Broker hard money financing gives fast, flexible real estate funding with clear terms and quick approvals. Ideal for fix-and-flip and rental deals.

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Broker Hard Money: Quick Funds for Real Estate Tips

Broker Hard Money: Quick, Fast Funding Tips for Real Estate, Projects & Profit Gains

**Last updated:** April 15, 2024

 

Many rental property investors are surprised to learn that the vast majority of [DSCR lenders](https://www.offermarket.us/blog/best-dscr-lenders) require the borrowing entity to be an LLC or Corporation because DSCR loans are business purpose loans. Since LLCs are the most commonly used entity to own real estate, nearly all DSCR loans are given to LLCs. It is very uncommon for DSCR lenders to allow title to be held in personal name and it is easy to transfer title from your personal name to an LLC in order to obtain a DSCR loan for your rental property.

 

*Don't have an LLC?* *Have an LLC but aren't sure which documents you need for a DSCR loan?* This article will be your guide.

 

### **Why an LLC Is Required for DSCR Loans**

DSCR loans are business-purpose loans, which means the borrower must be a business entity — usually an LLC or Corporation. OfferMarket and most other DSCR lenders do not issue these loans to individuals in their personal names.

Using an LLC offers legal and tax benefits, including asset protection and clearer separation of personal vs. investment finances. However, it’s important to understand that while the LLC is the borrowing entity, the loan is typically backed by a personal guarantee from at least one individual — usually the majority owner (51%+).

 

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## Required Documents for DSCR Loan Using an LLC

**For the LLC:**

- Articles of Organization/Incorporation 
- Operating Agreement (signed by all members) 
- Certificate of Good Standing (if LLC \> 1 year old) 
- IRS EIN Letter or W-9 
- Foreign Entity Registration (if property is in a different state)

**For Each Guarantor:**

- Credit Report (soft tri-merge) 
- Background Report 
- Track Record (summary of past deals, if applicable) 
- Government-issued ID 
- 2 most recent personal bank statements (liquidity verification)

**For the Property:**

- Purchase Contract (if buying) 
- Appraisal Report 
- Lease Agreement (if rented) 
- Property Insurance 
- Title Docs, HOA Info (if applicable)

 

## Articles of Organization

 

Articles of Organization is a legal document that is filed with the appropriate state authority (usually Secretary of State) to formally establish a limited liability company (LLC). The Articles of Organization essentially serve as the LLC's "birth certificate" and provide essential information about the business. The specific name and requirements for filing Articles of Organization can vary by state, as LLC formation is governed by state law in the United States.

 

**Information typically included in the Articles of Organization:**

 

1. **Name of the LLC:** The legal name of the LLC, which must comply with the naming rules of the state. The state will make sure that name is available and you will need to choose exactly how you want the "LLC" component of the name to be formatted -- 'LLC', ", LLC', 'L.L.C.', ', L.L.C.', 'Limited Liability Company'.
2. **Principal Place of Business:** The physical address where the LLC conducts its primary business operations.
3. **Registered Agent:** The name and address of a registered agent, who is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC. This person or entity must have a physical address within the state of formation. The registered agent is most commonly a member of the LLC, a lawyer, or a professional registered agent service.
4. **Purpose of the LLC:** A general statement about the purpose of the LLC. In many cases, this is a broad statement indicating that the LLC is organized for any lawful business purpose.
5. **Duration of the LLC:** Some states require specifying whether the LLC is formed for a specific duration or whether it is perpetual.
6. **Management Structure:** Some states may require disclosure of whether the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed.
7. **Organizer Information:** The name and address of the person or entity responsible for filing the Articles of Organization. This is often an individual associated with the LLC or a professional filing service.

 
Once the Articles of Organization are prepared and submitted to the state, and the required filing fee is paid, the state reviews the document. If everything is in order and complies with state regulations, the state issues a Certificate of Organization or a similar document, officially recognizing the LLC's existence. It typically takes less than 30 minutes to register your LLC online directly with the state (not through a business registration service), and less than 2 weeks to receive your Articles of Organization. While processing speed depends on state and registration volume, it is most common to receive your Articles of Organization in 1-5 business days.
 

It's important for business owners to understand and adhere to their state's specific requirements for filing Articles of Organization, as the process can vary. Additionally, some states may refer to this document by different names, such as a **Certificate of Formation** or a **Certificate of Organization**.

