Successful house flipping requires careful planning, hard work, and a thorough understanding of the real estate market. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to flip a house the right way, ensuring you maximize your chances of a profitable outcome.

Step 1: Research Your Market

Before you dive into the world of house flipping, it’s crucial to research your local real estate market. Understanding current trends, property values, and neighborhoods with potential for growth is essential. Look for areas where homes are in demand and likely to appreciate in value. Conduct thorough market research to identify your target audience and what they’re looking for in a home.

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget

One of the most common mistakes in house flipping is underestimating costs. Create a detailed budget that includes the purchase price, renovation expenses, holding costs (property taxes, utilities, insurance), and selling costs (agent commissions, closing costs). Be sure to leave room for unexpected expenses, as they often arise in the renovation process. A realistic budget is key to avoiding financial setbacks.

Step 3: Secure Financing

Unless you have significant personal funds, you’ll need to secure financing for your house flipping project. Options include traditional mortgages, hard money loans, private investors, or partnerships. Choose the financing option that aligns with your budget and timeline. Be prepared to present a solid business plan to potential lenders or investors.

Step 4: Find the Right Property

Locating the right property is a critical step in the house flipping process. Look for homes with good bones, in desirable neighborhoods, and with the potential for value appreciation. Pay attention to the property’s condition and the extent of renovations needed. It’s often better to start with a cosmetic fixer-upper for your first flip, as major structural issues can be costly and complex.

Step 5: Renovate Wisely

Effective renovation is the heart of successful house flipping. Create a renovation plan that balances cost-effectiveness with aesthetics and functionality. Focus on kitchen and bathroom updates, fresh paint, flooring, and curb appeal. Be sure to obtain the necessary permits and hire reputable contractors. Keep a close eye on the renovation process to ensure it stays on schedule and within budget.

Step 6: Market Strategically

Once the renovations are complete, it’s time to market the property effectively. Work with a real estate agent who has experience in selling flipped properties. Invest in professional photography and staging to make the home look its best. Price the property competitively to attract potential buyers while still ensuring a profit.

Step 7: Sell at the Right Time

Timing is crucial in house flipping. Pay attention to the market cycle in your area and aim to sell when demand is high. A well-timed sale can maximize your profit potential.

Step 8: Learn and Adapt

Even if your first flip isn’t as profitable as you hoped, it’s essential to learn from the experience. Evaluate what went well and what could be improved. House flipping is a learning process, and each project provides valuable insights for future success.

Flipping a house can be a rewarding and profitable venture when done correctly. It’s essential to approach it with careful planning, realistic expectations, and a willingness to adapt and learn. By conducting thorough research, setting a budget, securing financing, choosing the right property, renovating wisely, marketing effectively, and timing your sale strategically, you can flip a house the right way and set yourself up for success in the world of real estate investment. Muevo is your partner in achieving success in the world of house flipping. Contact us today to learn how our expertise and resources can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of house flipping, ensuring that you flip houses the right way and achieve your financial goals. Your success is our priority, and together, we can turn your house flipping dreams into a profitable reality.

So, you’re tossing around the idea of packing up your bags and moving to Florida.

If you’re thinking about moving to the home of Disney World, the Daytona 500 and a 200-foot alligator named Swampy (yep, that’s a real thing), you’re probably wondering about the Florida housing market. Well, you’re in luck! We dug into the latest news on the housing market in Florida to give you a heads-up on what to expect in the Sunshine State.

Now, the best way to learn about Florida’s market is to talk to a real estate agent who actually lives in Florida (you can find one through our RamseyTrusted program), but these numbers and predictions will give you a good idea of what to look out for.

Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

What’s the Florida Housing Market Like?

Just like pretty much everywhere else in the U.S., housing prices in Florida went up in 2023—though not by a whole lot.

Here’s a look at Florida’s numbers from Q4 2023 compared to Q4 2022:

Florida Housing Market*	October 2023	October 2022	Percent Change
Median Sale Price**	$410,000	$401,990	+2.0%
Inventory (Active Listings)	74,703	68,813	+8.6%
Closed Sales	19,729	20,837	-5.3%
Median Time to Sale***	71 days	70 days	+1.4%1
Average Mortgage Rate(15-Year Fixed)	7.03%	6.36%	+10%2

_{*Numbers in this chart represent data on single-family homes only.**Median Sale Price refers to the midpoint—half the homes were sold for more, half for less.***Median Time to Sale is the number of days between the listing and closing of a home sale—half of homes selling this quarter took more time to sell, half took less.}

Florida Housing Market in Major Cities

Sometimes, looking at an entire state’s housing situation doesn’t paint a complete picture of what it’s like in individual cities. So, here’s a look at some housing market numbers in three of Florida’s biggest cities: Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville.

	Orlando	Tampa	Jacksonville
Median Listing Price	$447,450	$425,000	$412,000
Year Over Year % Change	+0.02%	+0.02%	+0.04%3

How Does Florida Compare to the National Housing Market?

Now, let’s see how Florida’s real estate market compares to the U.S. as a whole. At the national level, the median home listing price in November 2023 was $420,000. Florida’s median listing price during the same timeframe was a bit more expensive at $462,623—9.66% higher than the typical national price.

Still, Florida’s housing prices are more affordable than what you’d find in 19 other states—including Vermont, Nevada, Arizona and New Jersey.⁴

Florida Housing Market Predictions for 2024

We’ve looked at the numbers, so let’s shift into seeing what some real estate gurus are predicting about Florida housing heading into 2024.

1. Buyers and sellers will wait patiently.

Homeownership has gotten a lot more expensive over the last few years, with prices going through the roof back in 2021 and interest rates hitting 20-year highs throughout 2023. What will that mean for potential Florida buyers and sellers in 2024? Florida REALTORS® chief economist Brad O’Connor believes a waiting game is on the horizon.

“Inventory is increasing, which has helped slow price growth,” O’Connor said. “Many buyers and sellers are on the fence now, waiting to see what happens to mortgage rates.”⁵

That sounds about right. After all, the sky-high interest rates we’re seeing right now are keeping a lot of folks from being able to afford buying a home, and many would-be sellers don’t want to move if it means losing a low-interest mortgage they locked in before rates went through the roof.

Find expert agents to help you buy your home.

So, the best move for plenty of people heading into 2024 is sitting on their hands—at least until we get a clearer picture of what interest rates will do moving forward. Speaking of interest rates . . .

2. Interest rates should start going down.

So, what should you expect from mortgage interest rates in 2024? Most likely, rates will finally stop climbing and start dropping. That’s what National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) chief economist Lawrence Yun is predicting.

“I believe we’ve already reached the peak in terms of interest rates,” Yun said. “The question is when are rates going to come down?”⁶

While Yun is right that it’s hard to know exactly when rates will begin decreasing in 2024, virtually everyone agrees that they will at some point. How much will rates go down? NAR’s economic outlook from October 2023 predicts that the typical interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will drop from 7.5% at the beginning of the year to 6.3% by December.⁷

A drop of just over 1% wouldn’t be a game changer, but it would make buying a home a bit more affordable for Floridians by the end of 2024.

3. Inventory will still need a boost.

When supply is low and demand is high in the housing market, prices go up. That’s why they increased so drastically a few years back, and it’s why those high prices have held steady ever since. Even though inventory has steadily gone up since 2021—both in Florida and across the country—it hasn’t grown fast enough to keep up with increasing demand.

Will that trend continue in 2024? Almost definitely. Take it from Ken H. Johnson, an associate dean at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business. He believes that South Florida could really use 200,000 new housing units per year, but the numbers say the area is currently only getting a tenth of that.

“We are having trouble building homes fast enough,” Johnson said.⁸

Even though Florida’s housing inventory is increasing, it’s not happening fast enough to have a major impact on price or to keep up with the state’s crazy population influx. After all, Johnson also predicts that all nine of Florida’s largest metro areas will see a population growth of 10% or more over the next 10 years—with Orlando and southwest Florida potentially growing at twice that rate.⁹

Moral of the story: Just like every other state, Florida could use a lot more homes on the market in 2024.

Will the Housing Market Crash in Florida?

If you’re concerned about a housing crash in Florida or anywhere else in the U.S. in 2024, you can take a deep breath. That’s because home prices aren’t going to drop substantially in 2024. In fact, prices are actually more likely to go up.

For example, NAR predicts that existing home prices across the U.S. will grow by 2.6% in 2024.¹⁰ Freddie Mac expects a 0.8% bump during the same timeframe.¹¹

So, if you’re waiting on home prices to come down drastically before you buy, you’re going to be waiting for a while—it’s not happening anytime soon.

Is It a Good Time to Buy or Sell a House in Florida in 2024?

Alright, we’ve looked at a whole lot of stats, trends and predictions for the Florida real estate market. As we wrap up, you probably have one important question on your mind: Should I buy or sell in Florida this year? Let’s talk about it.

Here’s the deal: You shouldn’t let the housing market control your decision on whether to buy or sell right now. It’s important to understand real estate trends so you have some context, but you should base your decision on your individual situation.

For example, if you’re buying a house, you need to make sure you’re financially prepared. That means being debt-free with a full emergency fund worth 3–6 months of your typical expenses, and having enough cash saved up to make a down payment of at least 5–10%. (By the way, a 20% down payment is best because it means you won’t have to pay for private mortgage insurance.)

And if you’re selling a house, you need to make sure you can afford the move and that doing so won’t hurt your financial situation. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to line up a new place to live—though you never want to buy a new house before selling your old one.

Bottom line: You are in control of whether it’s a good time to buy or sell a house in Florida—not the market.

https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/florida-housing-market

Amid declining property values in a tight lending environment, all-cash buyers will benefit from bargain pricing, CBRE predicts in its latest outlook.

CBRE expects an economic slowdown in the U.S. next year that will impact commercial real estate with bank lending remaining tight throughout 2024, investment volume decreasing 5 percent, cap rates expanding and property values declining.

But the U.S. may be able to avoid a recession and interest rates should be reduced later in the year as activity picks up in the second half of 2024, according to the firm’s 2024 U.S. real estate outlook.

Property types with relatively strong fundamentals, including demand, vacancy and rent growth, like industrial, retail, multifamily and data centers will be most favored by investors in 2024, according to CBRE.

Richard Barkham, CBRE global chief economist & global head of research, said in prepared remarks there is still some more pain ahead for the commercial real estate industry in 2024, including overall investment volumes remaining down for the year. But he expects an upturn by the second half and overall leasing activity to pick up as well. He notes stabilization and the early stages of recovery are also not far off.

North America dry powder by strategy. Chart courtesy of CBRE

With inflation easing, the Federal Reserve is expected to begin reducing short-term interest rates in 2024, possibly to around 4.25 percent by the end of the year and to 3.5 percent in 2025.

There should be buying opportunities in the first half of 2024, especially for all-cash buyers like sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and endowments. CBRE expects the lowest pricing for assets will occur in the first two quarters.

The report notes increasing cap rates, which have risen by about 150 basis points between early 2022 and late 2023 depending on the market and asset type, imply a 20 percent decline in values for most property types. For office, the increase was higher, rising by at least 200 basis points.

“We think cap rates will expand by another 25 to 50 basis points in 2024, with a corresponding 5 percent to 15 percent decrease in values,” the report states.

CBRE expects real estate values for most property types will likely not stabilize before mid-2024.

Historical & forecast cap rates. Chart courtesy of CBRE

Office vacancies to peak

The outlook expects another tough year ahead for the office market with office vacancy peaking at nearly 20 percent in 2024, up from 18.4 in the third quarter of 2023 and 12.1 percent at the end of 2019.

CBRE notes a slowing economy in the first part of 2024 and increasing acceptance of hybrid working arrangements will continue to limit office demand next year. The 2023 U.S. Office Occupier Sentiment Survey found more than half of the respondents planned to further reduce their office space in 2024.

Companies looking to lease less than 20,000 square feet will account for most of the leasing activity, according to CBRE. Leasing activity should rise by 5 percent in 2024, however that is still 20 to 25 percent lower than pre-pandemic levels.

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READ ALSO: How Incentives Boost Office Conversions

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Meanwhile, the flight-to-quality trend should continue with occupiers seeking space in newer, prime office properties with the best amenities. But office construction levels will be at their lowest levels since 2024, which could result in a shortage of that sought-after Class A space later in the year. CBRE forecasts that average prime office asking rent will increase by as much as 3 percent.

On the investment side, the higher-for-longer outlook for interest rates will cause some owners of Class B and C office assets to sell due to further erosion in values. Many of those older buildings that lack modern amenities will continue to struggle to attract tenants, so a higher percentage of older office assets are likely to be converted to other uses. While office conversions can be challenging, the report notes the federal government is providing grants, low-interest loans and tax incentives and local governments are also offering incentives.

Not all office markets are suffering, and the outlook shines a light on several active cities in the U.S. In Nashville, Tenn., where absorption and rents are up, demand for new office space is expected to remain strong. Miami is seeing one of the highest rent increases in the country and the vacancy rate is dropping as new-to-the market tenants are keeping the market healthy. Las Vegas has seen an uptick in leasing activity and strong preleasing at speculative projects, putting the market in a strong position heading into 2024.

Industrial sector slowdown

The industrial sector should see net absorption similar to 2023 levels and rent growth moderating to 8 percent. Construction deliveries are tapering off and expected to continue to slow down due to economic uncertainty, tight lending conditions and oversupply in some markets.

