Frequently Asked Questions
We can’t count the number of times that we have received a panicked call from a prospective investor because they were trying to use a conventional loan to purchase a fix-and-flip property, only to find out in the end that the conventional lender could not close the deal after all. Conventional lenders are generally not specialists for fix-and-flip investors. Similarly, you would not use a fix-and-flip loan for a home that you intend to buy and occupy that requires no repairs. Specific roadblocks to using conventional financing for rehab properties include:
- To obtain a conventional mortgage, the property you are purchasing typically has to be in “move-in”, “habitable” condition. This is because conventional loans are sold in the secondary market, so the properties and borrowers must meet the standard guidelines of these agencies. As you know or may be learning, many fix-and-flip properties that are great deals are not in move-in condition at the time the investor is purchasing them. In many cases, the properties have extensive damage and are in need of immediate repairs. A conventional lender’s appraiser would have to mark the property “not habitable” if it is missing essentials like carpet, furnace, toilets, etc., thereby rendering the property unacceptable for most conventional lenders. On the other hand, we at MMTC understand the nature of these deals and we work with properties that need repairs every single day because that is the type of lending we specialize in.
- Conventional lenders typically do not lend funds towards the repair of the property. MMTC does lend toward the improvements, meaning fewer funds out of your own pocket.
- Conventional lenders usually have more requirements and take longer to close. This puts an investor at a disadvantage because a shorter closing time is more attractive to the distressed seller of the property. MMTC can close loans in 5 days if needed. We have many repeat clients due to this reason.
- In today’s tightened mortgage lending environment, most sources of conventional loans will not allow long-term conventional mortgages for fix-and-flip investment properties. At MMTC, we like to understand exactly what the plans are for the property and work to accommodate and facilitate those goals for the investor in an expedient and friendly manner.
We can typically close within 5 to 7 business days from the time of application to time of closing. This is provided the title company has received everything they need to complete title work and that the seller is also ready to close, which is not in our control.
Generally no, as there is not a Debt-to-Income ratio on our loans.
Yes. That is not to say that we will approve all double closings, as we will review and underwrite each deal on a case-by-case basis. But, we have approved and completed many double closing transactions.
Yes. We allow borrowers to complete work to the properties themselves in many cases. However, if the project requires significant construction, like an addition or pop top or has structural issues, we would require a licensed general contractor in those instances.
We obtain an “as if repaired” appraised value from one of our approved appraisers. So, prior to you closing on the property, we have you complete our budget form and questionnaire, to show what you will be doing to the property to rehab it and the planned cost of those repairs. The appraiser then reviews the budget and appraises the property as if the work has been completed based on other recent sold comparable properties in the neighborhood or surrounding areas. While the appraisal is completed for us as the lender and is for our lending purposes, we do upon request share the information and appraisal with you.
Yes, as the lender, we require hazard insurance for a one-year period with vacancy and vandalism coverage in an amount that covers the loan amount, at a minimum. You may also wish to consider liability insurance. We can provide a list of insurance companies upon request.
Yes, it is recommended for you to get preapproved prior to submitting contracts. Preapproval means that you have provided us all of the financial information that we require so that we can submit your request for underwriting. Usually within 48 hours of receiving a complete financial package, we can respond to you as to if you have qualified, how much you have qualified for, what the current terms would be, and we will issue you a preapproval letter. The preapproval letter is good for 60 days. If you have not secured a contract on a property within that time, please contact us so that we can resubmit your file.
We hold the funds for improvements in an escrow account. We are one of the very few fix-and- flip lenders who allow advances for materials. After loan closing, you can submit for your first advance of up to 33% of your total draw account. At the time of your second draw request, we will require proper invoices and receipts and inspect the property to determine if the work for the first advance was completed. If so, we can advance the second 33% and the same applies for the final draw. This is the short answer, but more detailed instructions will be provided to you at the time of application and at your loan closing. We have a knowledgeable and experienced draw department to assist you after closing as well.
If you are interested in applying for a fix-and-flip loan, please visit the Loan Application page. Or please Contact Us.