real estate

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

September 20, 2022

Banks that Refinance Investment Property

Mortgage rates are historically low, and homeowners have no better time to refinance their properties. A Freddie Mac survey from 2020 revealed that the average interest rate on fixed-rate mortgages had dropped by 50% between 2010 and 2020. Although these rates have skyrocketed in 2022, the current sub-6 % rates still represent a vast improvement from what was available in the 90s and early 00s. Refinancing your property allows you to get better terms than you did when you initially took out your mortgage. However, there are several factors you must consider before refinancing your property, especially if it is an investment property, to ensure that you are making a wise investment. One of these considerations is who to refinance with. You may refinance your property through a traditional bank or other lending institutions. Each lender has its specific benefits […]
September 14, 2022

Who are the Best Non-QM Lenders?

Many mortgages went into default more than ten years ago due to the borrowers’ inability to continue making mortgage payments. The spike in defaults was mostly caused by a large number of mortgages that, while they initially helped borrowers buy homes, ultimately put those homeowners in a difficult financial situation. Non-QM lenders now offer safe alternative financing solutions by modifying their services. The Qualified Mortgage Rule was developed in 2014 by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This rule established requirements for lenders, including the need for them to confirm the borrower’s ability to pay back the mortgage and the need for them to offer mortgage options that minimize risk for both the borrower and the lender. While some borrowers may not meet the requirements or are not eligible for a qualified mortgage rule, non-QM might be preferable. However, this […]
September 14, 2022

Is it harder to get a Mortgage for an Investment Property?

Real estate investment is one of the most profitable investments you can make if you know your onions. More than 10% of the wealthiest people in the world post real estate as their source of income, and this sector has become one of the most lucrative over the years, generating three times more revenue than every other income source over the last year. If you’re a small-time investor, the easiest way to make money off real estate is by renting out a property or flipping a property for profit. However, the personal capital to invest in property is often unavailable, making investment property loans worthwhile. Investment property loans allow you to increase your profit by using the loan to build or rehabilitate a property where there is a need while leveraging the terms of the loan. However, banks and lending […]
September 14, 2022

Types of Commercial Real Estate Loans (Including Non-Qm)

A commercial real estate loan is a mortgage that can be acquired using the business property as collateral or backup. These loans can be divided into three major categories: business loans, investment loans, and loans for development. Commercial real estate (CRE) includes any revenue-generating property utilized for commercial activities, such as offices, shops, hotels, restaurants, warehouses, and apartments. Loans for commercial real estate are only used to purchase commercial property; they are not used for buying private homes. However, residential properties with 1-4 units managed by an LLC can use commercial loans. Banks and lenders are in charge of offering commercial real estate loans, just like with any other kind of mortgage loan. Loans for residential real estate are granted to private borrowers, while loans for commercial real estate are given to commercial enterprises, including organizations, Limited liability companies, investors, and developers. […]
September 14, 2022

How Does Real Estate Investment Compare to Investing in Stocks or Crypto

A great approach to increasing wealth and preparing for retirement is through investment. Investors can diversify their wealth and reduce risk by taking advantage of various profitable investment opportunities. The world is full of investment opportunities. Choosing the right ones for you can be difficult. The benefits and drawbacks of every investment are unique. Maybe your financial adviser tells you to invest in stocks, your best friend tells you to invest in stocks, and every social media post wants you to invest in cryptocurrency. You may be confused about the right investment because they all look like the right one with future potential. Not to worry, this article will guide you on real estate, stocks, and cryptocurrency investment and how to choose the right one that specifically suits your circumstance. What is Cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency is a digital currency that doesn’t […]
February 8, 2022
Real Estate Loans

What is a Real Estate Portfolio Loan?

If you’re a first-time real estate investor with no credit and cash, or a small business owner looking to refinance all your rental properties into one loan, chances are you’ll have a hard time finding a lender. Real estate mortgages are among the most highly regulated industries, imposing some of the most stringent requirements on borrowers in order to ensure another Great Recession does not occur. As such, real estate investors looking for more flexible and creative financing often have to look outside the box at alternatives. As a group, the alternative loan programs available out there are largely considered portfolio loans, and in this article, we’ll discuss what they are, the different types available for real estate investors, and the benefits and downsides to them. The definition of a Portfolio Loan A portfolio loan is any real estate mortgage […]
January 31, 2022
Real Estate Investors

Who Are the Richest Real Estate Investors?

Most major business publications will agree that real estate makes up more than two-thirds of the net worth around the world. Real estate is a lucrative investment opportunity that has created hundreds of millionaires and billionaires. As a budding real estate investor, especially one just getting started, there is much you can learn from those who have already walked in your shoes. This is why in this article we share with you who are the top 10 the richest real estate investors in the world, and what they did to get there. 10. Sam Zell Net Worth: $4.8 billion Investments: Multifamily, Office, Manufactured Housing, REITs In our list, Sam Zell starts as number 10 of the world’s richest real estate investor. Often regarded as a leader within the industry, Sam Zell’s start in real estate began young. Sam was born […]
January 28, 2022
Non-Qualified Loans

What is a Non-QM Mortgage?

When trying to buy a home or investment property you’ve most likely considered getting a mortgage, or outside financing to help you make the purchase. Between FHA loans, conventional loans, jumbo loans, hard money loans, and private money loans there are seemingly endless options. Despite all of the loans that are available, there are two major distinctions you should know about: qualified versus non-qualified mortgages. Unlike a qualified mortgage, a nonqualified loan is not subject to certain restrictions such as a debt-to-income ratio requirement. This makes non-qualified mortgages an attractive option for borrowers who don’t necessarily fit the ‘standard’ mold when buying a home, or for buyers that are looking to acquire a property that doesn’t meet FHA or conventional loan requirements, as is often the case for real estate investors. In order to know whether or not a non-qualified […]
January 27, 2022
What credit score do I need to buy an investment property

What credit score do I need to buy an investment property?

Buying an investment property is a major step in becoming an active real estate investor. Purchasing a property in hopes of developing it in the future, flipping a single-family home like you see on TV for a profit, or buying an asset that generates passive rental income can all be exciting ways and reasons to invest in real estate. There are, however, a lot of things you have to do in order to prepare and set yourself up for success. Naturally, you’ll need to do your research, work with the right real estate agent, and find a good deal. And once you do, you’re most likely going to want to finance the purchase, as opposed to paying all cash, which will involve getting a loan. Typically, lenders that specialize in making investment property loans will look at the real estate, […]
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 […]