Best of Brooklyn

Aurum and Sharpe was founded in 2017 by me, Bryan Hanley, and one of my best friends, Rudy Renelique. After many years working at big banks like Chase, and Wells Fargo, we decided we could bring value to a mortgage market that was starving for independent thinkers. So we started Aurum and Sharpe over a phone call about financing a multi-family deal in Brooklyn. Since starting this business we’ve been on many adventures from financing a $20 million portfolio of single families, to meeting the President of Rwanda and Finance Minister of Namibia.

Team and our partners at Maya’s Hope Fundraiser

Rudy has gone on to start his own firm, Overture Capital, while I’ve stayed on to grow Aurum and Sharpe. Aurum is the original Latin word for gold (that’s why the periodic table has it listed at Au). We chose it because we think of our word as “as good as Gold.” And in that vein, we want to add value to every customer we come in contact with. Our promise is that by working with us, you will increase your Freedom, Purpose, and Fulfillment.

Our process includes learning your overall objectives and where you want to go in your life so that we make sure your financing enhances your life and gets you to your destination much faster. What that means though, is that we are not like every other broker on the street that will only do a surface level amount of learning about you, your life, and your motivations. For us, that is Gold. We want to learn how we can tailor your financing so that you thrive in your life! So before we talk about rates, terms, or anything else, we are going to try and figure out how to add value through financing.

We know this approach isn’t for everyone. But if this resonates with you, lets talk: 917 475 6207

Less well known about me is that I’ve also served as the Head of Marketing at a Y combinator Cyber Security Startup (raised their value by creating winning marketing, twice), served as a marketing specialist, data management contractor for the Cyber Security Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA, which is a division of the United States Department Of Homeland Security), wrote and published “The House Hustle” for Black Entrepreneurs, wear two five-fold Crosses, hold a degree in Africana Studies from Rutgers University (I’ll always be a Scarlet Knight), and am former active firefighter.

Feel free to verify any of this on Linkedin:

Live Free! Break the Chains!

October 6, 2022

Best way to get a Mortgage for Investment Properties over $2,000,000

The most country considers a two-million dollar property to be expensive, and it is. Obviously, the housing market is robust and will most likely remain so for some time. In light of this, purchasing a home for $2,000,000 or more is sensible if you have the means. And besides, price and rent increases are certain to continue due to inflation. Generally, you shouldn’t spend more than three times your annual gross income on a property. Helping people make responsible purchases is a component of the 30/30/3 rule for acquiring a property. Consequently, you must earn a minimum of $667,000 annually to purchase a $2 million home. You should also have sufficient money for a 20% down payment, or $400,000, and an additional $100,000 in cash reserves just in case of any unforeseen event. With the current cheap mortgage rates, you can […]
October 5, 2022

How to Cash-out Refinance Investment on Your Property: A Step-by-step Guide

Real property is known to be a good investment because historically, its prices are on the up and up. When value appreciates, so does the profit of real estate investors. With that in mind, real property investors should always be on the lookout for ways to expand their real estate portfolio. Cash-out refinancing is one way to do that. What is Cash-out Refinancing? Cash-out refinancing is the process of taking out another mortgage to “finance again” the property. With a refinancing, you can convert your home equity into cash, which can then be used for various things. Since we are talking about property investments, then that cash can be used as a down payment for another property, hence expanding your real estate portfolio. When you apply for a new mortgage, it has to be larger than the balance of the […]
October 5, 2022

Rental Property Mortgage Rules

A growing number of people in the U.S. are looking at investment properties as the best way to boost their incomes because they prove to be excellent sources of income for ambitious investors. But first-time owners have discovered that buying a rental property is far trickier than anticipated. This is especially true regarding eligibility for that crucial supplementary mortgage, the mortgage for a rental property. A primary dwelling and a rental property are not financed similarly. First-time purchasers should be prepared to meet some rather strict standards before they can expect to be approved for a mortgage because lenders tend to be more cautious about underwriting loans on rental properties. Even though it sounds complex, it simply requires comprehension. In this article, we’ll explain how you can get a mortgage for a rental property, the options available, the requirements for […]
October 4, 2022

Best way to get a Mortgage for Investment Properties over $3,000,000

Getting a mortgage of over $3,000,000 for investment properties can be challenging as most lenders consider many factors and place stringent requirements due to their risk. In most of America, a home worth $3 million is expensive. Technically, when your income exceeds $3 million, you are officially living in luxury. Admittedly, the average cost of a home in America is over $400,000. As a result, the price of a three million dollar home is 7.5 times the median. In locations like San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York, $3 million alone won’t get you home because of its location. The pricey seaside cities have nice homes available for $3 million. However, the location of your $3,000,000 home is important. If you are looking to buy an investment property with a mortgage, there are requirements you need to […]
October 4, 2022

