financing
Short-Term Equity Financing
By Tod Snodgrass
Due to rising interest rates, conventional funding from banks, hard money sources, etc. is becoming increasingly problematic for many Real Estate Investor Professionals (REI Pros). For example, say a REI Pro needs capital to plug a temporary financial hole—say $50,00 or $100,000 or $250,000 for a very short period of time, say just one day? Virtually no lender will provide funds for such a short period of time.
This is where a Short-Term Equity Financing (STEF) source can come in handy. STEF’s are not brokers; they are direct equity funders using their own private capital. They write the checks. The buck stops with them when it comes to final decision-making.
STEFs do not provide loans. Instead, a temporary Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) is created—a form of equity–with the REI Pro. The STEFs profit normally comes from a share of the REI Pro’s profit. Typical markup is 50% of the amount funded. If the STEF provides $100,000, they receive $150,000 in return. Obviously, all the paperwork involved has to be carefully crafted to offer maximum protection to all parties, with appropriate security and collateral issues spoken to successfully, which is why STEFs normally require that doc prep, title and escrow functions all be assigned to service vendors chosen by the STEF.
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4 STEF Case Studies
CASE STUDY NO. 1
Situation: A homeowner has fallen way behind with his monthly mortgage payments due to the fact that he lost his job. The bank recently sent him a NOD (Notice of Default) and the property is now in pre-foreclosure status. With insufficient time to fix up the place and subsequently sell it for top dollar, the homeowner has come to realize that he needs to prepare to move away from the residence, sooner rather than later. He reaches out to a local real estate broker who in turn puts him in contact with a cash buyer investor who is interested in purchasing the property—at a discounted price—via a double close (involving two separate escrows).
Problem: In addition to the overdue first position mortgage on the property, it is also encumbered with several liens: mechanics, HOA, property tax, as well as a lawsuit, including a lis pendens filing. The seller has no money to clear up the title, so it remains clouded, and the property remains unsold. Due to the high-risk factors involved, everyone (including the cash buyer) is reluctant to front the money to pay off the liens beforehand. The homeowner is stuck.
Solution: Seeking a way out of his client’s deteriorating financial situation, the broker reaches out to a Short-Term Equity Financing source for help with paying off the liens which created the clouded title logjam in the first place. Once all the pieces of the financial puzzle are properly in place (agreements and contracts signed, proper escrow instructions prepared, all monies needed for the deal are sent into both escrows), both closings can occur pretty quickly.
Result: The property owner came out OK via a cash-for-keys/deed-in-lieu arrangement with the cash buyer; the buyer got the property at a good discount from FMV; the STEF was amply rewarded for its involvement; and last but not least, the broker earned a 5% referral fee from the STEF (based on the amount that the STEF funded) for their time, trouble and expertise.
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CASE STUDY NO. 2
Situation: A General Contractor Investor (GCI) owns two acres of prime residential real estate, free and clear, with no loans or liens against the property. The land had already been successfully subdivided, entitlements are all in place, architectural drawings and plans are 100% complete for all the SFRs. Further, the GCI has already arranged a construction loan with a major bank for all the new houses, to be built one-after-another, in a series. The only thing left to do, prior to starting work, is to pay for the permits on the first few houses.
Problem: The wife of the GCI recently filed for divorce, tying up all the CGI’s assets, including the funds he had previously put aside to pay for the permits.
Solution: A STEF was brought in to provide funds for the permits. The STEF was provided with collateral via liens against the lots the CGI owned free and clear. Based on that, the STEF fronted the money for the permits, which had already been previously approved. By prearrangement, the bank providing the construction loan had agreed to “overfund” the construction loan in order to provide payback to the STEF for the funding they provided + the STEF’s markup.
Result: That same day, the loan got funded and the permits were issued. Construction soon got underway. It all turned out OK at the end for all parties.
CASE STUDY NO. 3
Situation: A property was part of an estate. The owner died and the property went into Probate. While the property had a lot of equity in it, there was still an outstanding first mortgage with a modest amount still due, which the court ruled in this case had to be paid off completely before Probate could close. Once probate closed, then the four beneficiaries could each receive their respective six-figure proceeds.
Problem: To say that the four heirs to the estate did not get along well would be an understatement. There was apparently long-standing bad blood between several different family members. The result is that, because of a total lack of trust, none of them could or would agree to pay off the amount due on the mortgage. It was a financial standoff.
Solution: A STEF was referred into the situation by an attorney. The STEF provided sufficient capital to pay off the one remaining encumbrance: the first loan, so the property could be sold a ready buyer.
Result: Probate was able to close; the property sold; the heirs got their money and STEF was paid off for its investment + standard markup. All parties walked away with a smile on their respective faces.
CASE STUDY NO. 4
Situation: A successful REI Pro owned several commercial and industrial properties free and clear. He recently identified an investment property he wanted to buy from a distressed seller. The REI Pro calculated that he could turn right around and immediately sell the property for a handsome profit, since it came with an extraordinary amount of equity. The REI Pro had the property under contract. Further, the REI Pro had already lined up a cash buyer to purchase the property. The buy and sell would only take one day to successfully accomplish.
Problem: The REI Pro, at that time, was “asset rich and cash poor”. He had no ready cash to use to buy the investment property he wanted to immediately flip. To further complicate things, he had recently defaulted on a bank loan, which had caused his FICO score to plummet. Due to the hit on his credit score, no banks in the area were willing to loan him the money he needed to buy the equity-rich property he had his eye on.
Solution: A STEF was brought into the picture who fronted the purchase price, once the REI Pro pledged several properties he owned in order to cross-collateralize the deal.
Result: It all wrapped up to everyone’s satisfaction.
NOW AVAILABLE:
A. We currently offer two different funding programs for professional real estate investors: Short-Term Equity Financing & Down Payment Assistance Funding.
1. We help make deals happen that might not otherwise close, absent our funding.
2. We are happy to pay you a 5% referral fee, based on the amount we fund. For example, if you send us a lead and we fund $100,000, we send you a check for $5,000 at closing.
B. Short-Term Equity Financing: As described above.
C. Down Payment Assistance Funding Program. For more information, see https://creativetransactionfunding.com
1. Are you a Real Estate Investor Pro (REI Pro) who has a property you want to buy, with a 70% LTV or better, but you lack some of the Down Payment (DP) money needed to close the deal? You need say, 25% DP, but can only come up with 10% and need 15% more (DP money?
2. The good news is if your deal meets our standard criteria (70% LTV or better = 30% or more equity in the deal, etc.), CTF can provide the missing 15% in DP funding. By not having to put out all your own capital into DPs–especially if you are low on cash–you’ll be able to do more deals. With your DP source already in place, it will shorten your time for getting positive confirmation from your primary lender, and for getting more deals successfully closed.
D. If you would like to receive free information about our funding programs, please send an email to: [email protected], with the following three lines of (your) info:
1. Full Name
2. Phone number
3. Email address
Any questions, please advise.
Sincerely,
Tod Snodgrass
President
Creative Transaction Funding LLC
Providing Down Payment Assistance & Short-Term Equity Financing to investors, nationwide.
[email protected]
Learn more about Tod Snodgrass, President of Creative Transaction Funding LLC, visit https://
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Unveiling the Truth: Shattering the Top Three Myths of Financial Planning
Creative Financing Options
By Tod Snodgrass
https://creativetransactionfunding.com
Whether you are an experienced Real Estate Investor (REIer) or are a newbie in this industry, there exist many innovative funding techniques you can use to finance current and future deals. Generally referred to as creative financing, these terms refer to alternative or unconventional approaches that REIers may choose to utilize to acquire investment properties, using OPM: Other People’s Money.