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READ ALSO: Property Management Success: How AI Boosts Industrial

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Vacancy is expected to hit 5 percent by mid-2024, up from 4.2 percent in the third quarter of 2023 but decrease later in the year due to the decline in new construction. Looking ahead, CBRE is forecasting a 7.5 percent increase in U.S. industrial production over the next five years as more occupiers improve their supply chains by adding more import locations and onshoring or nearshoring of manufacturing operations. Markets to watch include Austin and San Antonio in Texas; Nashville; Salt Lake City and Central Florida.

Retail’s declining availability

The retail sector is also facing a lack of new construction. That will contribute to retail availability rates dropping by 20 basis points next year to 4.6 percent. Asking rent growth is expected to drop below 2 percent for most of 2024 but go above 2 percent by the fourth quarter.

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READ ALSO: Mixed Shopping Cart for Retail

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Open-air suburban retail centers will see demand grow faster than other retail formats and neighborhood, community and strip centers will have stable occupancy throughout the year. Look for traditional mall-based retailers to seek other new formats outside the malls for expansion. Texas markets are expected to see more luxury brands. Other markets to watch include Orlando, Fla.; Charlotte, N.C.; Denver; San Francisco and Orange County, Calif.

AI to fuel increased data center demand

The data center market is seeing growth, often driven by advances in cloud-based solutions, artificial intelligence and other new applications and technologies. CBRE notes demand will continue to be higher than supply and construction in major markets will exceed 3,000 MW in 2024, up from the company’s 2023 estimate of 2.500 MW. Markets to watch include Austin; San Antonio and Omaha, Neb.

https://www.commercialsearch.com/news/what-to-expect-for-cre-in-2024/

Before getting into my predictions, the chart above is indicative of the mixed signals in the economy. Prices are rising on cardboard due to increased consumer demand. How is demand for cardboard rising if consumer spending is slowing along with inflation?  The answer to this question is key to predicting what happens in 2024.

On the real estate front, the beginning of the year started out good but as interest rates rose substantially volumes dropped off a cliff and prices began falling.  What do the changes mean for residential and commercial real estate in 2024?  Will prices have a larger reset than we are already seeing?

2024 will finally be a big reset in real estate

Regardless of prices, real estate is already in a deep recession, with closing volumes down close to 20 year lows.  At the same time interest rates are remaining above 7.5% (as of this writing).  Late 2023, we started to see the beginning of what is to come in 2024 with values finally starting to come off their epic run in most cities throughout the country.

Three factors that will shape real estate in 2024

Before getting into my predictions for next year, there are three crucial factors to discuss that will shape the real estate market in 2024 and beyond: Interest rates, inflation, and consumer sentiment. All three are intertwined as they influence each other, but it is important to discuss each one individually to understand how each unique variable will influence real estate in 2022 and beyond.

Inflation:

Inflation continues to run at almost 2 times the Federal reserve target of 2%.  There should be some break in the continued price acceleration as supply chains “catch up” with demand.  Furthermore, we are seeing in the latest retail numbers that prices are starting to dampen demand a little, which will help.  Unfortunately, there are a few categories that will remain elevated for a while: housing and wages that will factor into the price of goods.

Housing:  As rates have almost tripled from their lows, housing has gotten considerably more expensive due to financing costs.  Furthermore supply continues to be reduced due to the lock in effect.  Remember housing makes up over 30% of the CPI calculation.

Wages also look to continue higher as the work force remains constrained either from retirements or others not reentering the work force for several reasons.  For example, as inflation and wages increase, so does childcare costs which makes it more difficult for many to justify working if they are spending close to what they are making on childcare.  I do not see this issue getting resolved until possibly late 23 which will lead to continued upward pressure on wages, but likely not as much as in 2022 as demand wanes a little.

Interest rates:

The Federal reserve finally came around that inflation is not transitory and as a result they accelerated the wind down of their bond purchases which will put them in a position to pause hiking rates into 2023.   The market has picked up the inflation fight for the fed with long term yields finally heading higher even without additional federal reserve hiking.

Some are predicting a quick reversal in the fed next year.  I do not see this happening as they are forced to hold rates higher for longer due to the stickiness of inflation and huge deficit spending that further increases pressure on yields. The early indicators of rising cardboard prices is a warning that the road ahead will be bumpy on inflation.   These factors will keep mortgage rates in the 6-7% range in 2024.

Consumer Sentiment

Even with huge inflation and predictions of a downturn, the consumer keeps spending.  I think late 23 the consumer starts to get “tired out” and will eventually slow spending down as they work through built up pandemic savings.  This should help slow inflation, but will not lead to a quick reversal.

The recent bank collapses are a wildcard.  So far, the contagion seems to be isolated, but if this spreads consumer confidence will take a large hit.

Multiple macro wildcards to watch in 2024

2024 is a hard year to predict as rates remain high there is increasing probability of something breaking in the economy.  Here are some factors I am watching:

1. Deficit spending/financing: The federal deficit has basically doubled over the last 3 years and all of this must be financed through the treasury market.  As the treasury continues its borrowing rates could continue to spike.  I see no end in site to the current deficit spending which will lead to rates higher for longer
2. Interest rates/inflation: I’m not convinced that we are totally done with inflation, the labor market is still exceptionally strong which will continue upward pressure on wages and in turn products/services.  Rates will have to remain high even in the face of a possible moderate recession
3. What breaks? The federal reserve continues touting a soft landing, in order to accomplish this rates will need to remain higher for longer.  This drastically raises the risk of something breaking.  My first thoughts are commercial real estate and regional banks.  But I don’t think the economy will come out of the high rate environment unscathed.

How the three factors above play out could have substantial implications on real estate, for example if something in the economy breaks bad enough like commercial real estate, we could enter a recession with higher unemployment than anticipated.  My gut says that rates will stay higher for longer due to the tight labor market and increased deficit spending which ultimately will put pressure on commercial and residential real estate prices.

What are my predictions for real estate in 2024?

2024 still looks to be a transition year, but likely will not happen exactly as economists have planned.  Unfortunately, there are more negative than positive risks for real estate heading into the second half of 2024.

In the first half of the year, I do not see the bottom dropping out of prices.  There will be some softening with prices dropping in the 5-10% range, some markets will hold steady while others could still increase further. The real test comes in the second half of the year when consumers exhaust their pandemic savings and the bills come due for all the spending.  

Furthermore interest rates will remain much higher than the market is currently anticipating, which will ultimately lead to a reset in the economy.  

On the commercial side, rising real interest rates will continue to put pressure on cap rates.  Remember that the higher the cap rate the lower the value (they work in inverse to each other.  Office is going to get destroyed with values dropping around 30% overall due to lower demand, higher financing rates, and much higher cap rates.  Retail and Industrial will also come off their highs as cap rates continue to rise to keep up with the rise in treasuries.  Rents will not be able to rise fast enough to compensate for the higher cap rates.

The wild card is what happens late 2024 as higher interest rates continue to dampen demand; furthermore, the federal reserve must hold rates higher for longer which will keep rates from falling back to their lows.  Worst case scenario 10-15% price drops, likely is somewhere under 15% reset in prices.  This will not occur until mid 2024 as the consumer finally comes to terms with increased borrowing costs and slows down their spending. 

Commercial is a different ballgame as  commercial properties are at much higher risk for larger price drops.  For example, large class B office will need a huge reset in prices which could be in the 40%+ range.

Will there be a recession in 2024?

I’m going to put my odds at 75% for a recession in 2024.  As rates remain higher commercial real estate values will plunge which will lead to more bank failures and less lending.  Eventually the lack of liquidity will flow through to consumer spending leading to a slowdown.  Unfortunately, the risks of recession are mounting as there is always a lag in the economy.  Furthermore, I think the market is calling the all clear on inflation a bit too soon and will be in for a rude surprise of higher rates.

Summary:

2024 is going to be a bumpy year in real estate.  We are already seeing signs of this on the residential side with the median prices off 5% in Denver year over year and volumes down 25%. This is just the beginning of the reset in real estate.

Commercial real estate is a whole different animal with rents dropping, vacancy rising, and ultimately prices facing a huge reset especially in the office sector along with multifamily.  If rates remain higher for longer, there will be increasing stress on every commercial property type as cap rates remain elevated.

Anyone in residential or commercial real estate is going to have a tough ride as volumes will stay extremely low throughout the nation until there is a major reset in the economy that forces individuals and businesses to sell and rates to fall substantially.  Long and short 2024 looks like a tough year in real estate that will likely worsen for most compared to 2023.  Fortunately every single cycle creates new opportunities and we can always look forward to 2025

Additional Reading/Resources

• https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-02/housing-crisis-gets-worse-for-americans-on-mortgage-lock-in-effect?srnd=premium
• https://car-co.stats.showingtime.com/docs/mmi/x/Statewide?src=map
• https://www.wsj.com/business/the-rising-price-of-cardboard-a-positive-sign-for-the-economy-08908d0f

US commercial real estate prices have fallen this year for the first time in more than a decade, according to Moody’s Analytics, heightening the risk of more financial stress in the banking industry.  What property types are declining? (hint not just office properties).  What is the only property type that held in positive territory?  Is the recent drop in prices just a blip or the start of a bigger trend?  Why are prices falling now while the economy continues humming along?

What was in the most recent commercial data?

The recent CoStar report, the leading aggregator of commercial data,  showed declines in Office, retail, and apartments.  CoStar has some of the best insight into commercial property values as they also track heavily via Loopnet (largest commercial MLS)

1. THE PRIME INDUSTRIAL INDEX LED GROWTH AMONG THE FOUR MAJOR PROPERTY TYPES. The Prime U.S. Industrial Index was up 2.5% in the first quarter of 2023 and 10.8% in the 12 months ending in March 2023. The equal-weighted U.S. Industrial Index, including a broader mix of asset qualities, underperformed the Prime Index with a modest decline of 0.1% in the quarter. The Prime Industrial Index was the only Prime property type index to hold in positive territory in the first quarter. 
2. MULTIFAMILY INDEX DECLINES. The equal-weighted U.S. Multifamily Index fell by 2.4% in the first quarter of 2023 and dropped 2.2% in the 12 months ending in March 2023. The U.S. Multifamily Index showed the sharpest annual decline in values since the interest rate hiking cycle began in the first quarter of 2022. Debt for multifamily transactions was plentiful and drove investor demand in the sector. The index appreciated by 2.8% in the 12 months ending in March 2023 in Prime Multifamily markets but fell 2.8% in the quarter.
3. OFFICE PRICE DECLINES CONTINUED IN THE FIRST QUARTER. The U.S. Office Index sagged 2.4% in the first quarter of 2023, taking its cumulative decline to minus 5% during the previous three quarters. Office prices were down 1.4% in the 12 months ending in March 2023, marking the first annual decline since the second quarter of 2012. In addition, pricing growth in the Prime Office Index advanced at a negligible pace of 0.4% in the 12 months ending in March 2023 while slumping 2.8% in the quarter.
4. RETAIL PRICING FOOTED SIDEWAYS IN THE FIRST QUARTER. The U.S. Retail Index rose just 0.2% in the first quarter of 2023 and 3.3% in the 12 months ending in March 2023. The tendency of high-profile pair trends to swing the data around at the top end of retail space can lead to strong quarterly fluctuations. The U.S. Prime Retail Index dipped 2.6% in the first quarter while appreciating 12.3% over the year prior. The three-quarter trend in the Prime Retail Index saw values surge 9.9% in the third quarter of 2022 before giving back 2.8% and 2.6% in the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, respectively.

Why is multifamily declining as rents are staying high?

Below I put together a hypothetical analysis of what is occurring in the multifamily sector.  Multifamily was trading at insanely low cap rates while at the same time banking on appreciating rents.  As rents have stagnated or even declined in some markets and interest rates have basically doubled, many apartment deals no longer cash flow and are in trouble.  Furthermore, it is more than likely that a bank holds the note below and that note is now a  big problem for them.  Here is a great article in the Wall Street Journal that shows how this is playing out in real life.

Remember most commercial loans are fixed for 3-5 years and then the rate resets to the market rate (typically 10 year treasury +).  This scenario below is especially difficult:

1. LTV using new cap rate is radically different: No lender today would provide a new loan with the cash flow basically at break even due to the higher rate.
2. Cash flow underwater based on new rate: Assuming the note is current and the lender sold the note, a substantial discount would have to be given to compensate for the ultra-low rate.
3. Even if note is held and renewed a substantial loss would have to be taken by the bank for impairment

Pre Covid
Net Operating Income	$    300,000.00
Value	$ 7,500,000.00	assume a 4 cap
Debt service	$         210,000	5.25m (70% LTV at 4%)
Net Cash Flow	$      90,000.00
Today
Net Operating Income	$    300,000.00
Value	$ 5,454,545.45	assume a 5.5 cap
Debt service	$         315,000	5.25m (70% LTV at 6%)
Net Cash Flow	$    (15,000.00)

Is the recent decline in commercial property values a blip or a trend?

“Lots more price declines are coming,” Mark Zandi, Moody’s Analytics chief economist, said.

The danger is that will compound the difficulties confronting many banks at a time when they are fighting to retain deposits in the face of a steep rise in interest rates over the past year.

Excluding farms and residential properties, banks accounted for more than 60% of the $3.6 trillion in commercial real estate loans outstanding in the fourth quarter of 2022, with smaller institutions particularly exposed, according to the Federal Reserve’s semi-annual Financial Stability Report published last week.

“The magnitude of a correction in property values could be sizable and therefore could lead to credit losses” at banks, the report said.

Summary

The recent declines in commercial properties are not a blip.  They are the beginning of an upcoming cycle with huge resets in prices.  These prices will be most profound in office with big impacts also being felt in larger multifamily.

Based on the current federal reserve predictions, rates will remain elevated at least until around mid-year 2024.  This will exasperate the issue new group of office and multifamily notes come due for a reset leading to cash flow issues in many cases.

The overwhelming majority of commercial loans are held by banks so at the end of the day someone will be taking a haircut that will become self-fulfilling as lenders sit out on new deals due to their own cash flow issues caused by commercial property.  I’m already seeing the credit crunch which will get amplified over the next year with higher rates.

Fed raises rates 2200% The floor on housing prices drops

The real estate party cannot go on forever.  We are in a goldilocks scenario where prices are staying high even in the face of doubling mortgage rates.  Unfortunately, eventually the porridge cools off!    It is not possible with the steep rise in interest rates that there is not a misstep in the economy.    Will the billions in Wall Street money sitting on the sideline waiting for a reset keep housing prices high?  Why is the “floor” on real estate prices dropping?

This real estate cycle is radically different than 2008

This real estate cycle has some stark differences with 2008 and other prior cycles.  Typically the federal reserve raises rates quickly to contain runaway growth and inflation.  In this cycle, the federal reserve waited about a year too late before tapping the brakes which has allowed inflation and consumer spending to become entrenched.

Even as the federal has raised rates from .25% to 5.5% consumers keep buying cars, trips, etc…. keeping inflation well above the federal reserve target.  This strong consumer spending and high inflation changes this real estate cycle.

If we rewind to 2008 along with prior cycles, there was typically some event that led to a reset in prices.  In 2008, the raising of interest rates and large quantities of adjustable rate mortgages led to an enormous drop in real estate prices and a subsequent decline in employment.  The Federal reserve was then able to drop interest rates to help the economy recover.

In this cycle, with inflation running well above targets, dropping rates quickly is not in the cards as the goal is a “soft landing” where employment stays high and consumer spending does not pull back enormously.  Under this scenario interest rates stay much higher for considerably longer as the federal reserve will be hesitant to drop rates to early as inflation could reaccelerate.

Wall Street money puts a floor under real estate

I’ve said for a while that wall street buyers in this real estate cycle would put a “floor” under real estate prices as they deploy billions in capital.  Essentially the theory is that as real estate prices fall, big investment firms like Blackstone and countless others will “feast” on lowered real estate prices as they can buy huge quantities of single family homes for long term rentals.  As they deploy capital this will put a “floor” under real estate prices as their demand will halt too far of a drop in prices.

Federal reserve has changed where the floor is

As mentioned above, in this cycle we will not see a huge drop in interest rates quickly.  As interest rates remain high, the return on Capital that is required also remains high.  For example, if the federal funds rate stays at 5%, basically the risk free rate of investing, then investors will demand a higher rate of return for taking risks.  In this case an investor will require a higher return.  For example they would require a 6 % return or they could invest in other assets like the mortgage market with interest rates on 30 year loans north of 8% (as of this writing).

This rate of return is also known as the capitalization rate (cap rate) in commercial properties.  As wall street firms buy properties they are analyzing them based on their rate of return.

Remember the higher the cap rate the lower the price of the property is (inverse). We are seeing this play out in real life. Invitation, which owns about 83,000 houses, has been selling properties that have appreciated to the point that they are yielding less than 4% and putting the proceeds in the bank, where the cash is earning more than 5%.  (Wall Street Journal)

Prices have to fall substantially more in order to hit the floor

With rising interest rates this means cap rates have increased substantially.  As cap rates remain high the only solution to hit the rate of return is for prices to fall.  Below is an example of of how prices will for a single family home will be impacted by rising cap rates.

As you can see it will take a big price adjustment to get wall street money to move off the sidelines with interest rates remaining high.

Will prices really fall as much as the model above predicts?

I find it highly unlikely that we will see retail prices of homes fall 46% as this would put us on par with 2008 which is not in the cards at this point.  But, there will still be a drop in the 5-15% range is most probable.  At the same time large investors will focus on buying huge pools from banks, the FDIC, etc… as the financial sector hits headwinds.

Summary

Before this recession, I thought that Wall street would put a floor under prices so that they didn’t fall too far.  Unfortunately in a high rate environment this assumption has been turned on its head.  Based on interest rates staying higher for longer this means that Wall Street will not bail out the housing market until prices fall considerably (40% or so to make the returns work).  Although I don’t foresee a drop this steep, it does portend that the market will be able to fall quite a way before Wall street comes to the rescue.

Currently my base case is a 5-15% drop depending on market, price point, etc… but I don’t see a 2008 repeat in the near future.  The wild card is how high the federal reserve needs to take rates and how long they have to hold them high before something bad breaks in the economy.  So far, it looks like a moderate recession, but as with anything in economics, there are a ton of variables that could radically alter this assumption.  In the meantime, I’m confident prices will have a reset in early 2024 due to higher rates so plan accordingly.

Dreaming of homeownership? A mortgage loan can help you turn that dream into a reality. In this edition, we’re excited to explore the world of mortgage loans and how they can empower you to purchase your dream home. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Mortgage Basics:

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the different types of mortgage loans available. Research fixed-rate mortgages, where the interest rate remains constant throughout the loan term, providing stability in your monthly payments. Alternatively, explore adjustable-rate mortgages, which offer a lower initial interest rate that may adjust periodically based on market conditions. Understanding these options will help you make an informed decision when selecting a mortgage.

Building a Strong Credit Score:

A good credit score is essential when applying for a mortgage loan. Take steps to improve your credit score to access more favorable loan options. Pay your bills on time, reduce your overall debt, and keep your credit utilization ratio low. Regularly check your credit report for errors and address any discrepancies promptly. A strong credit score can lead to better interest rates and terms, potentially saving you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

Exploring First-Time Homebuyer Programs:

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, explore special programs and incentives designed to assist you in the homeownership journey. Many regions offer down payment assistance programs, reduced interest rates, or educational resources to help you navigate the process. Research what options are available in your area and determine if you qualify for any of these programs. They can significantly ease the financial burden of buying your first home.

Saving for a Down Payment:

Start saving for a down payment as early as possible. A larger down payment can result in a lower loan amount, lower monthly payments, and potentially better interest rates. Review your budget and identify areas where you can cut back to allocate more funds toward your down payment. Consider automating your savings by setting up a separate account dedicated to your homeownership goal. Additionally, explore alternative down payment options, such as government assistance programs or grants.

