14 Real Estate Financing Options [Guide + FAQs]

A working knowledge of real estate financing can be important for a variety of reasons. Whether you are buying a property, considering launching a career or advancing an existing one, comprehensive knowledge of real estate financing can open the door to a range of professional opportunities in the real estate industry and beyond. 

Below, we will take a closer look at the ins and outs of real estate financing and explore some of the top real estate financing options. (For a more in-depth overview, the University of San Diego also offers several excellent courses on Real Estate Finance and related topics, as well as a multi-course Real Estate Finance, Investments and Development Certificate program.)

What is Real Estate Financing?

At its essence, the term “real estate finance” or “real estate financing” describes the methods and potential sources from which someone who wishes to purchase property secures the funds to do so. Though the term technically would also apply to residential purchases, in practice it is more commonly used to describe financing for real estate deals that involve investment properties.

“Lending against the cash flow generated by a property is the most traditional form of real estate finance,” according to LexisNexis. “In its simplest form, it involves a loan to a borrower which is repaid from the rental income of the borrower’s property. It is the most commonly used structure for investing in real estate.”

Traditional Real Estate Financing

Real estate financing may come into play in any number of scenarios. Investopedia describes a few of the most common scenarios as follows: “Whether you are buying and holding land for future development, flipping a property, purchasing a property for an elderly relative to live in and enjoying the appreciation when it sells, or creating a passive income stream by renting the property, purchasing an investment property is a great way to diversify your portfolio.”

In its guide to real estate financing, Fortune Builders explains some of the benefits: “Investing in real estate is never a bad idea. It offers … a slew of financial and personal benefits, such as increased cash flow, home appreciation and tax benefits. In fact, real estate investment continues to be one of the most popular vehicles in producing financial wealth.”

And while traditional real estate finance deals are often accomplished through a conventional bank loan involving four parties (buyer, seller, lender, closing agent), there are a wide range of ways to obtain funding.

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How to Obtain Financing

Savvy investors already know that it is not necessary to be sitting on a big pile of capital to start reaping the benefits of real estate financing. However, doing so requires at least a basic understanding of the many available options.

It is important to recognize the pros and cons of each type of real estate financing to ensure that you select the options best suited to your specific needs and circumstances. Below we offer a quick review of some of the most common and useful methods of obtaining real estate financing.

14 Real Estate Financing Options [List + Details]

Here is a review of some of the most commonly used real estate finance options:

Sources: Investopedia, Fortune Builders, Bigger Pockets, Millionacres

Real Estate Financing FAQs

What is real estate financing?

At the most basic level, “real estate finance” or “real estate financing” describes the methods and potential sources from which someone who wishes to purchase a residential or commercial property secures the funds to do so.

What are some of the most common ways to secure real estate financing?

Traditional bank loans of several different types, some of them government backed, are among the most common options. Other sources of real estate funding include cash financing, hard money lenders, private money lenders, self-directed IRA accounts, seller financing, peer-to-peer lending and lease to buy.

What other opportunities are there to learn more about real estate finance?

Those doing their homework about real estate financing may want to review one or more of the following resources:

Additionally, there are a number of helpful courses available for investors who wish to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the real estate finance landscape. For example, the University of San Diego offers a Real Estate Finance course focused on identifying opportunities for income properties and analyzing the types of financing and sources of capital available in today’s commercial real estate markets.

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