About Us

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

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 […]
October 31, 2019

We’ve been nominated as The Best Mortgage Company in Brooklyn…Again!

We’ve been nominated as The Best Mortgage Company in Brooklyn once again! We have been nominated for 2020, and 2021 We are very grateful to have great clients and great colleagues! Thank you again Best of Brooklyn! Mortgage Rates Calculate Your Monthly Payment
July 21, 2017
best mortgage company in brooklyn

We’ve been nominated as The Best Mortgage Company in Brooklyn!

We at Aurum & Sharpe would be nothing without our clients, and your satisfaction with our service means the world to us. We are happy to announce that this year we have been nominated as The Best Mortgage Company in Brooklyn! It is so humbling to know that our hard work is appreciated, enough so to earn this nomination. Now we need your help to win! Here’s how to vote: Go to bestofbk.com and click ‘Vote Now.’ Select the ‘Services’ category on the left Scroll down and select ‘Mortgage Company’ Vote for ‘Bryan Hanley’! Votes are limited to one per category per day. Be sure to keep voting every day until August 4, 2017 to make sure your favorite businesses win the “Best of” title! Mortgage Rates Calculate Your Monthly Payment
July 21, 2017

How to Buy a New Building Using Equity You Already Have

Many property owners try to buy new property all the time. In most cases, this involves coming up with a hefty down payment. However, you can avoid having to organize hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash by buying a new building using equity in other properties you already have, a process called cross collateralization. The bank or lender would write a loan using both properties or a number of properties as collateral for the new property you’re buying. The lender then places a lien on all the properties being used as collateral, which includes the property you’re buying and the other properties you’re using as equity. Cross collateralization is uncommon, but it can be done. To qualify for this type of loan, you need to have significant equity in your other properties. Lenders that do this generally will allow […]
July 21, 2017

What is a Global Debt Service Coverage Ratio and When Does it Affect You?

Not all commercial real estate lenders are created equal. Each lender has their own differences and peculiarities. When evaluating your income for loan purposes, some banks will take the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of just the property that you are financing. Others however, will take into account all of your other properties to arrive at what it’s called the global debt service coverage ratio. This can be troublesome for some borrowers. If they are just breaking even on one or a few properties, it could negatively affect them on another property they are trying to find. It is useful to get a sense of which lenders use the global debt service coverage ratio and which do not. Aurum & Sharpe has extent extensive experience in navigating the confusing lending environment. We evaluate whether your global debt service coverage ratio […]
July 21, 2017

How to Ensure that your Application for a Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Loan will be Approved

If you’ve looked to finance a commercial property in the last 3 to 5 years, you know that banks are happier to say no then they are to say yes. In this environment, it is imperative that you know your options. The first and most important step to ensuring that your application will be approved is making sure that your loan officer puts together a winning loan package. The loan package describes who you are to the lenders. It needs to put your best foot forward as it explains your challenges in the most honest and accurate way. Banks and lenders will deny your loan on the slightest pretense of instability. Provided that you are qualified, as long as you follow the steps in this outline, your loan application should be successful. Step 1: Gather all your financial documentation and […]