How to choose a private money lender

[Steve Lax]

In the past 24 hours I have received several emails from private lenders looking to loan me  money. Based on their email address these lenders appear to be individuals, without a company behind them. 

How can I verify that they are legit?

Thank you.

[Caroline Gerardo]

You cannot verify very easily. Mortgage companies are licensed through NMLS. Hard money lenders often are not licensed. Do they have a website? Are there good reviews? Will they give you references that aren't their brother and you can check with a title company if it recorded?  Email is hotmail that's a red flag, website has no pages no information (hmmmm), google search address and look at image is it an office or a mailbox service... Consider this blind dating and you are sharing all your secrets.