In today’s unpredictable real estate investor landscape, it is very important to have a range of funding options at the ready before you dive into a property investment deal. Let’s face it, to be a successful REIer takes money. It does not necessarily have to be YOUR money, but before you can successfully pull off a deal, chances are SOMEONE’s funds are going to have to be brought to the table. Plan ahead. Line up funds before you need them because they have to come from somewhere.
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Make sure, before you commit to any real estate deal, that you have all your web-footed waterfowl neatly arranged in a linear fashion.
A. Lease Option: You may encounter a situation where you are not ready yet (either experience- or financial-wise) to purchase a property, either for your own personal use or as an investor. That is where the lease option can work best. Doing so provides the opportunity to purchase a property at the conclusion of a pre-arranged leasing-type agreement. This approach allows you to potentially build up equity through monthly rent payments.
The landlord benefits by earning monthly revenue. Typically, and depending on specific contract terms, a portion of the monthly rent payment is credited toward the future down payment on the house. This technique normally works best in a buyer’s market.
B. Down Payment Assistance (DPA). Many REIers are finding themselves caught in a new type of financial squeeze when it comes to the percentage of the purchase price that hard money and private lenders require that they bring to closing, i.e. “Skin-In-The-Game” (SITG) cash.
Until recently, it was possible to secure, say a 90% loan from such lenders, with the borrower required to contribute the other 10% as their SITG capital. And while those terms are still available in some cases, many REIers are waking up to a new reality: They need to bring closer to 20%-30% SITG cash to closing in terms of actual down payment money, with a general average of around 25% DP money currently required.
Upping the SITG percentage is a risk-reduction strategy employed by lenders in response to what they perceive as new uncertainties in the real estate investment marketplace, on a go-forward basis. The reality for REIers caught in this new “liquidity squeeze” is that they now may need to potentially come up with tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands in new (SITG) investment capital above what was previously required.
Without new SITG capital, the REIer cannot close on the deal. A potential solution to this new dilemma is what we refer to as “Down Payment Assistance (equity) funding”: This is where a third party provides the needed extra SITG/DP cash in return for a modest share of the profits. See below for info about DPA.
C. Seller carryback loan. Plainly speaking, this is simply owner-provided financing. The seller acts as the lender or bank, i.e. he carries a mortgage–usually a second position loan–on the property and collects monthly payments from the buyer. Such an arrangement can be a win-win for both the buyer and the seller. Often the buyer (an REIer in this case) may be willing to pay more than the asking price in trade for advantageous loan terms on a seller carryback mortgage.
Further, the buyer is often willing to pay a higher interest rate on the seller carryback loan than the seller could earn from a CD from their local bank. Also, should the buyer default, the (previous) seller can always initiate foreclosure action and take the house back from the second position. The buyer benefits since they don’t have to go through the arduous and time-consuming chore of trying to get a bank loan; this is especially true if the buyer has a low FICO score or other credit or background issues.
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D. Buying a property “Subject-To”. What this means is that the REIer essentially takes over the seller’s remaining mortgage balance (thereby effectively “assuming the loan”) without making it official with the lender. This is a popular strategy among REIers, especially in an era of rising interest rates, since the loan being assumed probably carries a lower interest rate compared to a new (bank) loan.
Savvy REIers often employ the Subject-To method to take the place of a hard money loan. However, most REIers limit the use of Subject-To loans to relatively short-term time frames, i.e. for a few months until the REIer can either refi the loan or sell the property as part of a fix-flip strategy.
E. Hard Money: A hard money loan refers to asset-based financing where the borrower receives funds that are secured by real property. In most cases, private investors are the biggest suppliers of hard money capital, which are then funneled through hard money brokers.