Getting Pre-Approved:

Before house hunting, consider getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan. This process involves submitting your financial documents to a lender who will assess your financial situation and provide an estimate of the loan amount you qualify for. Pre-approval demonstrates your seriousness as a buyer and can give you a competitive edge when making an offer on a home.

Remember, buying a home is a significant financial decision, and taking the time to educate yourself about mortgage loans is crucial. By understanding mortgage basics, building a strong credit score, exploring first-time homebuyer programs, saving for a down payment, and getting pre-approved, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your homeownership journey. Stay tuned for more insights and guidance on homeownership in our upcoming newsletters.

Wishing you success on your homeownership journey!

Spring’s Housing Market Is About To Reach a Peak With ‘Outsized Impact’ Buyers Really Need Right Now

As strange as the housing market has gotten lately, certain seasonal rhythms still prevail. And despite being somewhat dampened by stubbornly high home prices, roller-coaster mortgage rates, and an unpredictable economy, the spring homebuying season is about to reach an apex that’s well worth taking advantage of.

“We’re moving into the period of the year when the number of newly listed homes tends to peak—usually in May or June,” notes Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com®, in her weekly analysis.

Granted, this seasonal pinnacle might not seem all that noticeable, since the number of new sellers listings their homes is still lower than it was at this time last year. For the week ending May 6, 16% fewer new homeowners listed their homes for sale. Still, this annual decline has been steadily shrinking week by week.

Even though there is still a gap, it’s smaller than what was typical in most of March and April,” explains Hale.

And although new listings are down from last year, total inventory (of both new and old listings) is up 31% for the week ending May 6. In other words, there are plenty of homes for sale, although buyers might need to give stale listings a second look. This portends a potential boost to the overall housing market and offers hope to both buyers and sellers.

In short, the housing inventory is “evolving,” according to Hale. “While further moderation is needed, this is a welcome improvement that comes as new listings near their seasonal high point. Improvement now could have an outsized impact.”

We’ll break down what this all means for both homebuyers and sellers in our latest installment of “How’s the Housing Market This Week?”

The latest mortgage rates and home prices

What’s not so rosy? High mortgage rates are generally holding steady. The interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.35% in the week ending May 11, according to Freddie Mac. That’s a bit lower than last week’s 6.39%, but still high enough to make many buyers uncomfortable.

Further compounding buyers’ problems is that housing prices are still inching upward.

The national median list price came in at $430,000 in April, up from $424,000 in March. But for the week ending May 6, home prices grew at a rate of just 2.4% compared with last year. That’s its slowest growth rate since May 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was raging across the country.

While tapering home prices is a glimmer of positivity for homebuyers, it’s not enough to really temper their bottom lines quite yet.

“For potential first-time homebuyers, this means that affordability will continue to be a top concern,” explains Hale. “For potential sellers, this means equity is still relatively high.”

What the spring market’s peak means for home sellers

While sellers are understandably thrilled by higher home values, they might have to drop prices soon, since many homes have been sluggishly stuck on the market with no takers.

Home sales have slowed for the past 40 weeks, with homes spending an average of 16 days longer on the market for the week ending May 6 compared with the same week one year ago.

And home sellers might struggle as more properties hit the market in the coming weeks.

“As market competitiveness wanes, sellers may become more flexible,” says Hale. However, the “degree of slowing observed depends on your local market. For example, homes are spending a little over a week longer on the market compared to a year ago in the Midwest and Northeast, where we know housing markets have fared better as affordability keeps demand high.”

Yet in the South and West, homes spent two more weeks on the market for the week ending May 6 compared with a year ago.

The key takeaway here is that while it’s important to understand national context, what really matters are the trends in your local market,” says Hale.

Spring’s Housing Market Is About To Reach a Peak With ‘Outsized Impact’ Buyers Really Need Right Now

Real estate investing has become increasingly popular in recent years. One of the reasons for this is the ability to generate passive income. Passive income streams are a great way to create long-term wealth with minimum effort and involvement.

As someone who has invested in real estate for passive income, I can attest to the benefits of this investment strategy. I remember purchasing my first rental property and feeling both excited and nervous about the prospect of being a landlord. However, as time went on, I found that the passive income generated from my rental property allowed me to achieve financial stability and freedom. I was able to use the rental income to pay off the mortgage on the property and generate a steady stream of passive income each month. It was a great feeling to see my investment grow over time and know that I was securing my financial future.

In this article, we’ll explore how you can build passive income streams as a real estate investor.

Understanding Passive Income

Before we dive into the different ways you can generate passive income as a real estate investor, it’s important to understand what passive income is. Passive income is money that you earn without actively working for it. In other words, it’s income that you earn passively with minimal effort and involvement.

Strategies To Generate Passive Income

1. Rental Properties

Rental properties can provide a steady stream of passive income through rent payments from tenants. To generate passive income from rental properties, investors should aim to purchase properties with positive cash flow, meaning the rent income exceeds the expenses associated with the property. Additionally, investors can hire a property manager to handle day-to-day operations, freeing up their time and allowing for truly passive income.

2. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

REITs are a passive investment option that allows investors to purchase shares in a company that owns and manages a portfolio of income-producing real estate properties. The income generated from these properties is then distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends. To earn passive income through REITs, investors can purchase shares through a broker or online investment platform.

3. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms allow investors to pool their money with others to invest in real estate projects, typically with lower investment minimums than traditional real estate investments. Investors can earn passive income through crowdfunding by receiving a portion of the income generated by the property, such as rental income or profits from a property sale.

4. House Hacking

House hacking involves living in a property and renting out a portion of it to generate passive income. This strategy can be particularly effective for those looking to purchase their own home, as the rental income can offset the cost of the mortgage. To earn passive income through house hacking, investors should ensure the rental income exceeds the expenses associated with the property.

5. Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals such as Airbnb can be a lucrative way to generate passive income, particularly for those with properties in desirable locations. To earn passive income through short-term rentals, investors should ensure their rental rates are competitive, provide excellent customer service, and maintain a well-appointed and well-maintained property.

6. Flipping Houses

Flipping houses involves buying a property, fixing it up, and selling it for a profit. While flipping houses requires more work than some other strategies, it can still generate passive income if investors hire a team to handle the renovations and sale. To earn passive income through flipping houses, investors should aim to purchase properties with high potential resale value and minimize their time spent on the renovation and sale process.

7. Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate investments can provide passive income through leasing the property to tenants. To earn passive income through commercial real estate, investors should aim to purchase properties with desirable locations and solid tenant bases and hire a property management company to handle day-to-day operations.

8. Private Lending

Private lending involves lending money to other real estate investors for their projects. To earn passive income through private lending, investors should ensure the borrower has a solid track record, and the loan is secured by the property, and agree on a competitive interest rate and repayment terms.