 

DSCR lenders do not require LLC "seasoning". In other words, you do not need to have an LLC that was already registered in order to [apply for your DSCR loan](https://www.offermarket.us/loans?ref=blog-dscr-loan-for-llc) and begin processing. You can simultaneously apply for a DSCR loan and register your LLC. We call this a "To Be Formed LLC" or "To Be Formed Entity".

 

## Operating Agreement

 

An operating agreement is a legal document that details the internal structure, management, and operation of your LLC. While an operating agreement is not required by law, it is required by DSCR lenders. An operating agreement it is certainly a best practice for all businesses as it establishes a strong foundation and expectations concerning the business' purpose and how it will be managed.

 

Components typically addressed in an operating agreement include:

 

1. **Organization and Structure:** Describes how the LLC is organized, its name, location, and the duration of its existence.
2. **Members' Rights and Responsibilities:** Outlines the rights, responsibilities, and voting powers of the LLC members (owners).
3. **Management Structure:** Defines how the LLC will be managed, specifying whether it will be member-managed (members make decisions) or manager-managed (appointed managers make decisions).
4. **Distribution of Profits and Losses:** Specifies how profits and losses will be allocated among the members.
5. **Transfer of Membership Interest:** Outlines the process and conditions for transferring ownership interests in the LLC.
6. **Dissolution:** Describes the procedures for dissolving the LLC and distributing its assets if the need arises.
7. **Dispute Resolution:** Addresses how disputes among members will be resolved.
8. **Meetings and Voting:** Details the frequency and procedures for meetings, as well as the voting requirements for decision-making.

 

Having a thoughtfully drafted operating agreement is crucial for the smooth functioning of an LLC and can help prevent conflicts by providing a clear framework for decision-making and dispute resolution. It is often created at the time of the LLC's formation, and all members typically sign it.

 

Common issues we see when processing [DSCR loans](https://www.offermarket.us/dscr-loan) for LLCs:

 

- **One or more missing signatures** -- make sure all members of the LLC sign and date the operating agreement.
- **Missing membership percentage** -- make sure the agreement includes a table that shows how much ownership each member has in the LLC.

 

## Sample Operating Agreement for Rental Property

 

To streamline your borrowing experience, if you do not have an operating agreement, we are happy to provide you with our template which is specifically drafted for LLCs whose purpose is to own and manage rental properties:

 

- [TEMPLATE - Single Member LLC Operating Agreement](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lhBk_EvwFBVQrV9xNhEelgKrfEETk4UlpAWh_N8m1es/edit?usp=sharing)
- [TEMPLATE - Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oAd52NWg6BfEMZ-FmHrThckyuwDAYi61/edit?usp=sharing&rtpof=true&sd=true)

 

## Certificate of Good Standing

 

A Certificate of Good Standing, also known by various names such as a Certificate of Existence, Certificate of Status, Certificate of Fact, or Certificate of Compliance, is an official document issued by a state government or relevant authority. This certificate confirms that a business entity, such as a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC), is in compliance with the statutory requirements and is authorized to do business in that state.

 

If your LLC is older than 1 year, your DSCR lender will need a Certificate of Good Standing, or COGS for short which is used to confirm the following:

 

1. **Active and in Good Standing:** The certificate typically verifies that the business is active and in good standing with the state. "Good standing" means that the business has met its ongoing filing requirements, such as submitting annual reports and paying required fees.
2. **Legal Existence:** It confirms the legal existence of the business entity. This is important for entities operating in multiple states or seeking to engage in certain transactions that require proof of good standing.
3. **Compliance with State Requirements:** The certificate indicates that the business has complied with all state regulations, including filing annual reports, paying taxes, and maintaining a registered agent.
4. **Authorization to Conduct Business:** For businesses that operate in multiple states, a Certificate of Good Standing may be required to demonstrate that the entity is authorized to conduct business in a particular state.
5. **No Pending Dissolution:** It confirms that there are no pending dissolution proceedings or any other issues that would jeopardize the entity's ability to continue its operations.

 

If your LLC will own rental properties in another state, the state in which the [rental property](https://www.offermarket.us/blog/how-to-sell-a-rental-property-with-tenants) is located may require a Certificate of Good Standing in order to register a your LLC in that state as a "Foreign Entity".