While the terms (interest rate, points, time frames) of hard money loans may vary, there are several common characteristics: they are usually easier to obtain vs. a conventional bank loan; credit scores and income verification are not as important as the asset value involved; they are usually for shorter time frames (say for 6-24 months); while they charge higher interest rates, the good news is that they often can fund pretty quickly if the deal is right. They usually focus on the ARV (After Repair Value) to determine the loan terms, including important factors such as the rehab blueprints, scope of work, etc. They usually prefer to work with experienced rehabbers who have a clear plan to repay the loan within the specified time frame.
F. Cross collateral loan. This REI method assumes you already own a rental property free and clear. You want to buy another rental property. A cross collateral loan allows you to use the 100% equity in the existing property as leverage to acquire the new property you want to purchase. With cross-collateralization, the lender places a lien on both the new property and your existing property. In this way, the lender receives adequate security should you default on the loan. Basically, cross-collateralization allows you to sidestep the normal down payment requirement and/or having to take out a brand new (bank) loan.
G. Retirement accounts: Use your self-directed IRA, Roth IRA, 401-K, corporate plans as investment capital, where it is legal, prudent and appropriate to do so. Utilizing a self-directed retirement plan can empower a REIer by boosting their retirement savings, one deal at a time. Since we are talking about your retirement money, an extra degree of caution is called for. You need to possess excellent due diligence and underwriting skills in order to properly assess the potential risks involved.
H. Cash-Out Refinance. If your personal residence has a good amount of equity in it, you can unlock that equity via a cash-out refinance by tapping some of that equity. Make sure you fully understand the implications of such a loan should things not go well with your anticipated new investment. A cash-out refi may feature (more) favorable interest rates compared to a hard money loan. Also, the interest you pay is tax deductible. You need to do a risk/benefit analysis before going down this road. Regardless, if a REI deal looks very promising, and you require fast capital to make it happen, a cash-out finance can be a good way to go.
I. 203-K Loan: This unique FHA mortgage enables you to finance both the purchase (or refinancing) of a house and the cost of its rehabilitation through a single mortgage or to finance the rehabilitation of their existing home.
1. Pros:
a. Lower credit score allowed
b. Smaller down payment requirements (as low as 3.5%)
c. Can provide temporary housing while a home is being repaired
d. Lower potential interest rates, compared to similar loan types
e. Ability to combine home purchase and renovations into a single loan
f. Low down payment and credit score requirements
2. Cons:
a. FHA mortgage insurance required
b. FHA loan rates may be higher compared to conventional loans
c. Process may require meeting with a 203(k) repair consultant
d. More extensive repairs require more paperwork
e. Potential for the additional cost of architectural assessments
f. Property must be your primary residence
g. You must live in the home for 12 months before selling or renting it out
J. More creative financing methods to consider include:
1. Approach friends, relatives, etc. Options can include debt or equity.
2. Equity investors. The advantage here is that you do not have to make monthly payments because there is no loan. When the deal is done, some sort of profit split is made to compensate the investor(s).
3. Credit card advances. This can be an expensive gambit. It is only to be undertaken when you are very sure of positive, short-term outcomes. The bank may charge several points and up to 29% interest rates, so be very careful with this one.
4. Joint venture: you bring the deal, they bring the money, split the profits at the end. This is a variation on an equity-type investment.
5. Hypothecate (borrow against) a mortgage note you own. Basically, you take out a loan by pledging the note, thereby using it as collateral to secure the loan.
6. Personal asset loans: pawn some jewelry; get a car title loan, etc.
Down Payment Assistance Funding Program
Are you a Real Estate Investor Pro (REI Pro) who has a property you want to buy, with a 70% LTV or better, but you lack some of the Down Payment (DP) money needed to close the deal? You need say, 25% DP, but can only come up with 10% and need 15% more (DP money.
The good news is if your deal meets our standard criteria (70% LTV or better = 30% or more equity in the deal, etc.), CTF can provide the missing 15% in DP funding. By not having to put out all your own capital into DPs–especially if you are low on cash–you’ll be able to do more deals. With your DP source already in place, it will shorten your time for getting positive confirmation from your primary lender, and for getting more deals successfully closed.
For more information about Tod Snodgrass, please visit: https://
Thank you.
Tod Snodgrass, President
Creative Transaction Funding LLC
8322 El Paseo Grande
La Jolla, CA 92037
310 408-7015
https://creativetransactionfunding.com
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Unlocking the 12 Secrets of Estate Planning: Building a Legacy of Financial Freedom and Protection
By Kris Miller
Life, with all its twists and turns, grants us moments of joy and success, yet it also challenges us with uncertainties. As we journey through the tapestry of time, it’s vital to be equipped with the tools that safeguard our hard-earned assets and ensure our wishes are honored. Welcome to the realm of estate planning – a treasure trove of wisdom that empowers you to craft a secure future for yourself and your loved ones.
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1. The Best Estate Planning Tip: Seize the Present Moment
In the symphony of life, procrastination is your foe. The greatest estate planning advice is to initiate the process now, while clarity and competence are your companions. Forge your plan for asset management and care in the face of adversity. Be the architect of your destiny, steering clear of court interference.
2. Beyond the Will: Embrace the Living Trust
A will, though essential, can lead to probate – a journey through courts that consumes time and money. Step into the embrace of a Living Trust, a sanctuary that shields your estate from probate’s grasp. For those with real estate and substantial assets, this is your golden ticket.
3. Fund Your Trust: Empower Your Legacy
Empower your Living Trust by aligning all your assets with its name. A simple signature card at the bank, overseen by your Powers of Attorney, is your key to unifying your financial fortress.
4. Safeguarding the Wisdom: Storing Important Papers
Preserve your precious documents within the embrace of fireproof protection. Ensure your Powers of Attorney hold a key to your safe box, ensuring that your plans remain secure.
5. A Guardian of Your Health: Health Care Proxy
Life’s journey can present incapacitation. Who will speak for you then? A health care proxy designates a trusted representative to make critical medical decisions on your behalf. Protect your healthcare wishes and share them with your physician through a healthcare Power of Attorney.
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6. Alternates for Assurance: Naming Agents Wisely
Fortify your estate plan by naming alternate agents to represent your interests. Be the architect of your fate, ensuring your choices are honored even if your first option is unavailable.
7. An Evolving Masterpiece: Update Your Estate Plan
As seasons change, so does life. Keep your plan aligned with your reality, adapting to personal shifts, economic tides, and tax laws. Stay current and let your legacy shine.
8. Armor Against Creditors: Trusts for Protection
Shield your assets from the clutches of creditors. Trusts, designed with protective provisions, offer an impenetrable sanctuary for your wealth, safeguarding your legacy for generations to come.
9. Homestead Haven: Protecting Your Home
The fortress of your home can be fortified further. Secure your residence with the powerful shield of the homestead, offering protection against creditors up to a significant amount.
10. Gifts of Abundance: Reducing Taxes
Bestow gifts to your loved ones with a generous heart, for gifts between spouses are a tax-free expression of love. Harness the art of gifting to reduce the size of your estate, potentially easing the burden of estate taxes.
11. Mastering Estate Tax Strategy: Navigating Estate Taxes
Dodge probate, but remember, it’s not the same as evading estate taxes. Consult an estate planning expert to unravel the intricate web of taxation, ensuring your legacy remains untarnished.
12. Destiny in Designation: Beneficiary Forms Matter
Wills and Trusts are the symphonies, but beneficiary designation forms are the conductors. Ensure your orchestra performs harmoniously by keeping these forms accurate and up-to-date, guiding your assets to their rightful heirs.
Embrace the secrets of estate planning, unlocking the doors to financial security and serenity. Paint your legacy with colors of abundance, knowing that your journey through life will be woven into an enduring masterpiece. Let your story inspire others to sculpt their futures, fortified by the wisdom of estate planning.
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