Investment Property Mortgage Rates

An investment property mortgage is a loan obtained to fund an asset with the potential to generate income. The best way to profit from real estate is through investment properties. Investment properties are purchased to rent out or sell for a profit, unlike primary. Investors can fund the acquisition or construction of investment properties with the aid of loans. Investment mortgages—also referred to as loans for rental property—are backed by the asset being financed. In other words, if you don’t comply with the loan agreements, the lender has the power to foreclose on your home. Investment property loans come in various forms, such as conventional loans, hard money loans, private money loans, and home equity/HELOC loans. Each loan has a distinct feature, prerequisites, advantages, and disadvantages. But one thing all these loans have in common is that their rates are […]
October 4, 2022

Best way to get a mortgage for investment properties over $5,000,000

Owning an investment property provides an excellent opportunity to make money from real estate. However, getting an investment property requires a lot of financing and is, thus, mostly funded through mortgages. Getting a mortgage for an investment property is quite difficult already. But when it comes to investment properties over $5 million, it’s almost mission impossible. However, there are ways around it – there are effective ways to get mortgages for that luxurious property, whether you’re an individual or a group. This piece expires some of those ways. What qualifies as an Investment Property? A real estate property is considered an investment property if it was purchased to make a profit through rental income, potential resale, or both. Investment properties may be owned by an individual investor, investment firm, or corporation. These properties may be held for the long term […]
October 4, 2022

Best way to get a Mortgage for a Home Over $2,000,000

Many consider a two-million dollar property to be expensive, and it is. Obviously, the housing market is robust right now and will most likely remain so for some time. In light of this, purchasing a home for $2,000,000 or more is sensible if you have the means. And besides, price and rent increases are certain to continue due to inflation. Generally, you shouldn’t spend more than three times your annual gross income on a property. Helping people make responsible purchases is a component of the 30/30/3 rule for acquiring a property. Consequently, you must earn a minimum of $667,000 annually to purchase a $2 million home. You should also have sufficient money for a 20% down payment, or $400,000, and an additional $100,000 in cash reserves just in case of any unforeseen event. With the current cheap mortgage rates, you can […]
September 30, 2022

Current Mortgage Rates on Investment Properties

Purchasing an investment property or a rental property is one of the easiest ways to make money off real estate. These properties allow you to generate income from rental payments or equity appreciation, i.e., holding on to the property for a while and then selling it for a profit. Purchasing and holding this kind of property carries risks, just like any investment, and the financing criteria are considerably different from those for a permanent dwelling. This piece explores the current mortgage rates on investment properties, as well as other requirements needed to make an investment property purchase. What are Mortgage Rates on Investment Properties? An investment property mortgage refers to a loan obtained to purchase an income-generating property. This loan is typically secured by the property purchased with it. Thus if the borrower defaults on the loan payment, the lender […]
September 30, 2022

Mortgage Rates for Investment Properties in New York

Also known as the “big apple,” New York is touted as “the city that never sleeps.” A concrete jungle where dreams are made, and people form from the school of hard knocks. It’s said that if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere on earth – but first, you need to make it in New York. Making it in New York often requires that you have investments. These can be stocks, mutual funds, real estate, or whatever tickles your fancy. Like in any other place, you typically need a mortgage to invest in New York real estate. However, New York isn’t quite like any other place – Things are “extra” over here, and mortgage rates aren’t quite the same. Before taking a mortgage in New York, you must calculate how much it will cost, especially […]
September 30, 2022

15 or 30 Year Mortgage for Investment Property

One of the most important decisions property investors make when submitting a mortgage application is the loan duration. Despite the fact that the vast majority of buyers choose a 30-year mortgage, others use a 15-year mortgage to take advantage of the long-term benefits that a loan with a shorter term can provide. Although a 15-year mortgage requires larger monthly payments, the total interest paid is lower in the long run. This might result in homebuyers saving hundreds or thousands of money, making it a more sensible choice. A 30-year mortgage might be better if you want to diversify your investments or invest in other areas like the stock market while still making monthly mortgage payments. The fact that a 30-year fixed mortgage will provide you more money each month for investing does not necessarily make it the best choice. However, […]