how to finance investment property

How to Finance Investment Property.

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.

December 15, 2019

How to Finance Investment Property

How to Finance Investment Property.

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.

December 15, 2019

How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent.

How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent.

Whether you're buying or selling a property, a quality real estate agent is vital to make the process run smoothly. Seek out an agent with excellent credentials and references. Meet with a handful of agents to make sure any Question : s you have are answered. Watch out for potential red flags. Agents who charge very low costs or only work part-time may not be reliable.

Part 1 Finding an Agent with the Right Credentials.
1. Look for someone who does at least 1 or 2 transactions every month. When reviewing an agent's credentials, look for someone who's been working in sales, negotiations, and contracts for at least five years, preferably in real estate or property management. Five years experience and a regular stream of transactions means an agent likely has a good feel for the process and can help find you the best deals.
Agents with less experience can still be a good choice if they know you and the area well, especially if they demonstrate a great work ethic and strong customer service skills.
2. Find someone who works in your area. The agent you work with should know the area in which you're looking to buy or sell. Agents who live and work in your area will be aware of the best neighborhoods and trends regarding prices. A local agent will also know small details, like where the best schools are, commute times, and so on.
3. Check the agent's license. Obviously, you want an agent who's properly licensed. Every state should have a list of licensed agents online. While making a list of agents to contact, check to ensure every agent you interview has a legal license to buy and sell real estate in your state. You can also see the continuing education classes they are taking which will help you to know what their focus is.
4. Look for awards and honors to help narrow your choices. Check a real estate's website and resume for awards, honors, and other signs of recognition. Things like a "Realtor of the Year" award can be a sign of a quality agent who's likely to exceed your personal needs. However, realize that it may also indicate a very busy Realtor who may not be the right choice if you'd like more individual attention and you may need to base your decision on other indicators.
5. Ask friends and family members for referrals. If you know someone who recently bought or sold a home, reach out to them. Friends and family members are likely to give you honest assessments of their experience with a particular agent.
However, be cautious about choosing an agent ONLY because a friend or family member recommended them. Your real estate needs and what you desire in a Realtor may be different so make sure you understand what exactly your friends or family's objectives were and what specifically they liked about their Realtor. Ask about any hesitations the person has recommending the agent as well. This way, you'll get a sense if the agent has any major flaws that would be a deal breaker for you.

Part 2 Interviewing Real Estate Agents.
1. Ask how long they've been in business. When interviewing a real estate agent, one of the first Question : s to ask is how long they've been handling sales, contracts and negotiations for clients. They should be able to answer the Question :  quickly and accurately. Remember, while five years of experience is ideal, someone with less experience who otherwise meets your needs may still work if you've developed a good rapport with them.
Also, ask how long the agent's been working in your area. Even better, ask if they live near the area. An agent with extensive experience may not be the best choice if they are not familiar with your particular area.
2. Ask if they work alone or in a team. Agents who work alone are best if you want a lot of personal contact with the agent. Agents who work on a team are good if you like the idea of specialists for each step. The agent you hire may actually be a team leader who will then introduce you to a transaction coordinator, assistant, or buyer's agent who will handle those parts of the transaction.
Agents who work alone are more likely to walk you through each step themselves and more likely to reach out frequently by phone or even in person.
3. Ask about any planned vacations or other commitments. Real estate often requires quick action and response time. If a Realtor has a vacation planned soon or some other commitment that might interfere with their availability, you need to decide whether this will affect you buying or selling a property. Make sure they have someone to help you out if they will have an extended absence.
4. Ask about what other properties they've sold. In addition to looking at current properties online, have the agent show you some of the other properties they've sold. Make sure these properties are similar to what you're looking to buy or sell. It's vital to pick an agent who works with the right properties for your needs. If the agent is typically used to working at a higher, or lower, price point, they may not understand your particular transaction as well.
If you're selling a home, ask where the home will be featured. The main places you'll need to be is on the MLS and the big online sites (Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc...). Other sites, including the agent's personal website aren't as important. Also, beware of an agent who wants to keep your house off the MLS for any reason. Unless you are selling a luxury home, the MLS is where most buyers, and their agents, are. "Pocket" listings or similar are generally suggested when an agent wants to market your house first to their own investor clients or to others in their brokerage, but limiting the exposure is almost never a good option for you as a seller.
5. Contact their recent clients. Ask for a list of references after meeting with an agent. A quality agent will not hesitate to hand you a list of recent clients for you to call to ask about their experience. Call a few references for every agent you interview to make sure they have stellar reviews. Don't put too much stock in online reviews. Most people will give a 5 star review in exchange for a Starbucks gift card and a single bad review may not tell the whole story (ask the agent if you're concerned).
6. Make sure you get along with the agent. Chemistry is important in real estate. If you're working with someone who you don't get along with, this can cause unnecessary tension during an already stressful process. Make sure you click with the agent and feel comfortable in their presence.

