Setabay Private Hard Money Lender

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Qualifying for a Stated Income Mortgage

A stated income mortgage can be a valuable mortgage type for individuals who are self-employed or make their living on seasonal employment. Without traditional income verification a stated income mortgage does not require the same documentation of income as a traditional home loan.

When you apply for a home loan, they will look at your financial life under a microscope. You will be asked to provide bank statements, tax records, support documents like W-2s, pay stubs, employer verification, and a host of other financial and personal documents. This is done in an effort by the bank to determine the risks of default of a particular borrower. Since the bank is lending such a large sum of money in a home mortgage transaction, it takes special care to lend to qualified buyers who can repay the loan.

For most people, providing documentation of their income is as easy as sending an electronic copy of their paystub. However, there are certain situations where providing a pay stub is nearly impossible. For these borrowers, it is beneficial to apply for a stated income mortgage. In this type of loan the buyer does not have to provide documentation of his income and is taken at his word as far as how much money he makes.

One situation where a stated income mortgage is beneficial is in the case of being self-employed. A person who owns his own business might not receive the same income each month as his income is based on when business is doing well. Instead of having to provide two paystubs that give only a partial picture of his income, a stated income mortgage allow him to include his income for the year, not just a single month.

A similar situation in which a borrower would benefit from a stated income mortgage is in the case of seasonal employment. Take for example a fisherman who makes the majority of his money in the winter. If he goes to buy a home in the summer, he will not have paystubs to show his earnings. So, even if he makes over $100,000 each fishing season he could be denied a home loan. A stated income mortgage would allow him to use his entire income to qualify for a loan.  In addition to seasonal employment, there are careers with other non-standard income schedules. A Realtor would be a good example of such a career. A Realtor may make $8,000.00 in commission one month, nothing the next, $16,000.00 the third and then nothing for 3 months. Although the agent is making enough money to purchase a home, the instability of her income might disqualify her from obtaining a traditional loan. By using a stated income mortgage she could account for all of her income, even if she isn’t earning any during the current month.

Individuals who earn money from investments can also benefit from a stated income mortgage. Many investors, particularly real estate investors, have a high debt to income ratio. However, because they often own multiple properties their disposable income can be quite high. A traditional mortgage would look at the numbers and the debt ratio and not consider how much income the properties were generating. A stated income mortgage would allow the investor to qualify, even with a high amount of debt due to properties owned.

Arguments against Stated Income Mortgages


One of the main criticisms of stated income mortgages is that they are an easy target for fraud. Since income is not verified using traditional documentation, it is easy for an applicant to overstate his income. For this reason stated income mortgages have been given the rather unflattering nickname of “liar’s loans.” An investigation into stated income loans by the IRS and various lending companies showed that there has in fact been a significant amount of loans where the income claimed for the loan was higher than what was reported to the IRS. Approximately 60% of stated income loans were over-inflated.

Although it is a bit shocking that 60% of stated income mortgage applicants overstated their income, there are a variety of reasons and factors that could have influenced this. The most obvious is that the borrowers lied about their income to qualify for a higher loan amount. This would be especially problematic because it could lead to an increase in loan default and foreclosure rates. Another reason that there could be discrepancy in the two declared incomes could be that what is reported to the IRS is less than what the individual actually made. For example, many servers do not declare tips (although they should be as not doing so is illegal) so their tax income and actual take home pay may be different.


If you are in a situation where you are having difficulty qualifying for a traditional home loan because of the instability in your income source or difficulty providing proof of income, a stated income mortgage could be a good option for you. Contact a mortgage broker to learn more about all of your home loan options.

Level 4 Funding LLC
Dennis Dahlberg, Broker/RI/CEO
NMLS 1058389 AZMB 0923961
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027
623-582-4444

Friday, January 9, 2015

What is a Bad Credit and Subprime Mortgage Arizona

FICO score. Learn all the details of subprime lending to determine the right loan for your unique credit situation.

Although a subprime mortgage can be a valuable tool in helping secure a home loan, many borrowers shy away from them due to recent negative press. Specifically, in Arizona, many politicians have gone as far as to label subprime mortgages as predatory lending practices. They claim that subprime loans are designed to charge high interest rates for people who cannot afford them.  Proponents of subprime mortgage Arizona programs claim that subprime loans allow individuals access into the home marker who would otherwise be shut out due to credit history.

