Sunday, October 14, 2018

3 Rookie Mistakes Hard Money Lenders Want You to Avoid


2page_img3If you’re working with Arizona Hard money lenders to complete a fix-and-flip, your success is their success. Avoiding the common mistakes ensures it’s a win-win situation for all.

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “It’s easier to keep a customer than it is to find a new one.” This rings true in the fix-and-flip business too. Relationships are everything. If you treat your crews well, they’ll do good quality work and come back for repeat projects. If your broker gets you a great deal, you’ll return to him when you need funding for your next project. The same thing goes for your Arizona Hard money lenders as well. They want you to be successful because it ensures an ongoing mutually-beneficial relationship. But, if you’re new to the business, it’s all too easy to strike out on the first round, and it typically comes from one of three common errors.

1. No Cushion: Call it an emergency fund, a cushion, or any other name, you’ve got to have some sort of back-up funds ready for when things don’t go as planned. Even seasoned pros will find flood damage, bad wiring, and other expensive issues with their projects when things get going. They get through it because they plan ahead for issues. If you find a great deal on a property, sometimes the cushion can come from the Arizona Hard money lenders and your initial loan, but more often than not, you’ll need to have some of your own cash available.

2. Making Emotional Decisions: You knew the second you saw the property that it would be the one. Maybe it was a quaint little historic bungalow or foreclosure in a quiet community, just waiting for some TLC and a family. The location was great, the repair needs were minimal, and the pricing was amazing. Then, the bidding war started. It’s hard to walk away when you’ve already made plans and know exactly what you’ll do with a place, but at some point, the deal stopped making financial sense and you began bidding because your heart was set. It happens to the best of us, but if you find yourself making any kind of decisions based on emotions, walk away.

3. Failure to Create an Accurate Timeline: Like the financial cushion, all your projects should have a time cushion as well. Not only can unforeseen repairs make a job take longer, but sometimes crews fail to show or coordinating teams doesn’t work out. Give yourself some breathing room. At the very least, it will make the project less stressful, but there’s a good chance that cushion will save the project at some point too.

Realistic Expectations Come with Experience

The more fix-and-flip projects you take on, the easier it will become to gauge what needs to be done, as well as how much time and money it will take to do it. When you’re getting your start, you’ll need to pad your expense list and timeline to compensate for that.

Work with Arizona Hard money lenders and other professionals who have experience and know the business inside and out to ensure success.

When you align yourself with industry experts, they can be valuable sources of information and help point you in the right direction when you hit a snag. The more often you work with your dream team, the smoother your projects will go and the more lucrative your work will become.

Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC 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

Arizona commercial loans 101: Benefits and Pitfalls of 3 Common Options


1page_img2-bigThere are many different types of commercial loans in Arizona, each with their own pros and cons. Become familiar with the most common ones to determine which is right for you.

1. Bank Term Loans: The most commonly-sought form of Arizona commercial loans is bank term funding. With these, the bank lends a large sum and the borrower pays it back over a period of years with interest. Most business owners start off going for this choice, but about 75% of applicants are rejected because banks have tough criteria and expect excellent credit.

2. Lines of Credit: Similar to a credit card, lines of credit are sometimes offered by banks. With these, the business owner can take money out as they need it and pay it back over time, typically with a higher interest rate than a term loan. It’s not ideal for those who need large amounts of cash, but can work for someone who wants a cushion to help things run smoothly when cash inflows dwindle. Like the term, options, however, these are reserved for people with excellent credit.

3. Asset-Based Loans: When businesses cannot tap into cash due to bad credit, they can still sometimes get asset-based Arizona commercial loans. That means the lender looks at the value of what’s being purchased or what the borrower has and determines if it can be liquidated if the borrower doesn’t pay. When there’s less risk for a lender because an asset is available, even riskier borrowers can qualify. Equipment loans fall into this category, and work well if machinery or vehicles are needed, but sometimes borrowers can leverage other things as collateral, such as their home.

Startups and People with Rotten Credit Have Better Luck with Asset-Based Commercial Loans

Banks say “no” a lot to people who don’t have strong credit or who are just starting out, which is why alternative funding is so popular. That said, it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing sort of deal. Some begin with an asset-based option and later convert it to a term loan through a bank after they’ve built up credit, while others use it to bridge gaps between the time a large order is placed and the customer pays. Some also use a variety of lending forms to cover their needs. For example, a term loan to purchase real estate for the company and an equipment loan to cover the cost of company vehicles. The right mix is different for each company based on its needs, but suffice it to say, asset-based choices fill the gaps well and make it possible for more businesses to get funding when banks turn up their noses.

If you know how to evaluate various forms of lending, it’s easy to choose what’s best for your needs.

With this basic information in mind, choosing the right form of lending for your business needs is simple. That said, it’s also beneficial to work with a broker who is well-versed in all forms of lending who can confirm your decision and help you get the best terms once you’ve made a decision.



Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC 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

How to Get Arizona Business Loans with Rotten Credit


4page_img7-bigGetting Arizona Business Loans when your company is growing can be difficult to begin with, but those without excellent credit scores face additional challenges. Thankfully, lack of cash on hand doesn’t have to halt your plans, provided you know where to look.

Credit Cards: Although few would consider credit cards to be the ideal choice, they can work if you’re trying to bridge a gap and have confidence your revenue will continue to grow. Without being able to demonstrate your business is solid, lenders will typically expect you to get cards in your name instead of the business name. Poor personal credit may give them reason to pause, but oftentimes there are options with higher interest rates or annual fees that can be tapped into. Use these sparingly and pay off the balances ASAP, so they improve your credit and you can apply for more favorable terms in the future.

Factoring: Technically, invoice factoring isn’t a form of lending, but it can help you bring in cash faster if your inflows are sluggish and you’re missing payments by a small margin. It works well if you send out invoices to clients for work completed or goods delivered, but your clients sometimes take too long to pay. When you work with a factoring company, they purchase the invoices from you and pay right away. Then, your clients pay them. Factoring companies aren’t overly concerned with your credit, but they will only buy select invoices from you when the person who owes you has good credit.

Collateralized Business Loans: One of the more popular ways to go is to obtain collateralized Arizona business loans. In these cases, you’ll offer an asset or assets as collateral, giving the lender confidence that they have recourse even if you don’t make good on your payments. These are easier to obtain as well because the lenders aren’t worried about your credit score quite as much; they’re looking at the value of the asset more. Some lenders will accept land, inventory, or equipment as collateral, though most prefer to use the business owner’s home. Terms vary, but you can sometimes get up to 90% of the value of your asset, which makes this a good choice if you require a large lump sum for startup costs, equipment, real estate, or to cover a surge in growth.

How Can I Tell Which Options I’ll Qualify For?

Applying for financing repeatedly can damage your credit too, so it’s not wise to apply for everything all at once. That’s because lenders will typically assume you may well get all the credit you’ve applied for, and if you do, the chances are slim you’ll pay them. Instead, you have to make an educated guess as to which options will fit your needs and then inquire what each lender is looking for. Do a little research before you apply to ensure credit checks aren’t being done when you aren’t likely to be approved.

If You Own a Home, Collateralized Arizona Business Loans Can Supercharge Your Company

Various forms of lending exist because people and businesses have unique needs. If your credit isn’t good, but you own your home, a collateralized option can put a substantial amount of cash in your hands now, so you can grow your business and thrive.


Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC 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

The Guide to Arizona Investment Property Loans


iStock_000002302749XSmallMany real estate entrepreneurs turn to Arizona Hard Money Lenders for Arizona investment property loans. There are several options available when looking to obtain a loan for your investment.

All of a sudden, the market takes a 20 percent corrective move.  One of the hedges is the real estate market. Afterall, owning an investment property offers a number of perks. Becoming a landlord is a very good way to realize a passive income stream.  Keep in mind that there are a number of lenders they will require that you have skin in the game or cash to invest. Taking a loan out when you do not have a positive cash flow is one way to close the deal.

Arizona investment property loans can take several forms, including the criteria that the borrower needs to meet.  If you do not do your research and choose the wrong type of loan, it can impact your ROI or Return on Investment. You will need to do your research on the various types of lenders in your market.

You’ve probably all heard or worked with conventional bankers. Expect to put close to thirty percent down of the purchase price when your loan is on an investment property. Lenders will look at debt-to-income calculations.  Keep in mind that future rental income is not figured into this calculation. Be prepared to have six months of cash set-aside to meet the mortgage obligation as this may be a lender requirement.

One popular investment these days is the fix-and-flip model. Flipping a property is most attractive because it allows the investor to receive their profit in a lump sum after the sale of the investment property as opposed to waiting for a rent check each month.

Fix-and-flip loans are short term loans which allow the investor/landlord to make the needed renovations.  Once the renovations have been completed, the investment property is put back on the market as soon as possible.   Fix and flip Arizona investment property loans are secured by the property.  You may want to also look at a real estate crowdfunding site as an option.

The advantage of using a hard money lender as opposed to a conventional lender is that it is easier to qualify.  The hard money lender looks at the after-repair value (ARV) as to if you are able to repay the loan. The advantage of a hard money lender versus a conventional lender is the speed of getting the loan, days as opposed to weeks or months as is customary with a conventional lender.

Interest Rates

Expect to pay higher interest rates when compared to conventional lenders.  You will also need to pay points of the Arizona investment property loan amount upfront to close the loan.  Some lenders allow you to take the cost of the points out of the proceeds of the loans.

More home owners are looking to Arizona Hard Money Lenders for home equity loans.

If you are a home owner and have equity, then you can access the equity through various loan programs.  There are some loan programs that access the equity like a credit card and allow interest-only payments.  A cash-out refinance is another option and a long-term loan is the final option. Both rental properties and fix-and-flip ventures are risky.  The opportunity for big returns, however, is attractive. If the obstacle you face is funding the necessary money, consider a hard money lender for your next investment property.


Happy senior business man making his notes at work 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

The Definitive Guide to Fund your Investment Property with Arizona Hard Money Loans


iStock_000067965589_XXXLarge v2Why are more and more investors obtaining Arizona hard money loans?  There are certain investment strategies that make this type of loan appealing and lucrative.

This is a type of loan that is not obtained from a conventional financial institution.  The expense, almost always, is slightly higher than a conventional loan. The points involved can be about 2% to 6% and are the initial compensation to the broker.  The interest rates can be between 8% to 12% or more. There are a number of factors affecting the points and interest rates, such as loan duration, borrower credit, real estate type and the market fluctuations.

In the aftermath of the housing crisis in 2007-08, conventional loans came under stricter regulations. If you have good credit, proof of income, and are seeking a 30-year fixed rate loan, a conventional loan may be your best option. These types of loans are, however, under tighter underwriting restrictions and, if the loan officer cannot check all the boxes when you are applying for the loan, you may just be out of luck.

Conventional loans can be denied if you have bad credit, no income, lots of assets, or numerous liabilities.  Under various circumstances, you may benefit from Arizona hard money loan. These include:

  • Unimproved land purchase

  • Your purchasing an unusual property such as a church or marina

  • A quick closure is required. You can often close in as little as a week

  • Personal assets are limited

A hard money loan, in the instances above, may be your best bet.  An Arizona hard money lender will step in when a conventional loan will not work.  The ability to quickly purchase the property you have located can mean the difference between a successful investment and one that goes nowhere.

Arizona Hard Money Loans that are Flexible

Arizona hard money loans are often more flexible than conventional loans. And once you locate that unique property, timing is of the essence.  Typical Arizona Hard Money Lenders close within a week. At Level 4 Funding, we present you with an approval in as little as 24 hours, and with funding in as little as two days. This gives you the flexibility to go after those properties that traditional banks may view as too risky.  You may see a higher rate of return with a hard money lender. The hard money lender values the properties themselves and may be willing to loan at a higher loan-to-value ratio as long as you can demonstrate the potential for repair value improvements. When you get into a competitive bidding situation, the hard money lender can offer repair funding which may lead to acceptance of your offer.

Many contractors, real estate brokers, investors and developers have experienced financial distress such as bankruptcy, asset for foreclosures, and delinquent accounts.

Because of the failure to meet the credit score requirement with conventional loans, Arizona Hard Money Lenders are there to fill the gap.  To repair your credit rating and convert your hard money loan to a conventional loan, utilizing a hard money lender will assist you to archiving this with positive performance. With few employees and licensed as a real estate broker, a Hard Money Lender is an advantage since you are dealing with the decision maker directly.

Call Level 4 Funding and talk to us directly. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your potential investment.


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

What you Need to Know About Arizona Hard Money Lenders


iStock_000004067318XSmallThere are several reasons that investors turn to Arizona Hard Money Lenders. Learn when a hard money loan is a borrower’s best bet.

Asset-based loans and Arizona Hard Money Lenders are one and the same.  An Arizona hard money lender looks at the collateral as opposed to the borrower’s credit profile; this is opposite to what the conventional lender looks at.  From the lenders prospective, these loans carry more risk than a conventional loan. Most Arizona hard money loans lend funds from private investors or companies.  The private investors and companies will realize an above average rate of return. These types of lenders may charge additional points or an origination fee. This will vary by lender and is much higher than a conventional lender.  You can expect 2% to 5% of the purchase price at closing. While the points are high, most Arizona Hard Money Lender offer terms that range from a few months to 15 months.  This assures the lender that they achieve their ROI on the loan.  Since the financial crisis of 2009, Arizona Hard Money Lenders have blossomed and grown. 

If you are a real estate investor and are seeking a short-term loan to purchase property that is in need of repairs, otherwise known as the “Handy Man Special,” it may be difficult to qualify the property to be refinanced with a conventional lender.  In today’s environment of tightening of credit, traditional lenders have pulled back and conventional financing has been harder to obtain.

There are several reasons that investors are turning to Arizona Hard Money Lenders for their financing needs:

  • They have poor credit

  • They cannot provide verification of their income

  • They have had a short sale or foreclosure

  • The property is a “handy man’s special”

  • They are in need of a short escrow period

Skin in the Game

Knowing the local market is a sign of a good hard money lender.  The hard money lender also requires the borrower to have “skin in the game,” in other words, the borrower must have some of their own money in the transaction.  When the borrower has skin in the game, it proves to the lender that they have a financial incentive to finish what they have started. The lender looks at the borrower‘s track record to see their experience in the type of project that they are seeking financing for. The borrower also needs to demonstrate to the lender that they have a viable exit strategy.

Each hard money lender will have their own lending criteria and borrower requirements.  Each borrower’s project also has unique requirements.

Do your research, call several Arizona Hard Money Lenders, and ask questions about their loan programs.  Talk with a lender and make sure that you are getting straightforward answers about fees, points, duration of the loan, and all the information you need to make an intelligent decision.  Additionally, it helps if the lender is from the local market, or at least understands its intricacies. The lender can assist you in market direction, economic direction of the community, resale value of similar properties, and comps of properties that have sold. At Level 4 Funding, we are happy to ask any questions you may have and guide you in the direction of your dreams. Call for a no-obligation quote.


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