Investor Knowledge Base

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Clear, practical answers about our asset-based financing programs, borrower qualifications, application requirements, and closing timelines.

1. What is a private money loan?▼

A private money loan is non-bank, asset-based financing provided by private capital sources rather than conventional government-sponsored mortgage lenders. Financing is underwritten primarily based on the investment property's value, cash flow, and transaction feasibility rather than extensive personal-income tax documentation.

2. What is a hard money loan?▼

Hard money is a specialized form of short-term private financing secured directly by real property ('hard assets'). It is typically used for time-sensitive acquisitions, fix & flip renovations, or bridge scenarios where conventional lenders cannot move fast enough or cannot finance distressed properties.

3. Does Quick Real Estate Funding finance primary residences?▼

No. Quick Real Estate Funding finances eligible business-purpose real estate investment transactions only. We do not provide consumer mortgages for owner-occupied primary residences.

4. What states does QREF not serve?▼

States QREF Does Not Fund In: AK, CA, NV, AZ, ID, ND, SD, MN, VT, OR. QREF provides investment property financing across all other approved jurisdictions. Program availability and specific terms vary by state. Contact our team to confirm program eligibility in your property's market.

5. What credit score do I need?▼

We generally prefer an initial credit score of 680 or higher for optimal terms. However, because our programs are asset-based, borrowers with scores below 680 are evaluated manually on a case-by-case basis depending on equity, property cash flow, and experience. No automatic credit inquiries are performed through our initial quote form.

6. Can first-time investors qualify?▼

Yes! First-time real estate investors and developers can qualify for financing with Quick Real Estate Funding, including Fix & Flip, DSCR Rental, and Ground-Up Construction loans. Prior investment or construction experience is not always required. We welcome new investors and developers with viable projects, adequate financial reserves, strong collateral, and a clear investment or exit strategy. All financing is subject to program eligibility and underwriting approval.

7. Must I have an LLC?▼

Yes, eligible business-purpose loans generally require an approved business entity (LLC, Corporation, or LP) prior to closing. If you do not currently have an LLC formed, you can still apply and establish one before closing; our team can guide you on requirements.

8. Do I need tax returns or pay stubs?▼

No. For eligible programs such as DSCR rental loans and asset-based bridge or flip loans, personal tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs are not required. Qualification focuses on property cash flow, purchase price, renovation budget, and collateral value rather than personal-income documentation.

9. How quickly can a loan close?▼

Closing timelines depend on program and transaction completeness. Qualified bridge and fix & flip loans can close in as fast as approximately 10 business days. Residential DSCR rental loans typically target 2–3 weeks, and commercial multifamily transactions generally close in 3–4 weeks.

10. What is the maximum amount QREF will finance on a Fix & Flip?▼

On eligible Fix & Flip loans, QREF can finance up to 85% of the purchase price and up to 100% of approved rehabilitation costs, subject to a maximum cap of 75% of After-Repair Value (ARV) and underwriting approval. These are program guidelines, not guaranteed amounts.

11. What is after-repair value (ARV)?▼

After-Repair Value (ARV) is the projected fair market value of the property once the proposed renovation and improvements are fully completed, based on comparable market sales and an independent appraisal.

12. What is a DSCR loan?▼

A Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan is a long-term rental property loan where qualification is determined by comparing the property's gross rental cash flow against its required principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA debt service, without requiring personal employment verification.

13. How is DSCR calculated?▼

DSCR = Gross Monthly Rental Income divided by Monthly PITIA (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, and HOA dues). A ratio of 1.0 means rental income exactly equals debt service; 1.10+ is our typical qualifying benchmark, meaning income exceeds debt by 10% or more.

14. Can I refinance an investment property to obtain cash?▼

Yes. Cash-out refinancing is available on eligible stabilized rental properties and multifamily investments. Proceeds can be used for business purposes such as acquiring additional properties, funding renovations, or working capital.

15. Can QREF refinance a commercial mortgage with an approaching balloon payment?▼

Yes. We frequently structure bridge loans or long-term DSCR/commercial loans to pay off maturing balloon mortgages before maturity or default deadlines.

16. What types of multifamily properties qualify?▼

Multifamily investment properties beginning at 5 units qualify under our commercial programs, with larger portfolios and properties subject to program guidelines. Mixed-use properties with residential and retail components also qualify.

17. Does QREF finance construction projects?▼

Yes. We provide Ground-Up Construction loans for residential investment properties, townhouses, and qualifying developments, covering land acquisition and staged construction draw disbursements.

18. Does QREF provide interest-only loans?▼

Yes. Interest-only payment options are available on qualifying short-term Fix & Flip, Bridge, and Construction loan programs to minimize monthly holding costs during construction or repositioning.

19. What documents will I need?▼

Standard initial documentation includes the purchase contract (if applicable), property address and photos, scope of work/budget (for rehab/construction), rent roll and leases (for rentals/multifamily), borrower entity documents, and proof of funds for closing costs and reserves.

20. How do I request a preliminary loan quote?▼

Complete our secure online Pre-Approval form at /hard-money-pre-approval/ or call our team at (203) 642-3244. We will review your scenario and provide indicative loan terms.

21. How do I request a pre-approval or proof-of-funds letter?▼

You can request a property-specific pre-approval letter or financing capacity review directly in Step 6 of our Pre-Approval form. All letters require review and explicit authorization by an authorized QREF representative before issuance.

22. Does submitting the online form affect my credit score?▼

No! Requesting a Free Loan Quote with Quick Real Estate Funding does not require a credit inquiry, so your credit score will not be affected. If you request a Pre-Approval Letter, we will need your authorization to conduct a soft tri-merge credit inquiry to review your credit information from all three major credit bureaus. A soft inquiry does not affect your credit score.

23. How do I contact a lending specialist?▼

You can reach us by phone at (203) 642-3244, by email at info@quickrealestatefunding.com, or by submitting an inquiry through our Contact page or Pre-Approval form.

24. Are rates and loan terms guaranteed?▼

No. All rates, terms, leverage percentages, and closing timelines are subject to underwriting review, appraisal, clear title, property cash flow, and market conditions. Indicative quotes do not constitute a commitment to lend.

25. Does QREF work with Realtors and other real estate professionals?▼

Yes. We regularly work with Realtors, mortgage brokers, wholesalers, and real estate professionals nationwide to structure financing for their investor clients.

Have a Specific Scenario to Discuss?

Our investment financing specialists review deals daily. Tell us about your property and we'll discuss applicable guidelines.