 

Many states allow you to obtain your Certificate of Good Standing by filling out a simple online form on the state's website. In order to receive the Certificate of Good Standing, you need to make sure your LLC has filed its annual report. The Certificate of Good Standing is typically received same day for a small fee ranging from $5 to $40 depending on the state.

 

## Foreign Entity Registration

 

If your LLC is registered in a state that is different from the state where the rental property is located, you will need to obtain a Foreign Entity Registration. This is a simply an official document that acknowledges that you have notified the state in which the rental property is located that your out-of-state ("foreign") LLC will be doing business in their state.

 

### **How DSCR Loans Are Qualified**

DSCR loans are qualified based on the rental income of the property — not your personal income.

- You will not be asked for W-2s, tax returns, or personal income documentation. 
- The key metric is the DSCR ratio: 
 **DSCR \= Monthly Rent / Monthly PITIA** (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, HOA)

As long as the property meets the lender’s DSCR minimum (usually 1.0–1.25), the loan can be approved regardless of your personal DTI.

 

## IRS EIN Letter

 

The IRS EIN Letter is an official document from the IRS that confirms the Employer Identification Number assigned to your LLC. If you do not have an IRS EIN assigned to your LLC, you can [register directly on the IRS website](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online).

 

## IRS Form W-9 

 

If you have an IRS EIN but you have misplaced the EIN Letter, you can simply fill out [IRS Form W-9](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf) and provide it to your lender. The Form W-9 is a request for taxpayer identification number and certification that the information is accurate.

 

The IRS EIN Letter or W-9 needs to be on file with your lender so that your Form 1098 annual mortgage statement can be provided to you and filed with the IRS. When you have a DSCR loan, the servicer assigned to your loan will provide you with Form 1098 generally in January or February. This form indicates how much you have paid in interest in the preceding year and you or your accountant will use it when filing taxes as mortgage interest is tax deductible.

 

## Multi-Member LLC

 

If you have multiple members (owners) in your LLC, it is important to understand how each member's credit score will affect your terms and ability to meet DSCR loan guidelines. OfferMarket's [DSCR loan program](https://www.offermarket.us/blog/how-does-a-dscr-loan-work) requires 51% of the membership interest in the LLC to serve as personal guarantor. So, if your LLC has two members, each with 50% ownership, each member will need to be a guarantor. When there are more than one guarantors, the credit score of the guarantor with the lowest credit score will be used to confirm terms. This can negatively impact the max LTV and highlights the importance of structuring your LLC membership and ownership so that 51%+ ownership is associated with high credit score members.

 

Even though DSCR loans focus on the property's income, the personal credit score of the guarantor is critical:


- Minimum credit score is typically **660** (OfferMarket); 680–700+ is preferred for best terms.
- The guarantor with the **lowest credit score** drives the pricing and LTV if multiple guarantors are required.
- Higher credit scores qualify for better rates and higher LTVs (up to 80% for purchase, 75% for cash-out).
- Credit issues like recent bankruptcies, late payments, or public records may trigger higher reserve requirements or disqualification.
Do DSCR Loans Require a Personal Guarantee?
Yes. Even though the LLC is the borrower, a DSCR loan almost always requires a personal guarantor. This individual assumes financial responsibility if the LLC defaults.


For multi-member LLCs, OfferMarket requires that a member (or group of members) who collectively own 51% or more of the LLC provide a personal guarantee.
The guarantor’s credit score, background, and liquidity will affect your loan’s rate, max LTV, and reserve requirements.


Tip: If one member has a significantly lower credit score, structuring ownership to give 51% control to a stronger borrower may improve your loan terms.



## **DSCR Loan Quote**

 

![DSCR loan quote](https://cms.offermarket.us/uploads/DSCR_loan_quote_c3ae268aed.jpg)

 

Our mission is to help you build wealth through real estate. Let's grow and optimize your rental property portfolio!

 

 Get your instant [DSCR loan quote](https://www.offermarket.us/loans?ref=content) today!
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DSCR loans LLC is the standard entity. This guide helps you navigate the process and underwriting for your LLC borrowing entity application.

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DSCR Loans for LLCs: Why Personal Names Aren't Allowed

DSCR Loan for LLC

There are a few ways to sell your house fast for a good price. Before we go into them, we should clarify that it's not about selling your house fast for the highest price, it's about selling your house fast for the highest *net proceeds*.

