by dorraadmin | Dec 8, 2023 | Blog
Buying an investment property with a bank is difficult for some business owners. A traditional lender will need specific conditions met before lending money to you. When you start your business, it may not even be possible to meet the many mandated requirements of a bank.
A hard money loan may be a good option if you don’t qualify for a traditional loan. There may be a lot of pros and cons for this loan type. But if you aren’t ready for a conventional investment property mortgage, you can use a hard money loan to get started.
Purpose
Hard money loans are a type of short-term bridge loan. A bank doesn’t work with this loan program. Individuals or companies will lend your company money using the property to secure the loan. If you default, the lender will collect the collateral.
Pros
Because this lending program is secured by real property, the lender will not look into your finances. The lending company for hard money loans will need to know how much the property is worth.
The process to qualify is nominal, shortening the time to obtain funds. Depending on the lender, you can expect to wait anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before you get your funds.
A hard money loan helps if you just started your business and can’t qualify for a traditional loan. You won’t need huge cash to purchase a property with this loan.
Cons
Your origination fees and interest rates are lower at a traditional bank than with hard money financing. Because this loan type is higher risk, a lender will want to protect themselves.
Short-term loan contracts require you to pay off the property, or you may lose it to the lender. Every arrangement differs for each loan, but the loan terms are much less than a bank’s.
Hard money loans come with high expenses, but the idea is to force you to pay them off as soon as possible. This allows the lender to get out of a potentially risky deal. The longer the loan term, the more difficult to both you and the lender.
Using a traditional lender may not be possible at first. You can use a hard money loan to bridge the gap until you are more established. Once you qualify for a traditional loan, it is best to roll over your hard money loan into a mortgage if you can’t pay it off before the hard money loan is due.
by dorraadmin | Nov 9, 2023 | Blog
If you run a business that requires expensive equipment, you may find that buying new versions is not always possible. Instead, you can finance your equipment, and you do not have to spend a substantial amount of money at once. Many business owners have companies that could benefit from better equipment but cannot afford it. Instead of going without, try equipment financing to help your business thrive while saving money in the short term. Here is how this type of financing can benefit your company.
It Can Help With Upfront Costs
Instead of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars upfront, getting a loan for your equipment can help ease the burden of buying. You can use payments spread over time to help you afford your equipment. Financing your machinery can allow you to grow your business and make more money.
You can also get your equipment quicker since you do not have to save up to buy the item. Remember that financing could cost you more than just buying the items outright. However, if the upfront cost is not feasible, especially if you are starting a new business, getting a loan may be your best option.
It Can Help You Build Business Credit
Business credit is valuable to most business owners. It can help you get certain loans or make your payments lower. You need good business credit if you intend to use loans later in your career. For example, your credit could help you lease or buy a larger space for your company, which may lead to more customers and revenue. Equipment financing is one way to raise and build your credit.
You Can Buy New Equipment
Every business owner wants to have the latest equipment, especially if they are in a specialized field. The items you use can better serve your clients or customers or help your business run more efficiently. New machinery may run better than older models and help you complete tasks faster. It can lead to better customer service or better products.
Depending on your industry, it may be valuable to have the latest model, and sometimes it can be enough to have a relatively new model. For example, a restaurant oven may not need to be the latest kind, but a laser for manufacturing may be essential.
Financing your equipment can help your business grow and bring in new customers. Use some of these tips the next time you consider getting a loan for your machinery.
by dorraadmin | Oct 6, 2023 | Blog
No matter what type of industry you are in, running a small business takes a lot of work. Hours might be long, margins may get pretty tight, and unexpected challenges are sure to come up along the way. As the owner of the business, the burden will be on you to steer the ship through any turbulent periods.
One particular and almost inevitable challenge for a small business is raising enough money. If your business is thriving, great! But downturns can come on quickly, and you may be forced to raise cash to keep the lights on and pay staff. Plus, the costs just of opening can be exorbitant, so raising money at the outset is almost always necessary.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to raise money. Whether you’re looking at SBA loans, a crowdfunding campaign, or another method, it’s good to consider your options. Read on to learn a little more about how to effectively raise money at your business.
SBA Loans
All entrepreneurs should be familiar with SBA loans. These are a class of loans that are backed by the government, and are geared toward entrepreneurs of all types. There are loans for buying property, disaster loans, lines of credit, and more.