Is a subprime loan a predatory tool used by banks, or is it a legitimate loan program to help bad credit borrowers? In order to answer these questions it is important to examine the actual numbers and statistics related to who is applying and qualifying for subprime and other bad credit loans.

One argument made by politicians against subprime mortgage Arizona is that minority borrower will be discriminated against and only offered high interest loans. A demographic study indicates that this is untrue. By analyzing zip codes and demographics, it was concluded that subprime mortgages are not more common in zip codes with a Hispanic population concentration. 

A second claim against subprime lending is that subprime loans are unfairly given out to borrowers who are young without a substantial credit history. Subprime mortgages are not given out to mostly young borrowers. In fact, the average age of a borrower for a subprime mortgage was between 35 and 55 years of age. This indicates that subprime mortgages are not being used to penalize borrowers with insufficient credit history due to age.

 Finally, another criticism is that subprime lending unfairly discriminates against low income borrowers. This is simply not true, most subprime borrowers in Arizona are above the median income line. Most subprime mortgages tend to be second mortgages that are purchased as investment properties. Subprime borrowers also own fewer low value homes than traditional mortgage holders.

Types of SubprimeLoans and Loans for Bad Credit


Many potential homeowners with low FICO scores find themselves denied by banks when they try to qualify for a mortgage. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans have a FICO score of less than 640 which is considered to be a subprime credit score. With a subprime score it can be difficult to qualify for a traditional home loan. However, there are other options available for a subprime mortgage Arizona. Certain loan types and programs can help borrowers with low credit scores qualify for a home loan.

One loan type that is available to borrowers with bad credit is a subprime mortgage Arizona. A subprime loan refers to a loan given to a borrower that represents a greater financial risk due to his/her credit score. A subprime loan is funded by a bank but does not have to meet the same underwriting guidelines as a prime loan. Subprime loans allow access to groups that would normally not have access to the credit market like people with low FICO scores. The most popular type of subprime loan is an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. In an ARM, the initial interest rate is usually low but then adjusts after a period of time to above the prime rate. The low interest rate is usually locked in for anywhere from 2-5 years and can be as low as 2.5%. After the lock in period, the rate adjusts and can be as high as 10%. An ARM is a good option for borrowers who know they will have the credit to refinance to a traditional loan after the adjustable period or for borrowers who only intend to live in the home for a short period and sell the property before the rate adjusts.

A second type of loan available for subprime borrowers is a bad credit FHA loan. An FHA loan is backed by the Federal Housing Authority and will allow you to borrow about 96.5% of the value of the home you are purchasing. This means that you won’t have to come up with a large sum of money for a down payment. In addition, the government backing means that you will be more likely to qualify, even with less than stellar credit. This is because the government helps secure the loan for the bank in case of default. One important note is that you will pay monthly insurance on your loan. In additional to you principle and interest payments, you will also pay a PMI insurance payment. This is basically extra money you pay to help insure against default. PMI payments can range from $80 to over $200 each month, depending on the amount of the loan.

When you examine the numbers, it becomes apparent that a subprime mortgage is not used by lenders to make money from the lower class.


Rather, a subprime mortgage is a tool that can help individuals with bad credit access the home buying market. If your credit score is less than 640, don’t lose hope. Contact a mortgage broker to discuss your subprime and non-traditional loan options.

Level 4 Funding LLC
Dennis Dahlberg, Broker/RI/CEO
NMLS 1058389 AZMB 0923961
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027
623-582-4444

Thursday, January 8, 2015

How Does Trust Deed Investing Work? What are the Benefits of Investing in Deeds of Trust

In the United States, there are two types of real estate transactions, true mortgages and deeds of trust trust deed investing. This type of investing differs from a true mortgage in that there are always three parties involved, the bank or lender, the borrower and a third party who is investing his/her personal capital in the deed of trust. If you want an investment that pay for college, investing in deeds of trust can be an opportunity to earn high interest rates with low investment risk.
sale. In a true mortgage sale, there are two parties involved, the bank or lender, and the borrower. The borrower is given the deed to the property he/she is purchasing and the lender has very little security or collateral. A second form of real estate investing is called

During trust deed investing, an investor acts as a third party during a home purchase transaction. The bank loans the money, the borrower purchases the property and repays the loan, and the investor, or trustee holds the deed to the property. The trustee holds the deed as security to ensure the repayment of the debt to the lending bank and the bank pays the trustee interest for this service.
Trust deed investing boasts high rates of returns on investment and can fit almost any budget. An investor typically earns anywhere between 7% and 12% on trust deed investments. This is significantly more than any savings bonds, savings accounts, and most stock options.


Investing in trust deeds is generally considered to be a fairly safe investment strategy because the investment is backed by actual real estate collateral. An investor can literally drive by and see his/her investment. The trustee can also help insure his/her investment in trust deeds by having property appraisals and working with a licensed broker for the transaction. Another way to secure the investment is to invest only in the first position in the deed of trust. The first position ensures that this trustee will be paid first in the event of a default.

Call your broker to add trust deed investing to your child’s college fund portfolio. Start earning higher interest rates with less risk today.

Level 4 Funding LLC
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027
623-582-4444



Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Types of Bad Credit Mortgages in Arizona

There are a variety of circumstances that can lead to a low credit score. Learn how you can get a bad credit mortgage Arizona and qualify for a home loan, even if your credit is less than perfect.

If you have bad credit, you can still use a variety of programs to purchase a home. Once you have
decided to seek a home loan, there are several different programs and types of loans available to you. You will need to do your research and choose a loan based on your goals (both short term and long term), and unique credit and money situation.

One type of bad credit mortgage in Arizona that is available is a hard money loan. A hard money loan is secured through a mortgage broker but is backed by investors instead of a bank. This is especially beneficial for people looking to do a fix and flip or short term purchase. Depending on the merit of the property you are purchasing as well as potential for income, investors will often invest capital, even if your credit score is lower than what is ideal.  

Another type of loan that is available for people with bad credit is a type of FHA loan. An FHA loan is backed by the government and will allow you to borrow about 96.5% of the value of the home you are purchasing. This can be helpful to many buyers because coming up with 5 to 20 percent of the home’s value can effectively keep some buyers from being able to purchase a home. In addition, the government backing means that you will be more likely to qualify, even with less than stellar credit. One important note is that you will pay monthly insurance on your loan. In additional to you principle and interest payments, you will also pay a PMI insurance payment. This is basically extra money you pay to help insure against default. PMI payments can range from $80 to over $200 each month, depending on the amount of the loan.

A third type of home loan that may be available as a bad credit mortgage in Arizona is a subprime loan. A subprime loan refers to a loan given to a borrower that represents a greater financial risk due to his/her credit score. A subprime loan is funded by a bank but does not have to meet the same underwriting guidelines as a prime loan. Subprime loans allow access to groups that would normally not have access to the credit market like people with low FICO scores. Subprime loans often have higher interest rates than conventional loans to compensate for their higher credit risk. The most common type of subprime loan is an adjustable rate mortgage.

Why Bad Credit Loans Exist


There are a variety of factors that can lead to a lower credit score. Job loss, divorce, a sudden change in income, or even an old credit card you forgot about can cause your credit score to suffer. Recent statistics released from FICO Inc. show that 25% of the 170 million Americans with active credit accounts have a FICO score of less than 600. This is considered a low credit score and if you have a low score, you can have trouble getting credit cards, car loans, and even store credit accounts.
If you are one of the 42.5 million Americans with a low credit score, you probably assume that home ownership is beyond your reach. However, with new bad credit mortgage Arizona programs as well as federal programs, borrowers can qualify with low FICO scores.

As with any mortgage it is important to analyze the risks and benefits of a low credit mortgage. Once you have decided to stop letting your FICO score hold you back, it is important to know your options. Most likely you will not qualify for a bad credit mortgage through a bank, so it is important to find a reputable mortgage broker. A broker has more flexibility in terms of types of loans that can be offered so you are more likely to qualify via a broker than a bank.


Find mortgage broker that specializes in bad credit mortgage Arizona will ensure that you are receiving all the options to make owning a home a reality. A mortgage broker will help you understand the ins and outs of each type of loan in more depth and help you find the best loan for your financial situation. A broker will also be able to give you the most up to date information about new state and federal programs that will help put home ownership within your reach. Government programs and incentives change almost daily so make sure that you are working with a broker who knows about any and all bad credit loan opportunities. Don’t let your FICO score stand in the way of owning a home. Reach out to a licensed mortgage broker today.

Level 4 Funding LLC
Dennis Dahlberg, Broker/RI/CEO
NMLS 1058389 AZMB 0923961
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027
623-582-4444

A Stated Income Mortgage and You: How to Secure a Home Loan without Income Verification

Traditional income verification is an important step in many mortgages. However, for some stated income mortgage is a way for borrowers with non-traditional income sources to qualify for a home loan.

Traditional income verification is an important step in many mortgages. However, for some borrowers this can be an almost impossible process that can lead to qualifying for a significantly smaller home loan than they can afford, or even being denied a loan altogether. A stated income mortgage is a way for borrowers with non-traditional income sources to qualify for a home loan.

When you apply for a home loan, the bank looks into every aspect of your finances. They run your credit report, look at account statements for all assets, verify your employment, and verify your income. This involves looking at tax returns and all supporting documents for two years. You will be asked to provide you W-2s, W-9s, student loan interest sheets, receipts, and any other documents that verify your income. You will also have to provide your most recent two pay stubs. The bank then puts this information together to get a complete picture of your finances which it uses to make a determination about the amount of mortgage credit you will be allowed to borrow.

For most borrowers, the income verification process is a pain, but doable. They can provide all the information the bank needs and qualify for a mortgage. However, for some borrowers, income verification can be almost impossible. In these cases, a stated income mortgage can be a useful tool in qualifying for a home loan. A stated income mortgage is a specific type of mortgage originally designed for individuals who are self-employed or make their income seasonally. In order to qualify for a loan, the borrower states his income to the bank and is taken at his word. The bank does not require income verification, W-2s, or paystubs.

Stated income mortgages have inherited a bit of bad reputation, earning the nick name “liar’s loans.” Opponents point out how easy it is to commit fraud by overstating income. There are numbers to suggest that about 60% of people who received a stated income mortgage made less money than was stated. This was proven using tax returns. However, there are a number of reasons that a borrower’s taxable income was less than he declared for a mortgage. He may have had a slow year, or may have made money under the table like in the case of a side job or server.

When is a Stated Income Mortgage a Good Option?


Despite their less than flattering nickname, stated income mortgages can be useful certain borrowers to qualify for home loans. Specifically, individuals who are self-employed, independent contractors, freelancers, new to a job or career field, or have a side job or business can benefit from a stated income mortgage.

One case in which a stated income mortgage is a smart choice is self-employment. This is actually the income situation that the mortgage type was designed for. For many small business owners, independent contractors, consultants, and other self-employed business people, it can be difficult to furnish proof of income to the bank’s satisfaction. Income sources may be considered unstable or there may simply not be a traditional W-2 or pay stub that can be provided. A stated income mortgage allows the business owner to state his/her income and qualify for a mortgage based on that statement.

Another situation that can benefit from a stated income mortgage is a career that does not have consistent income schedule. A Realtor would be a good example of such a career. A Realtor may make $8,000.00 in commission one month, nothing the next, $16,000.00 the third and then nothing for 3 months. Although the agent is making enough money to purchase a home, the instability of her income might disqualify her from obtaining a traditional loan. By using a stated income mortgage she could account for all of her income, even if she isn't earning any during the current month.

A third situation that would benefit from a stated income mortgage would be in the case of a freelancer or consultant. People who are employed in these fields generally tend to work for more than one company. Their work is also often seasonal or may vary from month to month. During the mortgage qualification process, banks look at 2 months of pay stubs. If it is a slow month, the amount of pay may not reflect the actual amount that borrower earned and therefore he/she may not qualify for a high enough amount, if at all. In addition, banks require that a borrower works for a company for a year or more before that income source is considered valid. A freelancer or consultant often works for many different companies but only one or two on a permanent basis. Therefore the actual income of the borrower could be $200,000 but only $50,000 is counted as income by the bank. A stated income mortgage allows the borrower to use their actual income amount to qualify for a mortgage.

A final case in which a stated income mortgage is a good option (although this is certainly not an extensive list), is for someone who makes his or her living from investments. Take a real estate investor who owns multiple properties all with loans. Even if this investor makes $100,000 a year in disposable income and has the mortgage on each property covered by rent, his/her debt to income ratio might be too high on paper to be given an additional home loan. A stated income mortgage accounts for the actual disposable income this individual has to spend each month, rather than just what the financial situation looks like on paper.

If you are in an employment situation where a 
stated income mortgage makes sense, find a broker to get started.

Most traditional banks do not offer stated income mortgages as they are considered higher risk loans. Brokerage firms and smaller banks often have programs that will work with borrowers who need a stated income mortgage.

Level 4 Funding LLC
Dennis Dahlberg, Broker/RI/CEO
NMLS 1058389 AZMB 0923961
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027
623-582-4444

Friday, January 2, 2015

Subprime Mortgage Arizona: History and Legislation Effecting the Home Mortgage Market

Subprimelending has been the target of many law makers who believe that it represents a predatory lending practice and is unfairly biased against minorities. Knowing the facts about subprime mortgages can help consumers make an informed choice when shopping for home loans.

A subprime mortgage (also referred to as near-prime, non-prime, and a second chance loan) refers to the practice of lending money to borrowers with a low FICO score. Typically a subprime borrower has a credit score less than 640, butthis has varied throughout history.

The most common type of subprime lending is an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. An adjustable rate mortgage initially offers a very low interest rate, usually below the prime rate offered by a traditional loan. For an informed investor who intends to fix and flip or only own a home for a short period of time, an adjustable rate mortgage can be a great investment tool. However, an ARM is somewhat misleading to uninformed borrowers as it initially charges a lower interest rate. After the ARM period the rate adjusts to a significantly higher rate and higher monthly payment. These types of mortgages were given out frequently by banks to un-creditworthy buyers in 2005 and 2006. Once the loan reset to the higher interest rate, many borrowers were unable to afford their new monthly payments and defaulted on their home loans. ARM were largely responsible for the increase of subprime mortgage foreclosure increases in the mid-2000s.

Another type of subprime mortgage is a hard money loan. A hard money loan is secured through a mortgage broker but is backed by investors instead of a bank. Depending on the merit of the property you are purchasing as well as potential for income, investors will often invest capital, even if your credit score is lower than what is ideal. However, most hard money loans are short term loans and not designed for the purchase of a home that you will own for more than a few months.

Since the recession and housing market crash and subsequent foreclosure boom between 2007 and 2009, subprime mortgage Arizona has become the target of concerned law makers and citizens. Many legislators view subprime lending as predatory lending practice that unfairly penalizes minorities and the poor. They equate subprime mortgage Arizona lending practices with title loans and payday loans. While it is true that subprime loans generally tend to have higher interest rates, they are the same type of loans of opportunity that payday and title loans are. When used responsibly, subprime loans can be a valuable tool for buyers with bad credit scores.

Subprime Lending: Myths and Facts


The first claim by politicians looking to discredit subprime lending in Arizona is that it would unfairly discriminate against low income borrowers. This claim is categorically false. In fact, most subprime borrowers in Arizona are above the median income line. Most subprime mortgages tend to be second mortgages that are purchased as investment properties. Subprime borrowers also tend to own fewer low value homes than traditional mortgage holders.

 Another criticism is that subprime loans are unfairly given out to borrowers who are young without a substantial credit history. Subprime mortgages are not given out to mostly young borrowers. In fact, the average age of a borrower for a subprime mortgage was between 35 and 55 years of age. This indicates that subprime mortgages are not being used to penalize borrowers with insufficient credit history due to age.

A second claim against subprime mortgage Arizona is that minority borrower will be discriminated against and only offered high interest loans. A demographic study indicates that this is untrue. By analyzing zip codes and demographics, it was concluded that subprime mortgages are not more common in zip codes with a Hispanic population concentration.


In fact, subprime lending can help allow access into the mortgage credit market for borrowers that would otherwise not qualify for a home loan. If you find yourself struggling to qualify for a mortgage, research your options with subprime mortgage Arizona. Find a broker that can guide you through the process of qualifying to purchase your first home.


Level 4 Funding LLC
Dennis Dahlberg, Broker/RI/CEO
NMLS 1058389 AZMB 0923961
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027
623-582-4444

Subprime Mortgage Arizona: Home Loans Available to Borrowers with Bad Credit

A subprime mortgage,Arizona is one type of home loan that is available to Arizona borrowers with a low FICO score. Learn all the details of subprime lending to determine the right loan for your unique credit situation.

Many potential homeowners with low FICO scores find themselves denied by banks when they try to qualify for a mortgage. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans have a FICO score of less than 640 which is considered to be a subprime credit score. With a subprime score it can be difficult to qualify for a traditional home loan. However, there are other options available for a subprime mortgage Arizona. Certain loan types and programs can help borrowers with low credit scores qualify for a home loan.
One loan type that is available for subprime borrowers is a bad credit FHA loan. An FHA loan is backed by the Federal Housing Authority and will allow you to borrow about 96.5% of the value of the home you are purchasing. This means that you won’t have to come up with a large sum of money for a down payment. In addition, the government backing means that you will be more likely to qualify, even with less than stellar credit. This is because the government helps secure the loan for the bank in case of default. One important note is that you will pay monthly insurance on your loan. In additional to you principle and interest payments, you will also pay a PMI insurance payment. This is basically extra money you pay to help insure against default. PMI payments can range from $80 to over $200 each month, depending on the amount of the loan.

A second type of loan available to borrower with bad credit is a subprime mortgage Arizona. A subprime loan refers to a loan given to a borrower that represents a greater financial risk due to his/her credit score. A subprime loan is funded by a bank but does not have to meet the same underwriting guidelines as a prime loan. Subprime loans allow access to groups that would normally not have access to the credit market like people with low FICO scores. The most popular type of subprime loan is an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. In an ARM, the initial interest rate is usually low but then adjusts after a period of time to above the prime rate. The low interest rate is usually locked in for anywhere from 2-5 years and can be as low as 2.5%. After the lock in period, the rate adjusts and can be as high as 10%. An ARM is a good option for borrowers who know they will have the credit to refinance to a traditional loan after the adjustable period or for borrowers who only intend to live in the home for a short period and sell the property before the rate adjusts.

Bad Press and Subprime Mortgages


Although a subprime mortgage can be a valuable tool in helping secure a home loan, many borrowers shy away from them due to recent negative press. Specifically, in Arizona, many politicians have gone as far as to label subprime mortgages as predatory lending practices. They claim that subprime loans are designed to charge high interest rates for people who cannot afford them.  Proponents of subprime mortgage Arizona programs claim that subprime loans allow individuals access into the home marker who would otherwise be shut out due to credit history.


One argument made by politicians looking to discredit subprime lending in Arizona is that it unfairly discriminates against low income borrowers. This is simply not true, most subprime borrowers in Arizona are above the median income line. Most subprime mortgages tend to be second mortgages that are purchased as investment properties. Subprime borrowers also own fewer low value homes than traditional mortgage holders.

A second claim against subprime mortgage Arizona is that minority borrower will be discriminated against and only offered high interest loans. A demographic study indicates that this is untrue. By analyzing zip codes and demographics, it was concluded that subprime mortgages are not more common in zip codes with a Hispanic population concentration.

Finally, another criticism is that subprime loans are unfairly given out to borrowers who are young without a substantial credit history. Subprime mortgages are not given out to mostly young borrowers. In fact, the average age of a borrower for a subprime mortgage was between 35 and 55 years of age. This indicates that subprime mortgages are not being used to penalize borrowers with insufficient credit history due to age.

When you examine the numbers, it becomes apparent that a subprime mortgage is not used by lenders to make money from the lower class.


Rather, a subprime mortgage is a tool that can help individuals with bad credit access the home buying market. If your credit score is less than 640, don’t lose hope. Contact a mortgage broker to discuss your subprime and non-traditional loan options.

Level 4 Funding LLC
Dennis Dahlberg, Broker/RI/CEO
NMLS 1058389 AZMB 0923961
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027
623-582-4444