Hard money equity loans in the prevailing market are loans at a premium mortgage rate to the borrower in exchange for a "no red tape" 2nd mortgage loan. The money may be used by the lendee for whatever purpose they chose so long as the equity in the property or collateral provided is sufficient to cover the loan.

The term hard money loan initially meant a loan for hard cash. Today the term has been enhanced to cover loans for non-conventional loans such as investments, private funded loans, home equity loans and equity line of credit loans. Now it is possible to refinance your primary mortgage to get cash, consolidate debt and purchase investment properties instead of a taking out a purchase loan as a non-owner occupied investment property.

A maximum loan on property owned by the borrower is called a cash out loan. The borrower has a loan to value, which means the loan on the property, or collateral used is equal to the value of the property or collateral used to secure the loan. This type of loan has a higher interest rate than the A paper home equity loan that has a fixed rate around prime.

A home equity loan is one type of loan available for a hard money cash out loan. The Payment option negative ARM is another good 1st mortgage for investment properties if the borrower is looking for a short-term loan or if being self-employed has created some cash flow concerns.

A negative ARM mortgage calls for the payment of interest only on the loan. If the interest for a period is not paid in full the balance is added to the mortgage. The end result is an increased mortgage balance and a loss of equity in the property used for collateral. As the mortgage balance increases, the interest on the mortgage loan increases even though the interest rate remains the same. If both the loan balance and the interest rate increase, the property owner may be forced to sell or the loan may be foreclosed.

A home equity lender may require all or some of the following items before making a hard money loan.

1. A clear precise description of the property
2. Home Title to collateral
3. Borrower must show expertise in the field the loan will be used in
4. Mortgagor must accept all lender terms unconditionally

Because the interest rates are higher, and state laws may vary, borrowers should examine all ramifications before considering hard money loans.