Part 3 Watching for Red Flags.
1. Avoid agents who don't answer their phone or return calls. A good real estate agent considers their work a full-time job and knows that weekends and evenings can be the busiest times. In real estate, every day is a "business day" and if crucial items come up on evenings or weekends, you need an agent whom you can reach. An agent who isn't available throughout the day may not be your best option.
If an agent does not answer during "regular business hours," you may have an agent who is doing real estate on the side. Their "day job" may not allow them to give you the attention you deserve.
Conversely, an agent who doesn't answer evening or weekend calls, or worse yet, has a voicemail that states anything about "the next business day," may not be available when you need them.
2. Stay away from agents who don't know the area. If an agent does not work in your area, or cannot readily provide information about the area, this is a bad sign. A quality agent should be able to quickly rattle off things like neighborhoods, general price ranges, nearby businesses, and so on. If an agent cannot provide specific details about an area, you may want to find someone who knows it better.
3. Check that lower commissions don't mean fewer services. Typical commissions are usually between five and seven percent. When agent offers a lower commission, make sure they aren't offering you less service than higher commissioned agents. Before signing a contract, verify that all of their promises are in writing.
When buying, you don't usually have to worry about the commission because the seller generally pays both sides (buyer and seller) so focus instead on customer service and contract knowledge.

Community Q&A

Question : I'm looking for a great real estate agent in Bergen County, NJ. How do I find someone who is experienced with contingency, since we are selling and buying?
Answer : Your best option is to ask someone you know for a recommendation. Another option is to drive around your community to see which agents are listed on for sale signs so that you can contact them. You can also search for agents online. Ask your potential agents if they have experience working with buyers who are also selling a home. Finally, ask them for references from previous clients who've gone through the same process.
Question : I'm a first-time home buyer. What should I expect from a realtor, other than finding me a home?
Answer : First-time home buyers have some special benefits when buying a home. Your agent should spend time reviewing these, your needs and wants, and discussing your financial strength (down payment, deposit money, the closing cost, etc). On top of that, you have to consider property taxes and home insurance. Once you're comfortable, you'll be referred to a mortgage broker, if you don't already have one. Once you get pre-approval, the search for the home with the best fit for your finances and needs will begin.
Question : How do you tell an agent you do not want their services any longer?
Answer : Let them know over the phone you want to go with a different agent. Thank them for their time, but explain to them it's simply not working out.
Question : My realtor agent is being really pushy. How can I tell if they are only in it for the money?
Answer : A pushy agent is usually a bad sign. A good agent will want you to have a good experience renting from them and will be willing to give you time to think it over.
Question : How much does a real estate agent cost?
Answer : If you are listing your property then the listing agent charges a percentage commission to list, market and advertise, show, and negotiate through the process of selling your home. If you are a buyer looking for a home with a buyer's agent, you don't pay your real estate agent directly. The buyer's agent receives their commission through the seller's transaction for getting a buyer for their home which is based on the percentage set by the listing agent.
Question : How can I get a 3-month contract for selling my home? It is hard to find anyone willing to work hard enough to do this?
Question : Answer : The length of listing agreement is negotiable between you and the real estate brokerage. Since you are the owner and you are the one who is hiring and paying, it should be your decision as to how long you want to be in agreement. However, allow sufficient time to market your property and get you good price. If your realtor is not doing as agreed or if you are not satisfied (obviously some solid reasons for that), you can always cancel or terminate your listing. Some agents only suspend your listing, hoping to win back your listing. Insist for getting it terminated and find the right agent.
Question : Is it advisable to use the same agent to sell your home as well as buy a home?
Answer : It can be a big benefit because your listing agent will have all of the necessary information to keep the buying side of the new home going along smoothly. A lot of agents who have a seller who is also buying with them will negotiate their commission differently since they will be getting paid on two sides.

Tips.

If the Realtor has an assistant, this could mean they'll have more time to focus on your needs rather than paperwork. However, make sure that the assistant won't be undertaking work that you expect to have done by your agent.

July 02, 2020