Our First Hard Money Conference - #294

Join us on the Private Lenders Podcast as we share the story of our very first hard money conference—back in January 2008 in Las Vegas! After closing our first loan with HMB in December 2007, we jumped on a plane to attend the PITBAL Mortgage Conference, the only hard money-focused event at the time.

In this episode, we dive into:

• How our early experiences shaped HMB’s business model

• Lessons learned from networking with other private lenders

• The evolution of the hard money lending industry since the financial crash

• The importance of live events, masterminds, and ongoing education in growing a lending business

• The moment we decided to split company roles to scale efficiently

We also reflect on the key relationships we formed, the challenges of lending during the financial crisis, and why masterminds and community learning remain so valuable for private lenders today.

If you’re in the private lending space—or just curious about how hard money lending started and evolved—this episode is packed with stories, lessons, and insights from our early days.

✅ 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 convert leads to loans - #293

In the hard money lending business, leads are everywhere—texts, emails, web forms, phone calls, social media. But how do you turn those inquiries into actual closed loans?

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Jason and Chris break down the exact process they use to respond, nurture, and follow up with leads so they don’t slip through the cracks. From fast phone responses to automated texts, emails, and CRM follow-up, you’ll learn how to stop wasting opportunities and start closing more deals.

We cover:

• Why speed-to-lead is everything in lending

• The biggest mistakes lenders make with new inquiries

• Simple scripts and strategies for first conversations

• Automations that keep borrowers engaged (without overcomplicating things)

• How to follow up with “maybes” and get to a yes or no

• Why consistent lead flow is the #1 growth driver for lenders

Whether you’re new to private lending or looking to scale, this episode will help you sharpen your process and close more loans from the leads you already have.

📌 Subscribe to the channel for more insights on private lending, deal flow, and business growth.

✅ 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 Truly Control Your Capital - #292

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, hosts Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers break down one of the most common challenges private lenders face — keeping control over their capital investors.

Whether you’re lending through a fund or direct placement notes, having clear, consistent systems for rates of return, documentation, underwriting, and investor communications is essential. Jason and Chris share real-world examples of what happens when lenders give too much control to their capital base, and the simple steps you can take to avoid investor-driven chaos.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to set a standard rate of return (and stick to it)

• Why consistency in documentation and underwriting protects your business

• How to renegotiate with early investors giving them too-good terms

• The dangers of custom one-off deals and why they don’t scale

• How to build long-term, win-win relationships with capital investors

Whether you’re new to private lending or running an established hard money business, this episode will help you treat your lending like a real business — protecting your time, your returns, and your investor relationships.

📅 Upcoming Training:
We’re hosting a 2-day Virtual Boot Camp in September for a max of 3 lenders.
👉 Apply here: https://hardmoneymastermind.com (click “Consulting”)

✅ 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 Creative Deals We're Doing Now - #291

Hard money lending is changing — and savvy private lenders are pivoting. In this episode, Jason and Chris break down the creative real estate deals they’re closing in today’s market, from small-balance commercial loans to construction completion loans, bridge financing, and more.

🔑 When traditional capital dries up or becomes harder to access, private lenders have the flexibility to structure unique loans with strong collateral, even for borrowers with lower credit scores — as long as the numbers make sense.

👀 Listen in as we discuss:

• Why creativity matters more in uncertain markets

• How we’re structuring low-LTV bridge loans on free-and-clear rentals

• Lending to nonprofits and non-recourse deal structures

• When it does make sense to lend to a low-credit borrower

• Building capital stacks creatively for small commercial deals

• Common-sense lending strategies in a volatile market

• Why private lenders have a competitive advantage right now

Whether you’re a new or seasoned private lender, you’ll walk away with practical insights into underwriting smarter and finding opportunity in overlooked spaces.

💬 Drop your questions or share a recent deal you’re working on in the comments!

📢 Join the conversation inside: https://www.hardmoneymastermind.com
✅ Subscribe for more insights on private lending, creative finance, and real estate investing!

✅ 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 Expand with a Sales Team - #290

How do you scale a private lending business the right way with a sales team? In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Jason and Chris from Hard Money Bankers break down proven strategies for expanding your operation with salespeople, loan originators, partners, and private label setups—while avoiding the common pitfalls that cause lenders to fail.

Over the years, they’ve tested every structure imaginable: in-house loan officers, junior originators, lead intake reps, broker relationships, K1 partnerships, and private label deals. In this episode, they share what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to build a team that balances growth with smart underwriting and risk management.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The best ways to structure a sales team for a lending business

• Common mistakes lenders make when expanding into new markets

• Why “broker mentality” can be dangerous for hard money lending

• How to use K1 partnerships and private label deals to scale safely

• Proven setups that generate consistent deal flow and long-term success

Whether you’re a private lender, hard money lender, or looking to grow your lending operation into new markets, this episode is packed with real-world insights on building a high-performing sales team that drives volume without sacrificing quality.

✅ 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

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