• Buildium: Best for property managers and landlords
• QuickBooks: Best third-party integrations
• Wave: Best for beginners
• FreshBooks: Best mobile accounting app
• Xero: Best for real estate teams
• DoorLoop: Best for growing real estate investors

Best real estate accounting software compared

	Starting price	Free trial	Standout features
	$58 per month	14 days	Property-specific accounting Owner and tenant portals Built-in 1099 filing
Visit Buildium
	$35 per month	30 days	Customizable reporting tools Live bookkeeping and tax experts AI assistant
Visit QuickBooks
	$0	N/A	Free forever plan with unlimited invoices and payments Easy-to-use desktop and mobile app 24/7 live chat support
Visit Wave
	$21 per month	30 days	Money-back guarantee Property-based mileage and time tracking Automatic expense tracking and categorization
Visit FreshBooks
	$20 per month	30 days	Unlimited users and collaboration tools Highly customizable Short-term cash flow projections
Visit Xero
	$69 per month	N/A	Automatic property management reports Tenant and owner portals Integration with QuickBooks
Visit DoorLoop

Buildium: Best for property managers and landlords

Pros Owner and tenant portals Automates rent payments and bills Easily scales with your portfolio	Cons Not designed for real estate sales professionals Can be pricey Lacks extensive customizations
Pricing 14-day free trial Essential plan: Starts at $58 per month for up to 150 units Growth plan: Starts at $183 per month Premium plan: Starts at $375 per month
Visit Buildium

Why I like Buildium 

Buildium is well-known as one of the best accounting software for real estate investors. It is specifically designed as an all-in-one management platform for rental property owners, landlords, and property managers, and its accounting features are second to none. 

It automatically reconciles multiple bank accounts and tracks every rent payment and vendor bill. It can even turn work orders into bills and automate recurring payments. It also creates easy-to-understand reports and graphs, whether you are managing one property or hundreds. Given these capabilities, Buildium is the best overall real estate accounting software for landlords who want the perfect blend of advanced tools on a user-friendly platform.

Buildium’s key features

• Mobile app
• Made for all types of properties, including single-family rentals, multifamilies, community associations, student housing, and commercial properties
• Ability to e-file 1099s
• Handles online payments from tenants, vendors, contractors, and other expenses
• Automated rent payments, bank reconciliation, and detailed reporting
• Great onboarding system and supportive customer service to make sure you make the most out of the platform
• Integrations to other Buildium apps and third-party apps
• Excellent user review ratings on third-party review websites

QuickBooks: Best local and third-party integrations

Pros Real estate-friendly features like mileage tracking, receipt capture, and bill management Class and location tracking for property type tracking User-friendly platform	Cons Not designed specifically for real estate Add-on features can be pricey Doesn’t include property management features
Pricing 30-day free trial Simple start: $35 per month for one user Essentials: $65 per month for up to three users Plus: $95 per month for up to five users Advanced: $235 per month for up to 25 users Payroll add-on: $50-130 per month Contractor payments add-on: $15 per month + $2 per additional contractor QuickBooks Time: $20-40 per month + $8-10 per additional user Live Expert Full-Service Bookkeeping: Starting at $300 per month
Visit QuickBooks

Why I like QuickBooks

If you have looked at any accounting software at all, you already know about QuickBooks — it is easily the most well-known software for accounting. It includes a massive range of features and tools to fit the needs of new real estate agents, small teams, large real estate sales firms, and investors. For example, all plans include features like receipt capture, mileage tracking, income and expense tracking, invoicing, and payments.

Plus, QuickBooks has a class and location feature to track income and expenses on specific properties or on types of properties (like residential, commercial, and rental properties). This makes it easy to understand how each part of your business is performing. QuickBooks is also a great realtor accounting software because of its affordable plans, access to experts and customer support, and its integrations with other important apps to help you get established. For example, QuickBooks integrates with TurboTax, HubSpot, Google Workspace, Pipedrive, Zoho, and hundreds of others.

QuickBooks’ key features

• Income and expense tracking
• Invoicing and automated payments
• Receipt capture to easily track and upload expenses (i.e. coffee shops, restaurants, gifts)
• Mileage tracking to log travel to property showings, client meetings, and closings
• Reporting by property or by class (i.e., type of property or investment)
• Mobile app
• Tax reporting
• Over 750 third-party integrations
• Ability to work with a bookkeeping expert and/or tax expert
• Automated bookkeeping
• Access to live experts
• Includes Intuit Assist, an AI assistant

Wave: Best for beginners

Pros Transparent and affordable pricing Easy-to-use platform Automatic invoice and bill tracking in the Pro plan Visual cash flow reporting Unlimited invoices and transactions	Cons Lacks real estate-specific tools like mileage tracking Receipt capture is an add-on expense May be too limited for growing teams or companies
Pricing Starter: $0 Pro: $170 per year or $16 per month Receipt capture: $8 per month Payroll: $20 per month Hire a bookkeeper: $149 per month Accounting coaching: $229 one-time fee
Visit Wave

Why I like Wave

Wave is hands down the best accounting software for real estate agents who want the most affordable and user-friendly platform to get started. In fact, Wave is the only real estate accounting software on our list with a free forever plan. 

The platform is also incredibly user-friendly, which is ideal for agents or real estate business owners who haven’t used accounting software in the past. It syncs to your bank accounts and credit cards and automatically tracks your expenses and income. The dashboard makes it easy to add customers, vendors, invite another user, customize your invoices, or look at detailed reports. Plus, the dashboard displays your real estate cash flow by month in an easy-to-understand graph. Overall, Wave is the best accounting software for beginners who want an affordable or free solution that is extremely easy to use.

Wave’s key features

• Free forever plan
• Income and expense tracking
• Unlimited invoices and estimates on the free plan
• Unlimited payments for vendors, contractors, and services on the free plan
• Mobile receipt capture (with an add-on fee)
• Automated reminders for invoices and bills with online payments
• Mobile app
• Dashboard with visual reports
• Live chat support is available 24/7
• Access to expert Wave advisors
• Integrates with other tools through Zapier
• Optional add-on features like receipt capture (free in the Pro plan) and payroll
• Excellent user review ratings on third-party review websites

FreshBooks: Best mobile accounting app

Pros Money-back guarantee Extremely easy to use platform Visual financial reports Includes mileage and time tracking for each property or transaction	Cons Team members are an add-on cost Reporting features are not as robust as other options Limited integrations
Pricing 30-day free trial 30-day money-back guarantee Lite: $21 per month for one user only Plus: $38 per month for one user only Premium: $65 per month for one user only Select: Custom priced Team member add-on: $11 per month, per user Payroll add-on: $40 per month
Visit FreshBooks

Why I like FreshBooks

FreshBooks is an accounting software with a user-friendly app and built-in tools to easily track, upload, and organize all of your expenses. While other accounting software options offer these tools as an add-on option, FreshBooks includes mileage tracking, time tracking, and receipt uploads on the mobile app and in every plan. This makes it extremely easy to stay on top of your finances without having to block off an hour of your schedule every week — just click a few buttons in the mobile app.

FreshBooks is also one of the most intuitive apps and user-friendly real estate accounting software options, with features like automatic expense categorization and communication tools directly on invoices and payments. Plus, its receipt capture feature will scan your receipts and automatically import the expense and category. Overall, FreshBooks is best for individual agents or small teams who want a solution that works on the go.

FreshBooks’ key features

• Mobile app
• Mileage tracking
• Time tracking for evaluating individual transactions, clients, or investments
• Project tracking to view the profitability of each part of your business
• Client account portal (ideal for home buyers, sellers, or tenants)
• Income and expense tracking
• Invoicing and automated payments
• Automatically generate tax reports
• Over 100+ integrations
• “At a glance” performance dashboards
• Team member roles
• Excellent user review ratings on third-party review websites

Xero: Best for real estate teams

Pros Highly customizable dashboard Unlimited users and collaboration tools for teams Strong automations and tracking features Comprehensive reporting and projections	Cons Not designed specifically for real estate Payroll is an added cost Higher learning curve than simpler options like Wave or FreshBooks
Pricing 30-day free trial Early: $20 per month Growing: $47 per month Established: $80 per month
Visit Xero

Why I like Xero

Xero is a highly customizable online accounting software designed for small businesses, and its flexibility and customization may be perfect for real estate agents, teams, property managers, or investors at every level. One of the many ways that it stands out from other accounting software for real estate is its tracking tools and projections. For example, its project tracking tools include time tracking, mileage tracking, and expense tracking that can be divided into projects. This can help real estate agents understand which clients or transactions are taking the most time and money, as well as help investors evaluate the success of their rental properties or fix-and-flip projects.

In addition to their tracking features, Xero allows an unlimited number of users. This makes Xero the best real estate accounting software for teams. However, its tracking features, automation, and highly customizable dashboards make it the best option for real estate professionals who want an in-depth understanding of their business finances on the most user-friendly platform.

Xero’s key features

• Mobile app
• Unlimited users
• Income and expense tracking overall and by project (for transactions, clients, and properties)
• Hubdoc document management and storage (ideal for real estate contracts)
• Contact management tools to track communication between team members and clients
• Easily create and send quotes and invoices
• Mobile receipt capture
• Analytics that track your cash flow and create short-term cash flow projections
• Business snapshot with easily customizable metrics
• Third-party integrations
• Onboarding specialist for first 90 days
• Excellent user review ratings on third-party review websites

DoorLoop: Best for growing real estate investors

Pros Intuitive, user-friendly dashboards Automatically generates property management reports Active customer support and onboarding system	Cons No free trial Not designed for real estate sales professionals Limited integrations and customizations for complex portfolios
Pricing Starter: $69 per month Pro: $139 per month Premium: $199 per month
Visit DoorLoop

Why I like DoorLoop 

DoorLoop is a real estate property management software with important accounting features, similar to Buildium. However, DoorLoop is a more user-friendly platform than Buildium, with simplified processes, visual reports, and an easy-to-use mobile app. It syncs with bank accounts to track your income and expenses and allows you to collect rent payments, send payments to vendors, and reconcile all transactions. You can even upload documents like receipts and invoices through the app.

Plus, DoorLoop integrates directly with QuickBooks for more in-depth accounting features. Overall, DoorLoop is best for landlords and property managers who want advanced accounting tools from QuickBooks combined with a simple, user-friendly property management software.

DoorLoop’s key features

• Mobile app
• Income and expense tracking
• Online rent payments
• Automated invoice and bill reminders
• Maintenance and expense tracking
• Real-time transaction reporting
• Native integration with QuickBooks
• Detailed financial reports
• Excellent user review ratings on third-party review websites
• Highly responsive customer support

How to choose the best real estate accounting software

You shouldn’t just choose an accounting software because it’s popular — the best real estate accounting software for your business depends on your specific business. For example, rental property owners will benefit from an accounting software that accepts and automates rent payments. On the other hand, real estate agents should be more focused on a platform that works well on the go.

Here are a few things to consider as you look for the right accounting software:

• Specific features: Consider the specific features you need as an agent, investor, property manager, like receipt capture, mileage tracking, time tracking, rent collection, invoicing, reporting, bank reconciliation, or payroll.
• Integrations: Look for a software program that fits with your existing tools or has a direct integration.
• Pricing: To state the obvious, you should be able to afford your accounting software. If you aren’t generating consistent income, start with a free software. As you grow, consider what accounting features you need, how many users should have access, and how you can consolidate your software tools for the best price.
• Ease of use: Even the best accounting software won’t do you any good if you don’t understand how to use it! Choose a software option that is intuitive, easy to navigate, and has customer support options when you have questions.

Our methodology: How we evaluated the best accounting software

At The Close, our methodology is based on providing real estate professionals with the most accurate, detailed, objective information to make smart business decisions. Our team of real estate professionals, researchers, and writers work together to do thorough research. 

To help you find the best real estate accounting software for your business, we considered a variety of options based on these criteria:

• Core accounting features: We looked for software that included the most basic and important tools like expense tracking, invoicing, profit and loss statements, and bank reconciliation.
• Pricing: We chose software at a variety of price points, considering what fits the needs of real estate professionals at different stages of their career.
• Customer support: We prioritized platforms that offer a variety of customer support options and onboarding systems.
• Ease of use: Since accounting can be complex, it’s important to choose a platform that is easy to learn. We evaluated and compared the ease of use of each platform.
• Reporting and analytics: Reporting is an essential part of accounting and tracking your business’s finances. We looked for platforms with easy-to-understand financial reports.
• Additional features: We chose software solutions with features that fit the needs of real estate professionals, like mileage tracking, time tracking, collaboration, tax forms, and invoicing.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Should I use QuickBooks as a real estate agent?

What type of accounting is used in real estate?

Do real estate agents need bookkeeping?

The post 6 Best Real Estate Accounting Software for 2025 appeared first on The Close.

The Close’s top picks for best real estate brokerage software

Software	Best for	Starting monthly price	Learn more
Best marketing software for your real estate brokerage
	Complete marketing campaign toolkit	$74 for agents; $54 per user for teams	Visit Coffee and Contracts
	Automated social media posting	$39 for agents; $159 for teams	Visit Agent Crate
	Highly targeted real estate direct mail	$0.96 per piece	Visit ProspectsPLUS!
	On-demand freelance marketing	5.5% Fiverr service fee of the total purchase amount, an additional minimum fee, plus the project cost	Visit Fiverr
Best CRM software for brokerages
	Automated lead-nurturing system	$189 for agents; $329 for small teams with up to 10 users	Visit Market Leader
	All-in-one lead platform	$899 for agents; $1,299 for teams	Visit CINC
	Conversion-focused CRM	$299 for agents; $599 for teams	Visit Real Geeks
Best website builders and IDX website software
	Fully custom-branded real estate websites	$99	Visit Agent Image
	No-code IDX websites	$79 for agents; $199 for teams	Visit Placester
	Hyperlocal authority websites	$149 subscription + $700 setup fee	Visit AgentFire
Best brokerage software for financial and transaction management
	Back-office automation	$99 for up to five users	Visit Brokermint
	Real estate accounting suite	$35-$235 for up to 25 users	Visit QuickBooks
	End-to-end transactions	$31.99 for agents; custom pricing for teams and brokers	Visit Dotloop
Best recruiting software for brokerages
	Specialized recruiter dashboards	$99	Visit Brokerkit
	Instant AI-driven matching	$299	Visit ZipRecruiter

Best marketing software for your real estate brokerage

In 2025, it’s not enough to slap together a flyer and hope it sticks. Your brokerage needs cohesive, multi-channel marketing campaigns that convert leads. Your agents need tools that keep up without breaking the bank or the brand. 

Here are my top picks for marketing software for real estate brokers:

Coffee and Contracts

• Best for: Complete marketing campaign toolkit
• Starting monthly cost: $74 for agents; $54 per user for teams

Having Coffee and Contracts is like handing your agents a full-service marketing department in one membership. It packs customizable templates for everything, from social media posts and reels to printed postcards and email campaigns. With all these real estate marketing materials, your team can launch polished and consistent outreach in minutes.

Agent Crate

• Best for: Automated social media posting
• Starting monthly cost: $39 for agents; $159 for teams

Agent Crate shines when you want hands-off social media. Its automated posting plans push engaging content directly to your agents’ Facebook and Instagram business pages without them lifting a finger. Its in-app design studio lets you customize everything on brand, from single-image posts to short video scripts.

ProspectsPLUS!

• Best for: Highly targeted real estate direct mail
• Starting monthly cost: $0.96 per piece

ProspectsPLUS! is the go-to for brokerages that swear by hyper-targeted mailers. Users can build and clean their mailing lists, send postcards, flyers, brochures, and door hangers. Agents can also schedule ongoing campaigns, like a “just-sold mailer,” to run automatically. In fact, ProspectPLUS! is one of The Close’s top picks for the best real estate direct mail companies for these features..

Fiverr

• Best for: On-demand freelance marketing
• Starting monthly cost: 5.5% Fiverr service fee of the total purchase amount, an additional minimum fee, plus the project cost

While Fiverr isn’t a turnkey brokerage solution, it’s perfect when your team has one-off projects. Tap into a global marketplace of freelancers rated by real clients to find experts for real estate logo designs, virtual staging, ad management, or even email campaigns. Plus, with services starting as low as $5, it’s affordable to get professional-quality work without breaking the bank.

Best CRM software for real estate brokerages

CRMs aren’t just a perk anymore; they’re a must-have if you want to keep agents happy and make recruiting easier. Before you choose a CRM for your team, figure out which features your brokerage truly needs versus the “nice-to-haves,” so you end up with a system that works for everyone. 

Market Leader

• Best for: Automated lead-nurturing system
• Starting monthly cost: $189 for agents; $329 for small teams with up to 10 users

Market Leader captures and nurtures leads with automated real estate drip campaigns and timely reminders. It delivers exclusive, high-quality prospects straight to your agents, so you’re not competing for the same contacts. Its exclusive leads guarantee means once a lead is assigned to you, no other agent in the network can claim it.

CINC

• Best for: All-in-one lead platform 
• Starting monthly cost: $899 for agents; $1,299 for teams

CINC bundles lead gen, website hosting, and powerful AI-driven follow-up workflows into one seamless platform. If you’re a team leader, you’ll love its ability to route hot leads to the right agents instantly — and the customizable team dashboards give you real-time insight into ROI at a glance. It’s absolutely perfect for scaling operations.

Real Geeks

• Best for: Conversion-focused CRM
• Starting monthly cost: $299 for agents; $599 for teams

Real Geeks’ conversion-focused toolkit combines high-performing IDX websites with smart behavioral tracking that tells your agents which leads are ready to talk. It filters out cold leads so agents can focus on genuine prospects instead. Plus, with prebuilt follow-up sequences and a free “Playbook” of industry-proven scripts, you’ll empower your team to confidently engage prospects.

Best website builders and IDX website software

Today’s top website builders and IDX solutions give you drag-and-drop design, real-time MLS feeds, and built-in lead capture tools. When comparing platforms for your brokerage, focus on how easily you can customize pages, launch hyperlocal search widgets, and optimize for mobile without calling in a developer.

Agent Image

• Best for: Fully custom-branded real estate websites
• Starting monthly cost: $99

Agent Image builds award-winning, fully custom-branded WordPress sites that help brokerages establish a distinctive online presence. Think high-impact, mobile-friendly designs that turn casual visitors into solid leads. Agent Image’s team handles everything from SEO-optimized page layouts to IDX integration and lead-capture widgets.

Placester

• Best for: No-code IDX websites
• Starting monthly cost: $79 for agents; $199 for teams

Placester makes it effortless for brokerages to launch and manage IDX-enabled websites without touching a line of code, thanks to its library of fully customizable templates and built-in MLS data feeds. From area pages that highlight neighborhood insights to automated saved-search alerts that keep prospects coming back, its platform helps generate and nurture leads around the clock.

AgentFire

• Best for: Hyperlocal authority websites
• Starting monthly cost: $149 subscription + $700 setup fee

AgentFire gives brokerages a head start with hyperlocal, conversion-driven websites powered by its Visual Editor. In minutes, agents can spin up beautifully branded pages, AI-driven search widgets, and lead-capture CTAs. This makes it easy for agents to tailor their site to a specific niche, neighborhood, or property type.

Best real estate brokerage software for financial and transaction management

The smartest brokerages are now turning to platforms that handle e-signatures, audit trails, commission splits, and bookkeeping all in one place. Check out these top options for your team and say goodbye to error-prone spreadsheets.

Brokermint

• Best for: Back-office automation
• Starting monthly cost: $99 for up to five users

Brokermint brings your transaction management and back-office under one roof, automating checklists, commission splits, and real-time financial reporting so your brokerage can ditch spreadsheets and stay on top of every deal. Its mobile app lets your team manage transactions on the go, keeping deals moving no matter where they are.

QuickBooks

• Best for: Real estate accounting suite
• Starting monthly cost: $35-$235 for up to 25 users

Did you know that many agents and brokerages already use QuickBooks? QuickBooks Online adapts to any brokerage’s accounting needs, showcasing flexible chart-of-accounts templates and custom fields for tracking commission payouts, trust-account reconciliations, and even agent license renewals right alongside your financial data.

Dotloop

• Best for: End-to-end transactions
• Starting monthly cost: $31.99 for agents; custom pricing for teams and brokers

Manage transactions and real estate contracts anytime, anywhere

Dotloop streamlines each transaction with e-signatures, real-time document collaboration, and automated compliance checklists. Its broker dashboard delivers a single-pane view of every deal in flight, letting you coach agents mid-process and hit closing targets without last-minute surprises.

Best recruiting software for real estate brokerages

Your brokerage needs to stand out to snag top talent. These tools will help you source smarter, automate follow-ups, and keep every candidate’s journey organized:

Brokerkit

• Best for: Specialized recruiter dashboards
• Starting monthly cost: $99

Brokerkit takes the heavy work out of recruiting by combining AI-driven messaging, market-triggered alerts, and integrated SMS/email campaigns into one clean dashboard. With one-click imports from sources like BrokerMetrics and a mobile-responsive design, your team can keep the talent pipeline full and organized, wherever you are.

ZipRecruiter

• Best for: Instant AI-driven matching
• Starting monthly cost: $299

With a single click using ZipRecruiter’s platform, your brokerage’s job opening gets posted to over 100 job boards. Its AI matching surfaces top local candidates within minutes, while the ATS-lite dashboard helps you sort, rate, and track applicants in one simple view.

Methodology: How we chose the best real estate brokerage software

At The Close, we’ve spent years digging into the tools that power top brokerage firms. Our team of writers, editors, and industry pros evaluated and compared dozens of platforms for this roundup of the best real estate brokerage software. Our top picks were based on the following criteria:

• Functionality: We looked at software that tackles a brokerage’s everyday challenges. Whether managing transactions, recruiting agents, or updating a website, each software should make daily operations easier.
• Pricing: We weighed each tool’s pricing, subscription plans, and discount offers against its potential return on investment.
• Ease of use: We assessed each software’s user experience, learning curve, and interface on web and mobile.
• Verified user reviews: We factored in verified user feedback, client case studies, and growth in adoption to ensure these tools are battle-tested in brokerages.
• Stability: Downtime and bugs cost brokerages money. All our picks passed stability checks for smooth performance and minimal hiccups.

Read more about our methodology here.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What software do realtors use?

Which software is best for a real estate business?

What CRM do most realtors use?

Your take

When selecting software solutions for your real estate brokerage, consider how well they will align with your company’s goals and needs. Which of these software solutions are used by your teams and brokerages? Share your experience in the comments!

The post Best Real Estate Brokerage Software for 2025: Our Top 15 Picks (+ Pricing) appeared first on The Close.

Here are some practical strategies to help build a pipeline of motivated real estate investors and generate consistent deal flow.

1. Local networking: Real estate investing (REI) clubs & meetups

• Cost: Varies — generally free
• Best for finding: Small private investors, niche private investors, and building your investment team

Where to start

• Search for local investing groups on Google, Meetup.com, or Facebook.
• Join both broad and niche-focused communities.
• Most meetups are social events held at a local coffee shop, restaurant, or brewery, and you can attend them free of charge (often with a free beverage included by the organizer). 

Tips for success

• Show up regularly — familiarity builds trust.
• Spend time in informal spaces where real conversations happen.
• Always collect contact info and follow up.
• Join multiple groups and start attending all their events. It’s a slow and time-consuming way to network, but one deal makes it all worthwhile.

A great way to build an investor list on Meetup.com is to start a group and serve as the admin. You will need an upgraded Pro account, which costs $30 per month. As the group owner, you get to establish yourself in a position of trust and authority. You’ll also get help from Meetup as they will promote your group to members of other groups with similar interests. This is a huge growth driver as it gets your group in front of other real estate investors.

2. Real estate investing conferences

• Cost: Varies — can be expensive
• Best for finding: Small multifamily investors, proptech investors, and institutional investors

Conferences — whether large or local — are packed with serious investors and networking opportunities.

There are numerous virtual and physical real estate investing conferences. The larger conferences attract thousands of investors and can last several days. It’s a great place to network and connect with real estate investors. Local investment conferences attract smaller audiences but are target-rich environments with serious local investors.

You need to go where your investors go! If you’re looking for an upcoming (October 2025) event, check out BPCON! You can also check our list of real estate conferences to see which one comes up in an area near you.

Networking tips

1. Come prepared with plenty of business cards or a digital contact-sharing tool. Dress professionally and have a brief, authentic elevator pitch ready.
2. Join the event app or any official social group before arriving. Start connecting with attendees and reviewing the schedule to identify high-value networking opportunities.
3. Reach out to potential contacts ahead of the event to schedule short meetups or coffee chats.
4. Attend sessions specifically designed for networking, such as happy hours, roundtables, or breakout groups. These often lead to more meaningful conversations.
5. Spend time in informal areas like the lobby, lounge, or hallways — seasoned investors often skip sessions and focus on connecting.
6. Identify key connectors or influencers and collaborate on sharing contacts or splitting networking duties.
7. Partner with exhibitors who aren’t collecting leads and offer to sponsor a giveaway in exchange for shared contact details.
8. Be approachable — smile, make eye contact, and start conversations. A friendly, open attitude goes a long way.
9. Focus on offering value — whether it’s insight, a referral, or an introduction. Investors remember those who help.
10. Follow up promptly via email or social media. Personalize your message and reference something specific from your conversation.  

