Need Financing For A Real Estate Project? Here Are Some Helpful Tips

Anyone who has ever bought or sold real estate in Georgia is aware of the difficulties in financing. The process can be time-consuming and tedious, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some helpful tips for financing your next real estate project! 

Know What You’re Looking For

Before you shop around for financing options, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Are you interested in getting private financing or working with investors? How much money are you looking to raise, and what is your timeline? Will you consider Georgia’s hard money lending team that can provide you with the financing you need? Lending teams are often able to provide real estate investors with quick and flexible financing without the hassle of deal structuring and legal paperwork.

Knowing what you’re working with will help give you an idea of which financing options might be right for you.

Know What You Can Afford

When it comes to financing a real estate project, the amount of money you can afford will play a big role. It’s important to know what your short-term and long-term finances look like so you can plan accordingly. Here are some things to consider:

• Operating Expenses – Just like with any business, real estate requires ongoing expenditures. When budgeting for your project, don’t forget about items like taxes and insurance.

• Interest – Monthly interest is one of the most expensive parts of financing a real estate project, so be sure to consider it when calculating your totals.

• Cash Flow – This includes not only how much cash you can put towards the project right away, but your ongoing funds as well. If you have a hard time making ends meet especially for this one investment it might be better to wait until you can save up more money.

Make a Commitment

Financing a real estate project takes time and energy, so make sure you’re prepared to put in the work. Here are some ways to help:

• Get pre-qualified – Make sure you know what you can afford and be able to present it in a way that lenders will understand.

• Secure your down payment – You’ll need the necessary funds when the time comes.

• Create a timeline – Include start and end dates, along with any milestones along the way to help keep you on track.

• Understand lender requirements – There might be specific guidelines that must be met before your project can move forward, so make sure you know what they are. For example, some lenders have higher requirements for loan-to-value ratios.

• Consider exit strategy – If you’re using another property for collateral, how will you be able to access that equity if you need it?

Be Aware Of Changing Regulations

Hard money loans are typically secured by the value of the property, and they’re often a great option for those with less-than-perfect credit. However, certain regulations may impact your ability to get the financing you need.

Real estate lending is regulated at both the state and national levels, so it’s important to be aware of changing regulations. For example, Georgia’s real estate reform impacts how hard money lenders in Georgia can do business. Before you find financing for your project, make sure to do your research first and see how it could impact your project.

Return and Interest Rate

Real estate is full of risk, and that risk is represented in the interest rates you can expect to pay. Interest rates will vary depending on several factors, including:

• The value of the property – A loan for a house with good credit and higher appraised value will likely have lower interest rates than one with poor credit on an undeveloped lot.

• Interest rates for hard money loans in Georgia tend to be higher than traditional bank lending, with rates starting at 10% and going up from there. The projected costs of the project must fall within a certain range based on current market conditions.

• Your credit score – If you have a low credit score your interest rates will likely be higher.

• Your debt-to-income ratio – If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, your interest rates may also be higher.

Typically, interest rates are variable. However, fixed-rate options may be available for those with good credit who can find them but, these usually come with higher interest rates.

If you’re looking to finance a real estate project, you must know what your budget is and how much risk you’re willing to take on. There are many ways to get financing for your project- some of which might be more appropriate than others depending on the type of property and your credit score.