Top 3 Most Common New Lender Mistakes - #279

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, hosts Chris and Jason break down the three most frequent mistakes new private lenders make—and how to avoid them for long-term success.

1. Over-leveraging loans
   Lending at high loan-to-value ratios (90–100%) with little borrower equity may seem appealing early on, but it often leads to late payments, defaults, and portfolio losses if not corrected quickly.

2. Poor understanding of property values
   Relying solely on borrower estimates or surface-level metrics can be risky. This episode emphasizes the need for lenders to conduct thorough underwriting using tools like MLS data, appraisals, and public records.

3. Lack of marketing efforts
   Many lenders underestimate the importance of a consistent marketing strategy. Without steady deal flow and strong borrower quality, even the best underwriting won’t lead to long-term success.

✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind

What Went Down at the June Hard Money Mastermind Event - #278

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, we’re recapping everything that went down at our very first June Hard Money Mastermind Event—and trust us, it was a big one.

Held right in our home market of Maryland, this intimate, invite-only gathering brought together 20 serious hard money lenders from around the country, many of whom we were meeting in person for the first time. From high-level presentations on raising capital, investor relations, and default management to in-depth discussions on deal flow, lending software, and avoiding overleverage—this was a true working mastermind.

We also welcomed guest speakers:
🔹 Shane Powers, who broke down marketing strategies for private lenders (SEO, paid ads, and more)
🔹 Harris Dainoff, a seasoned loan doc attorney who shared essential insights on legal protections and negotiating title

Inside this episode, you’ll hear:
✅ How first-time lenders evolve from risky 100% financing to safer structures
✅ The real numbers behind profitable lending portfolios
✅ Lessons from the trenches on software, borrower relationships, and lender collaboration
✅ Why small, non-competing groups create the best environment for transparency and growth

This isn’t about flashy presentations or hundreds of attendees—it’s about deep dives, candid conversations, and actionable takeaways for full-time private lenders looking to scale smart and stay profitable.

🎯 Interested in joining the next event or learning more?
👉 Visit: www.HardMoneyMastermind.com

✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind

AI For Private Lenders - #277

In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, we dive into one of the biggest topics in business and tech today: Artificial Intelligence—and how private lenders are actually using it right now to save time, improve workflows, and enhance decision-making.

Fresh off a recent mastermind meeting in Maryland, Jason and Chris break down real-world ways AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude are being leveraged in lending businesses today—not as replacements for expertise, but as time-saving, productivity-boosting assistants.

🔍 What we cover in this episode:

• Using ChatGPT for SEO and content creation (with human editing!)

• Turning video transcripts into blog posts and emails

• Researching foreclosure laws and legal terms across multiple states

• Creating amortization spreadsheets with AI

• How AI is helping streamline communication, from email drafts to inbound call handling

• Experiments with AI-powered phone agents and CRM integrations

• Why the human touch still matters in private lending

Whether you’re a lender, investor, or small business owner looking to better understand how AI can support your operations, this episode will give you tactical, real-life examples—not hype.

🎧 Listen, learn, and walk away with practical ways to integrate AI into your lending business today.

✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅

Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered.

✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com

✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070

✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/

✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind