If you are looking to invest in real estate and need financing, you might be thinking you have two options: a conventional mortgage or a hard money loan. Though most people understand the basics of a conventional mortgage, many may wonder, “what is a hard money loan?” Here are some common differences between the two types of loans.
Funding Source
Conventional mortgages are funded by lenders who sell their loans to larger banks or to other investors. Hard money loans are funded mostly by private lenders. The money may come from individual investors, lines of credit, or various types of investment funds. Hard money loans are typically not sold to anyone, remain with the originating lender through payoff, and are usually serviced by that lender. Although, in recent years, many lenders have begun to originate and immediately sell the loan to large, private equity funds across the Country. Restoration Capital does not operate like this and maintains the loans it originates providing their clients with a one-stop shop that cultivates a true partnership for life.
Time Frame
One of the biggest differences between a hard money loan and a conventional mortgage is how long it takes you to close. With a conventional mortgage, it usually takes several weeks to more than a month to close. With hard money, you can usually close within a week, often less. The time it takes you to secure money can be crucial when you are buying from someone who wants to close quickly. Using Restoration Capital, our clients are generally able to guarantee a fast and stress free settlement which helps them secure more investment properties with better acquisition prices!
Interest Rate
Hard money interest rates are higher than conventional mortgages. This is due to the fact that hard money lenders are only loaning the money for short periods of time and not for 30 years where they would be collecting large amounts of small interest payments over time. Hard money interest rates are also higher due to the fact that the majority of the properties financed are distressed. Your rate of interest will depend on several factors including the location and condition of the property, your credit and experience level, the loan-to-value ratio and the term of the loan.
Property Type
Lenders offering conventional mortgages will typically loan on residential properties used for personal residences, as well as rental properties. These lenders place a larger emphasis on the credit-worthiness of the borrower, as well as the condition of the underlying asset. Properties that are distressed cannot be approved for a conventional mortgage. Hard money lenders lend for both residential and commercial properties, although they almost never lend money for owner-occupied properties or properties being used for personal or household use. Hard money loans are designed for distressed properties and are used by investors looking to buy and renovate, either to flip or refinance and keep as a rental.
Loan Term
Most conventional mortgages have interest rates that are fixed for 30-years, and are fully amortized. Hard money loans are interest-only and typically have a term of 1 year or less.
Source: Investment Mortgage
