Paying out of pocket for repairs and renovations is one of the more unfortunate aspects of home ownership. Large, costly renovations may occasionally be necessary in order to get your home ready for sale, while emergency repairs pose the risk of draining your bank account with little warning. If you own a home or are thinking of buying one, it is immensely helpful to learn how to finance home repairs before they arise. The guide below covers a few of your options for paying for home repairs.
Steps.
1. Refinance your mortgage to obtain cash for home repairs. A popular way to pay for home repairs and renovations is through a "cash-out refi," which is simply a way of swapping your existing mortgage for a new one and converting some of your home equity to cash in the process. Your current mortgage lender can help you understand your options for refinancing. Note that liquidating your equity in this way will generally cause your monthly payments or mortgage term to increase.
2. Obtain a home equity line of credit. A home equity line of credit functions like a credit card, with an open-ended term, a credit limit, and a minimum monthly payment based on your outstanding balance. This type credit makes sense for financing home repairs or remodeling projects because these projects tend to increase your home equity anyway.
3. Seek out a second mortgage. A second mortgage can be an unattractive option as it can tend to overburden you with debt, but for home repairs with an end in sight they are helpful. A second mortgage is a loan secured on your accumulated equity. The interest rate will be higher because your primary mortgage lender is given preference over your new lender in case of insolvency; for this reason, try to keep the size of your second mortgage as small as possible.
4. Determine if you qualify for a government loan. In the United States, the Federal Housing Administration runs a loan program called Title 1 for homeowners with very little equity. These loans are made by banks and backed by the federal government, and can be used to finance essential repairs such as structural and electrical problems.
5. Use a credit card for small, emergency repairs. While credit cards typically carry higher interest rates than loans secured on your home equity, they make sense for funding small home repairs. A credit card is available for use immediately and requires no paperwork, unlike other financing options.
6. Borrow from your 401(k). Many employers allow borrowing from your 401(k) to fund home repairs and renovations. This option is low-hassle because the money is already yours, so there is no paperwork or credit check. However, you are required to pay the borrowed money back into your 401(k) before leaving the company.
Tips.
If performing home repairs yourself, it is best not to skimp on materials. Durable, high-quality materials may cost more upfront, but will generally last much longer and prevent you from having to repair or replace materials later.
Warnings.
Avoid entering into financing arrangements directly with the contractor performing the work. These types of deals often carry high interest rates and hidden fees.
Paying out of pocket for repairs and renovations is one of the more unfortunate aspects of home ownership. Large, costly renovations may occasionally be necessary in order to get your home ready for sale, while emergency repairs pose the risk of draining your bank account with little warning. If you own a home or are thinking of buying one, it is immensely helpful to learn how to finance home repairs before they arise. The guide below covers a few of your options for paying for home repairs.
Steps.
1. Refinance your mortgage to obtain cash for home repairs. A popular way to pay for home repairs and renovations is through a "cash-out refi," which is simply a way of swapping your existing mortgage for a new one and converting some of your home equity to cash in the process. Your current mortgage lender can help you understand your options for refinancing. Note that liquidating your equity in this way will generally cause your monthly payments or mortgage term to increase.
2. Obtain a home equity line of credit. A home equity line of credit functions like a credit card, with an open-ended term, a credit limit, and a minimum monthly payment based on your outstanding balance. This type credit makes sense for financing home repairs or remodeling projects because these projects tend to increase your home equity anyway.
3. Seek out a second mortgage. A second mortgage can be an unattractive option as it can tend to overburden you with debt, but for home repairs with an end in sight they are helpful. A second mortgage is a loan secured on your accumulated equity. The interest rate will be higher because your primary mortgage lender is given preference over your new lender in case of insolvency; for this reason, try to keep the size of your second mortgage as small as possible.
4. Determine if you qualify for a government loan. In the United States, the Federal Housing Administration runs a loan program called Title 1 for homeowners with very little equity. These loans are made by banks and backed by the federal government, and can be used to finance essential repairs such as structural and electrical problems.
5. Use a credit card for small, emergency repairs. While credit cards typically carry higher interest rates than loans secured on your home equity, they make sense for funding small home repairs. A credit card is available for use immediately and requires no paperwork, unlike other financing options.
6. Borrow from your 401(k). Many employers allow borrowing from your 401(k) to fund home repairs and renovations. This option is low-hassle because the money is already yours, so there is no paperwork or credit check. However, you are required to pay the borrowed money back into your 401(k) before leaving the company.
Tips.
If performing home repairs yourself, it is best not to skimp on materials. Durable, high-quality materials may cost more upfront, but will generally last much longer and prevent you from having to repair or replace materials later.
Warnings.
Avoid entering into financing arrangements directly with the contractor performing the work. These types of deals often carry high interest rates and hidden fees.
You might find the perfect investment property, but before you can buy it you need to obtain financing. Many people will go to a bank and ask for a conventional loan with a repayment period of 25-30 years. Before doing so, however, you should analyze your credit history to check that you are a good credit risk. You have more options than simply relying on a conventional loan. For example, you could cash out the equity in your home or seek owner financing of the investment property.
Method 1 Obtaining a Conventional Loan.
1. Pull together a down payment. You can’t rely on mortgage insurance to cover your investment property. Accordingly, you will need a sizeable down payment, around 20-25%.
2. Consider a neighborhood bank. Smaller banks might be more flexible about lending to you if you don’t have a large down payment or if your credit score isn’t perfect. Local banks also may have a stronger interest in lending for local investment, so they are a good option.
You might not know anything about smaller lenders, so you should do as much research as possible. Ask people that you know whether they have ever done business with the bank.
You can also check online. Look for reviews.
3. Gather necessary paperwork. Before approaching a lender, you should pull together required paperwork. Doing so ahead of time will speed up the process. Get the following.
two months of bank statements, prior two months’ statements for investment accounts and retirement accounts, last two pay stubs.
information about self-employed income, such as last two year’s tax returns or business financial statements, driver’s license.
Social Security card, papers related to bankruptcy, divorce, or separation (if applicable).
4. Work with a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker will apply for loans on your behalf with many different lenders and will compare the rates. The broker can also try to negotiate better terms for you. Using a mortgage broker is a good idea if you are too busy to comparison shop by going to many different lenders.
Mortgage brokers don’t work for free. You typically will pay about 1% of the loan amount. For example, if you borrow $250,000, then you can expect to pay around $2,500 to the mortgage broker.
You can ask other investors or a real estate agent for a referral to a broker. Before hiring, make sure that you interview the person and ask how much experience they have and what services they offer.
5. Compare loans. If you don’t want to work with a mortgage broker, then you will need to educate yourself about the basics of home financing. You might be an experienced pro who has borrowed before. However, if you haven’t, then remember to consider the following when comparing loans.
Interest rates. An interest rate is a percent of the loan amount that you pay as a privilege for borrowing the money. Interest rates can be fixed for the entire length of the loan or fixed for only a portion of the loan term.
Discount points. For some loans, you can pay points, which will lower your interest rate.
Loan term. This is the length of the loan. A shorter loan will cost more each month, but you will pay it off sooner and with less interest.
Origination charge. This amount of money covers document preparation, fees, and the costs of underwriting the loan.
6. Seek pre-approval. You should try to get pre-approved for a loan before searching for properties. Make sure to request the pre-approval in writing because sellers might want to see that you are pre-approved.
7. Don’t forget other team members. Purchasing investment property requires the expertise of many different professionals. You should begin assembling your team early—even before you get financing. You will probably need the help of the following people.
An accountant who can help you understand investment tax strategies.
A realtor who can help you sign an appropriate real estate contract.
An attorney who can help you protect your assets, for example by forming a limited liability company to hold the property.
An insurance agent.
Method 2 Using Other Finance Options.
1. Use the equity in your home. You might be able to use the equity in your current home to purchase an investment property. Generally, you can borrow around 80% of your home’s value. There are different ways you can tap the equity in your home, such as the following.
You could get a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A lender will approve you for a specific amount of credit, and you use your current home as collateral for the loan. The credit is available for a certain amount of time. At the end of this draw period, you must have paid back the loan.
You might also get a cash-out refinance. The lender will pay you the difference between the mortgage and the home’s value, but is usually limited to 80-90% of the home’s value. For example, if you have $20,000 remaining on your mortgage, but your home is valued at $220,000, then $200,000 could be available. You could get 80-90% of $200,000 ($160,000-180,000). This option usually has a lower interest rate than a HELOC.
Both a HELOC and a cash-out refinance put your home at risk if you can’t make repayments. For this reason, you should think carefully before tapping the equity in your home to finance investments.
2. Obtain a fix-and-flip loan. You might be able to get this type of loan if you want to purchase a property in order to renovate and then quickly sell. The loan will be short-term and is secured by the property. Fix-and-flip loans have high interest rates, so you need to renovate and sell quickly.
You might find it easier to qualify for a fix-and-flip loan compared to a conventional loan. However, lenders will still look at your credit history and income.
The lender will also want to know the estimated value after repair, which can impact whether they extend you a loan and the terms.
3. Research peer-to-peer lending sites. Peer-to-peer lending connects investors with lenders who are willing to lend. Two of the more well-known peer-to-peer lending sites are Prosper and LendingClub.
Peer-to-peer lenders will require that you complete an application. They look at your credit score and credit history. They may also have minimum credit scores in order to qualify.
You might not be able to get a large personal loan through peer-to-peer lending. However, small businesses can typically borrow more, so if you create an LLC then you might be able to borrow up to $100,000.
4. Find a business partner. You might not be able to secure a loan on your own, in which case you will need to consider other options. One option is to find a business partner who you can invest with.
You will want to screen any potential business partner, just as a bank would screen you. If you are counting on the partner to help pay for the loan, then you will need to check their credit history and employment.
You also need to consider how you will hold the investment property. For example, it might be best to create an LLC and to both be owners of the LLC. The LLC will then hold title to the investment property.
5. Consider owner financing. With owner financing, the owner lends you the money that you use to buy the property. Sometimes the owner will lend only a portion of the price, which you then supplement with a conventional loan. You should analyze the pros and cons of owner financing.
A benefit of owner financing is that an owner might be willing to lend if you don’t have perfect credit or a huge down payment available. You and the owner can work out loan terms that are acceptable to both of you.
Typically, the seller’s loan will be for a short period of time (such as five years). At the end of the term, you are obligated to pay off the loan with a “balloon payment.” This usually means you need to get a conventional loan to make this balloon payment. You should analyze your credit to see if you can qualify for a conventional loan in the near future.
See Owner Finance a Home for more information.
Method 3 Analyzing Your Credit Score.
1. Obtain a free copy of your credit report. Your credit score will have the largest impact on your ability to get a loan, so you should obtain a copy of your credit report.[18] You are entitled to one free credit report each year from the three national Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs). You shouldn’t contact the CRAs individually. Instead, you can get your free copy from all three using one of the following methods.
Complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form, which is available here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-0093-annual-report-request-form.pdf. Once completed, submit the form to Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
2. Find errors on your credit report. You should closely look at you credit reports to find any errors that might lower your credit score. If your score is below 740, then you will probably have to pay more to borrow. For this reason, you should do whatever you can to increase the score. Look for the following errors.
credit information from an ex-spouse, credit information from someone with a similar name, address, Social Security Number, etc.
incorrect payment status (e.g., stating you are late when you aren’t), a delinquent account reported more than once.
old information that should have fallen off your credit report, an account inaccurately identified as closed by the lender.
failure to note when delinquencies have been remedied.
3. Consider whether you should fix certain problems. There may be negative information on your credit report that you want to fix. For example, you might want to pay an old collections account. However, you should think carefully before fixing certain problems.
Negative information must fall off your credit report after a certain amount of time. For example, an account in collections should fall off after seven years. If the account is six years old, you might want to wait and let it fall off rather than pay it off.
If you need help considering what to do, then you should consult with an attorney who can advise you.
4. Fix errors. You can correct errors by contacting each CRA online or by writing a letter. To protect yourself, you should probably do both. Mail your letter certified mail, return receipt requested.
The Federal Trade Commission has a sample letter you can use: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0384-sample-letter-disputing-errors-your-credit-report.
See Dispute Credit Report Errors for more information on how to fix errors.
You might find the perfect investment property, but before you can buy it you need to obtain financing. Many people will go to a bank and ask for a conventional loan with a repayment period of 25-30 years. Before doing so, however, you should analyze your credit history to check that you are a good credit risk. You have more options than simply relying on a conventional loan. For example, you could cash out the equity in your home or seek owner financing of the investment property.
Method 1 Obtaining a Conventional Loan.
1. Pull together a down payment. You can’t rely on mortgage insurance to cover your investment property. Accordingly, you will need a sizeable down payment, around 20-25%.
2. Consider a neighborhood bank. Smaller banks might be more flexible about lending to you if you don’t have a large down payment or if your credit score isn’t perfect. Local banks also may have a stronger interest in lending for local investment, so they are a good option.
You might not know anything about smaller lenders, so you should do as much research as possible. Ask people that you know whether they have ever done business with the bank.
You can also check online. Look for reviews.
3. Gather necessary paperwork. Before approaching a lender, you should pull together required paperwork. Doing so ahead of time will speed up the process. Get the following.
two months of bank statements, prior two months’ statements for investment accounts and retirement accounts, last two pay stubs.
information about self-employed income, such as last two year’s tax returns or business financial statements, driver’s license.
Social Security card, papers related to bankruptcy, divorce, or separation (if applicable).
4. Work with a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker will apply for loans on your behalf with many different lenders and will compare the rates. The broker can also try to negotiate better terms for you. Using a mortgage broker is a good idea if you are too busy to comparison shop by going to many different lenders.
Mortgage brokers don’t work for free. You typically will pay about 1% of the loan amount. For example, if you borrow $250,000, then you can expect to pay around $2,500 to the mortgage broker.
You can ask other investors or a real estate agent for a referral to a broker. Before hiring, make sure that you interview the person and ask how much experience they have and what services they offer.
5. Compare loans. If you don’t want to work with a mortgage broker, then you will need to educate yourself about the basics of home financing. You might be an experienced pro who has borrowed before. However, if you haven’t, then remember to consider the following when comparing loans.
Interest rates. An interest rate is a percent of the loan amount that you pay as a privilege for borrowing the money. Interest rates can be fixed for the entire length of the loan or fixed for only a portion of the loan term.
Discount points. For some loans, you can pay points, which will lower your interest rate.
Loan term. This is the length of the loan. A shorter loan will cost more each month, but you will pay it off sooner and with less interest.
Origination charge. This amount of money covers document preparation, fees, and the costs of underwriting the loan.
6. Seek pre-approval. You should try to get pre-approved for a loan before searching for properties. Make sure to request the pre-approval in writing because sellers might want to see that you are pre-approved.
7. Don’t forget other team members. Purchasing investment property requires the expertise of many different professionals. You should begin assembling your team early—even before you get financing. You will probably need the help of the following people.
An accountant who can help you understand investment tax strategies.
A realtor who can help you sign an appropriate real estate contract.
An attorney who can help you protect your assets, for example by forming a limited liability company to hold the property.
An insurance agent.
Method 2 Using Other Finance Options.
1. Use the equity in your home. You might be able to use the equity in your current home to purchase an investment property. Generally, you can borrow around 80% of your home’s value. There are different ways you can tap the equity in your home, such as the following.
You could get a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A lender will approve you for a specific amount of credit, and you use your current home as collateral for the loan. The credit is available for a certain amount of time. At the end of this draw period, you must have paid back the loan.
You might also get a cash-out refinance. The lender will pay you the difference between the mortgage and the home’s value, but is usually limited to 80-90% of the home’s value. For example, if you have $20,000 remaining on your mortgage, but your home is valued at $220,000, then $200,000 could be available. You could get 80-90% of $200,000 ($160,000-180,000). This option usually has a lower interest rate than a HELOC.
Both a HELOC and a cash-out refinance put your home at risk if you can’t make repayments. For this reason, you should think carefully before tapping the equity in your home to finance investments.
2. Obtain a fix-and-flip loan. You might be able to get this type of loan if you want to purchase a property in order to renovate and then quickly sell. The loan will be short-term and is secured by the property. Fix-and-flip loans have high interest rates, so you need to renovate and sell quickly.
You might find it easier to qualify for a fix-and-flip loan compared to a conventional loan. However, lenders will still look at your credit history and income.
The lender will also want to know the estimated value after repair, which can impact whether they extend you a loan and the terms.
3. Research peer-to-peer lending sites. Peer-to-peer lending connects investors with lenders who are willing to lend. Two of the more well-known peer-to-peer lending sites are Prosper and LendingClub.
Peer-to-peer lenders will require that you complete an application. They look at your credit score and credit history. They may also have minimum credit scores in order to qualify.
You might not be able to get a large personal loan through peer-to-peer lending. However, small businesses can typically borrow more, so if you create an LLC then you might be able to borrow up to $100,000.
4. Find a business partner. You might not be able to secure a loan on your own, in which case you will need to consider other options. One option is to find a business partner who you can invest with.
You will want to screen any potential business partner, just as a bank would screen you. If you are counting on the partner to help pay for the loan, then you will need to check their credit history and employment.
You also need to consider how you will hold the investment property. For example, it might be best to create an LLC and to both be owners of the LLC. The LLC will then hold title to the investment property.
5. Consider owner financing. With owner financing, the owner lends you the money that you use to buy the property. Sometimes the owner will lend only a portion of the price, which you then supplement with a conventional loan. You should analyze the pros and cons of owner financing.
A benefit of owner financing is that an owner might be willing to lend if you don’t have perfect credit or a huge down payment available. You and the owner can work out loan terms that are acceptable to both of you.
Typically, the seller’s loan will be for a short period of time (such as five years). At the end of the term, you are obligated to pay off the loan with a “balloon payment.” This usually means you need to get a conventional loan to make this balloon payment. You should analyze your credit to see if you can qualify for a conventional loan in the near future.
See Owner Finance a Home for more information.
Method 3 Analyzing Your Credit Score.
1. Obtain a free copy of your credit report. Your credit score will have the largest impact on your ability to get a loan, so you should obtain a copy of your credit report.[18] You are entitled to one free credit report each year from the three national Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs). You shouldn’t contact the CRAs individually. Instead, you can get your free copy from all three using one of the following methods.
Complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form, which is available here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-0093-annual-report-request-form.pdf. Once completed, submit the form to Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
2. Find errors on your credit report. You should closely look at you credit reports to find any errors that might lower your credit score. If your score is below 740, then you will probably have to pay more to borrow. For this reason, you should do whatever you can to increase the score. Look for the following errors.
credit information from an ex-spouse, credit information from someone with a similar name, address, Social Security Number, etc.
incorrect payment status (e.g., stating you are late when you aren’t), a delinquent account reported more than once.
old information that should have fallen off your credit report, an account inaccurately identified as closed by the lender.
failure to note when delinquencies have been remedied.
3. Consider whether you should fix certain problems. There may be negative information on your credit report that you want to fix. For example, you might want to pay an old collections account. However, you should think carefully before fixing certain problems.
Negative information must fall off your credit report after a certain amount of time. For example, an account in collections should fall off after seven years. If the account is six years old, you might want to wait and let it fall off rather than pay it off.
If you need help considering what to do, then you should consult with an attorney who can advise you.
4. Fix errors. You can correct errors by contacting each CRA online or by writing a letter. To protect yourself, you should probably do both. Mail your letter certified mail, return receipt requested.
The Federal Trade Commission has a sample letter you can use: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0384-sample-letter-disputing-errors-your-credit-report.
See Dispute Credit Report Errors for more information on how to fix errors.
Seek purchase order funding. If you resell goods, then you might need a loan to pay your suppliers. In particular, a large order might require that you make additional investments in your company. With purchase order funding, the finance company will pay the supplier directly.
This type of financing works only if your markup is sufficiently large. You’ll need a gross profit margin of at least 30%.
You can contact a financing company about this type of funding.
Get an advance against your invoices. “Factoring” is a funding technique where you get an advance against your invoices. If your clients are slow to pay, then factoring can provide you with the cash you need. You may immediately get around 80% of the invoice value. When your client finally pays, you get the remainder less any fee charged.
You’ll only qualify if your clients have good credit. For example, government or reputable commercial clients are best.
Perform your research before working with a factoring company. Ask if they work with businesses of your size and ask about their experience. Also check if they have a minimum that you must factor.
Ask friends or family for a loan. People who know you can also lend money to finance your business. This is probably an ideal option if you are borrowing a small amount of money.
Approach family with the seriousness that you would a bank. Explain why you need the money and how you intend to pay it back.
Consider paying your lender interest. This will also show that you are serious and not looking for extra money to spend on luxuries.
Write up a promissory note and sign it. This will bind you contractually to paying back the money.
Withdraw money from your retirement account. You can finance a start-up or an existing business by using your IRA or a prior employer’s 401(k) account. You have to roll over your current funds into a retirement plan created for the business. The plan then uses the proceeds to buy stock in the corporation.
This is a complicated procedure, and you should hire a financing firm to help you with the process. Check how much the company charges and whether they charge a monthly advisory fee.
Also think carefully before using your retirement savings to finance your business. You had earmarked this money to support you when you retire. If your business folds, then you’ll lose these savings.
Use a credit card. Depending on how much money you need, you might use a credit card.[23] Credit cards are a good option if you can get an introductory 0% rate for 12 months or more. Remember the following tips for credit cards:
Make sure to get a business credit card. You want to keep your business and personal expenses separate. If you commingle them, then it looks like your business isn’t really a separate entity, which could hurt you if your business is structured as an LLC or corporation.
Use the card wisely. It’s probably not a great idea to use the credit card for big purchases, like equipment. Instead, seek an equipment loan. Use your credit card instead for short-term financing, such as to pay travel expenses.
Raise money through crowdfunding. You can get funding for one-off ideas, such as writing a screenplay or financing the creation of a rap album. You create an account with a crowdfunding site, and people who visit the site can donate to your project.
Crowdfunding is only for small, discrete projects, not long-term financing for a continuing business.
Common crowdfunding sites include Indiegogo, RocketHub, and Peerbackers.[26] Visit these sites and read up on their terms and conditions.
Take a home equity loan. Your home may be the largest asset you own. Accordingly, banks will lend to you if you use your home as collateral. You can get an equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which you can use to fund your business.
With a home equity loan, you get a lump sum and pay it off in equal monthly installments. By contrast, a HELOC acts like a credit card. You use what you need up to a limit and then pay it back.
Talk to a lender about the terms and conditions of taking a home equity loan or a HELOC. Compare interest rates and how much time you’ll have to pay off the loan.
Using your home as collateral shouldn’t be your first option. If your business fails, then you will lose your home.
Search for grants. You might be able to get a grant from the federal, state, or local government. Some non-profits also provide grants to businesses. Grants are often given to support emerging technologies and are typically reserved for specialized businesses. Grants are not a good option for most businesses.
However, if you think you might qualify, then check your local business development office to see what is available.
You can also use the BusinessUSA Financing Tool, which is available here: https://business.usa.gov/access-financing.
Tips.
Franchises have additional funding options. For example, the franchisor may be willing to lend you money. You should ask franchisors whether they extend funding to potential franchisees.
Seek purchase order funding. If you resell goods, then you might need a loan to pay your suppliers. In particular, a large order might require that you make additional investments in your company. With purchase order funding, the finance company will pay the supplier directly.
This type of financing works only if your markup is sufficiently large. You’ll need a gross profit margin of at least 30%.
You can contact a financing company about this type of funding.
Get an advance against your invoices. “Factoring” is a funding technique where you get an advance against your invoices. If your clients are slow to pay, then factoring can provide you with the cash you need. You may immediately get around 80% of the invoice value. When your client finally pays, you get the remainder less any fee charged.
You’ll only qualify if your clients have good credit. For example, government or reputable commercial clients are best.
Perform your research before working with a factoring company. Ask if they work with businesses of your size and ask about their experience. Also check if they have a minimum that you must factor.
Ask friends or family for a loan. People who know you can also lend money to finance your business. This is probably an ideal option if you are borrowing a small amount of money.
Approach family with the seriousness that you would a bank. Explain why you need the money and how you intend to pay it back.
Consider paying your lender interest. This will also show that you are serious and not looking for extra money to spend on luxuries.
Write up a promissory note and sign it. This will bind you contractually to paying back the money.
Withdraw money from your retirement account. You can finance a start-up or an existing business by using your IRA or a prior employer’s 401(k) account. You have to roll over your current funds into a retirement plan created for the business. The plan then uses the proceeds to buy stock in the corporation.
This is a complicated procedure, and you should hire a financing firm to help you with the process. Check how much the company charges and whether they charge a monthly advisory fee.
Also think carefully before using your retirement savings to finance your business. You had earmarked this money to support you when you retire. If your business folds, then you’ll lose these savings.
Use a credit card. Depending on how much money you need, you might use a credit card.[23] Credit cards are a good option if you can get an introductory 0% rate for 12 months or more. Remember the following tips for credit cards:
Make sure to get a business credit card. You want to keep your business and personal expenses separate. If you commingle them, then it looks like your business isn’t really a separate entity, which could hurt you if your business is structured as an LLC or corporation.
Use the card wisely. It’s probably not a great idea to use the credit card for big purchases, like equipment. Instead, seek an equipment loan. Use your credit card instead for short-term financing, such as to pay travel expenses.
Raise money through crowdfunding. You can get funding for one-off ideas, such as writing a screenplay or financing the creation of a rap album. You create an account with a crowdfunding site, and people who visit the site can donate to your project.
Crowdfunding is only for small, discrete projects, not long-term financing for a continuing business.
Common crowdfunding sites include Indiegogo, RocketHub, and Peerbackers.[26] Visit these sites and read up on their terms and conditions.
Take a home equity loan. Your home may be the largest asset you own. Accordingly, banks will lend to you if you use your home as collateral. You can get an equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which you can use to fund your business.
With a home equity loan, you get a lump sum and pay it off in equal monthly installments. By contrast, a HELOC acts like a credit card. You use what you need up to a limit and then pay it back.
Talk to a lender about the terms and conditions of taking a home equity loan or a HELOC. Compare interest rates and how much time you’ll have to pay off the loan.
Using your home as collateral shouldn’t be your first option. If your business fails, then you will lose your home.
Search for grants. You might be able to get a grant from the federal, state, or local government. Some non-profits also provide grants to businesses. Grants are often given to support emerging technologies and are typically reserved for specialized businesses. Grants are not a good option for most businesses.
However, if you think you might qualify, then check your local business development office to see what is available.
You can also use the BusinessUSA Financing Tool, which is available here: https://business.usa.gov/access-financing.
Tips.
Franchises have additional funding options. For example, the franchisor may be willing to lend you money. You should ask franchisors whether they extend funding to potential franchisees.
Finance companies provide loans to individual and commercial customers for a variety of reasons. Commercial customers can include retail stores, small businesses or large firms. Commercial loans can help established businesses construct a new office or retail space, or they can help new business get up and running. Personal loans for individual customers can include home equity loans, student loans and auto loans. Starting a finance company requires not only a thorough understanding of your target customer's needs and a comprehensive product line, but also a solid business plan that outlines how you will make your company successful. In addition,any new finance company must comply with strict state and federal regulations and meet initial funding requirements.
Part 1 Identifying the Finance Company Business Model
1. Select a finance company specialty. Finance companies tend to specialize in the types of loans they make as well as the customers they serve. The financial, marketing, and operational requirements vary from one specialty to another. Focusing on a single business model is critical to the successful creation and operation of a new company. Private finance companies range from the local mortgage broker who specializes in refinancing or making new loans to homeowners to the factoring companies (factors) that acquire or finance account receivables for small businesses. The decision to pursue a specific finance company specialty should be based upon your interest, your experiences, and the likelihood of success.
Many finance companies are founded by former employees of existing companies. For example, former loan officers, underwriters, and broker associates create new mortgage brokerage firms specializing in a specific type of loan (commercial or residential) or working with a single lender.
Consider the business specialty that attracted you initially. Why were you attracted to the business? Does the business require substantial start-up and operating capital?
Is there an opportunity to create the same business in a new area? Will you be competing with other similar, existing businesses?
2. Confirm the business opportunity. A new finance company must be able to attract clients and produce a profit. As a consequence, it is important to research the expected market space where the business will compete. How big is the market? Who presently serves potential clients? Are prices stable? Is the market limited to a specific geographic area? How do existing companies attract and serve their customers? How do competitors differ in their approach to marketing and service features?
Identify your target market, or the specific customers you intend to serve. Explain their needs and how you intend to meet them.}}
Describe your area of specialization. For example, if your market research indicates a growing number of small start-up companies needing loans, describe how the financial products and services you offer are strong enough to gain a significant share of that market.
Consider the companies already in the competitive space. Are they similar in size or dominated by a single company? Similar market shares may indicate a slow-growing market or the companies’ inability to distinguish themselves from their competitors.
Tip: Identifying your target market will require you to identify key demographics that are currently underserved and how you plan to draw these customers away from your competitors. You should list who these customers are and how your financial products will appeal to them. Include any advantages you have over competitors.
3. Identify the business requirements. What are the likely fixed costs to operate the business - office space, equipment, utilities, salaries and wages? What business processes are necessary for day-to-day operations - marketing, loan officers, underwriters, clerks and accountants? Will potential clients visit a physical office, communicate online, or both? Will you need a financial partner such as mortgage lender or a bank?
Mortgage brokers act as intermediaries between borrowers and lenders, sometimes with discretion up to a dollar limit. Factors typically leverage their own capital by borrowing from larger financial institutions.
4. Crunch the numbers. How much capital is required to open the business? What is the expected revenue per client or transaction? What is break-even sales volume? Before risking your own and other people’s capital, you need to ensure that profitability is possible and reasonable, if not likely.{{greenbox: Tip: Develop financial projections (pro formas) for the first three years of operation to understand how the business is likely to fare in the real world. The projections should include month to month Income Statements for the first year, and quarterly statements thereafter, as well as 'projected Balance Sheets and Cash Flow Statements.
Part 2 Making a Self Assessment.
1. Identify your skills. Before starting your new company and, possibly, a new career, it is important to objectively evaluate your skills and personality to determine what steps you need to take to successfully start and manage a finance company. Do you have special training in the finance specialty? Do you understand finance and accounting? Do you work well with people? Are you a leader, who inspires others to follow them, or a manager, who can assess a problem, discern its cause, direct resources to implement a solution? Are you a good salesperson? Do you have any special abilities specifically suited to the finance industry?
2. Assess your emotional strengths and interests. Do you work best alone or with others? Do you find it easy to compromise? Are you patient or demanding with others? Do you make quick, intuitive decisions or do you prefer detailed information and careful analysis before acting? How comfortable are you with risk? Are an optimist or a pessimist? When you make a mistake, do you beat yourself up or regard it as a learning opportunity and move on?
3. Consider your experience. Have you worked in the finance industry previously? Are you monetarily and professionally successful in your present position? Do you understand marketing, accounting, legal matters, or banking? Have you been responsible for creating new markets or leading sales teams?
4. Determine your financial capacity. Do you have sufficient capital to open the finance company you envision? Do you have assets that can cover your living expenses during a start-up phase? Will your family or friends contribute to the financing of your business? Do you have access to other financial sources - personal loans, venture capital, investment funds, or financial sponsors?
Part 3 Creating a Business Plan.
1. Set up your business plan. The Business Plan serves a number of functions. It is a blueprint for building your company in the future, a guide to ensure you remain focused in your efforts, and a detailed description of your company for potential lenders and investors. Begin writing your business plan by including all of the required sections and leaving room to fill them in. The steps in this part should serve as your sections, starting with the business description.
2. Write a business description. Your business plan will layout a blueprint for your company. The first part of your business, the description, is a summary of the organization and goals of your business. Begin by justifying the need for a new financial company in the industry or target location. You should briefly identify your target market, how you plan to reach them, descriptions of your products and services, and how your company will be organized.
Tip: You should also briefly explain how there is room in the current market for your company (how it will compete against competitors). You should already have this information from your initial market research.
3. Describe the organization and management of your company. Clarify who owns the company. Specify the qualifications of your management team. Create an organizational chart. A comprehensive, well-developed organizational structure can help a financial institution be more successful.
The Chief Executive Office leads the "executive suite" of other company officers.
The Chief Operating Officer manages the activities of the lending, servicing and insurance and investment units of the company.
The Chief Administrative Officer’s responsibilities include marketing, human resources, employee training, facilities, technology and the legal department.
The Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company operates within regulatory parameters. This person also monitors the company’s financial performance.
In smaller companies, executives may fill more than one of these roles simultaneously.
4. Describe your product line. Explain the types of financial products and loans you provide. Emphasize the benefits your products offer to your target customers. Specify the need your product fills in the market.
For example, if your target customers are small business owners, describe how the financial products and investments you offer to help them run their businesses.
5. Explain how your business is financed. Determine how much money you need to start your finance company. Specify how much equity you own. State what percentage other investors own in the company. Indicate how you plan to finance your company with leverage (loans),where these loans are coming from, and how the loans will be used in the business.
In most cases, equity in the company is used primarily for the company's operations, rather than the source of loans to customers. Secondary lenders provide funds to the finance company that is subsequently loaned to customers; the customers' loans collateralize the lenders' loans to the finance company. This is because profit is made in the spread, or the difference between your cost of acquiring capital and profit from lending it out.
Any funding request should indicate how much you need, how you intend to use the money, and the terms of the loan or investment.
6. Document your marketing and sales management strategies. Your marketing strategy should explain how you plan to attract and communicate with both customers and lenders/depositors. It should also show how you plan to grow your company. The sales strategy defines how you will sell your product.
Promotional strategies include advertising, public relations and printed materials.
Business growth opportunities not only include building your staff, but also acquiring new businesses or beginning to offer different kinds of products.
The sales strategy should include information about the size of your sales force, procedures for sales calls and sales goals.
7. Include financial statements in your business plan. Reviewing the pro forma financial statements you created during your business planning, be sure that your projections are reasonable and conservative. You may also want to cautiously estimate performance over the next two years after that. Include a ratio analysis to document your understanding of financial trends over time and predict future financial performance.
Prospective financial data should provide monthly statements for the first year and annual statements for the next two years.
Standard financial ratios include Gross profit margin, ROE, Current ratio, Debt to Equity.
Ratio and trend analysis data helps you document whether you will be able to continue to serve your customers over time, how well you utilize your assets and manage your liabilities, and whether you have enough cash to meet your obligations.
Tip: Add graphs to your analysis to illustrate positive trends.
Part 4 Determining Your Business Structure.
1. Consider forming a Limited Liability Company. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is similar to a corporation in that it protects its owners from personal liability for debts or actions incurred by the business. However, they have the tax advantages of a sole proprietorship or partnership. A corporation typically files taxes separately from the shareholders.
Be aware that corporations pay double federal income tax, meaning taxes are assessed when profit is earned, and then again when it is distributed to shareholders.
You should seek legal advice to determine the best structure for your business.
2. Name and register your business. Choose a name that represents your brand and is unique enough to obtain a website address or URL. When choosing a name, check with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to make sure you are not infringing on any trademarks. Also, check with you state to see if the name is already in use by another corporation.
You will have to register with your state as a corporation. The exact registration process varies by state and type of corporation you decide to form.
Since your business name is one of your most important assets, protect it by applying for trademark protection with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
3. Obtain a require operational licenses and permits. Financial institutions acquire these from the state in which they operate. Consult with your State Business License Office to identify the specific license and permit you need. Each state has different requirements for licensing financial institutions. You will need to specify exactly what type of financial institution you are opening, such as an investment company or a licensed lender. You will then furnish the requisite documents and pay any fees.
Due to the incredibly complex and constantly-evolving nature of the financial services industry, it is advised that finance companies hire and retain expert legal counsel to guide them through these regulations.
Note: You will also need to comply with any permit requirements surrounding your office space, like public and workplace safety regulations and operating permits.
4. Learn about regulations. The two categories of financial regulations in the United States are safety-and-soundness regulation and compliance. Safety-and-soundness regulations protect creditors from losses arising from the insolvency of financial institutions. Compliance regulations aim to protect individuals from unfair dealings or crime from the financial institutions. Financial regulations are carried out by both federal and state agencies.
Federal financial regulation agencies include the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the National Credit Union Administration and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
State regulatory agencies may have additional requirements that are even more stringent than those set by the SEC.
With the help of your legal counsel, investigate reserve and initial funding requirements for your company. This will determine how much startup money you need.
5. Protect yourself from risk and liabilities with indemnity insurance. Indemnity insurance protects you and your employees should someone sue you. Financial institutions should purchase a specific kind of indemnity insurance called Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. This protects the financial company from claims made by clients for inadequate or negligent work. It is often required by government regulatory bodies. Remember, however, that staying in compliance with all regulatory requirements is still your responsibility.
Part 5 Setting Up Shop.
1. Obtain financing. You will need to finance your company according to your business plan, using a combination of equity and debt financing. Initial startup costs will be used for meeting reserve requirements and the building or rental of office spaces. From there, much of the company's operating capital will be lent out to customers.
Be aware of Federal and State laws regulating the private solicitation of investors. Adherence to securities laws regarding the information provided to potential investors and the qualifications of the investor will apply in most circumstances.
Sources of debt financing include loans from the government and commercial lending institutions. Money borrowed with debt financing must be paid back over a period of time, usually with interest.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) partners with banks to offer government loans to business owners. However, these loans can only be used for the purchase of equipment, not lent out to others. The SBA helps lending institutions make long-term loans by guaranteeing a portion of the loan should the business default.
Finance companies face the problem of having to raise large amounts of initial funding to be successful. They also often have to deal with a slew of other challenges before they become profitable. Without accounting properly for issues like fraud, it's very easy for a finance company to go out of business.
Note: Investors may want to provide financing in exchange for equity in the company. This is called equity financing, and it makes the investors shareholders in the company. You don’t have to repay these investors, but you do have to share profits with them.
2. Choose your location. A finance company should make a positive impression on customers. Customers looking for a loan will want to do business in a place that projects a trustworthy and sound image. Take into account the reputation of the neighborhood or of a particular building and how it will appear to customers. Also consider how customers will reach you and the proximity of your competitors. If your target customers are small local businesses, for example, they may not want to drive to a remote location or deal with heavy city traffic to meet with you.
If you are not sure, contact your local planning agency to find out if your desired location is zoned for commercial use, especially if you plan to operate out of your home.
Leasing commercial office space is expensive. Consider your finances, not only what you can afford, but also other expenses such as renovations and property taxes.
In today's connected world, it's also possible to run a finance company online, without a location for physical interaction with customers. While you'll likely still need an office for your employees, not having a retail location can save you some regulatory hassle expense.
3. Hire and retain employees. Write effective job descriptions so employees and applicants understand their role in the company and what your expectations of them are. Compile a compensation package, including required and optional fringe benefits. Compose an employee handbook that communicates company policies, compensation, schedules and standards of conduct.
Perform pre-employment background checks to make informed decisions about whom you hire. Financial planners and advisors require a specific educational background and are subject to rigorous certification requirements. Consider obtaining credit reports to show how financially responsible a candidate is.
4. Pay your taxes. Obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is also known as your Federal Tax Identification Number. Determine your federal and state tax obligations. State tax obligations include income taxes and employment taxes. All states also require payment of workers' compensation insurance and unemployment insurance taxes, and some also require payment of disability insurance.
5. Create loan packages for your clients. Decide if you are going to offer revolving or fixed-amount types of credit. Think about your target customers and what kinds of loans they would need. Homeowners and individuals may seek mortgages, auto loans, student loans or personal loans. Entrepreneurs may seek small business loans. Consolidated loans may help customers who are struggling to manage their finances.
Recognize that your loan offerings, rates, and terms will need to be constantly reworked with the changing loan market. Some of these items may also be subject to various regulations, so consult your legal counsel before finalizing your offerings.
6. Market your new finance company. Target your marketing efforts towards your chosen niche of clients. Marketing includes networking and advertising, but there are also other ways of letting potential customers know you have set up shop. Become a familiar face in your local business community by attending and speaking at events sponsored by the local chamber of commerce. Publish communications such as a newsletter or e-zine. Participate in social networking on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Note: In order to become successful, you'll have to attract both depositors and loan customers, so be sure to offer deals on both ends. Without attracting depositor, you will have no capital to lend out to customers.
Finance companies provide loans to individual and commercial customers for a variety of reasons. Commercial customers can include retail stores, small businesses or large firms. Commercial loans can help established businesses construct a new office or retail space, or they can help new business get up and running. Personal loans for individual customers can include home equity loans, student loans and auto loans. Starting a finance company requires not only a thorough understanding of your target customer's needs and a comprehensive product line, but also a solid business plan that outlines how you will make your company successful. In addition,any new finance company must comply with strict state and federal regulations and meet initial funding requirements.
Part 1 Identifying the Finance Company Business Model
1. Select a finance company specialty. Finance companies tend to specialize in the types of loans they make as well as the customers they serve. The financial, marketing, and operational requirements vary from one specialty to another. Focusing on a single business model is critical to the successful creation and operation of a new company. Private finance companies range from the local mortgage broker who specializes in refinancing or making new loans to homeowners to the factoring companies (factors) that acquire or finance account receivables for small businesses. The decision to pursue a specific finance company specialty should be based upon your interest, your experiences, and the likelihood of success.
Many finance companies are founded by former employees of existing companies. For example, former loan officers, underwriters, and broker associates create new mortgage brokerage firms specializing in a specific type of loan (commercial or residential) or working with a single lender.
Consider the business specialty that attracted you initially. Why were you attracted to the business? Does the business require substantial start-up and operating capital?
Is there an opportunity to create the same business in a new area? Will you be competing with other similar, existing businesses?
2. Confirm the business opportunity. A new finance company must be able to attract clients and produce a profit. As a consequence, it is important to research the expected market space where the business will compete. How big is the market? Who presently serves potential clients? Are prices stable? Is the market limited to a specific geographic area? How do existing companies attract and serve their customers? How do competitors differ in their approach to marketing and service features?
Identify your target market, or the specific customers you intend to serve. Explain their needs and how you intend to meet them.}}
Describe your area of specialization. For example, if your market research indicates a growing number of small start-up companies needing loans, describe how the financial products and services you offer are strong enough to gain a significant share of that market.
Consider the companies already in the competitive space. Are they similar in size or dominated by a single company? Similar market shares may indicate a slow-growing market or the companies’ inability to distinguish themselves from their competitors.
Tip: Identifying your target market will require you to identify key demographics that are currently underserved and how you plan to draw these customers away from your competitors. You should list who these customers are and how your financial products will appeal to them. Include any advantages you have over competitors.
3. Identify the business requirements. What are the likely fixed costs to operate the business - office space, equipment, utilities, salaries and wages? What business processes are necessary for day-to-day operations - marketing, loan officers, underwriters, clerks and accountants? Will potential clients visit a physical office, communicate online, or both? Will you need a financial partner such as mortgage lender or a bank?
Mortgage brokers act as intermediaries between borrowers and lenders, sometimes with discretion up to a dollar limit. Factors typically leverage their own capital by borrowing from larger financial institutions.
4. Crunch the numbers. How much capital is required to open the business? What is the expected revenue per client or transaction? What is break-even sales volume? Before risking your own and other people’s capital, you need to ensure that profitability is possible and reasonable, if not likely.{{greenbox: Tip: Develop financial projections (pro formas) for the first three years of operation to understand how the business is likely to fare in the real world. The projections should include month to month Income Statements for the first year, and quarterly statements thereafter, as well as 'projected Balance Sheets and Cash Flow Statements.
Part 2 Making a Self Assessment.
1. Identify your skills. Before starting your new company and, possibly, a new career, it is important to objectively evaluate your skills and personality to determine what steps you need to take to successfully start and manage a finance company. Do you have special training in the finance specialty? Do you understand finance and accounting? Do you work well with people? Are you a leader, who inspires others to follow them, or a manager, who can assess a problem, discern its cause, direct resources to implement a solution? Are you a good salesperson? Do you have any special abilities specifically suited to the finance industry?
2. Assess your emotional strengths and interests. Do you work best alone or with others? Do you find it easy to compromise? Are you patient or demanding with others? Do you make quick, intuitive decisions or do you prefer detailed information and careful analysis before acting? How comfortable are you with risk? Are an optimist or a pessimist? When you make a mistake, do you beat yourself up or regard it as a learning opportunity and move on?
3. Consider your experience. Have you worked in the finance industry previously? Are you monetarily and professionally successful in your present position? Do you understand marketing, accounting, legal matters, or banking? Have you been responsible for creating new markets or leading sales teams?
4. Determine your financial capacity. Do you have sufficient capital to open the finance company you envision? Do you have assets that can cover your living expenses during a start-up phase? Will your family or friends contribute to the financing of your business? Do you have access to other financial sources - personal loans, venture capital, investment funds, or financial sponsors?
Part 3 Creating a Business Plan.
1. Set up your business plan. The Business Plan serves a number of functions. It is a blueprint for building your company in the future, a guide to ensure you remain focused in your efforts, and a detailed description of your company for potential lenders and investors. Begin writing your business plan by including all of the required sections and leaving room to fill them in. The steps in this part should serve as your sections, starting with the business description.
2. Write a business description. Your business plan will layout a blueprint for your company. The first part of your business, the description, is a summary of the organization and goals of your business. Begin by justifying the need for a new financial company in the industry or target location. You should briefly identify your target market, how you plan to reach them, descriptions of your products and services, and how your company will be organized.
Tip: You should also briefly explain how there is room in the current market for your company (how it will compete against competitors). You should already have this information from your initial market research.
3. Describe the organization and management of your company. Clarify who owns the company. Specify the qualifications of your management team. Create an organizational chart. A comprehensive, well-developed organizational structure can help a financial institution be more successful.
The Chief Executive Office leads the "executive suite" of other company officers.
The Chief Operating Officer manages the activities of the lending, servicing and insurance and investment units of the company.
The Chief Administrative Officer’s responsibilities include marketing, human resources, employee training, facilities, technology and the legal department.
The Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company operates within regulatory parameters. This person also monitors the company’s financial performance.
In smaller companies, executives may fill more than one of these roles simultaneously.
4. Describe your product line. Explain the types of financial products and loans you provide. Emphasize the benefits your products offer to your target customers. Specify the need your product fills in the market.
For example, if your target customers are small business owners, describe how the financial products and investments you offer to help them run their businesses.
5. Explain how your business is financed. Determine how much money you need to start your finance company. Specify how much equity you own. State what percentage other investors own in the company. Indicate how you plan to finance your company with leverage (loans),where these loans are coming from, and how the loans will be used in the business.
In most cases, equity in the company is used primarily for the company's operations, rather than the source of loans to customers. Secondary lenders provide funds to the finance company that is subsequently loaned to customers; the customers' loans collateralize the lenders' loans to the finance company. This is because profit is made in the spread, or the difference between your cost of acquiring capital and profit from lending it out.
Any funding request should indicate how much you need, how you intend to use the money, and the terms of the loan or investment.
6. Document your marketing and sales management strategies. Your marketing strategy should explain how you plan to attract and communicate with both customers and lenders/depositors. It should also show how you plan to grow your company. The sales strategy defines how you will sell your product.
Promotional strategies include advertising, public relations and printed materials.
Business growth opportunities not only include building your staff, but also acquiring new businesses or beginning to offer different kinds of products.
The sales strategy should include information about the size of your sales force, procedures for sales calls and sales goals.
7. Include financial statements in your business plan. Reviewing the pro forma financial statements you created during your business planning, be sure that your projections are reasonable and conservative. You may also want to cautiously estimate performance over the next two years after that. Include a ratio analysis to document your understanding of financial trends over time and predict future financial performance.
Prospective financial data should provide monthly statements for the first year and annual statements for the next two years.
Standard financial ratios include Gross profit margin, ROE, Current ratio, Debt to Equity.
Ratio and trend analysis data helps you document whether you will be able to continue to serve your customers over time, how well you utilize your assets and manage your liabilities, and whether you have enough cash to meet your obligations.
Tip: Add graphs to your analysis to illustrate positive trends.
Part 4 Determining Your Business Structure.
1. Consider forming a Limited Liability Company. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is similar to a corporation in that it protects its owners from personal liability for debts or actions incurred by the business. However, they have the tax advantages of a sole proprietorship or partnership. A corporation typically files taxes separately from the shareholders.
Be aware that corporations pay double federal income tax, meaning taxes are assessed when profit is earned, and then again when it is distributed to shareholders.
You should seek legal advice to determine the best structure for your business.
2. Name and register your business. Choose a name that represents your brand and is unique enough to obtain a website address or URL. When choosing a name, check with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to make sure you are not infringing on any trademarks. Also, check with you state to see if the name is already in use by another corporation.
You will have to register with your state as a corporation. The exact registration process varies by state and type of corporation you decide to form.
Since your business name is one of your most important assets, protect it by applying for trademark protection with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
3. Obtain a require operational licenses and permits. Financial institutions acquire these from the state in which they operate. Consult with your State Business License Office to identify the specific license and permit you need. Each state has different requirements for licensing financial institutions. You will need to specify exactly what type of financial institution you are opening, such as an investment company or a licensed lender. You will then furnish the requisite documents and pay any fees.
Due to the incredibly complex and constantly-evolving nature of the financial services industry, it is advised that finance companies hire and retain expert legal counsel to guide them through these regulations.
Note: You will also need to comply with any permit requirements surrounding your office space, like public and workplace safety regulations and operating permits.
4. Learn about regulations. The two categories of financial regulations in the United States are safety-and-soundness regulation and compliance. Safety-and-soundness regulations protect creditors from losses arising from the insolvency of financial institutions. Compliance regulations aim to protect individuals from unfair dealings or crime from the financial institutions. Financial regulations are carried out by both federal and state agencies.
Federal financial regulation agencies include the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the National Credit Union Administration and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
State regulatory agencies may have additional requirements that are even more stringent than those set by the SEC.
With the help of your legal counsel, investigate reserve and initial funding requirements for your company. This will determine how much startup money you need.
5. Protect yourself from risk and liabilities with indemnity insurance. Indemnity insurance protects you and your employees should someone sue you. Financial institutions should purchase a specific kind of indemnity insurance called Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. This protects the financial company from claims made by clients for inadequate or negligent work. It is often required by government regulatory bodies. Remember, however, that staying in compliance with all regulatory requirements is still your responsibility.
Part 5 Setting Up Shop.
1. Obtain financing. You will need to finance your company according to your business plan, using a combination of equity and debt financing. Initial startup costs will be used for meeting reserve requirements and the building or rental of office spaces. From there, much of the company's operating capital will be lent out to customers.
Be aware of Federal and State laws regulating the private solicitation of investors. Adherence to securities laws regarding the information provided to potential investors and the qualifications of the investor will apply in most circumstances.
Sources of debt financing include loans from the government and commercial lending institutions. Money borrowed with debt financing must be paid back over a period of time, usually with interest.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) partners with banks to offer government loans to business owners. However, these loans can only be used for the purchase of equipment, not lent out to others. The SBA helps lending institutions make long-term loans by guaranteeing a portion of the loan should the business default.
Finance companies face the problem of having to raise large amounts of initial funding to be successful. They also often have to deal with a slew of other challenges before they become profitable. Without accounting properly for issues like fraud, it's very easy for a finance company to go out of business.
Note: Investors may want to provide financing in exchange for equity in the company. This is called equity financing, and it makes the investors shareholders in the company. You don’t have to repay these investors, but you do have to share profits with them.
2. Choose your location. A finance company should make a positive impression on customers. Customers looking for a loan will want to do business in a place that projects a trustworthy and sound image. Take into account the reputation of the neighborhood or of a particular building and how it will appear to customers. Also consider how customers will reach you and the proximity of your competitors. If your target customers are small local businesses, for example, they may not want to drive to a remote location or deal with heavy city traffic to meet with you.
If you are not sure, contact your local planning agency to find out if your desired location is zoned for commercial use, especially if you plan to operate out of your home.
Leasing commercial office space is expensive. Consider your finances, not only what you can afford, but also other expenses such as renovations and property taxes.
In today's connected world, it's also possible to run a finance company online, without a location for physical interaction with customers. While you'll likely still need an office for your employees, not having a retail location can save you some regulatory hassle expense.
3. Hire and retain employees. Write effective job descriptions so employees and applicants understand their role in the company and what your expectations of them are. Compile a compensation package, including required and optional fringe benefits. Compose an employee handbook that communicates company policies, compensation, schedules and standards of conduct.
Perform pre-employment background checks to make informed decisions about whom you hire. Financial planners and advisors require a specific educational background and are subject to rigorous certification requirements. Consider obtaining credit reports to show how financially responsible a candidate is.
4. Pay your taxes. Obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is also known as your Federal Tax Identification Number. Determine your federal and state tax obligations. State tax obligations include income taxes and employment taxes. All states also require payment of workers' compensation insurance and unemployment insurance taxes, and some also require payment of disability insurance.
5. Create loan packages for your clients. Decide if you are going to offer revolving or fixed-amount types of credit. Think about your target customers and what kinds of loans they would need. Homeowners and individuals may seek mortgages, auto loans, student loans or personal loans. Entrepreneurs may seek small business loans. Consolidated loans may help customers who are struggling to manage their finances.
Recognize that your loan offerings, rates, and terms will need to be constantly reworked with the changing loan market. Some of these items may also be subject to various regulations, so consult your legal counsel before finalizing your offerings.
