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How to Accurately Estimate ARV & Rehab Costs Before You Buy
A First Funding Guide for Smart Real Estate Investors In today’s investment market, the difference between a profitable flip and a costly mistake often comes down to one thing: Accurate numbers — before you close. At First Funding , we work with investors every day who understand that success isn’t just about finding a deal. It’s about buying right — and buying right starts with accurately estimating: ✅ ARV (After-Repair Value) ✅ Total Rehab Costs ✅ Holding Costs Here’s how t
jfennimore
3 days ago2 min read


How Easy It Is to Get Draws with First Funding
When you’re in the middle of a rehab, speed matters. Contractors need to be paid, materials need to be ordered, and timelines can’t afford delays. That’s why at First Funding , we’ve built our draw process to be fast, simple, and investor-friendly. No unnecessary red tape. No weeks-long waiting periods. Just a smooth process that keeps your project moving. What Makes First Funding’s Draw Process Different? At First Funding, we understand real estate because we work with inves
jfennimore
Feb 22 min read


Top 10 Affordable Markets for Investors in 2026
Investing doesn’t always mean chasing the hottest or most expensive markets. In fact, some of the best opportunities — especially for first-time or budget-minded investors — are in affordable markets where entry costs are lower, rental demand is stable, and ROI potential remains strong. We’ve rounded up 10 affordable markets worth considering in 2026 , focusing primarily on real estate markets where pricing, rental yield, and growth trends align to offer value and investmen
jfennimore
Jan 223 min read


2026 U.S. Real Estate Market Outlook
Presented by First Funding — Empowering Homebuyers, Investors & Real Estate Partners Nationwide As we enter 2026, the U.S. housing market is finally moving out of the turbulence that defined the early 2020s. With stabilizing interest rates, improving supply conditions, and moderating home prices, this year marks a pivotal shift toward balance, recovery, and renewed opportunity . At First Funding, we’re committed to helping borrowers, lenders, and real estate professionals nav
jfennimore
Dec 16, 20253 min read


Why Real Estate Investors Choose Hard Money Lenders
When it comes to real estate investing, timing is everything. That’s where hard money lenders come in. These private lenders offer fast, flexible financing that traditional banks can’t match—making them a go-to for Florida fix-and-flip investors. Here are the key benefits: ✅ Speed – Close in days, not weeks. Perfect for time-sensitive deals or auctions. ✅ Flexible Approval – Focused on the property’s value, not your credit score. ✅ Short-Term Loans – Ideal for fix-and-
jfennimore
Oct 24, 20251 min read


Same Market, Different Results: Why Some Lenders Are Winning Big
With DSCR loan volume up 105% year-over-year, top performers aren't riding the wave - they're creating it through better execution and...
jfennimore
Oct 9, 20253 min read


Make Title an Advantage, Not a Bottleneck
A strategic title partner can accelerate closings, safeguard reputation, and support long-term portfolio growth. Not all title companies...
jfennimore
Sep 9, 20254 min read


Here’s Where You Can Still Buy a New Home for Under $300K
With rising prices and tight inventory, many buyers assume they’ve been priced out of the new-construction market . But that’s not the...
jfennimore
Aug 27, 20253 min read


How Federal Takeover of Washington D.C. Could Impact the Real Estate Market
In a surprising and politically charged development, the U.S. federal government has taken steps to assume greater control over...
jfennimore
Aug 14, 20253 min read


Multifamily Is Winning the RTL Recovery
Underwriting corrections and stronger sponsor quality have fueled a sharp rebound in multifamily residential transition loans while other...
jfennimore
Jul 24, 20257 min read


It’s a Buyer-Friendly Housing Market as Mortgage Rates Dip
In the mortgage market, rates on a 30-year fixed loan dropped for the first time in a month. The dip was modest, and rates are still...
jfennimore
Jun 26, 20252 min read


Bridge and DSCR Activity Surges
Driven by strong secondary market conditions, bridge and DSCR loan originations grew rapidly in 2024, setting the stage for continued...
jfennimore
Jun 3, 20254 min read


April New Home Purchase Mortgage Applications Jump 5.3% Year Over Year
New home sales pace for the month was up more than 14% from March Mortgage applications for new home purchases in April rose 2% from the...
jfennimore
May 22, 20251 min read


Buy or Hold? Local Developers Have the Answer
Bidding activity at foreclosure auctions provides early clues to 2025's real estate market winners and losers....
jfennimore
May 5, 20254 min read


How the Trump Administration’s Tariffs and Deportations Could Affect the Housing Market
Two big issues that President Trump campaigned on have the potential to create a massive impact on the housing market: tariffs and mass...
jfennimore
Apr 14, 20255 min read


Hyperlocal Due Diligence: A Look at the New York City Tristate Area
A combination of factors has led to high inventory levels in this consequential market, but could market demand be rebounding?...
jfennimore
Mar 27, 20254 min read


Default, Delinquency: Aggressive Collections Not the Answer
Techniques that keep communication lines open and preserve broker-borrower relationship help lenders mitigate loss and win fans. In...
jfennimore
Mar 12, 20254 min read


Unsung Underwriting Tools: Insurance Resources
Property insurance not only protects loan collateral, it provides unique insight into underlying geographic, property, and borrower risk....
jfennimore
Feb 26, 20253 min read


State of the Industry: Unanticipated Loan Activity Signals Market Shift
In 2024, private lenders are witnessing an unexpected uptick in bridge and DSCR loan activity, reflecting growing investor demand for...
jfennimore
Feb 13, 20252 min read


Distressed Auction Data Reveals Hidden Market Potential
New data shows fewer than one in four purchases at foreclosure and REO auctions involve financing, underscoring a substantial, untapped...
jfennimore
Jan 28, 20252 min read
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