Don’t know where to start? Contact your local bank or credit union to ask about SBA loans, and you may be able to find an option that works for you.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding can be another effective option for many small businesses. Crowdfunding, as the name suggests, involves raising cash from the “crowd” — typically either a large group of small-dollar donors or wealthy investors (like venture capitalists). Crowdfunding can be a way to get more people invested in your business and works particularly well if you have a sizable social profile. Of course, in some cases, it does require giving up an equity stake in your business, which can be difficult.
Asset-Based Loans
An asset-based loan is usually a quick secured loan, lent based on something valuable you put up as collateral. Maybe it’s expensive equipment that your company owns or a vehicle or piece of property. Whatever it is, asset-based loans can be pretty quick to secure and are often flexible about terms. Just be sure you’re in a position to repay, so you don’t have to forfeit the collateral.
While the challenges of small business ownership are real, the rewards are substantial. These tips can help ensure you have the funds to make it through difficult times.
by dorraadmin | Sep 8, 2023 | Blog
Securing credit for a new business is challenging. You need an established credit history to qualify for some loans. It’s more complicated than showing your business plan to your local banker, and then if they like it enough, they will lend you money.
You need authorization from an underwriter for most loans, and they can mandate strict requirements before the lender will consider forking over cash to a new business. If you qualify, lines of credit can help a new business keep its money flowing while establishing itself.
How It Works
A line of credit functions similarly to a credit card cash advance. You’re approved for a certain amount of funds, which allows you to withdraw that cash for all your business needs. Unlike a credit card, it is not as simple as going to the ATM and getting a cash advance. You need to go to your lender to withdraw the funds.
You can use this type of credit for a variety of purchases. However, you have to use something other than lines of credit for larger purchases for the company because of higher interest rates.
How To Qualify
Unlike a credit card, you must meet stricter cash flow, collateral and credit standards with this loan type. The lender will base your creditworthiness on your or the business’s credit.
Most lenders will require a business operating period of at least two years to qualify for a line of credit. A newer company may need to find an alternative to this loan program for a little while until it’s more established.
If you choose to use your credit history along with personal collateral, you may qualify for lines of credit despite your business’s time in operation. Receiving credit approval may require that you sign your home or other collateral over to the bank, so their risks are limited.
How It’s Kept
Even after you get a line of credit, your lender will continually determine if you’re still eligible. The bank outlines stipulations they require to keep your line of credit in your contract.
These requirements can include a variety of things. The bank will look into timely payments, the business’s cash flow, and how you use the credit line.
Obtaining a credit line for your business can help boost your cash flow if you qualify. Knowing what it takes to prepare can help your company’s chances of acquiring this type of credit.
by dorraadmin | Aug 10, 2023 | Blog
Anyone running an independent business needs working capital. If your quest for a loan has been generating denials, you’re likely feeling frustrated. Inadequate funds could be blocking you from branching out and blossoming into the success you envision. Thankfully, there exists an option that may solve the problem. Consider taking out a merchant cash advance. Besides offering greater accessibility, these loans include an impressive list of advantages.
Funds Arrive Fast
One of the most notable benefits is that the money arrives quickly. In most cases, you won’t have to wait more than a week for funds to arrive. Compare that with traditional loans, which often take weeks or even months to complete.
Depending on the situation, timing could be of the essence. Creditors could be breathing down your neck. There might be plans for seasonal business promotion. Under these circumstances, waiting is unacceptable. After securing one of these loans, a lump sum deposit should arrive in your business account practically overnight.
Credit and Assets Are Not at Risk
It is common for young businesspersons to have negative marks lurking in their credit histories. Major lenders often view mistakes as reasons for not working with someone. Cash advance providers care little about their credit scores.
The reason is that the money their customers receive depends on credit card sales. A part of the money generated with every credit card swipe goes toward paying down the loan. Thus, the frequency of sales using plastic is what’s most important.
Because of this arrangement, whatever happens with the loan is unlikely to impact your credit score. Also, since collateral is unnecessary, it will not trigger repossession.
Money Can Be Used Freely
Many loans come with restrictions. Most lenders are interested in making sure their money goes toward particular areas. Deviating from these mandates can result in fines or even termination of the loan.
In contrast, the dollars from a merchant cash advance have no limitations. The money may be used in any number of ways. Pay down debt, hire extra employees, or replace broken equipment. The choice is yours. Having the power to spend the cash in whatever way you see fit is especially welcome when an emergency arises.
Depending on your situation, a merchant cash advance might be the financial solution you seek. Those inclined to favor other financial resources ought to consider the benefits of one. The perks might make forging a deal worthwhile, including for those who have an array of options.