6. Market your new finance company. Target your marketing efforts towards your chosen niche of clients. Marketing includes networking and advertising, but there are also other ways of letting potential customers know you have set up shop. Become a familiar face in your local business community by attending and speaking at events sponsored by the local chamber of commerce. Publish communications such as a newsletter or e-zine. Participate in social networking on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Note: In order to become successful, you'll have to attract both depositors and loan customers, so be sure to offer deals on both ends. Without attracting depositor, you will have no capital to lend out to customers.
A franchise is a business for which a person is licensed by a large company to operate under its name. As a franchise licensee, you operate a business and, in some cases, a brick-and-mortar location. Even without a physical storefront, starting a franchise requires a fair amount of money. There are several ways to finance a franchise. In addition to using your savings and leveraging your existing assets, there are loans and grants available from many sources. You may need to utilize more than one of the following methods to raise enough capital to start your business.
Part 1 Arranging Financing with the Franchisor.
1. Find out what financing your franchisor offers. The place most franchise licensees will start looking for financing is with the franchisor company itself. Many offer loans through their own finance companies or third party financiers they have business relationships with. This will often cover a significant portion of your startup costs.
Franchisors may also have agreements already set up with companies that can lease you some of the equipment you need to get the franchise up and running.
Each franchise has it's own package in terms of what it will offer new franchise licensees. Check into what your company offers.
This information may be available online or in other documents provided with your franchise application, or you may need to request it.
2. Look into down-payment and collateral requirements. Franchisors will require you to demonstrate that you have some collateral that will allow them to recoup their money, should your franchise fail. Many also require that you put up a down-payment of money that you have NOT borrowed from other sources.
McDonalds, for example, typically requires new franchise licensees to pay 25% of the costs of a franchise out of pocket, in cash. This ensures that franchises only go to people who have the necessary resources to make payments.
3. Apply for financing. Complete the necessary forms to apply for financing from the franchisor. Again, these will vary based on the company. Information about how to apply for financing may be included in the Franchise Disclosure Statement, or you may need to request it from the company.
The Franchise Disclosure Statement is a document you will receive from the company if your franchise application is approved. It spells out in minute detail the specifics of the franchise agreement. It is mandated by the Federal Trade Commission that all franchisors provide this document to licensees.
Like any other loan application, you will be expected to provide information about your assets, financial history, and net worth.
Part 2 Securing Outside Financing.
1. Apply for a bank loan. Another option consider for financing your new franchise is a standard small business loan from a bank. Especially if you have a good credit rating and are opening a franchise with a positive reputation, banks may be willing to offer you some starting capital.
Typically bank loans of this sort will require you to put up some kind of collateral, such as your home or any stocks or bonds you might own. They will also often want you to pay for as much as 20% of the cost of starting the franchise from your own money, to be certain you are capable of covering major business costs.
These loans usually require you to have already established a relationship with a banker.
2. Apply for an SBA loan. If your bank won't provide you with a loan, you may be able to secure a loan through the US Small Business Administration. These loans are disbursed by banks and credit unions, but are guaranteed against default by the federal government.
SBA loan 7(a) is available to franchise licensees opening any business on the SBA's franchise registry.
You can borrow between a couple hundred thousand and a few million dollars through the SBA. These loans typically have a five-year maturity period, so they work well for startup costs, but not longer-term expenses.
The International Franchise Association provides a directory on their website of vendors that administer SBA loans. The process of applying for an SBA loan, however, is a highly complicated one. Thus, it is usually recommended that applicants secure assistance from an accountant. If you don't have an accountant, your franchisor may be able to suggest someone.
3. Apply for a finance company loan. A recent development in the world of franchise financing is the online loan portal. These are websites that match franchise licensees with private creditors.
Two of the biggest online loan portals are Boefly and Franchise America Finance.
Some franchisors have have relationships with these companies. Ask your franchisor if they subscribe to any of these website.
4. Find investors or business partners. Another option for financing is look for a business partner to share the cost (and profits) of your new franchise. Many franchise licensees also turn to friends or family to borrow money or ask them to invest in the business.
Several small loans from friends or family members, to whom you promise to pay some mutually agreeable interest rate or equity in the business, can go far to cover the costs of starting a new franchise.
Equity means that your investors will be entitled to a share of the profits from the business and have a certain measure of control over its operations (depending on your agreement with them).
However, equity does not have to be repaid (unlike a loan).
You can also advertise in the local press seeking an investor or business partner. However, advertising for investors can be tricky, due to securities laws regulating the solicitation of public investors. Hire a financial lawyer to make sure you are staying on the right side of the law.
Be sure to draw up a formal agreement about the terms of the investment (i.e. how much they are investing, what interest rate you will pay, and over what period you will pay back the loan). This is especially important if you have investors who you don't know well.
Obtaining investment in this way will require accepting investments under the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Regulation D and the creation of official offering documents that detail the investment in a specific format.
If you are using Regulation D, be sure to hire a financial attorney to guide you through the process. Otherwise, you open yourself up to financial and criminal penalties resulting from violations of SEC regulations.
Part 3 Using Your Own Assets.
1. Use savings and other assets. Most franchise licensees end up covering at least a portion of the startup costs from their own resources. An obvious place to start is with your own cash savings.
Don't go overboard on this. A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 75 percent of your cash reserves. That way, if an unexpected expense comes up, you have some money to cover it.
2. Borrow against your home. Many people starting a new business will borrow money based on the value of their home to get the business started. Money borrowed on the value of your home is tax-free. There are two ways to do this.
You can get a line of credit based on the value of your home. This is known as a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and is best for when you are unsure of how much money you will need, as the line of credit structure allows you to borrow as needed.
You can take out a second mortgage on the house. This will provide you with a set amount of money that must be repaid as a regular mortgage would.
Be warned that with either of these options, if you find yourself unable to make payments on the money borrowed, you could lose your home.
3. Use your retirement fund. Another common approach to self-financing is to use funds in your retirement account.[16] IRAs and 401(k) plans can be withdrawn from to finance all or part of a franchise business. However, there may be significant fees and taxes involved, depending on the plan type.
If you withdraw these funds as cash, you'll lose a significant chunk in taxes. There may be ways to avoid doing so, but you should seek professional legal and tax help when attempting them due to the complexity and possible negative consequences.
Taking funds out a traditional IRA or 401(k) before the age of 59.5 will result in a 10 percent penalty being assess on the withdrawal. This is in addition to the income taxes assessed on the withdrawal.
So, if you withdraw $100,000 and you are in the 25 percent marginal tax bracket, you would pay a total of 35 percent ($35,000) on your withdrawal, leaving you with only $65,000 for your business.
Withdrawals from a Roth IRA, however, are tax and penalty-free, provided they consist of contributions that have been in the account longer than five years.
Be warned, however, that if your new business fails, your retirement funds will be wiped out.
Part 4 Refinancing Your Franchise.
1.Decide when to refinance. Refinancing is taking on a new loan which pays off any old loans you already have. Most commonly, this is done to reduce interest payments, but could also be an opportunity to borrow additional funds and consolidate that loan with existing ones. You should consider refinancing if.
You can get a loan at a better interest rate.
You want to consolidate multiple loans into a single payment.
You want to change from and adjustable to fixed rate of interest, or vice versa.
You need more capital to update equipment, make improvements, or open an additional location.
2. Look into refinancing options. It is a good idea to frequently look for loans that will offer more favorable terms than the one(s) you already have. This can significantly reduce your interest payments and free up capital for other uses.
Once you've been in business for a while, you may become a more attractive customer to banks and other financiers. This is because over time, you demonstrate your ability to successfully run your franchise. This makes you a less risky investment. That, in turn, can lead to offers with better rates.
Check with your bank, and re-examine the option of an SBA loan, as this is often the least costly option for people who can get one.
3. Weigh the fees against the savings. Refinancing isn't free. There are usually fees, such as closing costs, involved in refinancing any loan.
There may be other penalties as well, based on the details of your old loan.
The question to ask is whether the savings outweigh the fees, time, and effort that go into refinancing. You may find that you can refinance and save a thousand dollars over the life of the loan. You'll need to decide if that's worth the time and effort. Your answer might be very different if you could save ten thousand dollars.
4. Update your business plan. Before applying for a new loan, update your business plan to reflect the current state of your business and your goals for the future. Your new business plan should include.
Strengths and weaknesses of your business.
Major milestones or accomplishments.
Expertise you have developed in running the franchise.
Goals for the next two to five years.
Two years of tax returns.
The payment schedule of your current loan.
5. Apply for a new a loan and pay off the old one. Fill out an application for the new loan. When you receive the funds, pay off the old loan.
Typically, the bank will handle the payoff for you. They will pay off your old loan, and billing will come from the new loan company from then on.
You may be able to refinance with a lender you already have loans from. This can save time and effort and sometimes mean less fees.
Tips.
Be sure to have any investment agreements reviewed by a legal professional prior to accepting money from investors, especially if they are people you don't know well.
Warnings.
It is not advisable to invest money set aside for specific important purposes (such as your children's college fund) in your franchise. As confident as you may be in its success, businesses fail every day. If that happens, there will be no way to recover your money.
Never use money from new investors to pay previous investors. Doing so could inadvertently turn your legitimate attempt to finance a franchise into an illegal investment scheme.
A franchise is a business for which a person is licensed by a large company to operate under its name. As a franchise licensee, you operate a business and, in some cases, a brick-and-mortar location. Even without a physical storefront, starting a franchise requires a fair amount of money. There are several ways to finance a franchise. In addition to using your savings and leveraging your existing assets, there are loans and grants available from many sources. You may need to utilize more than one of the following methods to raise enough capital to start your business.
Part 1 Arranging Financing with the Franchisor.
1. Find out what financing your franchisor offers. The place most franchise licensees will start looking for financing is with the franchisor company itself. Many offer loans through their own finance companies or third party financiers they have business relationships with. This will often cover a significant portion of your startup costs.
Franchisors may also have agreements already set up with companies that can lease you some of the equipment you need to get the franchise up and running.
Each franchise has it's own package in terms of what it will offer new franchise licensees. Check into what your company offers.
This information may be available online or in other documents provided with your franchise application, or you may need to request it.
2. Look into down-payment and collateral requirements. Franchisors will require you to demonstrate that you have some collateral that will allow them to recoup their money, should your franchise fail. Many also require that you put up a down-payment of money that you have NOT borrowed from other sources.
McDonalds, for example, typically requires new franchise licensees to pay 25% of the costs of a franchise out of pocket, in cash. This ensures that franchises only go to people who have the necessary resources to make payments.
3. Apply for financing. Complete the necessary forms to apply for financing from the franchisor. Again, these will vary based on the company. Information about how to apply for financing may be included in the Franchise Disclosure Statement, or you may need to request it from the company.
The Franchise Disclosure Statement is a document you will receive from the company if your franchise application is approved. It spells out in minute detail the specifics of the franchise agreement. It is mandated by the Federal Trade Commission that all franchisors provide this document to licensees.
Like any other loan application, you will be expected to provide information about your assets, financial history, and net worth.
Part 2 Securing Outside Financing.
1. Apply for a bank loan. Another option consider for financing your new franchise is a standard small business loan from a bank. Especially if you have a good credit rating and are opening a franchise with a positive reputation, banks may be willing to offer you some starting capital.
Typically bank loans of this sort will require you to put up some kind of collateral, such as your home or any stocks or bonds you might own. They will also often want you to pay for as much as 20% of the cost of starting the franchise from your own money, to be certain you are capable of covering major business costs.
These loans usually require you to have already established a relationship with a banker.
2. Apply for an SBA loan. If your bank won't provide you with a loan, you may be able to secure a loan through the US Small Business Administration. These loans are disbursed by banks and credit unions, but are guaranteed against default by the federal government.
SBA loan 7(a) is available to franchise licensees opening any business on the SBA's franchise registry.
You can borrow between a couple hundred thousand and a few million dollars through the SBA. These loans typically have a five-year maturity period, so they work well for startup costs, but not longer-term expenses.
The International Franchise Association provides a directory on their website of vendors that administer SBA loans. The process of applying for an SBA loan, however, is a highly complicated one. Thus, it is usually recommended that applicants secure assistance from an accountant. If you don't have an accountant, your franchisor may be able to suggest someone.
3. Apply for a finance company loan. A recent development in the world of franchise financing is the online loan portal. These are websites that match franchise licensees with private creditors.
Two of the biggest online loan portals are Boefly and Franchise America Finance.
Some franchisors have have relationships with these companies. Ask your franchisor if they subscribe to any of these website.
4. Find investors or business partners. Another option for financing is look for a business partner to share the cost (and profits) of your new franchise. Many franchise licensees also turn to friends or family to borrow money or ask them to invest in the business.
Several small loans from friends or family members, to whom you promise to pay some mutually agreeable interest rate or equity in the business, can go far to cover the costs of starting a new franchise.
Equity means that your investors will be entitled to a share of the profits from the business and have a certain measure of control over its operations (depending on your agreement with them).
However, equity does not have to be repaid (unlike a loan).
You can also advertise in the local press seeking an investor or business partner. However, advertising for investors can be tricky, due to securities laws regulating the solicitation of public investors. Hire a financial lawyer to make sure you are staying on the right side of the law.
Be sure to draw up a formal agreement about the terms of the investment (i.e. how much they are investing, what interest rate you will pay, and over what period you will pay back the loan). This is especially important if you have investors who you don't know well.
Obtaining investment in this way will require accepting investments under the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Regulation D and the creation of official offering documents that detail the investment in a specific format.
If you are using Regulation D, be sure to hire a financial attorney to guide you through the process. Otherwise, you open yourself up to financial and criminal penalties resulting from violations of SEC regulations.
Part 3 Using Your Own Assets.
1. Use savings and other assets. Most franchise licensees end up covering at least a portion of the startup costs from their own resources. An obvious place to start is with your own cash savings.
Don't go overboard on this. A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 75 percent of your cash reserves. That way, if an unexpected expense comes up, you have some money to cover it.
2. Borrow against your home. Many people starting a new business will borrow money based on the value of their home to get the business started. Money borrowed on the value of your home is tax-free. There are two ways to do this.
You can get a line of credit based on the value of your home. This is known as a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and is best for when you are unsure of how much money you will need, as the line of credit structure allows you to borrow as needed.
You can take out a second mortgage on the house. This will provide you with a set amount of money that must be repaid as a regular mortgage would.
Be warned that with either of these options, if you find yourself unable to make payments on the money borrowed, you could lose your home.
3. Use your retirement fund. Another common approach to self-financing is to use funds in your retirement account.[16] IRAs and 401(k) plans can be withdrawn from to finance all or part of a franchise business. However, there may be significant fees and taxes involved, depending on the plan type.
If you withdraw these funds as cash, you'll lose a significant chunk in taxes. There may be ways to avoid doing so, but you should seek professional legal and tax help when attempting them due to the complexity and possible negative consequences.
Taking funds out a traditional IRA or 401(k) before the age of 59.5 will result in a 10 percent penalty being assess on the withdrawal. This is in addition to the income taxes assessed on the withdrawal.
So, if you withdraw $100,000 and you are in the 25 percent marginal tax bracket, you would pay a total of 35 percent ($35,000) on your withdrawal, leaving you with only $65,000 for your business.
Withdrawals from a Roth IRA, however, are tax and penalty-free, provided they consist of contributions that have been in the account longer than five years.
Be warned, however, that if your new business fails, your retirement funds will be wiped out.
Part 4 Refinancing Your Franchise.
1.Decide when to refinance. Refinancing is taking on a new loan which pays off any old loans you already have. Most commonly, this is done to reduce interest payments, but could also be an opportunity to borrow additional funds and consolidate that loan with existing ones. You should consider refinancing if.
You can get a loan at a better interest rate.
You want to consolidate multiple loans into a single payment.
You want to change from and adjustable to fixed rate of interest, or vice versa.
You need more capital to update equipment, make improvements, or open an additional location.
2. Look into refinancing options. It is a good idea to frequently look for loans that will offer more favorable terms than the one(s) you already have. This can significantly reduce your interest payments and free up capital for other uses.
Once you've been in business for a while, you may become a more attractive customer to banks and other financiers. This is because over time, you demonstrate your ability to successfully run your franchise. This makes you a less risky investment. That, in turn, can lead to offers with better rates.
Check with your bank, and re-examine the option of an SBA loan, as this is often the least costly option for people who can get one.
3. Weigh the fees against the savings. Refinancing isn't free. There are usually fees, such as closing costs, involved in refinancing any loan.
There may be other penalties as well, based on the details of your old loan.
The question to ask is whether the savings outweigh the fees, time, and effort that go into refinancing. You may find that you can refinance and save a thousand dollars over the life of the loan. You'll need to decide if that's worth the time and effort. Your answer might be very different if you could save ten thousand dollars.
4. Update your business plan. Before applying for a new loan, update your business plan to reflect the current state of your business and your goals for the future. Your new business plan should include.
Strengths and weaknesses of your business.
Major milestones or accomplishments.
Expertise you have developed in running the franchise.
Goals for the next two to five years.
Two years of tax returns.
The payment schedule of your current loan.
5. Apply for a new a loan and pay off the old one. Fill out an application for the new loan. When you receive the funds, pay off the old loan.
Typically, the bank will handle the payoff for you. They will pay off your old loan, and billing will come from the new loan company from then on.
You may be able to refinance with a lender you already have loans from. This can save time and effort and sometimes mean less fees.
Tips.
Be sure to have any investment agreements reviewed by a legal professional prior to accepting money from investors, especially if they are people you don't know well.
Warnings.
It is not advisable to invest money set aside for specific important purposes (such as your children's college fund) in your franchise. As confident as you may be in its success, businesses fail every day. If that happens, there will be no way to recover your money.
Never use money from new investors to pay previous investors. Doing so could inadvertently turn your legitimate attempt to finance a franchise into an illegal investment scheme.