You need to be disciplined and follow this checklist for every event. Unless the event attendee list miraculously falls into your hands, you’re stuck doing the grunt work to connect with investors on a one-on-one basis.

3. County real estate records

• Cost: Usually free
• Best for finding: Small private investors, private lenders, wealthy investors, institutional investors, and proptech investors

How to use property data to find investors

It will take you a minute to get a feel for who is an investor, but it gets much easier over time. Remember that every homeowner is, by default, also an investor. They are all candidates for your home wealth adviser services. Here’s what to look for:

• Homeowners who own more than one home: Use a simple spreadsheet search to identify duplicate owners and spot those with multiple properties.
• Homeowners who paid cash or have no mortgage: They may not be active investors, but they clearly have the financial capacity to invest.
• Homes with mortgages from private or hard money lenders: These financing sources often indicate investment activity.
• Homeowners who hold title in a trust or LLC: These ownership structures are commonly used by investors for liability or tax purposes.
• Homeowners with different street and mailing addresses: Out-of-state or mismatched addresses often suggest non-owner-occupied, investment properties.
• Owners of small multifamily, condo, or townhome units: Investors often hold 25% to 40% of units in these complexes — track those patterns closely.
• Rental listings on public sites: Set alerts for new rental listings and cross-reference them with your property database — every rental is investor-owned by default.
• Permit and licensing data from your county: Check for separate datasets related to rental, short-term rental, and ADU permits that can reveal active investors.

Building your county property database

Here are the types of data that are typically available from county records and will be particularly useful in your database:

• Property ownership: Owner’s name, property street address, owner mailing address, and sale history
• Property characteristics: Physical characteristics of a property, including its size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, age, and other features
• Property value: Assessed value of a property, which can be useful in determining its potential worth
• Tax information: Property taxes, assessed value, amount of taxes due, and the due date
• Deed information: Sales and legal transfer of property ownership, including the date of the transfer, names of the buyers and sellers, purchase price, and the owner’s mailing address
• Mortgage information: Mortgages or liens on a property, the amount of the mortgage, and the identity of the lender
• Zoning information: Zoning laws and regulations that apply to a particular property
• Building permits: Data on building permits that have been issued for a property, which can be useful in understanding the history of any renovations or improvements that have been made

4. BiggerPockets 

• Cost: Free — $39 a month for the forum; $150 per lead for the Recommended Agent program
• Best for finding: Small private investors and small multifamily investors

BiggerPockets is one of the most active real estate investing communities in the country, with more than a million members. It’s a go-to platform for investors looking to learn, find resources, and connect with like-minded professionals.   Try BiggerPockets to connect with investors  — whether you’re networking or offering value, it’s built to help relationships flourish.

Join the featured agent program

BiggerPockets offers a Featured Agent program that gives agents increased exposure to investor audiences — similar to Zillow Premier Agent.

Tips for converting recommended agent leads

Network with investors on the BiggerPockets Forum 

The free path on BiggerPockets is similar to how you would find real estate investors on a social network like LinkedIn. 

Always have a cooperative and sharing attitude. If you participate and give value, you will build your network, and you will also be noticed by the admins and moderators on the site. At some point, you may be invited to moderate or speak on a webinar or at an event!

Tips for finding investors in BiggerPockets Forums

5. FreedomSoft

• Cost: Starts at $197 per month
• Best for finding: Niche investors, out-of-state investors, vacant homes, foreclosed homes, private lenders, hard money lenders, and corporate investors

FreedomSoft is a powerful platform that helps organize and segment investor leads.  

You can download raw property data from your county assessor and treasurer departments, and you can also subscribe to data services that will apply market analytics to enhance and organize the data into lead lists and marketing campaigns.

FreedomSoft allows you to search and organize data by recognized categories of investors. Target filters include:

• Known and out-of-state investors
• Vacant or foreclosed properties
• Cash buyers
• Private and hard money lenders
• Trusts, corporations, proptech companies, and more

Plus, it includes tools for skip tracing, automated follow-ups, email/text outreach, and lead funnels.

Types of real estate investors

Understanding the different types of real estate investors can help tailor your approach and messaging. Each type has unique goals, risk tolerance, and deal structures.

Benefits of working with real estate investors 

Investors can be demanding, but the potential reward is significant. Real estate investors buy and sell properties year-round, no matter the market conditions  — this consistency means it’s a great idea for agents to work with investors!

In the first quarter of 2024, investors purchased approximately 44,000 US homes, accounting for 19% of all homes sold during that period  — the highest share in nearly two years, according to a Redfin report on investor home purchases. 

Here’s why working with them can be a career game-changer:

1. One client can fuel your business: Some investors transact so frequently that they can sustain your deal flow for years.

2. Investor activity is widespread and growing: Every market — urban, suburban, mid-sized, and even rural — has active investors looking for opportunities. Tapping into this consistent demand can open up steady, year-round business where others aren’t looking.

3. It’s a less crowded space: Most agents don’t target investors, so competition is lighter.

4. They buy year-round: Unlike traditional clients, investors don’t follow seasonal patterns.

5. Agents can leverage this experience to invest themselves: Working closely with investors teaches you how to evaluate deals, analyze markets, and spot opportunities — skills that can eventually help you build your own real estate portfolio.

How to vet real estate investors  

Not every investor lead is worth pursuing. Here’s how to separate the serious from the tire-kickers:

1. Use public records to check purchase history and financing methods.
2. Introduce them to a broker or planner to assess buying ability.
3. Disqualify those who can’t (or won’t) close deals.

That last step is essential because you need to cut your losses and move on from investors who may be willing but are unable to invest!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the 50% rule in real estate?

How do I find an investor to buy a property?

Where is the best place to find real estate investors?

The post How to Find Real Estate Investors to Work With (in Any Market) appeared first on The Close.

Whether you’re new to real estate investments or a seasoned professional, it’s worth identifying cities that offer you growth opportunities. I’ve found the top 10 best places to buy rental property where real estate investors can uncover compelling opportunities in 2025.

Top cities to invest in

1. Dallas, Texas

• Average days on market: 45 days 
• Average monthly rental cost: $1,600

Dallas continues to attract real estate investors due to its stable job market, diverse economy, and rapidly expanding population. It’s one of the best cities for real estate investments due to corporate relocations and the high concentration of tech, finance, and healthcare in the area. Housing values tend to be steady compared to nationwide cooling patterns, and rental demand remains robust due to the continued influx of new residents.

In the coming years, the metroplex is expected to grow consistently, underpinned by infrastructure developments and housing growth. Suburbs with prospects for future transit growth or those near key employment centers can be attractive to investors as a source of long-term appreciation and rental income.

2. Miami, Florida

• Average days on market: 80 days
• Average monthly rental cost: $2,999

As a notable hot spot in southern Florida, Miami recently rose to the top of the list for investors looking to capitalize on the changing landscape of residents looking for a warmer climate. Miami still offers pockets of up-and-coming neighborhoods that are attractive to those seeking a change of scenery from the typical South Beach hot spots. 

Miami’s oceanfront location and upscale gloss make it one of the best places to buy rental property because of prime pricing, but pockets of affordability remain in emerging enclaves. For investors, focusing on the area immediately around downtown or in neighborhood revitalization zones could have long-term promise. Keep an eye on local rent control regulations when entering this market.

Investors looking to take a more passive approach to investing can participate in Sold.com’s cash investor program. The program connects investors with sellers looking to obtain market value on their properties that need a little extra TLC. Investors will then make improvements to the properties to turn them into rental properties for income. 

However, with this program, investors have a much shorter time to make an offer, as sellers expect offers within two days of listing. 

3. Phoenix, Arizona

• Average days on market: 51 days
• Average monthly rental cost: $1,850

This bustling town in Arizona offers a blend of affordability and opportunity, making it one of the best places to invest in real estate. Phoenix leads one of the more investor-welcoming housing markets in the country. The metropolis had consistent employment growth in healthcare, logistics, and tech employment sectors during the last year. Housing demand increased during the last year, pushing rent upward, though price appreciation is slowing down. 

Expect consistent demand in the future due to the growth of residents coming in from more highly priced proximate states. Value opportunity exists in single-family rentals in the far suburbs, where competition is low and rent yields are robust. Track development pipelines and stay away from areas that show oversupply indicators.

4. Charlotte, North Carolina

• Average days on market: 43 days
• Average monthly rental cost: $1,915

Charlotte’s economy is supported by its strong financial sector, stable population growth, and expanding technology base. As one of the best cities for investment properties, Charlotte strikes a balance between affordable housing and newer development, making it attractive to both buyers and renters. Future market conditions are stable price appreciation and ongoing rental demand, especially in areas near business parks and universities. 

What will fuel future growth in the city will be spurred by planned future infrastructure development and corporate relocation. It will be profitable to concentrate on multi-family properties in pedestrian-friendly areas that have good public transit links in order to maximize cash flow and ultimate value.

5. Indianapolis, Indiana

• Average days on market: 43 days
• Average monthly rental cost: $1,915

Indianapolis stands out as one of the best cities for real estate investments due to its affordability, sound economy, and increasing popularity as a destination of choice among remote employees. The cost of living remains below the national average, and rental yields are also good. Activity in the market remains stable, supported by modest appreciation in homes and limited supply. 

Demand is expected to continue in the form of first-time buyers and renters priced out of larger metros. Buyers are also cautioned to look at areas zoned for development or near universities and hospitals. Turnkey and value-add sales are also common in the market and can fit different types of investment strategies.

6. Tampa, Florida

• Average days on market: 71 days
• Average monthly rental cost: $2,000

The Tampa housing market remains one of the best places to buy rental property due to the high demand for renting and relative affordability. Activity in the economy and infrastructure development in the area make it attractive to investors. 

Activity by private equity players in the residential market, however, also explains the rent surge, as 61% of the renters in the area pay $30 or more of their income in rent and utilities, as reported by The Private Equity Stakeholder Project (PESP). These investors are encouraged to target areas near transit points and to consider the impact of short-term rent control.

7. Colorado Springs, CO

• Average days on market: 62 days
• Average monthly rental cost: $1,650

Colorado Springs continues to attract investors in 2025 due to its strong population growth and high quality of life. Intensive military presence, a growing tech sector, and proximity to Denver give the city a boost, and thereby, it enjoys a stable housing demand base. Home values have steadily increased, and rent demand is also high, due to military families and remote workers who have moved in due to its affordability. 

Low supply levels and ongoing development activity create opportunities for investors to look at emerging areas or developments along high-employment corridors. Single-family rentals and multi-units can generate good returns, especially in areas around Colorado Springs’ up-and-coming downtown district.

8. Cleveland, Ohio

• Average days on market: 33 days
• Average monthly rental cost: $1,300

Cleveland provides investors the highest rent yield ratio and best affordability of any major US metro, making it the top city for real estate investment in 2025. The median house price and low monthly median rent keep it affordable, even for beginning investors. 

Strong rental demand, driven by hospitals, universities, and the downtown area, is supported by a sound base of renters and low living costs. Area redevelopment is also creating new opportunities for investors. For those seeking cash flow and appreciation, the Cleveland market provides a strategic foothold at more modest capital requirements and the potential for strong returns.

Once a rental property is obtained, investors can leverage platforms like Baselane to help with property management. It’s an all-in-one financial management solution for private rental property owners, landlords, and investors. It combines modern banking functionality with cost management, automated processing of rent payments, and reporting on performance in one dashboard. 

For investors with more than one property or unit, Baselane is a structured, technology-based approach that is cost-efficient and well-organized without the need to switch between many different tools.

9. Atlanta, Georgia

• Average days on market: 47 days
• Average monthly rental cost: $1,895

If you’re looking for the best cities to buy rental properties, Atlanta remains one of the hottest investor markets, driven by rapid population growth, a diversified economy, and employment growth. It continues to attract residents and investors, due to its relative affordability compared to coastal metros. Home prices have remained stable, and rent demand is boosted by young professionals, students, and families moving in. 

The suburbs of Atlanta will be good starting points for investors and will appreciate as the metro grows. Developers and investors will need to keep an eye on areas that have future infrastructure plans or corporate developments in the works. Value-add plays and long-term rentals will both work in Atlanta’s transformational market.

10. Nashville, Tennessee

• Average days on market: 72 days
• Average monthly rental cost: $2,050

The housing market in Nashville continues to look attractive because it’s supported by a growing creative economy and a good healthcare sector. Rent demand remains resilient in both the short-term and longer-term markets, led by markets including Germantown and East Nashville. Housing values have risen, even if at a diminished rate in the last few quarters, leaving both cash flow and longer-term equity potential available in the market. 