9. Real Estate Notes

Real estate notes involve purchasing the debt on a property and earning passive income through interest payments. To earn passive income through real estate notes, investors should ensure the borrower has a solid track record, the property has a desirable location, and agree on a competitive interest rate and repayment terms.

How to Choose the Right Passive Income Stream

Now that you have an understanding of the different ways you can generate passive income as a real estate investor, it’s important to choose the right passive income stream for you. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Time Commitment

When choosing a passive income stream in real estate, it’s essential to consider the amount of time you’re willing to commit to it. Rental properties and flipping houses require a significant amount of time commitment, as they involve managing tenants, maintenance, and renovations. On the other hand, REITs and real estate notes require very little time commitment, as they involve investing in a company or debt instrument. Consider your lifestyle and how much time you have available to devote to your passive income stream.

2. Upfront Investment 

Another factor to consider when choosing a passive income stream in real estate is the upfront investment required. Rental properties and flipping houses require a significant upfront investment in the form of a down payment and renovations. On the other hand, REITs and crowdfunding require a much smaller upfront investment. Consider your financial situation and how much money you’re willing to invest upfront.

3. Risk Tolerance 

It’s important to consider your risk tolerance when choosing a passive income stream in real estate. Rental properties and flipping houses come with a higher level of risk as they are directly tied to the real estate market and require a significant amount of investment. REITs and real estate notes, on the other hand, come with a lower level of risk as they offer a more diversified portfolio. Consider your risk tolerance and willingness to take on more significant risks for potentially higher returns.

4. Personal Goals

Finally, consider your personal goals when choosing a passive income stream in real estate. Do you want to generate a lot of passive income quickly, or are you willing to take a slower approach? Do you want to be hands-on with your passive income stream, or would you prefer a more hands-off approach? Consider your goals and how your chosen passive income stream can help you achieve them. For example, if you’re looking to generate a lot of passive income (relatively) quickly, flipping houses may be a better option than REITs, which offer more stable returns over time.

Summary

Building passive income streams as a real estate investor can be a great way to create long-term wealth. Whether you choose to invest in rental properties, REITs, crowdfunding, house hacking, short-term rentals, flipping houses, commercial real estate, private lending, or real estate notes, there are many ways to generate passive income as a real estate investor. Consider your personal goals, risk tolerance, and time commitment when choosing a passive income stream, and remember to educate yourself, diversify your portfolio, build a strong team, and be patient.

As I experienced, and while risky, building up passive income streams can be exceptionally rewarding in the long run allowing you to enhance your lifestyle and provide you with financial freedom and flexibility. 

If you find yourself ready to invest in your passive income dreams, you’ll likely need some funding to turn those dreams into a reality. Well, the good news is you are already in the right place! Our team at REI News specializes in finding the most trusted and affordable lenders for real estate investors. Discover your financing optionsby speaking to us today!

A small business line of credit is one of the most common forms of financing available: a lender extends credit, and a borrower can draw as much as needed up to a designated limit. Once the lender receives repayment of the borrowed funds, it replenishes the credit line so the business owner can draw from it again. This revolving credit line thus acts much like a credit card.

Business lines of credit fall into three categories: unsecured, secured, and personal. Lenders have varying requirements for each, with the biggest differentiator being the need for collateral like real estate or equipment with secured lines of credit. Lenders also offer unsecured lines of credit that don’t require collateral. While unsecured lines of credit are easier to qualify for, they also have shorter repayment terms and typically charge higher interest rates. The best business lines of credit allow higher flexibility, offer competitive rates, and let borrowers draw money as needed.

Who a Small Business Line of Credit Is Right For

A small business line of credit is a great financing tool for businesses as it can be used for ongoing expenses. It may also be used to smooth out cash flow in slow seasons or to help expand a business.

Small business lines of credit can be used by:

• Small businesses with recurring expenses: Business owners use small business lines of credit to cover expenses like rent, utilities, and payroll. Short-term business lines of credit are a popular option.
• Companies planning for an emergency: Financial advisors recommend that business owners apply for financing before a need arises to get better rates and terms.
• Seasonal businesses: Businesses such as restaurants rely on lines of credit to cover expenses in the off-season and to buy inventory in advance of their busiest times of the year.
• Businesses seeking some type of equipment purchase: Equipment with short lifespans or items that cannot be claimed for depreciation can be purchased with business lines of credit. If you’re looking to purchase vehicles or larger capital equipment, an equipment loan with a fixed term arguably makes more sense.
• Startups and newer businesses seeking to inject capital: Startups and businesses in the early stages of development or expansion sometimes require the owners to inject some liquidity. Business owners can get low rates by using their homes as collateral for a home equity line of credit (HELOC), and startup founders can get personal lines of credit.

Types of Small Business Lines of Credit

Once a business owner identifies why they need a line of credit, they should determine what type of line to get. Unsecured lines of credit don’t require collateral but have short repayment terms and higher rates than the other options. Secured lines of credit require collateral but offer lower rates and longer repayment terms.

Unsecured Small Business Line of Credit

Unsecured small business lines of credit have short repayment terms and charge higher rates than secured options. However, this type of funding is useful in an emergency and has much lower requirements for qualification. Businesses can often apply online.

Types of unsecured lines of credit include:

• Short-term: This type of line of credit has repayment terms that last up to two years, with weekly or monthly payments. Funding amounts are $250,000 or lower and are best used by small businesses or for recurring expenses such as inventory.
• Medium-term: This is a small business line of credit that offers up to five years for repayment and funding up to $500,000. Business owners use these loans for seasonal expenses and variable-cost projects. Banks and some alternative lenders offer this type of line of credit.
• Business credit card: Credit cards are the most common form of personal and business financing. Qualification standards are often easier compared to secured lines of credit, and credit limits can be up to $100,000. Business credit cards are a good option in a small business financing toolkit. Many cards offer rewards to small business owners for spending.

Unsecured Small Business Line of Credit Requirements

Type	Minimum Credit Score	Shortest Time in Business	Minimum Annual Revenue
Short-term	550	6 months	$100,000
Medium-term	680	1 year	$100,000
Business credit cards	600	No minimum	No minimum

Short-term lines of credit have fairly relaxed requirements for financing, making them a viable option for business owners with low credit scores and cash flow issues. However, these products carry higher interest rates and lower credit limits than secured lines of credit.

Unsecured Small Business Line of Credit Rates and Fees

Type	APR Range	Origination Fee	Maintenance Fee
Short-term	15% to 80%	Up to 2%	None
Medium-term	10% to 30%	Up to 2%	None
Business credit cards	Up to 30%	None	Up to $150 per year

Business owners should note that while short-term funding carries a higher annual percentage rate (APR), the total cost of borrowing also factors in how long it takes to repay debt. A short-term draw repaid in one year at 25% APR will cost less than a medium-term draw repaid over two years with a 15% APR.

