real estate FAQ

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.

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

January 27, 2022
How often should I refinance my investment property?

How often should I refinance my investment property?

Without a doubt, real estate investing is one of the greatest sources of wealth in our country. According to numerous publications, 90 percent of all top earners in the world have their net worth tied to real estate. However, it’s not simply enough to own real estate to generate wealth necessarily, but rather the cash flow that the real estate you own creates. Unlike the typical 3 bedroom 2 bathroom single-family home where you and your family live, an investment property that is rented out to either a residential or commercial tenant and brings in a consistent source of passive income revenue is where the true power of real estate unfolds. Staying cash flow positive on your real estate, however, is not easy, as there are many expenses to having a rental that are not equally offset by rent. Rising […]
January 26, 2022
Should I Refinance my Rental Property?

Should I Refinance my Rental Property?

Refinancing your investment property can sound a bit confusing. What is the benefit of a refinance? How do I know if I am getting a reasonable rate? This may be your first rental property or one of multiple, and you’re considering, “Is now the time to refinance?”You’ve likely heard the benefits of refinancing your primary residence, but did you know that you can apply those same benefits toward your investment property? Investment property refinances can create opportunities to manage your loan while providing money to reinvest into the property or additional properties. Let’s Break it Down: Currently, mortgage rates are experiencing record lows and they are predicted to stay that way.According to Fannie Mae, the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rate should estimate around 2.7 to 2.8% for the year.Typically, investment property rates run higher than that of your primary residence. The […]
December 28, 2021

The Step by Step Guide to Refinancing Your Underlying Co-op Mortgage

There are a lot of benefits to refinancing your underlying co-op mortgage. These include a lower interest rate and changing your loan term. Depending on your why, refinancing may be the right choice for your co-op mortgage. Borrowers save an average of $2,800 annually by refinancing their loans. With a 10-year loan, this would equal out to $28,000.  Underlying co-op mortgages have shorter terms than residential mortgages and often have balloon payments at the end, so refinancing is common with these types of loans.  Keep reading to understand how to refinance an underlying co-op mortgage.  What is an Underlying Co-Op Mortgage? It’s important to understand what a mortgage is and how an underlying mortgage differs. Co-ops have special mortgages and rules on how funding works. What is a Mortgage? A mortgage is a loan that uses a form of real estate as […]
December 28, 2021

10 Best Practices for Getting a Mortgage in an LLC

“You’re self-employed. You’ll never get a mortgage.” If you’re making money on your own, you’ve likely heard these statements before. And, you’ve likely believed them. But, we’re here to break these rumors. You can get a mortgage if you’re self-employed. In fact, the best LLC mortgage lenders can help you get the best mortgage deal depending on your situation. In order to get the mortgage deal that you’re looking for, keep reading. We’re going to cover everything you need to know about getting a mortgage for your LLC. And, we’re going to share all the tips and tricks that you need to use when you’re looking for an LLC mortgage. 1. Get All of Your Legal Affairs in Order Before you start looking for the perfect mortgage deal, you need to get all the legal affairs for your LLC in order. If you’re […]
December 28, 2021

10 Things to Avoid When Refinancing Your Underlying Co-op Mortgage

Did you know that mortgage rates have hit a 50-year low? If your building board is planning to refinance your building’s underlying mortgage in 2022, there are many pitfalls to avoid.  Some people might panic when they hear the phrase “refinance underlying co-op mortgage.” However, there are many benefits to this process. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 things to look out for as you navigate this process.  First Step to Refinance Underlying Co-op Mortgage Before we get into the full list, let’s discuss the first steps. Refinancing a mortgage is one of the most important things your board will ever undertake. The implications of a refinance will impact every shareholder in your building.  If done correctly, a refinanced mortgage will affect the monthly maintenance costs for every shareholder. The market value of each dwelling will change.  The process […]
December 28, 2021

Where to Get LLC Loans for Investment Property

New real estate investors commonly ask the internet and other investors, “can I obtain mortgage LLC loans for an investment property?” The answer to that burning question is “yes”! Obtaining an LLC mortgage loan for your investment property comes with a slew of unique benefits. If you are new to getting a loan under an LLC can be very challenging if you don’t know where to start or where to look. No need to worry; we did all of that research for you. In this comprehensive LLC loans for investment property guide, we will go over everything you need to know about getting a rental property under your LLC name and who you can reach out to for more information! Benefits of LLC Loans for Investment Property Rental property investors use an LLC to protect their assets for their investment […]
December 28, 2021

What is the maximum LTV (loan to value) for a cash out refinance on an investment property?

Refinancing refers to the process where a property owner replaces their existing mortgage with a new one, in order to either save money or capture the equity in the real estate that they own. As of the day of this writing, interest rates in general, for both purchase and refinance loans are at record lows. At the beginning of 2021, the average mortgage interest rate was a startling 2.65%, a full percentage point lower than it had been just a year before. The lowest level it has been in years. During a low interest rate environment, like the one we are currently experiencing, refinancing an investment property opens up a huge opportunity for investors to decrease their monthly operating expense and increase their net cash flow. Furthermore, pursuing a cash out refinance loan, can multiple these benefits by allowing a […]
December 27, 2021
investment real estate appraisal

Does a refinance appraisal affect property taxes?

In recent years, refinancing real estate has become an emerging strategy among real estate investors to build their real estate portfolios. Popularized by the Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat method (BRRRR), many real estate investors now purchase properties with the goal to remodel them, rent them out to generate cash flow, and then refinance the property to capture the equity they’ve created and use the cash to buy a new property and do it all over again. In this process, refinancing plays the most critical role, and when it comes to refinancing any property, lenders will usually require another appraisal. Many investors, however, erroneously assume that this second appraisal will cause their property taxes to increase. In this article we dive into detail why this is not necessarily the case. What is an Appraisal A real estate appraisal is […]
December 17, 2021

How to Cash-Out Refinance your Investment Property

Cash-out refinance for an investment property If you’re looking to buy your first, second, or thirtieth rental property, then you’re a wise investor. There’s a reason why there are over 22 million independent landlords across the US, and it’s that real estate is a great investment! However, there are some ways to truly maximize your profits, and cash-out refinancing is a great way to get the funding for it! So, let’s talk about cash-out refinance for investment property and why it is the best option for your wallet! Benefits of Refinancing You’ve probably heard of refinancing a mortgage or a car loan before. It’s a great way to save money or potentially get some extra cash to use in the short term. No matter what type of refinance investors choose, there are some common reasons why an investor would choose to refinance […]