Cultural attractions of the city, combined with growing job opportunities, keep renters and buyers alike scrambling to reach the city in growing numbers. By investing in multi-unit housing or turnkey single-family property in transit-oriented markets, investors can gain. Zoning reform and development incentives also bring opportunities in new areas of investment potential.

Methodology

To find the best cities for real estate investments in 2025, we analyzed a mix of residential real estate information, economic data, and investment guidelines. Cities were selected based not only on a mix of average list prices, vacancy rates, average mortgage payments, and price-to-rent ratios, but also other trends that affect the sustainability of a long-term investment, such as population growth, the strength of the job market, diversity of the economic base, and ongoing development or revitalization initiatives. 

Data employed throughout our analysis was derived from publicly accessible information sources such as Zillow, the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the U.S. Census Bureau, city-realtor association reports, and economic projections. Markets that indicated consistent demand, good affordability measures, as well as potential appreciation further down the road, took priority in our list.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What makes a city a good place for real estate investment?

How do I decide which city is right for my investment strategy?

Is it better to invest in growing cities or undervalued markets?

Bringing it all together

Investing in the housing market in 2025 is highly divergent across the United States. Within each of the best places to buy rental property on our list, there are a variety of benefits in affordability, rent demand, employment growth, and long-term appreciation. Whether in the high-growth metros of Phoenix and Dallas or the value markets of Indianapolis and Cleveland, investors and real estate agents must choose from a broad array of opportunities, depending on intent and risk spectrum. Choosing the correct city — and the correct property — is the key to achieving long-term investment success.

The post 10 Best Cities for Real Estate Investments in 2025 appeared first on The Close.

Below, you’ll find my top transaction management software for real estate brokers to help you streamline your deals.

• Dotloop: Best for easy collaboration and e-signatures
• RealtyBackOffice: Best for streamlining complex deals
• Folio by Amitree: Best for email-centric transaction organization
• Trackxi: Best for deadline tracking
• SkySlope: Best for intuitive team workflows

The Close’s top picks for best real estate transaction management software

Software	Key features	Monthly Starting Price
	Robust e-signatures and digital forms Top-rated mobile app 75+ integrations via open API to connect CRMs, back offices, and more	$31.99
Get started with Dotloop
	Customizable workflow templates for any transaction type Easy broker review with audit logs and activity tracking Built-in CRM, e-Sign, and forms library for end-to-end back-office management	$15
Get started with RealtyBackOffice
	Automatic Smart Folders organize emails, attachments, contacts & key dates directly in your inbox Integrations with DocuSign & Google Drive Shareable timeline websites with automated reminders and professional branding	Free; subscription starts at $29
Get started with Folio by Amitree
	Interactive dashboards for task management and deadline tracking Customizable workflows and email templates for consistent client communication AI-powered transaction automation extracts deal details from PDFs	$39
Get started with Trackxi
	Customizable checklists streamline compliance and agent workflows MLS-synced Forms auto-populate fields to reduce data entry Integrated DigiSign e-signature and mobile app for on-the-go management	$340
Get started with SkySlope

Dotloop: Best for easy collaboration & e-signatures

Pros

• It has an easy-to-use interface.
• It offers multifunctional e-signature features.
• It has team collaboration tools.
• It can integrate with various CRMs.

Cons

• It can get pricey, especially for larger teams.
• Customization options are limited.
• Document uploading can be glitchy.
• Customer support can be slow.

The Close Score

4.8

PRICING

3.5

GENERAL FEATURES

5.0

ADVANCED FEATURES

4.8

EASE OF USE

5.0

CUSTOMER SERVICE

4.8

CUSTOMER RATING

4.8

EXPERT SCORE

4.8

out
of

5

Why I chose Dotloop

Dotloop is a leader in real estate transaction management. It offers extensive MLS and CRM integrations, customizable templates, and built-in e-signature functionality. 

Many brokerages use Dotloop, which simplifies contract creation and document management in one place, thanks to its volume discounts and collaboration tools. Its real-time loop sharing, @mentions, and role-based permissions keep agents, admins, and clients aligned on every step — no more digging through email chains or chasing down updates.

Additional features

• Extensive MLS information: Dotloop partners with MLS and Realtor associations nationwide, allowing you to access information, create forms, and obtain signatures in one place.
• Automated compliance workflows: Keep all required documents in one place, making regulatory compliance a breeze.

RealtyBackOffice: Best for streamlining complex deals

Pros

• It has a platform for compliance, documents, and more.
• It offers affordable pricing.
• It offers easy task and deal tracking.
• It offers detailed reporting features.

Cons

• The interface can feel outdated and hard to use.
• It has limited integrations.
• The mobile app lacks functionality compared with the desktop version.

The Close Score

4.6

PRICING

3.8

GENERAL FEATURES

5.0

ADVANCED FEATURES

3.9

EASE OF USE

5.0

CUSTOMER SERVICE

3.3

CUSTOMER RATING

5.0

EXPERT SCORE

5.0

out
of

5

Why I chose RealtyBackOffice

RealtyBackOffice excels at simplifying complex deals by offering customizable workflow templates, automated commission calculations and letters, and instant notifications whenever agents complete key tasks. In addition, the platform’s task management features help keep transactions organized and on track, while its affordability makes it a wise choice for teams seeking a cost-effective and efficient system.

Additional features

• Compliance tracking: This feature ensures all transactions meet regulatory standards, helping brokers avoid compliance issues.
• Task management: This feature allows efficient assignment and tracking of tasks, keeping transactions organized and on track.

Folio by Amitree: Best for email-centric transaction organization

Pros

• Automatic Smart Folders organize your emails, attachments, and contracts
• Shareable timeline websites
• Seamless calendar sync

Cons

• Limited integrations
• Occasional transaction glitches
• No dedicated phone support

The Close Score

4.5

PRICING

5.0

GENERAL FEATURES

3.9

ADVANCED FEATURES

4.4

EASE OF USE

5.0

CUSTOMER SERVICE

2.0

CUSTOMER RATING

4.3

EXPERT SCORE

4.1

out
of

5

Why I chose Folio by Amitree

Folio by Amitree lives where most deals start — right in your inbox. Its Smart Folders feature automatically groups every email, document, and contact into neat transaction buckets. Yup, that means no more digging through threads to find the proper attachment. And, because it syncs key dates straight to Google and Outlook calendars, all your deadlines will never slip through the cracks.

Additional features

• Timeline websites: Create professional, shareable timelines for each transaction that update clients automatically, reducing the need for constant status check-ins.
• Document storage and compliance exports: Store important transaction documents in one place and export a complete communication archive with one click.

Trackxi: Best for deadline tracking

Pros

• It has simple deadline tracking features.
• It’s user-friendly with a minimal learning curve
• It offers affordable pricing.
• It has reliable integrations for reminders.

Cons

• It does not include e-signature capabilities.
• It has limited reporting features.
• It’s not quite as comprehensive as other products.
• It offers minimal customization options.

The Close Score

4.4

PRICING

4.5

GENERAL FEATURES

3.4

ADVANCED FEATURES

4.5

EASE OF USE

4.5

CUSTOMER SERVICE

3.0

CUSTOMER RATING

4.6

EXPERT SCORE

4.6

out
of

5

Why I chose Trackxi

Trackxi is a budget-friendly, transaction-focused hub that scales from managing a simple deal to juggling 100+ closings at a time. It keeps things simple and effective — once you add a transaction, effortlessly create folders, set up a timeline website, and connect with your contacts in one central hub. Trackxi embodies the idea that “less is more,” delivering just what you need without the clutter.

Additional features

• Lockbox manager: Keep all your lockbox information and passwords in one place and share with your team. 
• Business dashboard: Real-time visualization of all your deals on a single dashboard keeps track of your (and your team’s) progress towards closing.

SkySlope: Best for intuitive team workflows

Pros

• Intuitive technology is created just for real estate.
• It has excellent customer support.
• It offers robust training resources.
• Brokers can easily collaborate with agents.

Cons

• It has limited integrations.
• It can be expensive for individuals and teams.
• Lagging can be an issue when loading pages.
• It has no automation features.

The Close Score

4.3

PRICING

1.0

GENERAL FEATURES

5.0

ADVANCED FEATURES

5.0

EASE OF USE

5.0

CUSTOMER SERVICE

5.0

CUSTOMER RATING

4.3

EXPERT SCORE

4.6

out
of

5

Why I chose SkySlope

SkySlope’s intuitive dashboard integrates transactions, listings, disclosures, and commission workflows into a single pane. Agents can create new deals in under five minutes, view recent files at a glance, and jump between tasks without hunting through multiple tabs. 

Its commitment to exceptional customer service is evident in every interaction. While Skyslope comes with a higher price tag, the comprehensive service and security make it worth every penny for high-volume brokerages and agents.

Additional features

• Tailored platform: Your branding is fully embedded, and your templates and automated tasks are customized for you.
• Auditing features: The backend audit feature enables brokers to quickly review paperwork and ensure their agents’ paperwork is up to par on every transaction.

Methodology: How I chose the best real estate transaction management software

Our methodology at The Close ensures that our team of professionals, writers, and editors thoroughly analyzes each software. We meticulously evaluate the affordability, features, usability, customer support, and reviews of each real estate transaction software to determine our expert score.

We selected the best real estate transaction management software to help agents enhance their communication strategies and grow their businesses. Our rigorous selection process ensures that our top picks make it easier for agents to connect with clients, streamline their operations, and achieve their business goals.

The detailed criteria we used to determine the best real estate transaction management software include the following: 

• Affordability (20%)
  • Cost is a key factor. We focused on tools that offer a strong balance between features and affordability, ensuring real value for real estate professionals looking to streamline their transactions.
• General Features (20%)
  • We evaluated the core features of each platform, considering how well these features support essential transaction management tasks like document storage, e-signatures, and compliance tracking.
• Advanced Features (20%)
  • We looked for software with advanced features that can significantly enhance productivity, such as automation tools, customizable workflows, integration with CRM systems, and detailed reporting.
• Ease of Use (10%)
  • We prioritized platforms with an intuitive interface, easy navigation, and robust support resources.
• Help & Support (10%)
  • We looked into each transaction management software’s customer support, whether phone, email, or live chat is available. 
• Customer Ratings (10%)
  • We examined feedback from actual users to ensure our research was grounded in real-world experiences and unbiased evaluations, reflecting the software’s effectiveness in everyday use.
• Expert Score (10%)
  • After considering all the factors, we compiled the scores to determine our expert rating, reflecting the overall performance, reliability, and suitability of each transaction management software for real estate professionals.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is a transaction management system in real estate?

What is the best way to keep track of real estate transactions?

Which CRM is best for real estate?

Your take

These transaction management software options 

offer something special, making your real estate process smoother and more efficient, whether you’re a solo agent, team leader, or managing a large brokerage.

What real estate transaction software are you using? Share your experience in the comments!

The post The 5 Best Real Estate Transaction Management Software for 2025 appeared first on The Close.

There are many ways to get funds for home improvements, so I’ve gathered the six best home improvement loans for you to use or recommend to clients:

• Figure HELOC: Best for real estate investors
• Renofi: Best for major renovations
• SoFi: Best for homeowners with limited equity
• Fannie Mae HomeStyle® Renovation Loan: Best for financing a home purchase and renovation in one
• Discover home loan: Best fixed-rate loan with no additional fees
• Aven HELOC: Most flexible, credit card-style access to home equity

The Close’s top picks for best home improvement loans

Home improvement loan	Type of financing	Loan amounts	Interest rates
	HELOC	$15,000-$400,000	7.1%-15.3%
	Visit Figure HELOC
	HELOC	$25,000-$750,000	Starting at 8.5%
	Visit Renofi
	Unsecured personal loan	$5,000-$100,000	8.99%-29.49%
	Visit SoFi
	Mortgage or refinance	Up to 75% of the purchase price and renovation costs	Not disclosed
	Visit Fannie Mae HomeStyle® Renovation Loan
	Unsecured personal loan	$2,500-$40,000	7.99%-24.99%
	Visit Discover Home Loan
	HELOC	Up to $250,000	6.99%-15.49%
	Visit Aven HELOC

Figure HELOC: Best for investors

Pros Five-minute application process and funding in as little as 5 days Predictable monthly payments Available in every state except New York	Cons High origination fee Low credit scores may not qualify Must have sufficient home equity
Terms Loan amounts between $15,000-$400,000 APR rates range between 7.1%-15.3% Repayment options of 5, 10, 15, or 30 years One-time origination fee up to 4.99% of initial draw Option to redraw up to 100% HELOCs are secured with your home as collateral Approved property types: Single-family homes, townhomes, PUDs, most condos, multi-family properties, and duplexes

According to Home Equity Lending News, Figure is the #1 non-bank HELOC (home equity line of credit) in the country. It allows you to take up to $400,000 in home equity with a fixed interest rate, which means you will have predictable monthly payments. Plus, it’s one of the only types of home improvement lenders that will finance a variety of property types, including secondary homes and investment properties. 

