There are always millions of people in the United States who are in the market for a new home, making real estate one of the most lucrative industries in the world. However, homeowners might be surprised to know investors have to endure the same rigors as them when trying to get a loan for an investment property.
There is more than one way to get the money you need for a new property, but you have to know about the options available to you to capitalize on them. Continue reading to learn about some of the many interesting ways you can invest in real estate properties.
Traditional Mortgage
The most common way to pay for a home is with a traditional mortgage. A mortgage is a loan from a bank or another financial institution to a prospective homeowner. Most mortgages are for 30-year terms with the down payment and interest rate depending on the market and the applicant’s credit score.
Mortgages are ideal for first-time homebuyers who are looking for a house to be their primary residence. However, experienced homeowners can also get a new mortgage on a new property as long as they have a 620 credit score and make a 15% down payment.
Bridge Loan
Real estate deals happen quickly when a property is hot. Sometimes, investors need capital quicker than they could get it through the conventional loan process. Some private investors offer bridge loans for real estate investors who need a quick infusion of cash. Bridge loans allow borrowers to bypass the credit checking process and guarantee their loans with collateral, which is usually one of their properties that’s about to sell.
Bridge loans have high interest rates, but they’re a short-term loan option for people who expect to be able to repay the loan within three years. Additionally, you should never use your primary residence as collateral for a bridge loan.
Home Loan
Homeowners often have to invest in their homes, even if they don’t ever plan on selling. However, renovating a home is costly, and it can be difficult to get the necessary funds.
One of the great things about being a homeowner is that every mortgage payment you make increases the equity in your home. With a home equity line of credit, you can actually use the equity in your home to pay for home improvements. With a home loan, you can go with hardwood over lifetime vinyl plank flooring.
Even though home equity loans are based on your equity in the house, your credit score still determines whether you’ll have a high or low interest rate. It’s also important to make sure you repay your loan, or you could lose the equity in your home or your home itself.
Hedge Fund
Some real estate deals are much larger than others and are therefore more costly. A great option for large real estate properties is hedge funds. Hedge funds are a group of shareholders who invest in different stocks and projects. If you receive capital through a hedge fund, you’ll have partners in your venture, but at least you’ll have the necessary capital.
When investors find a new property with lots of potential for profit, they have to move on it fast or the competition certainly will. With short-term loans such as bridge loans, real estate investors can get the funds they need without having to go through the credit checking process. You can also use your home equity to pay for the house or even get a traditional mortgage. The point is that you can’t let finances be the reason a new property slips through your fingers.