If you're a real estate investor looking for funding, you may have heard of hard money loans. These loans are typically provided by private lenders or investor groups, and they are secured by the property being purchased. While hard money loans can be a useful tool for real estate investors, they do come with some fees and interest rates that can vary depending on the lender. In this blog, we'll discuss the types of fees and interest rates that hard money lenders typically charge.
Interest Rates
Hard money loans typically have higher interest rates than traditional loans. This is because hard money lenders take on more risk by lending to investors who may not have perfect credit or a lengthy track record. Interest rates for hard money loans can range from 8% to 15%, with some lenders charging even higher rates. The interest rate may also vary depending on the borrower's credit score, the property's location and condition, and the loan-to-value ratio.
Origination Fees
Origination fees are charged by lenders to cover the costs of processing the loan. These fees can range from 1% to 5% of the loan amount, and they are usually paid upfront. For example, if you take out a hard money loan for $100,000 and the origination fee is 3%, you would have to pay $3,000 in fees at the time the loan is originated.
Points
Points are another type of fee that hard money lenders may charge. Points are essentially a percentage of the loan amount, and they are paid upfront. For example, if you take out a $100,000 hard money loan with two points, you would have to pay $2,000 in points at the time the loan is originated. The number of points charged can vary depending on the lender and the borrower's creditworthiness.
Other Fees
In addition to origination fees and points, hard money lenders may also charge other fees such as appraisal fees, underwriting fees, and document preparation fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's important to ask the lender about all of the fees associated with the loan before agreeing to the terms.
In conclusion, hard money loans can be a valuable tool for real estate investors, but they do come with some fees and interest rates that can vary depending on the lender. Interest rates are typically higher than traditional loans, and origination fees, points, and other fees may also be charged. It's important to do your research and shop around for the best rates and terms before committing to a hard money loan. By understanding the fees and interest rates charged by hard money lenders, you can make an informed decision that will help you achieve your real estate investing goals.