 

## Selling fast: understanding what takes up time in the real estate transaction

 

1. Pre-listing repairs. *Solution:* [sell AS-IS](https://www.offermarket.us/guides/selling-a-house-as-is) and list fast
2. Asking for too much. *Solution:* be honest with yourself, what is the condition of the property and what are the [comps](https://www.offermarket.us/real-estate-glossary/comps)? Set an attractive asking price.
3. Unqualified buyers. *Solution:* verify [proof of funds](https://www.offermarket.us/real-estate-glossary/proof-of-funds)

Here's how to your house fast for a good price (optimal net proceeds). There's more to learn at OffeMarket. 

How can I sell my house fast for a good price?

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How Can I Sell My House Fast? - OfferMarket FAQs

Grow your real estate investing business with the most competitive DSCR loan product. OfferMarket provides DSCR rental loans, bridge loans, hard money, fix and flip, slow flip, and ground up construction loans.

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Private Lending

How Is Home Value Determined?

What can decrease my home’s value?

Tips For Avoiding a Low-Value Home

How To Increase Your Home Value

by Daniela Gonzalez

 

<img load="lazy" src="https://porch.com/advice/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/iStock-1038186890.jpg" alt="Three miniature, toy suburban homes on top of a stacks of quarter coins">

Property value has many moving parts, especially for something that itself doesn’t, well, move. The factors involved in determining property and home value are sliding scales of perception, priority, and personality. What is important to some may be a deterrent to others, so coming to a consensus on the value of a property has numerous considerations.

 

## How Is Home Value Determined?

 

<img load="lazy" src="https://porch.com/advice/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/lesia-gant-olFlnjzapjk-unsplash.jpg" alt="Arial view of a suburban neighborhood">

 

#### Size

 

This one is pretty straightforward – larger homes are more expensive because building bigger homes is more expensive. Depending on where you live, there is a varying cost per square foot to build a home (this has huge variations across the country based on many factors like availability of building material, contractors, remoteness, terrain, etc.). 

 

#### Age

 

The age of your home can contribute both positively and negatively to your home value. We tend to place a high value on historical or character homes – classic homes from the early 1900s that have been well maintained and upgraded. Conversely, homes from the mid-1900s forward that have not been updated are not seen as having high value. If your house would not fall into the historical or character home category, [renovations and updating](https://www.reverealtors.com/blog/detail/1540/1/High-Value_Renovation_Projects_for_Your_Home) are necessary to maintain home value.

 

#### Location

 

Some location elements are primarily about personal priorities—some people prefer being closer to amenities, downtown cores, schools, nightlife, wilderness, hiking and biking areas, etc. 

 

Other locational elements are less subjective. For example, we can confidently say that most of us would prefer not to live next to a dump or landfill—or a meat processing facility, power generation plant, or fire station. A property nearby could have a beautiful home and exterior landscaping, but we would likely still value it less than the same home in a more picturesque location.

 


#### Features

 

The features of your home and property contribute hugely to its market value. What the term ‘features’ encompasses is vast and also highly personal. Here are some features that contribute to the value of your home and property:

 

- [Home gym](https://porch.com/advice/set-ideal-home-gym-hassle-free-daily-fitness) (including flooring, mirrors, etc.)
- Home theatre room
- Feature fireplace
- Indoor or outdoor water features
- Oversize windows
- Smart home features
- Finished/heated garage

 

#### Safety

 

Neighborhood safety is a significant factor in the value of your property. Not only is it undesirable to consider living in an area with a higher crime rate, but it will likely cost a potential buyer more in the long run too. Home insurance companies factor in the crime rate in your area and the likelihood that you’ll make a claim due to a burglary or property damage and will give you a higher rate if you live in a high crime area.

 


#### Neighborhood

 

You know the ones, the good neighborhoods where everyone wants to live. It might not be because the houses are beautiful and gigantic; maybe it just has a good vibe or many great locally-owned restaurants. Whatever the reason, some neighborhoods are more desirable than others, and just having your home located there can positively impact your property value. 

 

#### Tree Value

 

[Tree value](https://porch.com/advice/much-trees-really-worth) can reference both the trees on your property specifically, as well as the trees on your street in general. Having old and well-cared for trees provides a beautiful natural element to your property that people are drawn to, enough so that it has a noticeable effect on your property values. 

 

#### School District

 

If you have children going to a public school, this is probably something that you’re already keenly aware of. It’s also an excellent example of how priorities are on a sliding scale regarding property value. If you don’t have children, or they attend or will attend a private school, then you’re much less likely to be willing to pay more to be in a desirable school district.