While your specific interest rate and the amount you can borrow depend on your creditworthiness, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, and equity, Figure’s interest rates can be lower than most other options. Given these, it has one of the best home renovation loans for homeowners and real estate investors wanting financing for large rehabs.

Helpful resource: How to Invest in Real Estate: A Beginner’s Guide

Renofi: Best for large loans and major renovations

Pros Up to 90% of a home’s ARV No prepayment penalties Doesn’t require inspections and draws Available in every state	Cons Requires a home appraisal Not ideal for small projects Variable interest rates can lead to higher payments over time
Terms Loan amounts between $25,000-$750,000 Terms of 10, 15, or 20 years Variable rates start at 8.5% Borrow up to 90% of a home’s after-repair value (ARV)

RenoFi stands out as one of the best home remodeling loans because of its high potential loan amount of up to $750,000. Even though this loan is a HELOC, the amount you can borrow isn’t based solely on the amount of equity you have in your home. Instead, the RenoFi home remodel loan is based on your home’s ARV (after repair value), and you can finance up to 90% of that value! For this reason, RenoFi is the best choice for those wanting to do big projects and major renovations.

SoFi: Best for homeowners with limited equity

Pros Same-day funding No origination fees or prepayment penalties Doesn’t risk your home as collateral	Cons Interest rates are dependent on creditworthiness Maximum loan amount may limit your renovation Fixed loan amount
Terms Loan amounts between $5,000-$100,000 APR rates range between 8.99%-29.49% Terms between 2-7 years Fixed interest rates

The SoFi home improvement loan is an unsecured personal loan, which means that it does not use your home as collateral. This is ideal for those who don’t have sufficient equity in their home for home equity loans or lines of credit. Since it is an online company, you can get funding the same day you apply. Plus, checking your rate and eligibility doesn’t impact your credit score, so it’s a great option as you look further into the top home improvement loans.

On the other hand, the maximum loan amount from a SoFi personal loan is only $100,000. Plus, the interest rates for personal loans are generally higher than interest rates for home equity loans. This means that the SoFi loan wouldn’t be the best choice of funding for a fix and flip project or a huge renovation — but it could be the perfect solution for smaller home upgrades.

Need financing for a fix and flip project? Check The Close’s roundup of the best fix and flip loans for some vetted options.

Fannie Mae HomeStyle® Renovation Loan: Best combined purchase & renovation

Pros Flexibility to use the loan for a variety of renovations Great for large renovations and long-term financing Great for increasing the value of your home	Cons More complicated qualification process Requires mortgage and hazard insurance Fees and terms are based on a variety of credit and financial qualifications
Terms Covers up to 75% of the purchase price and renovation costs Ability to draw up to 50% of funds upfront Available as a 15 or 30-year mortgage or adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) Approved property types: One- to four-unit primary residences, one-unit second homes, and one-unit investment properties, including condos, co-ops, and planned unit developments (PUDs)

The Fannie Mae renovation loan is unique because it can be used to refinance an existing home or as the financing for a new property. The loan covers up to 75% of the purchase price of the home and the renovation costs, and the terms are similar to a typical mortgage of 15 or 30 years. 

While the process of getting this loan is more involved than other options on our list, this could be an ideal strategy for those who are planning to make improvements that significantly increase the value of their home. It’s undoubtedly the best loan for home improvements with a long-term timeline.

Discover Home Remodel Loan: Best fixed-rate loan with no fees

Pros No origination fees or prepayment penalties No borrowing against your home Fast application process and funding Fixed interest rates	Cons Maximum loan amount may not work for large renovations Approval depends on your income, DTI, and credit history Additional fees apply for late payments
Terms Loan amounts from $2,500-$40,000 APR rates range between 7.99%-24.99% Fixed interest rates Repayment terms between 3-7 years

The Discover home remodel loan is actually an unsecured personal loan. It’s similar to the SoFi home remodel loan, which means that it does not use your home as collateral, offers a predictable, fixed interest rate, and doesn’t slap on additional fees for taking out or paying off the loan. 

Its home loan has a lower maximum amount, but also has a lower starting interest rate. If you are looking to do a few small improvements without going through a complicated loan process, Discover might be the best home improvement loan for you.

Aven: Most flexible access to home equity

Pros 15-minute application process No annual fees or prepayment penalties 2% cashback rewards	Cons Must have equity in your home Minimum FICO score of 620 Rates depend on your income, debt, and credit score 2.5% fee on cash-out deposits
Terms Loan amounts up to $250,000 APR rates range between 6.99%-15.49% Unlimited 2% cash back Monthly payments are 1% of the principal balance, plus interest

Aven is an online lender with a HELOC option that comes in the form of a Visa credit card. It even offers 2% cashback on your purchases. Like some of the other online financing options, the application process is extremely quick and easy, so you could have your Aven credit card in about a week. 

There are no upfront fees or penalties for paying off the card. If you’re planning on making mid-sized or large home improvements, Aven is the fastest, most user-friendly way to leverage your equity.

Methodology: How we evaluated the best home improvement loans

At The Close, our highest priority is giving real estate professionals accurate, objective information to make smart choices and grow a successful real estate business. We do this by working as a team of real estate professionals, researchers, writers, and real estate experts to thoroughly research every topic and organize it by what’s most important for agents. 

To help you find and choose the best home renovation loans, we carefully evaluated a wide range of financing options. Our detailed criteria for home improvement loans includes: 

• Type of financing: We selected multiple types of financing that were most fitting for the needs of homeowners, investors, or homebuyers who want to make home improvements.
• Fees & interest rates: We looked for the best home improvement loans with low interest rate options, keeping in mind that the type of financing and the applicant’s credit score will directly impact the interest rate.
• Qualification criteria: Many people who want to do home improvements do not have incredibly high credit scores or a large amount of equity in their home, so we searched for loan options with reasonable eligibility requirements.
• Repayment options: Home renovations can range from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars, so we looked for home improvement loans that made various improvements more achievable.
• Reputation & customer reviews: We looked at each brand’s third-party reviews and prioritized loan options with many high ratings.
• National availability: Not all home improvement lenders are available across the country, but we selected companies with the widest range of availability.

How to choose the best home improvement loan

In order to choose the best home renovation loan, you need to have a clear understanding of your finances, the cost of your project, the timeline of your remodel, and your financing options. The right home renovation loan for you should fit your finances and the timeline of your project.

Here’s a general guide on when it’s best to use each different type of home renovation loan:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is it a good idea to take out loans for home improvements?

Is it hard to get approved for a home improvement loan?

What type of loan is best for home improvements?

How do I get a home improvement loan?

The post 6 Best Home Improvement Loans for 2025 appeared first on The Close.

Before we dive in, download our free real estate business plan template to follow along.

Step 1: Identify who you are as a real estate agent

Let’s start with your “why.” Understanding the purpose behind choosing real estate is crucial, as it forms the foundation for your business plan and guides your decision-making process. Defining your mission, vision, and values will help you stay focused and motivated as you navigate your real estate career.

Mission: Your mission statement defines your purpose for pursuing a career in real estate. It clearly states what you’re trying to do, the problem you want to solve, and the difference you want to make.

Vision: Your vision statement focuses on the outcome you want for your clients and community.

Values: Your core values are the guiding principles that shape your behavior, decisions, and interactions with clients and colleagues.

Clearly defining your mission, vision, and values lays the foundation for a strong and purposeful real estate business that enables you to positively impact your clients’ lives and your community.

Step 2: Analyze your real estate market

As a real estate professional, you must deeply understand your local market. This knowledge encompasses key metrics, including average days on market, average price points, common home styles and sizes, and demographic trends. When someone asks about the market, you should be able to recite those numbers confidently without hesitation.

To quickly become the local expert, choosing specific farm areas to focus on is crucial. Concentrate your marketing efforts and build your local knowledge in a handful of communities and neighborhoods. Some places to do research include:

• Your local MLS: Check your hot sheet daily.
• Zillow: Scan through the Premier Agents who show up in your neighborhood.
• Social media: Review who targets their posts in your area.
• Direct mail: Check your mailbox for flyers and postcards.
• Drive by: Drive through your farm areas to see who has signs in their yards.

Once you’ve identified your target areas, start conducting comparative market analyses (CMAs) to familiarize yourself with the properties and trends in those neighborhoods. That way, you’ll provide accurate insights to your clients and make informed decisions in your business.

Remember to research your competition. Understand what other agents working in the same area are doing and who they’re targeting, and identify any gaps in their services. This understanding will help you differentiate yourself from your competition and better serve your clients’ needs. In our real estate business planning template, I ask you to examine and record:

• Trends: Track key metrics, such as days on market and average sold prices, to stay informed about your specific market.
• Market opportunities: Identify situations where there are more buyers and sellers (or vice versa) in the marketplace so you can better advise your clients and find opportunities for them and your business.
• Market saturation: Identify areas where there may be an oversupply of specific property types or price points, enabling you to adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Local competition: Analyze your competitors’ strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in their services to identify opportunities for differentiation and possibilities to create a more meaningful impact.

Remember, real estate is hyper-local. While national and state news can provide some context, your primary focus should be on specific needs and trends within your target areas and the clients you want to serve. By thoroughly analyzing your local real estate market, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions, provide valuable insights to your clients, and ultimately build a thriving business.

Step 3: Identify your ideal clients

When creating your real estate business plan, it’s crucial to identify your ideal client. You can’t be everything to everyone, no matter how much you think you should. And trust me, you certainly don’t want to work with every single person who needs real estate advice.

By focusing on your ideal client, you’ll create a targeted marketing message that effectively attracts the right people to your business — those you want to work with.

Think of your target market as a broad group of people who might be interested in your services, while your ideal client is a specific person you are best suited to work with within that group. To create a detailed profile of your ideal client, ask yourself questions like:

• What age range do they fall into?
• What’s their family situation?
• What’s their income level and profession?
• What are their hobbies and interests?
• What motivates them to buy or sell a home?
• What are their biggest fears or concerns about the real estate process?

Answering these questions will help you create a clear picture of your ideal client, making it easier to tailor your marketing messages and services to meet their needs. Consider using this ideal client worksheet, which guides you through creating a detailed client avatar. This will ensure you don’t miss any critical aspects of their profile, and you can refer back to it as you develop your marketing plan.

By incorporating your ideal client into your overall business plan, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your marketing efforts, service offerings, and growth strategies. This clarity will help you build stronger relationships with your clients, stand out from the competition, and ultimately achieve your real estate business goals.

Step 4: Conduct a SWOT analysis

If you want to crush it in this business, you’ve got to think like an entrepreneur. One of the best tools in your arsenal is a SWOT analysis. It sounds ominous, but don’t worry — it’s pretty simple. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It’s all about taking a good, hard look at yourself and your business.

By conducting a SWOT analysis as part of your real estate business plan, you’ll have a clear picture of your current situation and future goals. And don’t just do it once and forget about it — review and update it regularly to stay on top of your game.

Step 5: Establish your SMART goals and sustainability targets

In real estate, you can’t just set vague targets. You need SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) that act as the building blocks of your realtor business plan. Your SMART real estate goals should drive everything from growing your client base to reducing your carbon footprint.

The table below shows how to establish strong SMART goals, along with examples that cover both revenue targets and sustainability efforts:

Specific	Focus on a particular niche, outcome, or behavior.	10 closings by September 30, 2025 Cut office electricity use by 5% in Q3.
Measurable	Attach metrics or benchmarks that you can track weekly or monthly.	10 closings by September 30, 2025 5% year-over-year energy reduction
Achievable	Assess past performance and available tools. Set a challenging yet reachable bar.	Ten closed deals are doable in your real estate market. A 5% energy savings is realistic.
Relevant	Ensure that your goal aligns with your core business and has a long-term impact.	Drives commission revenue and grows your business Lowers overhead costs and appeals to eco-conscious clients
Time-bound	Set a clear deadline.	By December 31, 2025. By December 31, 2025, our office should have energy-efficient lighting, windows, and doors.

6. Create your financial plan

Financial planning might not be your idea of a good time, but this is where your real estate business plan comes together. Most of the heavy lifting is already complete, thanks to all the research and strategizing done earlier. Now, it’s just a matter of plugging in the numbers and ensuring everything adds up.

Once you’ve figured out your expenses, it’s time to reverse-engineer the numbers and determine how many deals you need to close each month to cover your costs. If you’re just starting out and don’t have a track record to go off of, no worries! This planning period allows you to set a budget and create a roadmap for success.

If you’re evaluating your starting assets and realizing they don’t quite match your startup costs, don’t panic. This new insight suggests that you must revisit and refine your strategy until the numbers align with your goals. It might take some trial and error, but getting your financial plan right from the start is worth it.

Pro tip: Keep your personal and business finances separate. Never dip into your personal cash for business expenses. Not only will it make tax time a nightmare, but it’s way too easy to blow your budget without even realizing it.

Step 7: Track your progress and adjust as needed

You’ve worked hard and created a killer real estate business plan and are ready to take on the world. However, remember that your business plan isn’t a one-time deal. It’s a living, breathing document that needs to evolve as your business grows and changes. That’s why tracking your progress and making adjustments along the way is so important. 

Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Set regular check-ins: Schedule dedicated time to review your progress and see how you’re doing against your goals, whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
• Keep an eye on your KPIs: Your key performance indicators (KPIs) are the metrics that matter most to your business. Metrics such as lead generation, conversion rates, and average sales price can clearly show your performance.
• Celebrate your wins: When you hit a milestone or crush a goal, take a moment to celebrate. Acknowledging your successes will keep you motivated and energized.
• Don’t be afraid to pivot: Change course if something isn’t working. Your real estate business plan should be flexible enough to accommodate new opportunities and shifting market conditions.
• Stay accountable: Find an accountability partner, join a mastermind group, or work with a coach to help you stay on track and overcome obstacles.

Remember, your real estate business plan is your roadmap to success. But even the best-laid plans need to be adjusted from time to time. By tracking your progress, staying flexible, and keeping your eye on the prize, you’ll be well on your way to building the real estate business of your dreams.

Why agents need a real estate business plan

Your real estate agent business plan is your roadmap to success. Think of it as your GPS: it maps out where you are today, where you want to go, and the steps to get there. When the market shifts or challenges arise, your business plan is the guiding star that keeps you focused.

A well-crafted business plan helps you:

• Understand your current position in the market
• Set clear and achievable goals
• Create a roadmap for success
• Track your progress and performance
• Make informed decisions and adjustments

Pro tip: Invest the time to create a solid real estate business plan to stay on track, hit your goals, and thank yourself later for avoiding aimless detours in your career. Without it, you risk losing direction and focus in your career.

FAQs

How much would it cost to start a real estate business?

How do I start a small real estate business?

Which real estate business is most profitable?

Your take

Now you’ve got the steps — no more guesswork. A solid real estate business plan isn’t extra work; it’s your edge. Take the time to map it out and make it happen. Have you created your real estate business plan? Share your experience in the comments!

The post 7 Steps to Writing a Real Estate Business Plan (+ Template) appeared first on The Close.

Here are my top 12 picks with links directly to the sites:

• Baselane: Best for all-in-one landlord banking
• Bluevine: Best for real estate businesses needing flexible capital and high-yield checking
• Relay: Best for managing property-level finances and team permissions
• U.S. Bank: Best for traditional investment property loans
• Stessa: Best for automating finances and tracking performance by property
• First Internet Bank: Best for online commercial real estate loans
• Grasshopper Bank: Best for digital-first investors in commercial real estate
• Live Oak Bank: Best for SBA real estate loans
• Axos Bank: Best for online lending solutions for real estate investors
• Chase: Best for blending traditional banking with real estate investment tools
• Wells Fargo: Best for large-scale commercial real estate financing
• Truist: Best for real estate investment banking and advisory services

Quick comparison of the 12 best banks for real estate investing

	Introductory account	Monthly fee	Account promotions	CRE lending range
	Landlord Banking	$0	None	$75,000 to $3 million
	Bluevine Standard	$0	Up to $300	Up to $250,000
	Business Checking	$0	None	Loan products unavailable
	Business Essentials Checking	$0	$500 or $900	Quick loans up to $250,000 SBA loans up to $12.375 million
	Essentials	$0	None	Loan products unavailable
	Do More Business Checking	$0	None	Up to $25 million
	Accelerator Checking	$0	None	Varies based on loan type
	Business Essential	$10 (waivable)	$300 for a high-yield savings account	From $10,000 to $15 million
	Basic Business Checking	$0	Up to $400	Up to $200 million
	Business Complete Banking	$15 (waivable)	$300 or $500	CRE of $50,000 and up Business & commercial credit lines up to $500,000
	Initiate Business Checking	$10 (waivable)	None	Amount varies based on lending product; up to $7 million
	Simple Business Checking	$0	$400	Small business CRE up to $250,000 Small term loans of up to $50,000 Higher loan amounts available with income proof of $2 million or higher

Getting the right financing and strategy in place is essential for any successful investment. If you’re just getting started, our guide on how to invest in real estate can help you understand the fundamentals. For those looking to expand into larger projects, learning how to buy commercial real estate is a great next step. And if you need fast funding, the best hard money lenders can offer short-term solutions tailored to investment properties.

Baselane: Best for all-in-one landlord banking

Pros Provides competitive high-yield APY Offers the option to pass ACH fees to tenants for rent collection Provides up to 1% cash back on debit card purchases Has rent reporting, helping tenants build credit	Cons Has no physical branches Lacks money market accounts, CDs, or credit card options Allows cash deposits only at Allpoint ATMs

Baselane Landlord Banking terms and features

Why I chose Baselane

I chose Baselane because it’s built the way real estate investors actually operate. There’s no need to juggle multiple apps just to track rent, pay vendors, and get ready for tax season. Baselane brings all of that into one place, with a clean dashboard and features that make financial workflow easier. 

That also makes it an ideal platform for hands-on investors who manage their own properties and prefer not to outsource. Baselane is one of the few banking platforms where I felt every tool was custom-built for real estate investors, not just small business owners. 

By comparison, Relay offers multiple checking accounts and strong expense controls, but it lacks integrated rent collection and property-level accounting. That gives Baselane a clear advantage for landlords.

Bluevine: Best for real estate businesses needing flexible capital and high-yield checking

Pros Has no monthly maintenance fees Provides access to a highly rated business line of credit Has a competitive interest rate for eligible account holders	Cons Charges fees when depositing cash Lacks additional business deposit accounts like savings or CDs Has no physical branches for in-person banking

Bluevine Standard terms and features

Why I chose Bluevine

Bluevine stands out as one of the best options for real estate businesses requiring flexible capital and a high-yield checking account. With no monthly fees, a generous sign-up bonus, and interest-bearing accounts for qualified users, it supports both cash flow and long-term growth. When the right property is available for purchase, you’ll be able to quickly move on it with access to Bluevine’s lines of credit and loans, giving you the agility needed in competitive markets. 

The provider also offers features like subaccounts, QuickBooks integration, and a reliable line of credit, making it especially valuable for real estate investors managing multiple properties or looking to scale. Unlike traditional banks like Chase, Bluevine stands out with its higher APY, fewer fees, and faster access to capital.

Relay: Best for managing property-level finances and team permissions

Pros Has no monthly fee Offers free incoming wire transfers Provides access to up to 20 checking accounts and 50 debit cards per business	Cons Offers services exclusively online Does not offer any lending or credit products Charges a monthly fee that can't be waived with Relay Pro

Relay Business Checking terms and features

Why I chose Relay

Relay is the best option for managing property-level finances and team permissions, which is essential for real estate investors who oversee multiple units or collaborate with partners. It allows users to create up to 20 checking accounts and issue up to 50 debit cards, making it easy to separate expenses by property or team function.

The platform also offers customizable permissions, allowing you to control user access and stay organized and secure. With no minimum balance requirements, high-yield savings options, and modern tools like same-day ACH and accounting software integration, Relay is a strong choice for streamlined financial management. While Baselane is tailored for landlords with built-in rent collection, Relay stands out for investors needing more control over multi-property cash flow and team-based account access.

U.S. Bank: Best for traditional investment property loans

Pros Has no monthly maintenance fee on select accounts Offers mobile check deposits at no cost Lets you open an account in person, online, or over the phone	Cons Requires a minimum opening deposit Has wire transfer fees that are higher than some competitors Offers only a limited number of free transactions per month

U.S. Bank Business Essentials Checking terms and features

Why I chose U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank is the best choice for traditional investment property loans, making it a strong fit for investors seeking a full-service bank that offers a variety of investor options to help meet their goals, in-person services, and established lending products. With a wide range of account types, it supports both the banking and financing needs of growing portfolios. It also offers helpful tools like mobile check deposit, invoicing features, and QuickBooks integration to streamline daily financial tasks.

While online banks like Axos offer convenience and speed, U.S. Bank stands out for its in-person support and long-standing reputation in traditional investment property lending. It is a reliable choice for investors who value face-to-face service and access to well-established loan programs.

Stessa: Best for automating finances and tracking performance by property

Pros Earns competitive interest on account balances Offers automated rent collection and tenant reminders Includes built-in tools for tax prep and financial reporting	Cons Doesn't support cash deposits Doesn't offer access to in-person banking services Currently lacks lending products

Stessa Essentials terms and features

Why I chose Stessa

Stessa offers real estate investors a simple, well-integrated way to manage rental property finances without extra fees or complexity. The platform makes it easy to separate accounts by property, track income and expenses automatically, and even earn cash back on debit purchases. 

It also offers the highest APY of any bank featured in this article at up to 3.98%. By comparison, Bluevine offers up to 3.70% APY on checking balances — and that’s only when specific spending or deposit activity requirements are met.

First Internet Bank: Best for online commercial real estate loans

Pros Offers easy online account setup with no in-person visit required Doesn't require a minimum balance to maintain the account Provides unlimited transactions without additional fees	Cons Doesn't support cash deposits Has no physical branches Lacks promotional offers for new business checking accounts

First Internet Bank Do More Business Checking terms and features

Why I chose First Internet Bank

First Internet Bank combines the flexibility of a fully online platform with the lending power real estate investors need to grow. With CRE loans up to $25 million and specialized financing options for energy-efficient property upgrades, it supports both traditional projects and forward-thinking investments.

The platform also includes financial forecasting tools and balance optimization features that help you make the most of your funds without relying on in-person banking. That makes it optimal if you don’t live directly where your investment properties are located. Unlike traditional banks like U.S. Bank, it offers a fully digital experience without sacrificing access to high-limit CRE loans and advanced financial tools.

Grasshopper Bank: Best for digital-first investors in commercial real estate

Pros Has no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements Lets you earn up to 1.80% APY on business checking Offers unlimited 1% cash back on eligible online and signature-based debit card purchases	Cons Doesn't accept cash deposits Has no physical branches Requires an initial deposit to open an account

Grasshopper Bank Accelerator Checking terms and features

Why I chose Grasshopper

I chose Grasshopper because it offers the kind of flexible, tech-forward banking experience that today’s CRE investors seek. With powerful digital tools, high APY potential, and a product lineup that includes SBA and CRE loans, it’s one of the best options for digital-savvy investors in commercial real estate. The platform gives you everything you need to manage transactions, access funding, and integrate with your existing financial systems — all without stepping into a branch.

While Truist offers strong advisory services for institutional investors, Grasshopper is better suited for digital-first real estate investors wanting speed, flexibility, and modern tools. With features like built-in invoicing, cash back rewards, and integration with accounting platforms, Grasshopper gives investors a more agile alternative for managing finances and accessing commercial real estate loans online.

Live Oak Bank: Best for SBA real estate loans

Pros Has low fees with no hidden charges Specializes in CRE and property development financing Offers up to $10 million in FDIC coverage through Insured Cash Sweep (ICS)	Cons Has no physical branches Has limited banking products beyond lending and savings May not be ideal for investors needing daily transaction support or integrated banking

Live Oak Bank Business Essential terms and features

Why I chose Live Oak Bank

Live Oak Bank is the go-to choice for real estate investors seeking SBA financing. As one of the most active SBA lenders in the country, it offers tailored support and funding options through both the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs. Whether you’re acquiring a new property or funding a major renovation, Live Oak delivers specialized expertise and a streamlined online process that makes accessing government-backed loans easier and faster.

While Chase offers a broad range of business banking services, Live Oak Bank excels when it comes to specialized SBA lending for real estate investors. Its focused expertise, streamlined digital process, and deep experience with SBA 7(a) and 504 loans make it the better choice for investors looking to finance acquisitions, developments, or major renovations through government-backed programs.

Axos Bank: Best for online lending solutions for real estate investors

Pros Has no monthly maintenance fees on business checking accounts Offers competitive APY available on select savings and checking accounts Provides dedicated lending programs for real estate investors	Cons Has no physical branches Has limited cash deposit options Requires higher balances to access premium features for some services

Axos Bank Basic Business Checking terms and features

Why I chose Axos Bank

It stands out as one of the best banks for real estate investors who prefer fully digital lending solutions. Its suite of investor-friendly loan products includes options for fix-and-flip projects, debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loans, and long-term rental financing, all accessible through a streamlined online platform. With competitive rates, flexible terms, and a user-friendly interface, Axos Bank makes it easy for investors to secure funding without stepping into a branch.

While Wells Fargo is known for its wide branch network and institutional lending, Axos Bank offers a more flexible and modern experience for real estate investors who prefer to manage everything online. With investor-focused loan products, interest-earning accounts, and a streamlined digital interface, it provides a convenient and efficient alternative without sacrificing the financial tools serious investors need.

Chase: Best for blending traditional banking with real estate investment tools

Pros Offers up to a $500 bonus for new business account holders Can waive the monthly service fee with qualifying activity Has built-in card payment acceptance through QuickAccept℠ in the Chase Mobile® app	Cons Provides only a limited number of free monthly transactions in the basic accounts Doesn't reimburse ATM fees from non-Chase machines May charge additional fees for cash deposits over $5,000 per statement period

Chase Business Complete Banking terms and features

Why I chose Chase

Chase offers the kind of stability and breadth that many real estate investors value, especially those who still want the option of in-person service. It’s one of the best banks for blending traditional banking with real estate investment tools, offering everything from business checking and credit cards to merchant services and loan products. For investors wanting a trusted institution with nationwide access and modern financial capabilities, Chase delivers a reliable and well-rounded experience.

Unlike online-first banks such as Bluevine, Chase offers the depth and stability of a full-service financial institution with nationwide branch access. Real estate investors who prefer personalized guidance — along with access to investment property loans, business credit cards, and merchant services — will appreciate its balance of traditional banking support and modern tools.

Wells Fargo: Best for large-scale commercial real estate financing

Pros Can waive the monthly maintenance fee on the entry-level account with qualifying activity Has a low opening deposit of $25 Includes 100 free transactions per month with basic business checking	Cons Doesn't offer a free business checking option Has no promotional bonus available for new accounts Has a fee structure that may be difficult to navigate, depending on account type

Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking terms and features

Why I chose Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is the best bank for large-scale CRE financing, making it a strong fit for investors focused on high-value properties or institutional deals. Its CRE division provides access to structured financing, capital markets expertise, and customized lending solutions for complex acquisitions or developments. For those managing sizable portfolios or expanding into large commercial assets, Wells Fargo offers the resources and experience to support long-term growth.

Compared to niche platforms like Baselane, Wells Fargo provides the robust infrastructure and lending capacity that real estate investors need when working with larger properties or scaling their portfolio. With personalized business support, a wide selection of financing options, and in-branch access across most of the country, it’s a strong choice if you want the reliability of a traditional bank with resources to support long-term growth.

Truist: Best for real estate investment banking and advisory services

Pros Offers flexible loan terms on most small business financing options Charges no monthly maintenance fee with the Simple Business Checking account Includes a $25 discount on your first order of business checks	Cons May charge up to three overdraft fees of $36 each per day Integrates with QuickBooks and Quicken, but requires a $9.95 monthly fee Charges a $3 fee for using non-Truist ATMs, plus potential third-party charges

Truist Simple Business Checking terms and features

Why I chose Truist

I recommend Truist for real estate investment banking and advisory services, especially for investors navigating complex or large-scale transactions. Its specialized teams offer insight into capital structuring, acquisitions, and hospitality-focused investments, making it a valuable partner for high-level strategy. For real estate professionals who need more than basic banking, Truist provides the advisory expertise to move confidently through sophisticated deals.

For investors needing more than everyday banking, Truist offers specialized real estate investment banking and advisory services that go beyond what digital-first platforms like Grasshopper provide. Its experienced teams help structure complex deals, making it a better fit for investors managing high-value transactions or navigating strategic growth in sectors like multifamily or hospitality.

My methodology: How I picked the top 12 banks

To build this list of the best banks for real estate investors, I evaluated both traditional banks and digital platforms through the lens of what real estate professionals need most, including low fees, flexible account structures, lending options, and modern financial tools. I reviewed bank websites, product disclosures, and promotional offers to compare core features like APY, rent collection, and integration with property management software. Only banks that actively support real estate investment activity made the cut.

Some banks don’t disclose all account limits or fees publicly, so this guide reflects the most current and available information as of my writing. I focused on banks serving individual landlords, business entities, and commercial investors alike. The goal was to provide a mix of options that align with the real-world needs of investors at different stages.

How to choose the best banks for real estate investors

Choosing the right bank starts with understanding your investment strategy. The best real estate bank is the one that supports your current operations while helping you plan for future growth.

Tax advantages when using specialized banking designed for rental property management

Using a bank designed for real estate investors can make tax season significantly easier and more accurate. These platforms often include built-in tools that simplify financial organization and support accurate tax reporting. Key features that can help include the following:

• Property-specific accounts that keep income and expenses separated by unit or property
• Automated expense categorization to streamline recordkeeping throughout the year
• Schedule E tagging that aligns transactions with IRS reporting requirements
• Exportable reports to simplify collaboration with accountants or tax preparers
• Transaction-level tracking that reduces the risk of missed deductions or errors

By keeping income and expenses clearly separated by property, you can reduce the risk of errors, improve audit readiness, and make it easier for your tax professionals to file accurately and efficiently. Of course, having a great tax accountant on your team will also ensure a headache-free tax season.

Emerging banking solutions and technological innovations for real estate investors

Real estate investors in 2025 have access to more powerful banking tools than ever before. From traditional institutions to modern real estate banks, a wave of fintech innovation is transforming how investors manage money, track performance, and close deals with confidence.

Here are some of the most impactful advancements shaping the industry:

• Integrated banking platforms that combine checking, rent collection, and financial reporting in one place
  
• Secure digital transaction systems that add speed and transparency to real estate closings
  
• Automated bookkeeping and expense categorization to simplify tax prep and property-level accounting
  
• Mobile-first tools for managing transactions, paying vendors, and monitoring cash flow on the go
  
• Smarter decision-making tools powered by data and real-time financial insights
  
• Customizable account structures to manage multiple properties or partners with ease

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do real estate investors need a separate bank account for each property?

What should I look for in a real estate bank?

Is a traditional or digital bank better for real estate investing?

Can these banks help me collect rent from tenants?

The post 12 Best Banks for Real Estate Investors in 2025 appeared first on The Close.

If you’re looking for a hard money lender that has flexible qualifications and can offer quick access to funds for a new investment or fix-and-flip property, take a look at the lenders I’ve reviewed below.

• Kiavi: Best overall for favorable rates and terms
• RCN Capital: Best for investors with varying experience
• Lima One Capital: Best for various investment strategies
• New Silver: Best for instant loan approvals 
• Groundfloor: Best for new investors 
• The Investor’s Edge: Best for 1-on-1 project assistance

The Close’s top picks for best hard money lenders

Kiavi: Best overall for favorable rates and terms

Pros	Cons
Fast funding and closing process	Not available in all states
Close in as little as 7 days	Appraisal required for rental loans
Able to lend to business entities	Unable to get long-term financing as a prepayment penalty
No flipping experience required

Why I chose Kiavi

For fix-and-flip investors, Kiavi is a noteworthy contender to consider. It offers fix-and-flip financing and efficient loan processing that can get you access to funding for your investment quickly. You can close in as little as 7 days, allowing you to compete with cash buyers and tackle your project as quickly as possible. It keeps the process simple, with no application fees, appraisals, or income verification to get started.

Additionally, its starting rates are highly competitive, along with its flexible qualification requirements. You don’t even need prior flipping experience in order to be considered eligible, which can be a great benefit for new investors working on their first few projects.

Additional features

• Prequalification: With just a soft credit pull, real estate investors can prepare to make quick offers on any opportunities that arise.
• Flexible loan amounts: With loans up to $3 million, Kiavi can accommodate a wide variety of project needs, from small renovations to large-scale projects.

RCN Capital: Best for investors with varying experience

Pros	Cons
Close in as little as 10 days	No nationwide coverage
In-house loan approvals	Appraisal required for all loans
Funding for new construction projects	No funding for owner-occupied residential properties
	Requires minimum after repair value for properties

Why I chose RCN Capital

Whether you’re a new, intermediate, or experienced investor, RCN Capital has financing options available for your project. It can fund large-scale development projects, multiple rental properties, and more since it offers high lending limits. That said, it determines the maximum loan value based on the loan program and the value of the real estate asset as collateral. Rates and LTV can vary based on your experience. However, rates, terms, and qualifications are quite competitive.

With RCN Capital, you only pay interest on the money you’ve actually borrowed, not the portion set aside for renovations. Since there are no penalties for paying early, you can wrap things up ahead of schedule and keep more cash in your pocket. It has a pretty standard application process that can be completed online and involves credit checks, background checks, bank statements, and property appraisals.

Additional features

• Rehab Budget Builder: This tool is available to help investors analyze their investments to understand cost, risk, ROI, etc.
• Video Library: It includes up-to-date videos that offer market updates, investment tips, and motivational content.

Lima One Capital: Best for various investment strategies

Pros	Cons
Loan approval in under ten days	Limited coverage in certain states
Simple renewal process once approved	Might require personal guarantees
Established investor referral program	May not be a good option for new investors

Why I chose Lima One Capital

This includes fix-and-flip loans, lines of credit, and bridge loans. These can be used for a wide variety of investment uses, such as rentals, new builds, multifamily properties, and short-term rentals. Plus, it gives investors a bunch of different loan terms and structures depending on their specific investment needs. With repayment terms up to 24 months, it’s a great pick for experienced borrowers looking to finance and manage their projects quickly.

Its qualifications are pretty flexible, but rates, terms, and conditions will all vary based on your creditworthiness, experience, and investment goals.

Additional features

• Case studies: Detailed case studies on the website illustrate the strategies, financial figures, challenges, and outcomes of real-world property investments.
• Podcast: A podcast covers various topics relevant to real estate investing and provides ongoing education and industry insights in an easily accessible audio format.

New Silver: Best for instant loan approval

Pros	Cons
No hard credit pulls	Fees for appraisals
Repeat borrower discounts	Potentially higher starting rates when compared to other lenders
Immediate online approval	Limited property types

Why I chose New Silver

New Silver offers a streamlined loan application and approval process that’s fueled by AI. Real estate investors looking for a fix-and-flip hard money loan can benefit from its instant online approval, in which the application takes as little as 5 minutes. The closing timeline is also swift, and can be facilitated in as quick as 5 days.

The loans are secured by real estate and only require a soft credit pull and property value assessment to get started. There’s no income verification necessary, cutting down the need for paperwork and ultimately speeding up the time between application and accessing funds for your project.

Additional features

• Advantage Program: Enhanced loan terms and rates for repeat borrowers who have successfully completed previous projects with New Silver.
• The Lender Blog: An up-to-date blog covering various real estate topics such as strategy, market trends, and success stories.

Groundfloor: Best for new investors

Pros	Cons
No hard credit pulls	Minimum interest requirement for prepayment
Deferred payments available	Loan amounts can vary
No minimum transaction experience	High closing fees

Why I chose Groundfloor

Groundfloor can be a great option for investors new to the fix-and-flip scene, as no experience is required to be considered eligible. It offers nationwide financing opportunities that can provide you with quick access to funds, since closing can take as little as 7 days. Based on your investment needs, it can cover 100% of costs, although specific loan terms will vary based on the investment scenario and your qualifications.

It also has a solid education hub, which provides investors with tons of videos on building wealth and managing finances, which can be a great benefit for borrowers looking for continued growth opportunities.

Additional features

• Blog: A regularly updated blog provides news, insights, updates, and educational content related to real estate investing and personal finance.
• Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loans: Long-term loans are available based on the cash flow generated by the property instead of loan approvals based on the investor’s income.

The Investor’s Edge: Best for 1-on-1 project assistance

Pros	Cons
100% funding options available	Higher interest rates compared with competitors
Ideal for new investors	Loan details not clearly listed
Free lending consultation	Commercial properties or large multi-family projects are not eligible

Why I chose The Investor’s Edge

The Investor’s Edge is all about creating personalized investment plans and working closely with investors on their projects. It offers free one-on-one consultations to help you determine financial goals and the best investment strategies. Beyond consultations, The Investor’s Edge team helps you identify, fund, and sell your properties. If you want one of the best hard money lenders for flipping houses, it has a variety of specialized courses on flipping homes and land, which can be a great benefit for real estate investors looking to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the market.

Additional features

• Gap financing: A short-term loan available to investors covers the difference between the total funding needed for a project and the principal amount already secured. 
• The Investor’s Edge Software: A comprehensive tool for investors to efficiently perform real estate market analysis, property valuation, and investment strategy planning.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the typical interest rates for hard money loans?

How quickly can I receive funding from a hard money loan lender?

What are the typical financing terms of the best hard money loans?

How to choose a hard money lender

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-timer, working with the right hard loan lenders is vital to the success of your project. It’s important to carefully consider your options and determine your budget and strategy. Keep these factors in mind when you’re on the lookout for a hard money lending institution:

• Lender reputation: Research the lender’s track record, customer reviews, and industry reputation to ensure they are reliable and fair.
• Loan terms: Fully comprehend all loan terms, including interest rates, fees, loan-to-value ratio, and repayment schedule.
• Speed of funding: Since time is often critical, assess how quickly the lender can process and fund the loan.
• Professional advice: Consider consulting with a financial advisor or real estate professional to help navigate the process and select the best lender for your unique needs.
• Compare multiple offers: Don’t settle for the first lender you meet. Compare different offers to find the best terms and rates.
• Transparency: Ensure the lender is transparent about all costs, fees, and any penalties associated with the loans.

Methodology: How I chose the best hard money lenders

We use a methodology focused on the most critical factors to find the top hard money lenders for real estate to create an unbiased review. I reviewed various lenders against multiple key factors to ensure I viewed them through the lens of what would be most important to a potential real estate investor. The detailed analysis then isolated lenders that support good, solid financial solutions and blend well with various investment strategies and goals.

Key factors involved with this process included the following:

• Interest rates and loan terms: Assessed the competitiveness and flexibility of each lender’s offerings.
• Speed of loan processing and funding: Evaluated how quickly each lender processes and disburses funds, a crucial factor for time-sensitive investments.
• Lender reputation: Examined customer reviews and industry feedback to gauge each lender’s reliability and overall customer satisfaction
• Transparency: Focused on how openly each lender communicates fee structures and loan conditions, ensuring no hidden costs exist.
• Geographical coverage: Considered the availability of services across different regions to accommodate investors in various locations
• Target audience suitability: Analyzed which types of real estate investors (e.g., fix-and-flippers, buy-and-hold investors, and commercial developers) best cater to them based on their product offerings and specialty areas

Your Take

Comparing hard money loan lenders can be overwhelming when looking to finance your next investment. This guide can help you at least have a starting point, along with help in understanding rates, terms, and fees. The best choice for you will not only finance your project but also support your strategy and overall investment goals. Be sure to choose the right lender that will set you up for success.

The post The 6 Best Hard Money Lenders of 2025 (+ Interest Rates & Fees) appeared first on The Close.

We saved you some time finding the right option — here are our top picks for the best home equity sharing companies.

• Point: Best for investment property owners
• Hometap: Best for tracking your home equity investment
• Unlock: Best for low credit scores or unconventional income
• Splitero: Most flexible timeline
• Unison: Most widely available
• EquityChoice: Most predictable interest rates

The Close’s top picks for the best home equity sharing companies

Home Equity Sharing Company	Home Equity Investment (HEI) Terms	Availability	Minimum credit score
	Get up to $30,000-500,000 or up to 20% of your home’s value Flexible 30-year term Receive funding in as little as 3 weeks	25 states + D.C.	500
Visit Point
	Up to $600,000 or 25% of the home’s equity in as little as 3 weeks Funding is available within 4-7 business days of signing the agreement Investment term between one and ten years	17 states + D.C.	500
Visit Hometap
	Get up to $50,000-500,000 10-year term Receive funding in 30-60 days	19 states	500
Visit Unlock
	Get between $50,000-500,000, up to 25% of your home’s value Flexible terms between 10-30 years	13 states	500
Visit Splitero
	Get between $30,000-500,000 or up to 15% of your home’s value 10-30 year term	29 states + D.C.	680
Visit Unison
	Get up to $500,000 10-year term Receive funding in two to six weeks	19 states	680
Visit EquityChoice

Point: Best for investment property owners

Pros No prepayment penalties Available in 25 states Minimal credit score and income requirements Extremely highly rated (A+ BBB and 4.7 on Trustpilot)	Cons Must get a home appraisal by a third party 3.9% processing fee upon closing Undefined third-party fees, like the appraisal, escrow, and government fees
Terms Get up to $30,000-500,000 or up to 20% of your home’s value Receive funding in as little as 3 weeks Free application Flexible 30-year term	Eligibility Minimum credit score of 500 No income requirements Home must be worth at least $155,000 Must have a significant percentage of equity in your home Not eligible: Commercial properties, manufactured homes, modular homes, mobile homes, properties with 5 or more acres, properties owned by an LLC, or co-ops

With Point’s HEI program, you can get up to 20% of your home’s value in a lump sum within just a few weeks, thanks to its particularly quick and easy qualification and funding process. Plus, Point is one of the very few home equity agreement companies that will fund HEIs on investment properties, second homes, and properties owned by an LLC. 

This makes it especially great for real estate professionals, investors, and for recommending to clients who invest in real estate. In fact, using an HEI is a great strategy for buying multiple rental properties.

Hometap: Best for tracking your investment

Pros Dedicated investment manager Home equity dashboard No upfront costs Online investment calculator	Cons “Share of home value” model is complex and may be confusing 3.5% investment fee when you sell the home or settle Short investment terms (only up to 10 years)
Terms Up to $600,000 or 25% of the home’s equity in as little as 3 weeks Funding is available within 4-7 business days of signing the agreement Investment term between one and ten years	Eligibility Minimum credit score of 500 Must have at least 25% equity in the home Eligible property types include single-family home, condo, vacation or rental property, multifamily property, or manufactured home A loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 75% is preferred

There are so many reasons why Hometap is consistently chosen as one of the best home equity sharing companies. Its biggest standout feature is the Home Equity Dashboard, which homeowners can visit at any time. It includes a current home value estimate (updated every 90 days), the current costs of your Hometap Share, and interactive forecasting tools for up to 10 years. 

Since the final costs of Hometap’s home equity investment (HEI) depend on multiple factors, having this data available in the dashboard can help you decide when the best time to sell your home or settle the payment is. This is ideal for homeowners and professionals who want to make the wisest short and long-term financial decisions.

Unlock: Lowest eligibility requirements

Pros Dedicated home equity consultant (HEC) Most highly rated Limited restrictions on funding use Application is a soft credit pull, which won’t affect your credit score	Cons Places a lien on your property An origination fee of 4.9% at closing Must get a home appraisal by a third party
Terms Get up to $50,000-500,000 10-year term Receive funding in 30-60 days	Eligibility Minimum credit score of 500 No income requirements Must have around 40% equity in your home

Unlock is an online real estate financing resource that is known as one of the best home equity agreement companies. To qualify for its home equity agreement (HEA), you only need a credit score of 500, and there are no income requirements, no DTI requirements, and no age requirements. 

Plus, Unlock has the highest ratings of all the home equity agreement companies on this list. While Point comes close, Unlock has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot.

Splitero: Most flexible timeline

Pros No prepayment penalties No restrictions on the use of funds No income or employment requirements	Cons Hard inquiry on credit score Does not fund investment properties Closing fees are unclear
Terms Get between $50,000-500,000, up to 25% of your home’s value Flexible terms between 10-30 years	Eligibility Minimum credit score of 500 No age limit No income or employment requirements No DTI requirements/li> Home’s value must be between $200,000 - $5,000,000 Property must be owner-occupied Eligible property types include single-family homes, condos, townhomes, multifamily residential homes, and properties held by a trust or LLC

Although there are many reasons why Splitero makes our list of the best home equity sharing companies​, its most unique feature is the “Maturity Match.” This matches your home equity agreement with your existing or primary mortgage timeline, which means your HEI won’t be due before your mortgage. 

Splitero also doesn’t charge any fees for repurchasing early, so this feature gives you plenty of flexibility to manage your finances wisely. Plus, it is one of only two companies we found with zero restrictions on what you do with the money.

Unison: Most widely available

Pros No prepayment penalty Application does not affect credit score Unison covers the appraisal fee	Cons 3.99% transaction fee at closing Additional fees at closing High credit score requirement
Terms Get between $30,000-500,000 or up to 15% of your home’s value Flexible 10-30 year terms	Eligibility Minimum credit score of 680 DTI ratio of less than 40% (depending on credit history) Combined LTV of 70% or less (depending on credit history) Homes must be owner-occupied, primary residences Eligible property types include single-family homes, townhomes, and condos

Unison is one of the most well-known and highly respected funding companies on our list, even though its home equity sharing agreement is relatively new. Its HEA is also closely tied to Unison’s equity sharing home loan, although they are separate products. With its equity sharing agreement, you can get up to 15% or $500,000 of your home’s value in cash.

While this program has a higher credit score requirement than most, the other eligibility requirements are flexible. In fact, many of its terms can be adjusted to all unique situations — and since Unison’s application process doesn’t affect your credit score, you can get started with no risk and potentially get a customized solution. Ultimately, it is one of the best home equity sharing companies because of its strong reputation, reputable history, and wide availability all over the country.

EquityChoice: Most predictable interest rates

Pros No prepayment penalties Unrestricted use of funds Immediate access to funds	Cons FICO score of 680 Difficult eligibility requirements Origination fee of approximately 3% at closing
Terms Get up to $500,000 or 16% of home’s value 10-year term Receive funding in two to six weeks	Eligibility Minimum credit score of 680 Must have lived in your home for at least two years A loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 50% is preferred Must have a DTI of less than 45% Must be your primary residence Eligible property types include single-family properties and detached PUD properties (planned unit developments)

Since home equity sharing is based on the future value of your home, there are typically a lot of unknowns about the final value of your home and the final exact costs. If you want to have a little more predictability, EquityChoice is an ideal option because it offers a “shared appreciation mortgage” with a fixed below-market interest rate. 

Like the other options, there are no monthly payments and little to no upfront costs. However, when you sell your home, your final costs will be based on the amount you borrowed, a share of the home’s appreciation, and a fixed interest rate that is typically 4-8% less than current interest rates. This EquityChoice program is slightly different from other home equity agreement companies, but a great option for those who want as few unknowns as possible.

Methodology: How we evaluated the best home equity sharing companies

At The Close, our methodology is to provide real estate professionals with accurate, understandable information to help them grow their businesses. To help you sort through the top home equity agreement companies, our team of real estate experts, writers, and researchers conducted detailed research. We evaluated each company’s offers with real estate agents and brokers in mind.

Our criteria for the best home equity investment companies include:

• Availability: Since home equity sharing programs have limited availability, we chose home equity sharing companies​ that were available in a variety of states.
• Eligibility requirements: We considered each company’s requirements, prioritizing those with reasonable credit scores, types of properties, and equity requirements.
• Investment terms: We evaluated each company’s investment terms, prioritizing flexible payment terms.
• Fees and costs: Since home equity agreements can be complex, we looked for companies that clearly defined their fees.
• Company reputation: We looked at each company’s third-party reviews and reputation for transparent, seamless transactions.

Pros and cons of home equity sharing

Home equity investment companies offer an unconventional way to take advantage of the value in your current home. In fact, many people don’t know that these programs exist! 

For real estate agents, the ability to get a lump sum with minimal upfront costs could help grow your business or improve your home or an investment property. But just like with every transaction, you need to do your due diligence and make sure you fully understand the potential risks and rewards.

Here are some of the most important pros and cons of working with home equity agreement companies:

Alternatives to home equity sharing

The most obvious benefit of home equity sharing is being able to get a lump sum of cash, which can be used to invest in real estate, grow your business, or even pay off debt. However, there are many different options to leverage the equity in your home:

• Home equity loan: This is like a typical loan, but it’s taken from the equity in your home. It’s a great option if you want to avoid unpredictable costs, but it increases your debt.
• Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A HELOC can give you an account and/or a credit card from the equity in your home. They are flexible and typically have lower interest rates than other options.
• Cash-out refinance: This method replaces your existing mortgage with a new one for a higher amount, but you receive the difference in cash.
• Reverse mortgage: This option is for seniors over the age of 62, but allows you to receive money from your equity in a lump sum or in monthly payments.
• Personal loan: A personal loan isn’t tied to your home or any real estate you own, but allows you to get money up front. However, interest rates on personal loans are usually higher than refinancing options.
• Hard money loan: Hard money lenders can be online companies or even personal connections. They typically have the highest interest rates and a short repayment term, but they can be extremely useful for investments.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is shared home equity a good idea?

Who qualifies for a home equity sharing agreement?

What are the tax implications for home equity sharing?

The post 6 Best Home Equity Sharing Companies in 2025 appeared first on The Close.