Financing your construction project could be a hassle if you have unique financing needs. If traditional lenders don’t meet your project timeline or budget requirements, you may need to look for an alternate option. One of the lesser-known but potentially valuable options is a hard money loan.
Let’s explore how hard money can help your construction project and the significant benefits and considerations.
Hard Money Loans for Construction
Hard money loans are short-term loans issued by private lenders or investors, typically associated with fix-and-flip projects. Real estate investors prefer these loans because lenders provide these loans against the property’s value, not the borrower’s creditworthiness.
While hard money loans are commonly associated with property renovation or flipping, they are also an excellent option for construction projects. Before approving the loan, lenders will consider several factors, like the project timeline, the profitability, and the type of construction. Some lenders may need loan qualification requirements and other upfront fees.
Benefits of Using Hard Money Loans for Construction
There are several benefits to using hard money loans for construction projects, including the following:
Quick Approval and Funding
Hard money lenders can provide approval and funding in a few days, while traditional lenders may take weeks or months. This speed lets you seize time-sensitive construction opportunities and avoid missing out on potentially profitable deals.
Flexible Terms
Hard money lenders can offer custom repayment plans and loan terms based on your specifications. Options like interest-only payments during the construction phase can give you breathing room to complete your project and generate income before full loan repayment.
Asset-Based Lending
Since the property value is the collateral, you can start your construction project without worrying about your creditworthiness. If you have a low credit score and cannot meet the stringent criteria of traditional lenders, hard money is a great alternative. This is because hard money lenders tend to fund construction projects with higher-value properties or projects with higher profit margins.
Considerations and Tips
If you’re looking for hard money loans in Savannah, consider the following factors. By understanding these considerations, you can choose a loan that fits your construction project:
Higher Interest Rates
Hard money loans generally have higher interest rates and fees than traditional financing. You need to carefully check if the potential returns on the investment outweigh the expenses.
Exit Strategy
Since hard money loans are short-term, you must have a good exit strategy for your construction project to repay the loan within the agreed-upon timeframe.
Due Diligence
To ensure you are working with a reputable lender, you must conduct thorough due diligence and research the lender’s reputation, experience, and track record.
Proper Planning
When using hard money loans in construction, you must develop a meticulous plan with a detailed construction timeline, budget, and contingencies to minimize risks.
There are several benefits to choosing a hard money lender for construction, but you need to consider important factors before committing. If you’re looking for hard money loans for your next construction project, you can partner with Hard Money Georgia. Since we are familiar with the Savannah market, we can provide flexible financing solutions for your unique real estate needs. Contact us today to learn more!