish most. Don’t be part of this routine and demand something better for yourself. Through real estate investing, you can have the opportunity to achieve your financial goals and retire much earlier so that you can get back to living the best life possible.

Establish a strong financial future today so that you can have the freedom to do the activities you enjoy and reach the opportunity to retire as early as possible.

Are you making excuses for yourself? Hopefully this guide shows you that there are absolutely no excuses for not investing in real estate right now. Bad credit? No problem! No collateral? No problem! There are plenty of lending opportunities available so that you can start building up these lines of credit today and be well on your way to an early retirement.


Dennis-Dahlberg-Mortgage-Broker_thum[1]_thumbDennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions

How to Make the Most Out of Arizona rental property loans


4page_img1If you have obtained a loan for a rental property, it is time to decide how you are going to make the most capital out of your investment. Drive the value of your investment up by strategically making the most out of your Arizona rental property loans.

If you are new to the world of investing in property or are considering investing in rental property, it does not have to be an overwhelming process! Getting a rental property loan or finding a loan for a second home definitely does not have to be an intimidating time. This helpful cheat sheet can guide you through the process and introduce you to some key ideas on how you can make the most out of your Arizona rental property loans and start making money for your business or company today.

First of all, if you are interested in investing in rental property, you are going to have to meet certain requirements in order to qualify for a loan at the bank.

  • Typically a 20% down payment on the property This is because is most cases insurance may not be available for rental properties.

  • 2 years or more of experiences with previous property management

Do these qualifications seem a bit intimidating! Don’t worry. For individuals that fail to meet these requirements, there are still other opportunities to find the right loan. These are other avenues to consider. This means that regardless of your experience or financial status you can start investing in real estate today with the help of:

  • A business partner. hard money lenders, private money lenders

Don’t let inexperience prevent you from investing in property. Even the most experienced investors had to start somewhere! Investing in rental property can grow your own personal assets or even grow the assets of your business or company. With the help of investing, you can grow you capital overtime and even potentially retire early!

How Do I Know if a Rental Property Loan is Right for Me?

The time is now to start investing in the real estate market. It does not have to be a challenging process! Finding the right lending opportunities or rental properties to pursue is as easy as picking up the phone or sending an email. Build your network of individuals within your community and you will promptly find lending opportunities near you.

With any business venture or lending opportunity, it is important to survey your options and make an educated decision on any loan you choose to pursue.

Regardless of your inexperience, you can start investing in real estate today. Achieve your dreams of retiring early and grow your assets by investing in rental properties. The right lending opportunity for you and your needs will be dependent on your level of experience and financial restrictions such as your credit score. Even with a lower credit score, you may still be eligible for a loan through a variety of different lending opportunities.


Dennis-Dahlberg-Mortgage-Broker_thum[1]Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC 
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701 

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

© 2016 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | *Terms & Conditions