Wanna work with us? Schedule a call here: https://go.oncehub.com/bookacall

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, we break down the biggest mistakes lenders make when scaling with loan originators—and why adding originators the wrong way can stall growth and drain profits.

After 20+ years in private lending, we've tested nearly every structure imaginable: commission-only originators, W2 sales reps, internal leads, outsourced brokers, and full partnership models. Some worked. Many failed.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why most commission-only originator models fail

• Internal leads vs. self-sourced deals—what actually works

• The dangers of high base salaries and underqualified hires

• Why intake-only or admin pre-screening hurts conversions

• Two proven originator structures that consistently scale

• A compensation "hack" using inspections, draws, and valuation fees

• When partnership models make sense—and when they don't

• Why brokering loans outside your lending box is usually a mistake

If you're a private or hard money lender looking to scale beyond a one-person operation, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and build a sustainable lending business.

✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind

Kevin Kim's 2026 Predictions Might Surprise You - #318

Chris and Jason welcome back Kevin Kim, Partner at Fortra Law (formerly Geraci LLP), for a timely conversation on what's ahead for private lending, hard money lending, and DSCR loans in 2026.

Kevin shares insights from working with lenders of all sizes and breaks down how excess capital, increased competition, and securitization are reshaping the industry—and why some lenders are thriving while others are struggling.

• Kevin Kim's 2026 predictions for private lenders

• Why lenders should stick to their core lending thesis

• Rising defaults, buybacks, and underwriting risk

• The real risks behind DSCR lending

• Appraisal challenges and why local market knowledge matters

• How local lenders can compete against national platforms

This episode is a must-watch for private lenders, hard money lenders, real estate investors, and fund managers looking to navigate a rapidly changing market.

🎧 Listen now to hear why 2026 could be a defining year for private lending.

✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind

3 Ways to Increase Revenue in 2026 - #317

Looking to make more money in your private or hard money lending business in 2026? In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, hosts Jason and Chris from Hard Money Bankers break down three proven ways to increase revenue right now—without chasing more leads just for the sake of it.

This episode focuses on practical, real-world strategies that experienced lenders are using today to boost profitability, improve loan conversion, and maximize returns from both new and existing borrowers.

✅ Why most lenders don't have a lead problem—they have a follow-up and conversion problem ✅ How prioritizing bottom-of-the-funnel borrowers can dramatically increase revenue ✅ The role of CRM automation, text, and email follow-up in closing more deals ✅ Why lenders leave money on the table by not collecting late fees, extension fees, and default interest ✅ How to charge appropriately for risk while protecting your capital and investor returns ✅ How to be opportunistic by expanding beyond fix-and-flip loans into refis, bridge loans, and commercial deals ✅ The importance of balancing 50% new borrowers and 50% repeat clients ✅ How to quote deals confidently—even when you're unsure—using smart verbal underwriting strategies

Whether you're a newer private lender or managing a large portfolio, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you increase revenue, improve discipline, and build a more profitable lending business in 2026 and beyond.

✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind

This is common sense but no hard money lenders are doing this (Convert Leads into Loans)

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Jason breaks down the proven strategies hard money and private lenders must use to convert more leads into funded loans in today's competitive lending market.

Generating leads costs time and money — but losing deals to institutional lenders or competitors because of poor follow-up, weak systems, or bad communication is completely avoidable. In this training-style episode, you'll learn the exact loan conversion framework used every day inside a successful hard money lending business.

• Why traditional loan applications are killing your conversion rates

• How calendar appointments dramatically increase borrower show-up rates

• The two-funnel CRM system every hard money lender should be using

• How to follow up without spamming (and still get callbacks)

• Why "next steps" are critical after every borrower conversation

• The power of price anchoring in hard money loan negotiations

• Why you should never negotiate loan terms over email

• Simple CRM management tips that actually get used (not ignored)

If you're a hard money lender, private lender, or real estate investor looking to fund more deals without increasing ad spend, this episode will change how you handle leads forever.

📌 Whether you're lending on fix & flips, rentals, or commercial properties, these strategies will help you: ✔ Convert more inquiries into real conversations ✔ Build trust with real estate investors ✔ Stop losing deals to bigger lenders ✔ Close more loans consistently

💬 Have questions about lead conversion, CRM setup, or borrower follow-up? Drop them in the comments — they'll be answered directly.

✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind

We Didn't Plan to Share These… 3 Stories From 2025 - #316

Wrapping up 2025, hosts Jason and Chris of Hard Money Bankers share three real, unfiltered stories from the trenches of private and hard money lending—the kind of situations every lender eventually faces, but few talk about openly.

From a multi-lender fraud and title insurance claim that took 18 months to resolve, to managing long-term commercial borrowers with trapped equity, to structuring creative low-LTV loans for high-net-worth investors, this episode highlights the unpredictable realities of private lending and why slow, disciplined growth and strong collateral fundamentals matter more than ever.

If you're a private lender, hard money lender, or real estate investor, these stories offer valuable lessons on risk management, borrower character, title insurance, extensions, defaults, and protecting your capital over the long term.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How a borrower fraudulently closed multiple private loans on the same property

• What really happens during a title insurance claim and why coverage matters

• Why low LTV lending can save deals when things go sideways

• The risks of long-term commercial bridge lending

• How to handle extensions, refinances, and principal reductions strategically

• Lessons from real private lending deals that went off script

🎧 Whether you're new to private lending or managing a seasoned loan portfolio, this episode offers real-world insight you won't find in theory or textbooks.

✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind

5 Things To Focus On In 2026 For Private Lenders - #315

In today's competitive and uncertain lending environment, private and hard money lenders need to be more strategic than ever. In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, hosts Jason and Chris break down the five most important things private lenders should focus on in 2026 to stay profitable, reduce risk, and continue growing their loan portfolios.

With increased competition from institutional lenders, shifting real estate markets, and changing investor expectations, this episode covers practical strategies lenders can apply immediately—whether you're running a small portfolio or scaling a full-time lending operation.

🎯 In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why outbound lead generation and borrower follow-up will be critical in 2026

• How to focus on conversion—not just lead volume—in a crowded lending market

• The importance of truly understanding local market values and underwriting conservatively

• Why proper systems and loan servicing software are no longer optional

• How private lenders can raise capital more effectively as investors seek alternatives to stocks and crypto

• Why creative and non-conforming deals may offer the biggest opportunities

• Bonus: How mastermind groups can accelerate growth and sharpen decision-making

Whether you're a new private lender or a seasoned operator, this episode provides real-world insights from nearly two decades of lending experience and lessons learned across multiple market cycles.

👉 Learn more about upcoming events and the private lending community at Hard Money Mastermind.

Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind

This is Why We Can't Use Appraisals - #314

Why can't private and hard money lenders rely on appraisals? In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, hosts Jason and Chris of Hard Money Bankers break down the real problem behind appraisals—and why valuation, not appraisers, is putting lenders at risk.

With recent DSCR loan fraud cases in markets like Baltimore and Philadelphia making headlines, the industry has been quick to blame appraisals. But the truth is deeper than that. This episode explains why appraisals alone fail for DSCR loans, fix-and-flip loans, bridge loans, and other private lending products, and why local market knowledge and borrower evaluation matter more than ever.

You'll learn:

• Why appraisals don't work for investor-focused lending

• The difference between homeowner loans and private lending valuations

• How DSCR loans expose valuation weaknesses

• Why lenders must understand local markets and borrower experience

• The risks of high leverage and institutional underwriting models

• A potential solution: in-house valuation teams vs third-party appraisals

This episode is essential listening for private lenders, hard money lenders, real estate investors, and capital raisers who want to protect their portfolios and lend responsibly in today's market.

Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind

The 3 Biggest Mistakes Hard Money Lenders Keep Making (And Don't Realize!) - #313

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, hosts Jason and Chris from Hard Money Bankers break down the three most common (and costly) mistakes they see private and hard money lenders make—mistakes that can put your capital, deals, and entire lending business at risk.

Drawing from years of experience and real-world insights from running a nationwide private lenders mastermind, Jason and Chris explain how you can shortcut years of trial and error by avoiding these critical pitfalls.

✅ Why not truly knowing your numbers is the #1 risk for hard money lenders ✅ The difference between ARV, as-is value, and liquidation value ✅ Why local market knowledge is essential for underwriting safe loans ✅ How capital structures can quietly take control of your business ✅ The hidden risks of debt funds, credit lines, and institutional capital ✅ Why doing everything yourself leads to burnout—and how building the right team and systems creates a scalable, lifestyle-friendly lending business

Whether you're a new private lender or managing a growing loan portfolio, this episode dives deep into asset-based lending, underwriting best practices, capital control, and operational scaling—all with real examples from the field.

✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind

The Most Overlooked Underwriting Step in Hard Money Lending: Exit Strategy - #312

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Jason Balin and Chris Haddon break down the most overlooked underwriting step in hard money lending: the borrower's exit strategy.

Whether you're a private lender, hard money lender, or active real estate investor, understanding how your borrower plans to pay off your loan is one of the most critical pieces of the underwriting process—and also the one most lenders get wrong.

With over 4,000 funded deals, Jason and Chris share real examples from their portfolio, including: ✔️ Why refinance exits fail more often than borrowers admit ✔️ The red flags you should look for before approving a loan ✔️ Why credit repair + "I'll just refinance later" is rarely a viable plan ✔️ How inherited properties and unsophisticated borrowers add hidden risk ✔️ Why mixed-use and commercial deals require longer timelines and lower LTVs ✔️ What addendums and upfront agreements can do to protect your position ✔️ How to avoid loans that get stuck on your books—and become expensive nightmares

From borrower psychology to collateral type to real-world case studies (including foreclosures, bankruptcies, and inherited properties gone wrong), this episode pulls back the curtain on how seasoned lenders underwrite exits before writing a term sheet.

Whether you're building your private lending business or tightening up your underwriting process, this conversation will help you protect your capital, reduce defaults, and build a cleaner, more profitable loan portfolio.

✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind

The Script Real Hard Money Lenders Use to Close More Deals FAST - #311

Want to close more hard money loans fast? In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Chris and Jason break down the exact sales script real hard money lenders use to increase conversions, build rapport with borrowers, and confidently quote lower leverage without losing deals.

Whether you're a private lender, hard money lender, loan officer, or part of an origination team, this episode shows you how to stop sending lazy email quotes and start using a proven call script that actually closes deals.

Chris and Jason reveal: ✔️ The #1 mistake lenders make when quoting deals ✔️ How to build rapport in the first 10 seconds ✔️ The needs-analysis questions every lender should ask ✔️ How to price-anchor loan amounts the right way ✔️ How to overcome objections on leverage, rates, and cash to close ✔️ Why you must get borrowers on the phone—not email ✔️ The closing timeline trick that boosts commitment ✔️ How they train their teams and Mastermind members for higher conversion rates

These scripting tactics come from 15+ years of originating private loans, running Hard Money Bankers, and coaching hundreds of lenders inside the Hard Money Mastermind.

If you want higher margins, better borrowers, and more confidence quoting deals, this episode is your blueprint.

✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind