Should I use 203k or Hard money?

[Brian Hatcher]

Hello all,

I am currently looking at a property that doesn't seem to need too much work. It is an older home and really just needs updates in kitchens like counters and a few appliances. Some paint and a deep cleaning. It has 3 units and each would need the work.

I'm stuck on whether I should use a hard money loan or just go with 203k to complete these renovations? What are your thought's? My initial assumption is that the Hard Money could cost me more than just lumping everything under one loan. 

If anyone can help me break down the Pro's and Con's it would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[Nghi Le]

If you're living in it, and can qualify for conventional financing, and you can actually close on the deal with the 45-day bank timeframe, then you should always go for the 203k loan because that's the cheapest loan with the highest leverage you can get.  Most people can't do all 3, so they often go the hard money route.