Unsecured Small Business Line of Credit Terms

Type	Maximum Credit Limit	Longest Repayment Term	Fastest Speed of Funding
Short-term	$250,000	24 months	1 day
Medium-term	$500,000	72 months	2 weeks
Business credit cards	$100,000	Indefinite	1 week

Funding speed and credit limit are two important factors to consider when choosing a lender, followed by how long you’re allowed to repay borrowed funds. When business owners encounter a funding emergency, they need funds right away and can’t risk only being approved for part of what they need. Business owners should anticipate that, in most cases, a business will qualify for less than the amount they apply for.

A great unsecured line of credit is available with MuevoLoans. Muevo Loans offers lines of credit of up to $250,000 for businesses with at least a 600 credit score. The application takes only minutes and funding can occur within a matter of 24 hours.

Visit MuevoLoans

Secured Small Business Line of Credit

A secured business line of credit is a good choice for business owners who have significant collateral to pledge and need access to larger amounts of capital. Funding is available for up to $25 million, rates are low, and repayment terms extend up to 10 years.

Secured line of credit types include:

• Bank-issued: These small business lines of credit can have credit limits as high as $5 million. Many banks will utilize the Small Business Administration (SBA) CAPLine program. Interest rates tend to fall below 10% with repayment terms of up to 10 years, making them best for larger projects and larger businesses.
• Equipment-backed: Lenders offer equipment-backed lines of credit up to $25 million. These are best used to finance the purchase of several vehicles for a fleet or to finance construction equipment to complete a project. Equipment-backed lines of credit have repayment terms up to the useful life of the equipment.
• Invoice-backed: Invoice-backed lines of credit are similar to invoice factoring. However, business owners don’t sell invoices, and the line of credit amounts can reach $10 million. There are also no repayment terms because as lenders collect invoices, they apply payments toward their line of credit balance.

Secured Small Business Line of Credit Requirements

Type	Minimum Credit Score	Shortest Time in Business	Smallest Annual Revenue
Bank-issued	680	2 years	$500,000
Equipment-backed	680	2 years	$500,000
Invoice-backed	Varies	2 years	$500,000

Secured lines of credit are more difficult to qualify for and have longer application, approval, and funding times than unsecured lines of credit. Business owners must have extensive operational history and relatively high annual revenue to qualify. For bank-issued and equipment-backed lines of credit, business owners must also have good credit. Invoice-backed lines of credit are sometimes an exception to those more stringent requirements as credit score plays a smaller role in underwriting.

Secured Small Business Line of Credit Rates and Fees

Type	APR Range	Origination Fee	Maintenance Fee
Bank-issued	8% to 25%	Up to 5%	Up to $500 per year
Equipment-backed	9% to 18%	Varies	Varies
Invoice-backed	7% to 20%	Varies	Varies

Secured business lines of credit can offer borrowers lower rates because loans require collateral, so lenders have something to take if borrowers default. This can be a major benefit to business owners seeking to borrow larger dollar amounts. Origination and maintenance fees vary across secured lines of credit based on the type of collateral and also by the lender.

Secured Small Business Line of Credit Terms

Type	Maximum Credit Limit	Longest Repayment Term	Fastest Speed of Funding
Bank-issued	$5 million	Up to 10 years	1 month
Equipment-backed	$25 million	Up to the useful life of the equipment	1 month
Invoice-backed	$10 million	Repaid through invoice collection	3 weeks

Secured lines of credit from a bank can be as large as $5 million, depending on the individual bank’s lending policy. Repayment terms can be as long as 10 years, but your line of credit will likely be reviewed annually by your lender. However, funding speeds are typically slower because of the higher business line of credit requirements and more due diligence for collateral. Secured lines of credit are ideally suited for businesses that do not need fast funding or are higher-revenue businesses in need of a larger credit limit.

Personal Line of Credit for Business

Startup small businesses that need capital often rely on personal financing from the business owners. A personal line of credit does not require any business information but will require good credit.

Consider the risk of using personal assets: Small business owners should thoughtfully review using personal financing for business and consider the risks of putting personal assets at stake.

Types of personal lines of credit include:

• Personal: Banks and online lenders offer personal unsecured lines of credit without consideration for business qualifications. These credit lines go up to $100,000 and are best used by startups and low-revenue businesses whose owners have good credit and require a quick capital injection.
• HELOC: Business owners and entrepreneurs can also access a HELOC to fund their business. It’s important to note that lenders base the size of a home equity line of credit on available home equity. A HELOC also puts the home at risk in the event of non-payment but offers much lower interest rates.

Personal Line of Credit Requirements

Type	Minimum Credit Score	Shortest Time in Business	Smallest Annual Revenue
Personal	720	N/A	N/A
HELOC	660	N/A	N/A

Personal lines of credit have high minimum credit score requirements because lenders will rely on this metric in underwriting. Startups and new business owners with good credit can take advantage of the lack of time-in-business and annual-revenue requirements.

Personal Line of Credit Rates and Fees

Type	APR Range	Origination Fee	Maintenance Fee
Personal	7% to 15%	None	None
HELOC	4% to 11%	Up to 5%	Up to $75 annually

Borrowing money with a personal line of credit or HELOC has the benefit of low fees and interest rates. Business owners can access capital and pay it back quickly to lower the cost of borrowing. However, business owners must make sure that they have the budget and cash flow to cover financing in case their business performs below expectations.

Personal Line of Credit Terms

Type	Maximum Credit Limit	Longest Repayment Term	Fastest Speed of Funding
Personal	Up to $100,000	5 years	2 weeks
HELOC	85% of equity in home	Up to 30 years	30 days

Personal line of credit limits can vary by lender and are typically no more than $100,000. However, a HELOC can be as high as available home equity, making it a great option for business owners with sufficient equity that need startup capital. HELOC repayment terms also extend up to 30 years, with up to 10 years to draw from the line and make interest repayments, plus up to 20 years for amortized repayment.

If you’re considering using a personal loan to finance your business, you may want to consider MuevoLoans. With its online marketplace, MuevoLoans allows you to compare rates and offers from various lenders to find the financing option that’s right for you.

Visit MuevoLoans

Pros & Cons of a Small Business Line of Credit

PROS	CONS
High flexibility	Potentially lower credit limits
Revolving credit	Potentially higher interest rates if line of credit is unsecured
Interest rates for secured lines of credit are very competitive	Secured lines of credit require collateral

Bottom Line

Business owners use lines of credit to finance recurring expenses. Business line of credit requirements vary based on whether the line is secured with collateral or if a personal line of credit is being used for business needs. Business owners should have a strong credit score, solid revenue, and established time in business, but there are options available for any business.