Private Lenders' Podcast

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  

Top 3 Most Common New Lender Mistakes - #279 In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, hosts Chris and Jason break down the three most frequent mistakes new private lenders make—and how to avoid them for long-term success. 🔹 Topics Covered: Over-leveraging loans Lending at high loan-to-value ratios (90–100%) with little borrower equity may seem appealing early on, but it often leads to late payments, defaults, and portfolio losses if not corrected quickly. Poor understanding of property values Relying solely on borrower estimates or surface-level metrics can be risky. This episode emphasizes the need for lenders to conduct thorough underwriting using tools like MLS data, appraisals, and public records. Lack of marketing efforts Many lenders underestimate the importance of a consistent marketing strategy. Without steady deal flow and strong borrower quality, even the best underwriting won’t lead to long-term success. ✅ 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  

What Went Down at the June Hard Money Mastermind Event - #278 In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, we’re recapping everything that went down at our very first June Hard Money Mastermind Event—and trust us, it was a big one. Held right in our home market of Maryland, this intimate, invite-only gathering brought together 20 serious hard money lenders from around the country, many of whom we were meeting in person for the first time. From high-level presentations on raising capital, investor relations, and default management to in-depth discussions on deal flow, lending software, and avoiding overleverage—this was a true working mastermind. We also welcomed guest speakers: 🔹 Shane Powers, who broke down marketing strategies for private lenders (SEO, paid ads, and more) 🔹 Harris Dainoff, a seasoned loan doc attorney who shared essential insights on legal protections and negotiating title Inside this episode, you’ll hear: ✅ How first-time lenders evolve from risky 100% financing to safer structures ✅ The real numbers behind profitable lending portfolios ✅ Lessons from the trenches on software, borrower relationships, and lender collaboration ✅ Why small, non-competing groups create the best environment for transparency and growth This isn’t about flashy presentations or hundreds of attendees—it’s about deep dives, candid conversations, and actionable takeaways for full-time private lenders looking to scale smart and stay profitable. 🎯 Interested in joining the next event or learning more? 👉 Visit: 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

AI For Private Lenders - #277 In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, we dive into one of the biggest topics in business and tech today: Artificial Intelligence—and how private lenders are actually using it right now to save time, improve workflows, and enhance decision-making. Fresh off a recent mastermind meeting in Maryland, Jason and Chris break down real-world ways AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude are being leveraged in lending businesses today—not as replacements for expertise, but as time-saving, productivity-boosting assistants. 🔍 What we cover in this episode: Using ChatGPT for SEO and content creation (with human editing!) Turning video transcripts into blog posts and emails Researching foreclosure laws and legal terms across multiple states Creating amortization spreadsheets with AI How AI is helping streamline communication, from email drafts to inbound call handling Experiments with AI-powered phone agents and CRM integrations Why the human touch still matters in private lending Whether you’re a lender, investor, or small business owner looking to better understand how AI can support your operations, this episode will give you tactical, real-life examples—not hype. 🎧 Listen, learn, and walk away with practical ways to integrate AI into your lending business today. ✅ 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

No Two Lenders Are Identical - #276 In this episode, "No Two Lenders Are Identical," we're exploring how private lending can be tailored to fit your personal goals and lifestyle. From deal types to capital sources, portfolio size, and whether to stay active or go passive, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to private lending. Join us as we discuss: ✅ How to craft your lending business to match your goals ✅ Different deal types (fix & flip, ground-up, commercial, etc.) ✅ Capital sources – self-funding, investor capital, or institutional ✅ When to grow your team and the role of software ✅ Why some lenders love commercial while others stick to residential ✅ The importance of knowing yourself and your comfort zone We’re also excited to share that we’ve partnered with https://joinlendr.com/ – a game-changing platform for lenders. Mention the Private Lenders Podcast to get $250 off your onboarding fee! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your operation, this episode is packed with insights to help you build the lending business that’s right for you. 👉 Listen now and subscribe for weekly insights into private lending, deal structuring, 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  

Mortgage Company VS Investment Vehicle - #275 🎙️ In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, we dive deep into a topic that hits home for every real estate investor and private lender: Mortgage Company vs. Investment Vehicle. Join hosts Chris Haddon and Jason Balin as they share their personal journey from traditional mortgage lending to running their own private lending operation. They lay it all out—how working in the mortgage business taught them the basics of credit, real estate, and finance, but also left them feeling like just another cog in the wheel, constantly chasing deal after deal with little control over the process or the bottom line. Discover how they transitioned into the world of private lending, built Hard Money Bankers, and uncovered the massive difference between selling loans and owning an investment vehicle. Hear the eye-opening moment when they realized that even their investors—who simply put their money to work—were making more money than them! 💡 In this episode, you’ll hear about: ✅ The drawbacks of the mortgage lending business—volume-driven, high-stress, and low control ✅ The private lending advantage—high-profit margins, complete control, and scalable servicing income ✅ How private lending became a powerful investment vehicle for themselves, their families, and trusted capital partners ✅ The difference between just doing deals and actually building a wealth-generating business If you’ve ever felt stuck in a transactional job or wondered how to turn lending into long-term wealth, this episode is for you. Tune in and learn how to create your own investment vehicle! ✅ 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 Had a Default Exit Fall Through - #274 In this episode, we break down a real-time default scenario that’s still unfolding—and getting messier by the day. From missed payments and incomplete renovations to a borrower secretly moving in and filing bankruptcy, this loan has had every complication imaginable. We walk you through how we structured the original deal, what went wrong, and why our exit strategy—selling to an investor buyer—completely fell apart at the 11th hour. If you're a private lender, these situations will happen. Understanding how to manage a default from a business—not just legal—standpoint is critical. We cover: ✔️ Why defaults are inevitable (and how to prepare) ✔️ Lessons learned from a 3-year problem loan in Maryland ✔️ How bankruptcy filings complicate workouts ✔️ Strategies like Deed in Lieu, discounted payoffs, and foreclosure ✔️ Why borrower cooperation is everything Whether you’re new to lending or a seasoned investor, this episode will give you real-world insight into navigating distressed loans and finding profitable exits. 👇 Let us know in the comments: How would YOU handle this situation? ✅ 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