 

## What can decrease my home’s value?

 

#### Crime Rate

 

Many potential buyers are savvy about this these days, and they will check on the crime rates in neighborhoods they’re interested in purchasing in. So not only are those baddies sneaking around and damaging property or stealing bad for you, they’re bad for the overall value of your home now and into the future. 

 

#### Neighborhood

 

Gentrification is a tricky thing when it comes to property value. It relies on an overall increase in property values throughout a neighborhood to bolster the value of individual properties. 

 

Suppose you renovate a home in a less-desirable area with the idea that the neighborhood itself is becoming more gentrified, and that doesn’t happen as quickly as you were hoping (or at all). In that case, you have a property that’s valued is negatively impacted by the general area, not by the characteristics of the home or property itself.

 

#### Location 

 

There’s a good reason for the old “location, location, location” adage that you’ve likely heard many times before—it’s still relevant! So many factors go into what a desirable location is or isn’t, and they can be tricky to navigate. Here are a few of the important ones to consider:

- Cemeteries – generally speaking, very close proximity to a cemetery will work against your home value. 
- Highways – noise from roads is a detractor; while easy access is suitable for property value, it depends on your location.
- Hiking trails – if you’re a hiker, this could be a suitable property feature; however, many people do not prefer to have a reason for multiple strangers to be close to their home year-round. 
- Construction – Construction brings noise, people, dust, and traffic. None of these are suitable for your property value.
- Property history – This can be anything from being in a floodplain to having a violent crime committed on your property at some point. Some states have mandatory disclosure laws about certain things, while others do not, so the impact on your property value will depend on the history and where you live. 

 

## Tips For Avoiding a Low-Value Home 

 

<img load="lazy" src="https://porch.com/advice/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/lesia-gant-olFlnjzapjk-unsplash.jpg" alt="tiny home keychain">

 

Be informed – Know what’s happening in your neighborhood and city. It might not be the most scintillating activity, but keeping an eye on your city or town council’s activity and any proposed infrastructure changes or construction permits can be a great way to help you stay ahead of the game. 

 

Economic factors – The state of your local and national economy are one of the biggest drivers in real estate pricing. You could have an adorable home with perfect curb appeal, but your property will be valued less if you try to sell in a down economy. 

 

Building regulations – This is a significant factor if you’ve made any additions to your home. Most municipalities require permits for building additions, and if they are not correctly acquired, it is likely to be detrimental to your property value on resale. 

 

Hire a realtor – A realtor can focus their trained eye on areas that you can maintain or improve the home value that you might not have thought of. We get used to our homes and don’t see them with the critical eye that a potential buyer might, so having a realtor in your corner can help you keep ahead. 

 

## How To Increase Your Home Value

 

<img load="lazy" src="https://porch.com/advice/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/immo-renovation-UqNEbyRQ660-unsplash.jpg" alt="kitchen in middle of remodel">

 

Remodel – It’s a big undertaking, but if you want to maintain your home value and stay competitive in the resale market, remodeling is the best way to keep your home current. That’s not to say that you have to gut your home down to the studs every ten years, but making comparatively small upgrades like creating a more open concept floor plan or putting in more oversized windows (even just repainting) will help retain property value. 

 

Add features – Maybe you finish the basement or take that spare bedroom and create a home gym; anything you can add to your home that a future buyer would find attractive will work in your favor. This is also a great way to engage a real estate agent—they know what people are looking for in a home and can give you great advice on what would be an attractive feature to add to your home. 

 

Good maintenance – Little things add up, and they can quickly amount to enough things that, together, decrease your home value— if you need to have a portion of your fence replaced, no problem. Same with new gutters, some new [landscaping](https://porch.com/advice/xeriscaping-landscape), or exterior paint. Taken individually, these things are not likely to decrease your property value much. But all together, they definitely will. Keeping those pesky little tasks in check is one of the best ways to make sure that you don’t have a mountain of upkeep to do when you go to sell!

 

Now that you have a clear picture of the potential pitfalls that could decrease your property value and how to avoid them, you’re all set to make sure that you get the most out of your property when you choose to sell.

Comprehensive guide on preserving the value of your home. Detailing how to avoid common pitfalls of home buying and subsequent home maintenance.

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Don’t Let Your Property’s Value Decrease

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