Working With Brokers - #289

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers dive into the world of working with brokers in private lending. With institutional capital tightening and lending guidelines shifting, more deals are flowing through brokers than ever before.

Jason and Chris break down: ✅ Why broker business is on the rise in today’s lending market ✅ How to build strong, profitable relationships with brokers ✅ Best practices for structuring deals and protecting broker fees ✅ The differences between broker-driven and direct borrower deals ✅ Tips for finding brokers and integrating them into your lending strategy

Whether you’re a private lender, hard money lender, or investor looking to expand your deal flow, understanding broker relationships is crucial. Learn how to confidently quote deals, navigate broker communication, and leverage this growing source of loan opportunities.

✅ 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 just exited a wild default - #288

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Chris and Jason break down the full story of one of their most challenging and dramatic loan defaults to date—a three-year foreclosure saga that ended in a high-stakes, last-minute payoff and one of the wildest exits they’ve ever experienced.

Tune in to hear:

• How a $160K private loan ballooned to over $390K

• What went wrong (and right) with the borrower's 4 C’s: Character, Collateral, Capacity & Credit

• How multiple bankruptcies, court battles, and title issues dragged this deal out for years

• Why low LTV and strong collateral are critical in private lending

• How they ultimately negotiated a successful exit without going to auction

This is a must-listen for private lenders, hard money investors, and real estate professionals looking to learn how to navigate defaults, foreclosures, and borrower negotiations the right way.

👉 If you’re a lender looking for support or advice, join our community at HardMoneyMastermind.com

✅ 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

DSCR Market Shake Up - Massive Fraud #287

📉 $50+ Million DSCR Loan Fraud Exposed | Market Shifts, Appraisal Scams, and Lender Fallout

In this explosive episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Chris and Jason break down one of the biggest fraud cases to hit the DSCR loan market in recent years. A massive $50M+ scheme involving inflated appraisals has rocked the rental property lending space, particularly in the Baltimore market, and is causing ripple effects across the country.

💥 What happened? ✔️ Hundreds of fraudulent DSCR loans tied to inflated property values ✔️ Major lender Apollo and other institutions unknowingly funded deals based on falsified appraisals ✔️ Real estate investors and local lenders left scrambling as LTVs are slashed and financing options disappear

Chris and Jason dive deep into:

• The mechanics of the scam (including the infamous $444 appraisal fee trigger)

• How one bad actor manipulated appraisers and the DSCR system

• The dangerous ripple effect on private lenders, takeout financing, and exit strategies

• Lessons for conservative lenders, mortgage brokers, and real estate investors

• What this means for Baltimore’s housing market, and potentially, other cities

💬 Has your market been affected? Drop a comment and share your experience.

🎯 Whether you're a private lender, mortgage broker, or real estate investor, this episode is packed with insights on DSCR loan fraud, market risk, and how to protect your capital in shifting times.

✅ 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

A Foreclosure Exit + Crazy Financing - #286

🎙️ In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Chris and Jason break down a rare foreclosure exit that turned into a successful (and slightly wild) deal.

They walk through:

• How another lender originally funded the property with an overvalued $1.2M construction loan

• Why and how the project went into default and foreclosure

• What it was like to actually take the property back at auction (a first in DC for them!)

• The resale strategy, pricing journey, and working with a wholesaler to close the deal

• And most shockingly… how the new buyer financed their purchase with over 100% leverage 😳

This episode is packed with real-world lending lessons—what went right, what went wrong, and what every private lender should consider before making high-leverage loans.

💡 Key takeaway: A win on a foreclosure doesn’t mean the next lender’s doing a smart deal. High leverage might just be hurting everyone involved.

👀 Stay tuned for the next episode, where we dive into DSCR rental loan shakeups and some eyebrow-raising fraud alerts in the non-QM lending space.

✅ 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

Hormozi's Money Models in Private Lending - #285

Alex Hormozi’s highly anticipated book $100M Money Models is almost here — and in this episode, Chris and Jason break down how Hormozi’s business frameworks apply directly to the world of private lending.

From front-end monetization and self-liquidating offers to client acquisition costs and high-ticket services, the guys unpack why private lending is one of the best business models out there — with both strong upfront profits and ongoing residual income.

You'll hear:

• Why the private lending model beats traditional mortgage lending (hint: recurring income)

• How to apply Hormozi’s money model concepts to boost your lending operation

• What most lenders get wrong about marketing and ad spend

• The math behind paid lead generation — and why $100 per lead might be a bargain

• Real-world examples that prove why whoever can spend the most to acquire a client wins

Whether you're just getting started in hard money or scaling to $10M+ in loans outstanding, this episode is packed with strategic insight from two lenders in the trenches every day.

✅ 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

How to Use DISC Personality Types with Borrowers & CoLenders - #284

Want to close more deals, raise more capital, and build better borrower relationships? 🔑 It all starts with understanding how people think.

In this episode, Jason and Chris reveal how private lenders can use the DISC personality framework to gain a serious edge—whether you're working with borrowers, co-lenders, or capital investors.

You’ll learn how to: ✅ Spot each DISC type (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness) ✅ Adapt your communication style to match theirs ✅ Avoid deal-killing clashes with borrowers and investors ✅ Build instant rapport and long-term trust ✅ Streamline negotiations with confidence

From high-D alpha personalities to flaky but friendly I-types, this episode breaks down real-world strategies to help you connect faster and close smarter.

🚨 If you’re raising or lending private capital, this is a must-listen.

✅ 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

Different Attorneys That Private Lenders Need Plus Default Tips - #283

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Jason Balin and Chris Haddon of Hard Money Bankers dive deep into the legal side of private lending—specifically, the different types of attorneys you’ll need as a lender and how to navigate the default and foreclosure process effectively.

🔍 Whether you’re a seasoned lender or just getting started, understanding the variety of legal professionals involved in the lending process is critical. From doc prep and title review attorneys to foreclosure, bankruptcy, and judgment collection specialists, Jason and Chris break down who you need on your team—and when.

✅ You’ll learn:

• Why most lenders need more than just one “general” attorney

• The real role of a title company vs. your own legal rep

• Tips for handling defaults and avoiding common legal pitfalls

• How to work with attorneys across multiple jurisdictions

• Flat fee vs. hourly billing and how to avoid legal fee surprises

• A pro tip on bankruptcy filings from borrowers

This episode is packed with practical tips based on real-world experience. If you’ve ever struggled with legal costs, confusing foreclosure processes, or finding the right legal partners for your lending business, don’t miss this conversation.

✅ 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

Neil Timmins with Little Guy Loans in Iowa - #282

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Jason Balin chats with Neil Timmins, founder of Little Guy Loans in Des Moines, Iowa. Neil shares how he built a $12M+ lending business from his background in flipping and commercial real estate—focused on helping local investors who don’t have institutional backing.

They dive into:

• How Neil transitioned from flipping to private lending

• The origin of Little Guy Loans and its "Main Street, not Wall Street" mission

• Why he lends on deals he wouldn’t personally flip

• How he handles borrower extensions and market seasonality

• Thoughts on scaling with commercial loans and expanding into new markets

• Why repeat business and relationships matter more than high-volume growth

🎯 Whether you're lending in a small market or looking to grow smarter, not just bigger, this episode is packed with tactical insights.

📍 Learn more: https://littleguyloans.com

✅ 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

Shelby Reed with Minnow Loan in Missouri - #281

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Jason sits down with Shelby Reed, co-founder of Minnow Loan, a fast-growing private lending company based in Missouri. Shelby shares her journey from real estate investor to full-time private lender, and how she and her partner built Minnow Loan from the ground up in just two years—focusing exclusively on Missouri markets like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia.

This episode is packed with practical insights for private lenders and entrepreneurs alike. Shelby breaks down how she competes with institutional lenders, her commitment to relationship-driven lending, and why she believes staying local has been a strategic advantage. She also opens up about her internal processes, from loan origination and underwriting to the challenges of processing loans solo and knowing when it’s time to hire.

What You’ll Learn:

• Shelby’s path from investor to lender and how Minnow Loan got started

• Strategies for scaling smart while maintaining control and quality

• The day-to-day realities of running a small lending business

• How to prioritize tasks that move loans from “committed” to “funded”

• Why hand-holding borrowers can be a differentiator in a competitive market

• Shelby’s 5-year vision for growth, sustainability, and consistency

• Tips on hiring for backend support and improving efficiency

Whether you're new to private lending or looking to grow your operation, this conversation is a real-world look at what it takes to build a profitable, purpose-driven lending business—without losing sight of relationships, reputation, and long-term goals.

🔗 Learn more about Shelby and Minnow Loan: minnowloan.com

✅ 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 Closed 6 Loans On Friday - #280

In this episode, Chris and Jason reflect on a strong close to the week—six loans funded in one day—and break down what’s really driving their loan origination in today’s market. They share a candid look at current deal flow, how net income has stayed strong despite a dip in volume, and why repeat borrowers continue to be the backbone of their business.

They also dive into the metrics that actually matter, from extension and default fees to the power of lifetime client value. Whether it’s tracking deals from paid ads, local SEO, or in-person networking, the guys offer practical insight into what’s working now and how they’ve seen lending success scale across multiple revenue streams.

🔹 Topics covered:

• Sourcing deals in a slow market

• Why repeat borrowers are gold

• The myth of perfect marketing attribution

• Lifetime value vs. short-term ROI

• Scaling your private lending business the right way

🚀 Ready to grow your own lending operation? Join the free community at https://www.hardmoneymastermind.com

✅ 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