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

This Is How We Enter a New Lending Market (Steps 1 to 4) - #324

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Jason and Chris break down exactly how they enter a new lending market, sharing the first 4 proven steps they've used to successfully expand into new metro areas and add millions in loan volume.

If you're a private lender or hard money lender thinking about geographic expansion, this episode walks through the marketing, lead flow, and relationship strategies that actually move the needle—before underwriting a single deal.

• Why lead flow and marketing matter more than anything when entering a new market

• How to quickly generate deals using your existing database and sphere

• Smart ways to announce expansion through email, outbound calls, and branding

• How networking with other private and hard money lenders can create win-win deal flow

• When and how to use Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and paid lead sources in a new market

• Long-term SEO and organic search strategies for geographic expansion

• A creative (and underrated) strategy: launching a local podcast to build authority and relationships

This episode focuses entirely on business development and marketing strategies for entering new markets. (Underwriting, MLS access, and legal considerations will be covered in a future episode.)

✅ 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

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

Why We've Been Doing So Many Hard Money Refinances Lately - #323

Why are hard money refinances suddenly everywhere? In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Chris and Jason break down the recent private lending refinance boom—what's driving it, why it's different from traditional refi cycles, and how private and hard money lenders can capitalize on these opportunities while managing risk.

Unlike conventional refinance booms fueled by low interest rates, today's surge in hard money and private lending refinances is being driven by shifting capital markets, loans getting called due, tighter bank lending, and borrowers needing fast, flexible bridge capital. Chris and Jason share real-world case studies, including low-LTV refinances, free-and-clear rental properties, commercial properties, and situations where banks simply won't move fast enough.

They also dig into:

• The pros and cons of hard money refinance loans

• Why exit strategy is the biggest risk in refi deals

• Cash vs. equity (and why it matters more than credit score)

• Inherited property refinances and why they're riskier than they look

• Common compliance pitfalls (consumer vs. business purpose loans)

• Why pulling credit and reviewing prior HUDs, notes, and deeds is critical

• When "payoff in cash" can actually be a realistic exit

If you're a private lender, hard money lender, or real estate investor, this episode will help you better underwrite refinance deals, avoid costly mistakes, and spot opportunities others miss.

👇 Listen now and get smarter about hard money refinances.

✅ 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

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

Why Private Lending is our Favorite Business Model - #322

Private lending on investment real estate is our favorite business model — and in this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, hosts Jason and Chris of Hard Money Bankers break down exactly why.

After years of experience across real estate investing, conventional lending, and other business models, Jason and Chris explain what makes private and hard money lending such a powerful, scalable, and fulfilling business. From strong cash flow and recurring income to lifestyle flexibility and working with sophisticated real estate investors, this episode pulls back the curtain on why private lending stands out.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why private lending is one of the most attractive investment vehicles in real estate

• How lenders can deploy their own capital for high rates of return

• The true work-to-income ratio of hard money lending

• Why being the lender lets you stay close to deals without doing the heavy lifting

• How private lending creates win-win relationships with borrowers and investors

• The lifestyle and long-term scalability of building a private lending business

• Why execution and consistency matter more than chasing fast growth

Whether you're an aspiring private lender, a hard money lender looking to scale, or a real estate investor curious about the lending side of the business, this episode offers real-world insights from lenders who have built a sustainable portfolio over time.

✅ 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

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

How to Structure Capital for a Successful Hard Money Lending Company - #321

The way you structure capital can make or break a hard money lending business.

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, hosts Jason and Chris of Hard Money Bankers break down the most common capital structures used by private and hard money lenders — and the real pros and cons of each.

From brokering loans and institutional correspondent models, to bank credit lines and private capital from high-net-worth investors, this episode explains how each option impacts control, risk, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

If you're starting a hard money lending company or looking to restructure your capital stack, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and choose a model that fits your goals, risk tolerance, and personality.

• The differences between broker, correspondent, bank, and private capital models

• Why mixing too many capital structures can hurt profitability

• The risks of relying on institutional or bank capital

• How private capital creates control and long-term stability

• How to think about scaling responsibly as a hard money lender

✅ 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

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

The Exact Loan Documents We Use as Private Lenders

A bad loan document set can turn a good deal into a nightmare. In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Jason from Hard Money Bankers breaks down the exact loan documents we use as private lenders—refined through funding 4,000+ loans since 2007.

You'll learn the purpose of core private lending documents, including the promissory note, mortgage vs. deed of trust, personal guarantees, assignments of rents, entity resolutions, and supporting docs used in real-world lending. Jason also explains why the Closing Instructions Letter is one of the most important documents in any loan file and how proper title review and attorney involvement protect lenders from costly mistakes.

This episode is a must-watch for private lenders, hard money lenders, and real estate investors who want to protect their capital and avoid preventable losses.

✅ 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

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

The Team You Need at $5M, $15M, and $25M+ (Most Get This Wrong) - #320

What does the right team actually look like as your private lending business grows? 🤔 In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Chris and Jason break down the exact team structure private and hard money lenders need at key portfolio milestones — $5M, $15M, and $25M+ outstanding — and why so many lenders get this wrong.

If you've ever asked:

• Who should my first hire be?

• When do I need loan servicing software?

• What roles should owners vs. employees handle?

• How do I scale without bloating overhead?

…this episode is a must-listen.

• How to structure your team at $0–$5M, $6M–$15M, and $25M+ portfolios

• The difference between front-end vs. back-end roles (and why clarity matters)

• When to hire a loan processor, controller, or portfolio manager

• Why owners should not be doing loan servicing keystrokes

• When to implement loan servicing software (hint: sooner than you think)

• How a lean team can scale from $25M to $50M+ without major overhead increases

• Additional roles to consider at scale: inspectors, business development, and marketing

Chris and Jason also share real-world lessons from growing a portfolio from the ground up — including mistakes, efficiencies gained over time, and how the right systems make growth easier, not harder.

✅ 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

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