Investing – The Close https://theclose.com/category/broker/investing/ Your #1 Source For Actionable Real Estate Advice Fri, 16 May 2025 14:47:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://assets.theclose.com/uploads/2017/12/theclosefbprofile2-60x60.png Investing – The Close https://theclose.com/category/broker/investing/ 32 32 6 Best Real Estate Accounting Software for 2025 https://theclose.com/best-real-estate-accounting-software/ https://theclose.com/best-real-estate-accounting-software/#respond Fri, 16 May 2025 14:47:57 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=113500 Whether you’re a real estate agent, part of a team, or an investor, it’s essential to have the right tools to manage your business finances.

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Whether you’re a real estate agent, part of a team, or an investor, it’s essential to have the right tools to manage your business finances. The best real estate accounting software can track your income and expenses, automate billing and payments, and give you a clear picture of your business’s finances. To help you choose the right accounting software for real estate, we researched a dozen platforms and chose the top six options for real estate sales agents, investors, and property managers:

  • 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
Buildium logo
$58 per month
14 days

  • Property-specific accounting

  • Owner and tenant portals

  • Built-in 1099 filing

Visit Buildium
QuickBooks Icon
$35 per month
30 days

  • Customizable reporting tools

  • Live bookkeeping and tax experts

  • AI assistant

Visit QuickBooks
Wave logo
$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
FreshBooks logo
$21 per month
30 days

  • Money-back guarantee

  • Property-based mileage and time tracking

  • Automatic expense tracking and categorization

Visit FreshBooks
xero logo
$20 per month
30 days

  • Unlimited users and collaboration tools

  • Highly customizable

  • Short-term cash flow projections

Visit Xero
DoorLoop logo
$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

Buildium logo
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
Company financials dashboard
Company financials dashboard (Source: Buildium)

QuickBooks: Best local and third-party integrations

QuickBooks Icon
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
QuickBooks mileage tracking
QuickBooks mileage tracking (Source: QuickBooks)

Wave: Best for beginners

Wave logo
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
Wave accounting dashboard
Wave accounting dashboard (Source: Wave)

FreshBooks: Best mobile accounting app

FreshBooks logo
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
FreshBooks mobile app
FreshBooks mobile app (Source: FreshBooks)

Xero: Best for real estate teams

xero logo
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
Short-term cash flow projection
Short-term cash flow projection (Source: Xero)

DoorLoop: Best for growing real estate investors

DoorLoop logo
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
DoorLoop dashboard
DoorLoop dashboard (Source: DoorLoop)

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)




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

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https://theclose.com/best-real-estate-accounting-software/feed/ 0 Buildium QuickBooks-Icon Wave FreshBooks xero DoorLoop logo Buildium Buildium-companyfinancials Company financials dashboard (Source: Buildium) QuickBooks-Icon QuickBooks mileage tracking QuickBooks mileage tracking (Source: QuickBooks) Wave Wave-dashboard Wave accounting dashboard (Source: Wave) FreshBooks Freshbooks-mobilapp FreshBooks mobile app (Source: FreshBooks) xero Xero-cashflowprojection Short-term cash flow projection (Source: Xero) DoorLoop logo Doorloop-dashboard DoorLoop dashboard (Source: DoorLoop) expand/collapse expand/collapse expand/collapse
How to Find Real Estate Investors to Work With (in Any Market) https://theclose.com/how-to-find-real-estate-investors/ https://theclose.com/how-to-find-real-estate-investors/#comments Thu, 15 May 2025 13:23:37 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=85167 The key for investor-friendly agents is to find the right real estate investors who will consistently close deals in any economic conditions and in your local market.

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

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The key for investor-friendly agents is to find the right real estate investors who will consistently close deals in any economic conditions and in your local market. With the right strategy and a bit of hustle, agents can position themselves to close dozens of deals a year. 🚀

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 

BiggerPockets logo
  • 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.


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!


5. FreedomSoft

FreedomSoft logo
  • 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.

Investor type
Typical focus & strategy
Private investorsIndividuals using personal capital to buy, hold, flip, or rent properties. Often flexible and relationship-driven, operating locally. May be new or experienced.
Institutional investorsLarge firms, hedge funds, or real estate companies managing pooled capital to acquire significant property portfolios. Focused on scalable opportunities and often seek agents who can bring them consistent deal flow.
REITsCompanies that own or finance income-generating real estate. Public REITs don’t typically work directly with agents, but private REITs may engage local sourcing.
Proptech investorsTechnology-driven companies or startups disrupting traditional real estate (e.g., iBuying, short-term rentals). Prefer agents who are tech-savvy and data-minded.
Syndicates & partnershipsGroups pooling funds to buy larger deals — often commercial or multifamily. Agents working with syndicates must understand how to pitch deals to groups and often deal with a managing partner or sponsor.
Buy-and-hold investorsFocused on long-term rental income, prioritizing cash flow, stable markets, and property management. Value local market knowledge and deal analysis.
FlippersSeek properties to renovate and resell quickly for profit. Often look for distressed homes, foreclosures, or undervalued properties.
  • Related article: a href=”https://theclose.com/types-of-real-estate-investment/”>8 Types of Real Estate Investment

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)




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10 Best Cities for Real Estate Investments in 2025 https://theclose.com/best-cities-for-real-estate-investments/ https://theclose.com/best-cities-for-real-estate-investments/#respond Wed, 14 May 2025 12:26:27 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=113329 Rising interest rates, shifting population demographics, and local economic development are reshaping the best cities for real estate investments in 2025.

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Rising interest rates, shifting population demographics, and local economic development are reshaping the best cities for real estate investments in 2025. While not all markets offer similar returns, some cities can set the pace on affordability, rental demand, job growth, and future appreciation. 

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

City
Average listing priceRental vacancy rateTypical monthly mortgage payment
Dallas, Texas$400,38310.60%$2,715
Miami, Florida$590,0905.80%$3,020
Phoenix, Arizona$416,72811.50%$2,495
Charlotte, North Carolina$398,57212.70%$2,225
Indianapolis, Indiana$227,5576.00%$1,795
Tampa, Florida$400,0006.00%$2,580
Colorado Springs, Colorado$456,8865.00%$2,495
Cleveland, Ohio$113,4004.90%$1,290
Atlanta, Georgia$392,4716.90%$1,789
Nashville, Tennessee$436,0487.30%$2,663

1. Dallas, Texas

  • Average days on market: 45 days 
  • Average monthly rental cost: $1,600
Dallas Texas Downtown
Downtown Dallas (Source: Envato)

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
Aerial view of illuminated Ocean Drive and South beach, Miami, Florida, USA
Aerial image of Miami (Source: Envato)

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.

Cash investor benefits
Cash investor benefits (Source: Sold.com)

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
Phoenix, Arizona, USA cityscape
Phoenix, Arizona (Source: Envato)

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, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina (Source: Envato)

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, Indiana, USA Skyline
Skyline of Indianapolis (Source: Envato)

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
Tampa, Florida, USA aerial downtown skyline
Tampa, Florida (Source: Envato)

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, Colorado, USA Downtown City Skyline
Skyline view of Colorado Springs (Source: Envato)

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, Ohio, USA Skyline
Cleveland, Ohio (Source: Envato)

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.

Baselane Banking dashboard
Baselane Banking dashboard (Source: Baselane)

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
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia (Source: Envato)

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
Nashville, Tennessee, USA Skyline Over the Cumberland River
Skyline over the Cumberland River, Nashville (Source: Envato)

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)




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.

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https://theclose.com/best-cities-for-real-estate-investments/feed/ 0 Dallas Texas Downtown Aerial view of illuminated Ocean Drive and South beach, Miami, Florida, USA Aerial image of Miami (Source: Envato) unnamed (36) Cash investor benefits (Source: Sold.com) Phoenix, Arizona, USA cityscape Phoenix, Arizona (Source: Envato) Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte, North Carolina (Source: Envato) Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Skyline Skyline of Indianapolis (Source: Envato) Tampa, Florida, USA aerial downtown skyline Tampa, Florida (Source: Envato) Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA Downtown City Skyline Skyline view of Colorado Springs (Source: Envato) Cleveland, Ohio, USA Skyline Cleveland, Ohio (Source: Envato) unnamed (37) Baselane Banking dashboard (Source: Baselane) Atlanta, Georgia Nashville, Tennessee, USA Skyline Over the Cumberland River Skyline over the Cumberland River, Nashville (Source: Envato) expand/collapse expand/collapse expand/collapse
6 Best Home Improvement Loans for 2025 https://theclose.com/best-home-improvement-loans/ https://theclose.com/best-home-improvement-loans/#respond Tue, 06 May 2025 16:34:45 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=112821 Making improvements to a home might have an upfront fee, but it can be an incredibly smart way to sell a home for more money, get a property for the best value, or increase equity.

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Making improvements to a home might have an upfront fee, but it can be an incredibly smart way to sell a home for more money, get a property for the best value, or increase equity. As a real estate agent, it’s important to share with clients the pros, cons, and strategies for renovating or making small improvements to houses. This knowledge can help you help clients make smart decisions when buying, selling, or improving a property. 

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:

The Close’s top picks for best home improvement loans

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

Figure HELOC: Best for investors

Figure logo.
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

Renofi logo.
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

SoFi logo.
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

Fannie Mae logo.
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

Discover logo.
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

Aven logo.
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:

Type of loan
What it is
Best used when:
Home equity loanA lump sum based on the equity of your home. You only pay interest on the amount of money that you use.
  • You have a significant amount of equity in your home
  • You want the lowest available interest rates
  • You want the money in a lump sum up front

HELOCA line of credit based on the equity of your home. You only pay interest on the amount of money that you use.
  • You have a significant amount of equity in your home
  • You want the lowest available interest rates
  • You need flexible access to funds for ongoing projects
Cash-out refinanceReplaces your existing mortgage with a new one at a higher amount, and you receive the difference in cash.
  • You have enough equity in your home to finance your renovation
  • You’d prefer having a higher mortgage payment than an additional payment

Unsecured personal loanUnsecured means you won’t use your home as collateral. Typically faster and easier to get than HELOCs, but have a higher interest rate and shorter repayment periods.
  • You don’t want to use your home as collateral
  • You don’t have enough equity in your home to fund your renovation
  • You can pay the fee back within about seven years
Credit cardsThere are credit cards that offer a 0% interest rate for a short time. This can be enough to finance and pay off a few home improvements.
  • You don’t want to use your home as collateral
  • You don’t have enough equity in your home to fund your renovation
  • You are not doing a major remodel
  • You can pay the renovation costs back before high interest rates accrue
Hard money loansUsually have a higher interest rate and a short repayment time, these can be great for investments and small to mid-sized projects. Typically offered by private, non-bank lenders who can give you funding upfront.
  • You don’t want to use your home as collateral
  • You don’t have enough equity in your home to fund your renovation
  • You have low credit or unconventional income
  • You can pay the fee back within a few years

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)





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https://theclose.com/best-home-improvement-loans/feed/ 0 Figure logo. Renofi logo. SoFi logo. Fannie Mae logo. Discover logo. Aven logo. Figure logo. Renofi logo. SoFi logo. Fannie Mae logo. Discover logo. Aven logo. expand/collapse expand/collapse expand/collapse expand/collapse
12 Best Banks for Real Estate Investors in 2025 https://theclose.com/best-banks-for-real-estate-investors/ https://theclose.com/best-banks-for-real-estate-investors/#respond Mon, 05 May 2025 14:54:42 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=112699 Compare the best banks for real estate investors in 2025, from digital platforms to traditional lenders, with expert picks, features, and FAQs.

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The right financial partner can make a huge difference for real estate investors. The best real estate bank should do more than just process transactions — it should support your investment strategy with smart tools, transparent lending options, and banking features that make your day-to-day operations easier. That’s why I put together this guide of the best banks for real estate investors in 2025. Whether you’re managing one rental or a growing portfolio, these banks are built to help you succeed. 

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
baselane logo
Landlord Banking
$0
None
$75,000 to $3 million
Bluevine logo
Bluevine Standard
$0
Up to $300
Up to $250,000
Relay logo
Business Checking
$0
None
Loan products unavailable
usbank logo
Business Essentials Checking
$0
$500 or $900
  • Quick loans up to $250,000
  • SBA loans up to $12.375 million
Stessa logo
Essentials
$0
None
Loan products unavailable
First Internet Bank logo
Do More Business™ Checking
$0
None
Up to $25 million
Grasshopper bank logo
Accelerator Checking
$0
None
Varies based on loan type
Live Oak Bank logo
Business Essential
$10
(waivable)
$300 for a high-yield savings account
From $10,000 to $15 million
Axos Bank logo
Basic Business Checking
$0
Up to $400
Up to $200 million
chase business logo
Business Complete Banking
$15
(waivable)
$300 or $500
  • CRE of $50,000 and up
  • Business & commercial credit lines up to $500,000
wells fargo logo
Initiate Business Checking
$10
(waivable)
None
Amount varies based on lending product; up to $7 million
Truist logo
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

baselane logo
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

Key features

  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Open an account online in just two minutes
  • Create unlimited accounts, organized by property or unit
  • Issue virtual cards for spending control and tracking
  • Send ACH payments, pay invoices, transfer funds, and deposit checks from any device
  • Free ACH payments to vendors and third parties
  • Centralized dashboard to view all property finances
  • Built-in rent collection and bookkeeping tools for seamless management
  • Free cash deposits and withdrawals at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs
  • One-click transaction categorization with Schedule E and property tags for simplified tax prep

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

Bluevine logo
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

Key features

  • Free debit card delivered within 10 business days of approval
  • Three interest-bearing business checking options
  • Create up to five subaccounts for better money management
  • Supports international business payments
  • One complimentary checkbook per account, then $30 for replacements
  • Integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero
  • Compatible with payment platforms like Wise, Venmo, and Expensify
  • Access to live customer support from experienced professionals
  • Line of credit and business credit card available

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

Relay logo
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

Key features

  • No minimum balance requirements
  • Savings accounts earn up to 3.03% APY
  • No fees for ACH transfers or overdrafts
  • Integrates with accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Xero
  • Works with business payment tools such as PayPal, Stripe, and Square
  • Free cash deposits at Allpoint Plus ATMs
  • Deposit cash at over 90,000 Green Dot locations (fees may apply)
  • Same-day ACH transfers with Relay Pro
  • Customer support by email and phone
  • FDIC insurance coverage up to $3 million through partner banks
  • Set custom account permissions for team members

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

usbank logo
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

Key features

  • Send and receive money directly through the mobile app
  • Digital invoicing and payment tools built into your online dashboard
  • Mobile app allows you to monitor accounts, transfer funds, and deposit checks
  • Easily connect to overdraft protection or credit card processing services
  • Free debit card and 50% off your first check order up to $50
  • Integrates with QuickBooks and U.S. Bank Payment Processing
  • Access customer support online, by phone, or in person during business hours
  • Offers additional services such as lending, cash flow management, and point-of-sale systems

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

Stessa logo
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

Key features

  • All-in-one cash management system built for rental property owners
  • No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements
  • No fees for inbound wire transfers
  • Tools designed to help manage and grow rental portfolios
  • Create unlimited free accounts, organized by property or portfolio
  • Issue unique virtual and physical debit cards for better record-keeping
  • Built-in expense tracking and categorization
  • Earn 1.1% cash back on debit card purchases

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

First Internet Bank logo
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

Key features

  • CRE loans available up to $25 million
  • Financial forecasting tools are included with business accounts
  • Competitive APY offered on business checking
  • Balance optimizer automatically moves funds to maximize interest earnings
  • Wide selection of business lending options
  • High-yield savings accounts and CDs with competitive rates
  • Specialized lending for energy-efficient property upgrades, including solar, HVAC, and LED retrofits
  • Monthly ATM fee reimbursement up to $10

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

Grasshopper bank logo
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

Key features

  • Free physical and virtual debit cards for streamlined spending
  • Includes bill pay, mobile check deposit, and digital invoicing tools
  • Free domestic ACH and wire transfers for accounts with balances of $25,000 or more
  • International wire transfers are supported for global transactions
  • Integrates with Autobooks, QuickBooks, and Plaid for easier financial tracking
  • FDIC insurance coverage up to $125 million through a sweep network
  • Access to dedicated US-based support via phone, email, chat, or secure message
  • Offers a broad product suite including savings, startup banking, treasury services, CRE loans, and SBA lending

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

Live Oak Bank logo
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

Key features

  • Online business savings accounts with competitive interest rates
  • High-yield CDs with flexible term lengths
  • Transparent rate and term information provided upfront during the loan process
  • Industry-specific lending experience across real estate, healthcare, agriculture, and more
  • Digital document upload and e-signature capabilities for faster processing
  • Online loan account dashboard to track payments, balances, and loan performance
  • Dedicated underwriting and closing teams for more efficient transactions
  • Educational content and SBA loan resources on the website
  • FDIC-insured deposit accounts for added security
  • Option to link accounts to external banks for simplified transfers

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

Axos Bank logo
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

Key features

  • Multiple business checking and savings account options, including interest-earning accounts
  • Real estate loan products tailored for investors, including multi-family and mixed-use property financing
  • Specialized services for property management companies and real estate professionals
  • Mobile banking with remote deposit capture and bill pay
  • Dedicated relationship managers available for high-volume clients
  • Treasury management solutions for larger real estate operations
  • Business CDs with customizable terms
  • Access to SBA loan programs for qualified borrowers
  • Business rewards debit and credit cards with select accounts

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

chase business logo
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

Key features

  • Manage debit, deposit, and ATM card access for individual team members
  • Mobile app allows check deposits, balance monitoring, bill payments, and transfers
  • Integration with QuickBooks and other top accounting platforms
  • Includes a free business debit card
  • Access to Chase Payment Solutions for accepting customer payments
  • Live support online and in-branch during business hours

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

wells fargo logo
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

Key features

  • Automatic enrollment in debit card overdraft protection for added flexibility
  • Low-cost same-day ACH transfer options
  • No fees for stop payments on checks
  • Reasonably priced domestic and international wire transfers
  • Multiple business account types to fit various investor needs
  • Dedicated support team for real estate investors focused on multifamily properties
  • Robust mobile banking app for on-the-go account management
  • Phone support seven days a week for business customers

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

Truist logo
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

Key features

  • Personalized debit card featuring your logo or custom design
  • Fraud Inspector tool helps detect and reduce fraudulent activity
  • No minimum balance requirement on select accounts
  • Free ATM access at all Truist locations
  • Complimentary debit card replacements
  • Access to international banking services
  • Free internal transfers between Truist accounts
  • Online banking and mobile app access included at no cost
  • Unlimited online bill pay for convenient expense management
  • First 15 ACH transfers free each month
  • Reasonably priced domestic and international wire transfers
  • Free monthly eStatements for easy recordkeeping

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.

  • Find a bank that offers features that match how you manage your properties, such as multiple checking accounts to track income by unit, access to financing, or integration with rent collection and accounting tools.
  • Look for low fees, flexible ACH transfers, and strong mobile banking if you’re an active investor.
  • Consider banks that offer business-friendly tools like virtual cards, real-time expense tracking, and high APY on reserves if you are growing your portfolio.
  • Prioritize strong lending options or advisory services if you’re an investor working with larger properties or commercial assets.

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)





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https://theclose.com/best-banks-for-real-estate-investors/feed/ 0 baselane Bluevine logo Relay logo usbank logo Stessa logo First Internet Bank Grasshopper bank logo Live Oak Bank logo Axos Bank chase wells fargo Truist logo baselane expand/collapse Bluevine logo expand/collapse Relay logo expand/collapse usbank logo expand/collapse Stessa logo expand/collapse First Internet Bank expand/collapse Grasshopper bank logo expand/collapse Live Oak Bank logo expand/collapse Axos Bank expand/collapse chase expand/collapse wells fargo expand/collapse Truist logo expand/collapse expand/collapse expand/collapse expand/collapse expand/collapse
6 Best Home Equity Sharing Companies in 2025 https://theclose.com/best-home-equity-companies/ https://theclose.com/best-home-equity-companies/#respond Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:37:27 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=112539 A home equity agreement or investment (HEA or HEI) is a unique strategy to leverage the equity you have in your home instead of taking on more debt.

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A home equity agreement or investment (HEA or HEI) is a unique strategy to leverage the equity you have in your home instead of taking on more debt. Although many people don’t know about them, home equity sharing companies give you a lump sum — often up to $500,000 — with almost no upfront costs in exchange for a share of your home’s future value. Plus, you can use the money for a variety of reasons, like growing your real estate business, investing in more properties, improving your home, or paying off debt. 

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 CompanyHome Equity Investment (HEI) TermsAvailabilityMinimum credit score
Point Logo
  • 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
Hometap Logo
  • 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
Unlock Logo
  • Get up to $50,000-500,000
  • 10-year term
  • Receive funding in 30-60 days
19 states
500
Visit Unlock
Splitero Logo
  • 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
Unison Logo
  • 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
EquityChoice Logo.
  • 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

Point Logo
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

  • Available in 25 states + D.C.: Arizona, California,  Colorado, Connecticut, Florida,  Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.

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

Hometap Logo.
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

  • Available in 17 states + D.C.: Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. 

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

Unlock Logo.
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

  • Available in 19 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Washington

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

Splitero Logo.
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

  • Available in 13 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington

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

Unison Logo.
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

  • Available in 29 states + D.C.: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.

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

EquityChoice Logo.
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)

  • Available in 19 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and South Carolina

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:

ProsCons

  • There are no monthly payments

  • Upfront costs are minimal (sometimes completely free!)

  • Most programs have a low credit score requirement

  • There are very few, if any, restrictions on how you can use funds

  • Many programs have no income or debt requirements, which is great for those with unconventional or irregular income

  • Funding is often available more quickly than other types of funding

  • If your home depreciates in value, some home equity investment companies share that loss


  • Many HEAs place liens on your property

  • You must already have a high level of equity in your home

  • Limited availability

  • The final cost is unpredictable

  • Some home equity sharing programs apply a fee if you decide to repay early

  • Terms and requirements can be complex

  • Potential tax implications

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)




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Best Real Estate Virtual Assistant Companies for 2025 https://theclose.com/best-real-estate-virtual-assistant-companies/ https://theclose.com/best-real-estate-virtual-assistant-companies/#respond Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:44:39 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=112451 As a real estate agent, you’re responsible for what feels like a million different facets of your business — from bookkeeping and marketing to building relationships and closing deals.

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As a real estate agent, you’re responsible for what feels like a million different facets of your business — from bookkeeping and marketing to building relationships and closing deals. Sooner or later, you’ll need help to do it all. Working with a virtual assistant (VA) is a great way to take tasks off your plate so you can focus on increasing your transactions and revenue. And, with a real estate VA company, you can easily find a VA for realtors who’s trained to help you maintain efficiency with your work. 

Here are our choices of the best real estate VA companies:

The Close’s top picks for the best VA companies for realtors

CompanyPricing
Services
Summit VA Solutions logoNo public pricing information
  • Transaction coordination
  • MLS data input
  • Scheduling and calendar management
  • Receptionist duties
  • Document management
  • Email management
  • Digital marketing
  • SEO optimization
  • Social media management
  • Property management tasks
Visit Summit VA Solutions
Virtudesk logo$450 set-up fee
Hourly rates from $9.55-13.30
  • Administrative services
  • Marketing
  • Prospecting
  • Transaction coordination
  • Customer service
  • Executive VA (personal assistant)
Visit Virtudesk
MyOutDesk logoStarts at $1,988 per month
  • Admin tasks
  • Inside sales
  • Prospecting
  • Marketing
  • Social media
  • Lead generation and follow-up
  • Transaction coordination
Visit MyOutDesk
TaskBullet logoFree trial
Philippine VA pricing: $7.50-11 per hour
U.S. VA pricing: $25-30 per hour
  • Admin support
  • Calendar management
  • Marketing
  • Social media
  • Outbound and inbound calling
  • Listing photo editing
  • Transaction management
Visit TaskBullet
Brivity VA logo$350 onboarding fee
Part-time: $1,250 per month
Full-time: $1,750 per month
Project-based: Starts at $350
  • Real estate administrative tasks
  • Transaction coordinator
  • Marketing assistant
  • Inside sales
  • CRM management
  • Scheduling and calendar management
Visit Brivity VA
Transactly logoTransaction coordination: Starts at $339 per transaction
Listing coordination: Starts at $127 per transaction
  • Transaction coordination services
  • Workflow management
  • Document management
  • Listing and scheduling management
  • Utility and home services setup
  • Offer management
Visit Transactly

Summit VA Solutions: Best real estate-specific training

Summit VA Solutions logo
Pros: 

  • Huge variety of specific real estate tasks

  • 160 hours of real estate-specific training

  • All VAs are background checked and DISC tested

Cons: 

  • No pricing information

  • Doesn’t appear to have part-time or full-time hourly options

  • No service-specialized packages

VA Services: 

  • Transaction coordination

  • MLS data input

  • Scheduling and calendar management

  • Receptionist duties

  • Document management

  • Email management

  • Digital marketing

  • SEO optimization

  • Social media management

  • Property management tasks

No public pricing information

Summit VA Solutions is one of the only options on this list that is 100% focused on providing the best virtual assistants for realtors. Because the provider is focused on the real estate industry, it provides its VAs with the most in-depth training in multiple areas and skillsets, like REO (real estate owned) transactions and property management tasks. Another reason why Summit offers some of the top real estate virtual assistants is that its training includes over 40 common software programs, like Microsoft Office, Docusign, the local MLS, Zillow, Zapier, and Follow Up Boss.

However, Summit VA Solutions is the only real estate VA company on our list with no pricing information. One online review says that it charges a flat rate of $1,500 per month for a full-time assistant with a one-year contract. However, you have to contact its team to verify this and get specific pricing details.

Virtudesk: Best for Service-Specific Tasks

Virtudesk logo
Pros: 

  • Part-time and full-time hours

  • Dedicated VA and team manager

  • Time tracker access to ensure productivity

Cons: 

  • Part-time hours come at a higher hourly rate

  • Difficult to combine multiple types of tasks

VA Services: 

  • Administrative services

  • Marketing

  • Prospecting

  • Transaction coordination

  • Customer service

  • Executive VA (personal assistant

Pricing:

  • $450 set-up fee, 3-month contract

  • Administrative or marketing: $9.55-13.30 per hour

  • Prospecting, inside sales, and customer service: $10.60-13.30 per hour

  • Transaction coordination: $11-13.30 per hour

  • Executive virtual assistant: $12.35-13.30 per hour

Virtudesk is a unique option because it offers pricing based on the type of services you need. For example, you can hire a VA specifically for marketing tasks like social media, email marketing, and creating visual content. This could mean that your VA would be able to do more in less time, ultimately increasing your ROI. Plus, Virtudesk offers packages for 10, 20, or 40-hour weeks, which can be significantly more affordable than many other options.

MyOutDesk: Best for Full-Time VA Services

MyOutDesk logo
Pros: 

  • Ability to onboard a VA in as little as one week

  • Thorough screening and training

  • All VAs are trained to use AI

  • Productivity tracking tool

Cons: 

  • Unclear pricing structure

  • Limited part-time options

VA Services: 

  • Administrative tasks

  • Inside sales assistant (ISA)

  • MLS and listings coordinator

  • Personal and executive assistant

  • Marketing

  • Social media

  • Lead generation and follow-up

  • Transaction coordination

  • Property management tasks

Pricing:

  • Starting at $1,988 per month

MyOutDesk (MOD) is one of the most well-known and highly respected VA companies in multiple industries, especially for its real estate virtual assistant services. According to MOD, it only hires the top 0.7% of applicants, and they must pass an FBI-grade background check and complete training. 

Plus, its virtual assistants are specifically trained to use real estate AI tools to maximize productivity. If you’re looking for a virtual assistant who can help every corner of your business, MOD might be the right choice.

TaskBullet: Commitment-free VA services

TaskBullet logo
Pros: 

  • Free trial

  • 60-day money-back guarantee

  • Dedicated account manager

  • Free Basecamp account

Cons: 

  • Not real estate-specific

  • VAs may not be trained in real estate tasks

  • No dedicated virtual assistant

VA Services: 

  • Admin support

  • Calendar management

  • Marketing

  • Social media

  • Outbound and inbound calling

  • Listing photo editing

  • Transaction management

Pricing:

  • Free trial

  • US starter bucket: $300 for 10 hours ($30 per hour)

  • US light bucket: $780 for 30 hours ($26 per hour)

  • US expert bucket: $1,500 for 60 hours ($25 per hour)

  • PH starter bucket: 20 hours ($11 per hour)

  • PH light bucket: 60 hours ($9 per hour)

  • PH expert bucket: 150 hours ($7.50 per hour)

If you want the largest number of options, TaskBullet could be the place for you! It offers virtual assistant services in a huge variety of industries with a huge variety of options; for example, you can choose to work with a VA in the US or in the Philippines. 

It uses a “bucket system,” where you purchase a certain number of VA hours, and you can use those hours any time within 90 days. This means there is no contract, plus there’s a free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee. This may be the most risk-free and affordable way to work with a virtual assistant for real estate agents. 

Brivity VA: Most personalized VA placement

Brivity VA logo
Pros: 

  • Part-time, full-time, and project-based options

  • VAs are thoroughly vetted and trained

  • VA services are seamlessly integrated with Brivity CRM

Cons: 

  • May not be as seamless for non-CRM users

  • More expensive than other options

VA Services: 

  • Real estate administrative tasks

  • Transaction coordinator

  • Marketing assistant

  • Inside sales

  • CRM management

  • Scheduling and calendar management

Pricing:

  • $350 onboarding fee

  • Part-time (20 hours/week): $1,250 per month

  • Full-time (40 hours/week): $1,750 per month

  • Project-based: Starts at $350

Brivity VA uses a tool called “Talentfolio” to help you choose the best real estate virtual assistant for your unique business. You can view a roster of potential VAs, including their past experience, skills, and even their DISC personality profile. All its VAs have gone through real estate training and are thoroughly vetted. 

Plus, Brivity also has an incredible real estate CRM platform, which all of its VAs are trained thoroughly on. You can even get a discount of $250 per month on real estate virtual assistant services by using the Brivity CRM.

Transactly: Best for transaction coordination

Transactly logo
Pros: 

  • Over 300 five-star reviews

  • Available in all 50 states

  • Packages for agents and brokers

Cons: 

  • Additional subscription fees

  • No dedicated transaction coordinator

  • Tasks included may be unclear

VA Services: 

  • Transaction coordination services

  • Workflow management

  • Document management

  • Listing and scheduling management

  • Utility and home services setup

  • Offer management

Pricing:

  • Transaction coordination: Starts at $339 per transaction

  • Listing coordination: Starts at $127 per transaction

  • Custom services and pricing

  • Monthly, quarterly, and annual pricing

Transactly is a little bit different from the other virtual assistant companies because it focuses only on transaction coordination. A Transactly coordinator is specifically trained on all the tasks necessary to complete a transaction, like communicating with clients and other agents, scheduling with vendors, managing deadlines, and getting all the documentation done on time. Working with one of its VAs can help you focus on income-generating tasks while making sure your transactions are still seamless.

Methodology: How we picked the best VA companies for realtors

At The Close, our methodology is based on giving objective, accurate information that helps real estate agents and brokers make the best business decisions. Our team of real estate professionals, researchers, and writers do thorough research to provide the best recommendations. To help you find the right virtual assistant for realtors, we considered a variety of options based on these criteria:

  • Real estate expertise: We chose VA companies that offered real estate-specific services, even if they also operate in other industries.
  • Pricing: We considered the pricing structures of the top real estate virtual assistants and chose companies with a variety of pricing options.
  • Range of services: Since there is a huge range of tasks that agents need to do to run a successful business, we looked for VA companies that offered a wide range of services.
  • VA qualifications: We favored virtual assistant options where VAs were already trained in real estate transactions and tasks.
  • Reviews and testimonials: We looked at each virtual assistant’s online reviews to verify that other real estate professionals have benefited from working with each company.

How to choose the best virtual assistant company

When it’s time to scale your real estate business, choosing the right virtual assistant or VA company is absolutely essential. The wrong VA can take even more of your time and energy to train and manage, while the right real estate virtual assistant can free up your plate in the first few weeks. Choosing the right company comes down to understanding your business needs and matching them with the company.

Here’s what you should look for to find the best real estate virtual assistant option:

  • Specialization: Think about what you need the most help with, whether it’s something that you spend too much time on or something you aren’t doing well. Look for real estate VA companies that include that service. For example, if you spend hours communicating with clients, agents, and vendors during every closing, a transaction coordinator will allow you to focus on nurturing leads and closing more deals.
  • Technical expertise: The best real estate virtual assistant for your business is going to know how to use all the tools, software programs, and strategies with limited or no additional training. For example, if you use real estate chatbots, an ideal VA should know how to manage the chatbot platform and make it even better.
  • Pricing structure: Some companies only offer full-time hours or specific tasks, while others have flexible hours and one dedicated virtual assistant. Consider whether your business needs a go-to assistant for all your tasks or if you should focus on just one area of your business.
  • Training and onboarding: Bringing new team members into your business will take some investment of time upfront. However, some companies train their virtual assistants ahead of time and already have a streamlined onboarding system, which can help your VA get started as quickly as possible.
  • Communication & feedback: Not every real estate virtual assistant will be right for your business. Make sure to look for a company that makes it easy to communicate back and forth with positive or negative feedback.

📌   Pro Tip

Using a real estate virtual assistant is definitely one of the best ways to scale your business. However, there are other options if you’re not quite ready to add to your team. For example, Zurple is a powerful CRM that automates lead generation and nurturing. Instead of training a VA on how to generate leads and build relationships, Zurple can do it on autopilot.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)




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Ownerly vs Zillow: A Detailed Comparison for 2025 https://theclose.com/ownerly-vs-zillow/ https://theclose.com/ownerly-vs-zillow/#respond Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:51:20 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=112418 See our in-depth analysis of Ownerly vs Zillow for the best home valuation. We compare pricing, data sources, and reliability to help you decide.

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If you’re looking for an easy way to find data on properties, you’ll likely have come across Ownerly and Zillow. Both are fantastic resources that allow you to quickly obtain information about properties and the neighborhoods they’re located in. Each has its pros, cons, and unique features, so the best one will depend on your specific use case! 

Below is a summary of what each excels at, followed by a more detailed comparison of the two. 

  • Ownerly: Good for individual homeowners seeking current and past property data, as well as value estimates
  • Zillow: Good for connecting buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords, in addition to providing value estimates and property information

A quick comparison of Ownerly vs Zillow

Although Ownerly and Zillow both provide some similar services, each also offers a different subset of features. Ownerly is geared more towards providing information on individual properties, while Zillow goes far more in-depth by providing an entire ecosystem of services to help connect homeowners, renters, landlords, and real estate agents. Below is a summary of the major feature sets offered by Ownerly and Zillow.

Ownerly logo
Zillow ogo
Starting price
$37.99 monthly (following a $1 7-day trial)
Free
Property value estimates
Yes
Yes
Property listings & neighborhood data
Yes
Yes
Rental property management
No
Yes
Home financing tools
Limited
Yes
Home buying resources
Limited
Yes
Visit Ownerly
Visit Zillow

Overview & When to Use Each

Ownerly logo
ProsCons
  • Low-cost trial option available
  • No free option
  • Exclusive rewards and discounts for 3rd-party services
  • Limited resources to connect with agents
  • Reports provide detailed past and current property information
  • No data on the accuracy of value estimates

Overview of Ownerly

Ownerly operates with the mission of giving users access to data that professionals use when it comes to buying and selling real estate. Examples of this include data as to how much your home is worth, as well as insights on what impacts your property valuation.

Because Ownerly puts those features front and center on its website, it’s a bit faster and easier to access compared to Zillow. As such, it’s handy if you want to look up detailed past or current information about a property, such as previous owners, deeds, property tax amounts, and sale history.

The home page of Ownerly’s website, allowing users to input a property address as the first step to obtaining a property report
The home page of Ownerly’s website, allowing users to input a property address as the first step to obtaining a property report (Source: Ownerly.com)

Use Cases

  • Obtain property value estimates
  • Research the sales history for a specific property
  • Identify comparable homes and related properties
  • Lookup current and past owners
  • Obtain demographic data and natural hazards

Visit Ownerly

Zillow ogo
ProsCons
  • Free to use for most users
  • Lack of pricing transparency for some services
  • Provides data to support the accuracy of value estimates
  • Popularity of the platform can increase the difficulty of standing out as an agent or landlord
  • Wide range of resources for renters, landlords, sellers, and buyers
  • Pricing for some premium services can be high

Overview of Zillow

Zillow provides a range of products and services designed to provide a seamless transaction for buyers, sellers, landlords, and renters. It has tools that allow users to find homes listed for sale or rent, get an estimate for how much a property is worth, and gather specific data regarding a property.

Unlike Ownerly, Zillow places a large emphasis on allowing homeowners to get connected with real estate agents and home financing. It’s also more user-friendly for renters and landlords, as they can also use the platform to manage payments and rental applications, functionality that Ownerly currently does not have.

The front page of the Zillow website, summarizing some of the services it offers
The front page of the Zillow website, summarizing some of the services it offers (Source: Zillow.com)

Use Cases

  • Connect homeowners with real estate agents or lenders, and landlords with renters
  • Obtain property value estimates
  • Access rental property management tools for landlords
  • Research sales history for properties

Visit Zillow

Detailed comparison of features: Ownerly vs Zillow

Now that you’ve got a high-level overview of what Ownerly and Zillow each bring to the table, let’s do a deeper dive into each individual item!

Pricing (winner: Zillow)

Zillow was selected as the winner for pricing because it’s free to use for most users. Ownerly, on the other hand, charges a minimum of $1 just for a trial period, which later goes up to $37.99 per month if you don’t cancel. 

Ownerly

Ownerly charges a $1 fee for a 7-day trial. During this time period, you’ll be able to order up to 25 reports on different properties. You can also opt for an upgraded 7-day trial at $5, which gives you the added abilities to download PDF reports and enable shared access. 

After the 7-day trial period has ended, you’ll be charged $37.99 per month, plus any applicable sales taxes. You can cancel at any time during the 7-day trial by making a request via phone or email. Ownerly also carries a satisfaction guarantee, and it promises to offer refunds if you’re dissatisfied with the results of your search. 

Zillow

Zillow is free to use if you want to find property listings, list a property for sale or rent, or get estimates for what a home might be worth. If you’re looking to post a home to rent out, you can do so for free or pay $29.99 as a one-time fee to upgrade to the premium version. Premium benefits last for up to 90 days and give you the benefit of increased visibility as the property will be placed higher in search results. 

Property valuations (winner: Zillow)

Although both Ownerly and Zillow offer services to provide property value estimates, Zillow is the winner here because it has data to back up the accuracy of its estimates. 

Ownerly

Ownerly provides estimated property values using an automated valuation model (AVM). While the details of how its AVM functions are not publicly available, most AVMs consider multiple data points, such as the sales price of similar properties, publicly available property features like property size and room count, the age of the home, and any improvements or renovations recorded with public records. 

AVMs are not foolproof, however, as they aren’t able to consider all factors that affect a property’s value. For instance, AVMs may not know the condition of the home, whether it has a beneficial view, or if it’s negatively impacted by certain environmental factors.

A summary of the data you’ll receive in a property report from Ownerly
A summary of the data you’ll receive in a property report from Ownerly (Source: Ownerly.com)

Zillow

Zillow uses a proprietary valuation tool called a Zestimate. A Zestimate searches for publicly available data about a property, comparable sales, market trends, as well as MLS and user-submitted information to provide a home’s approximate value. 

If you’re curious as to the accuracy of a Zestimate, Zillow states that the median error rate for on-market homes is 1.94%, while the error rate for off-market homes is 7.06%. These median error rates are current as of March 2, 2025. 

Like AVMs, Zestimates are not completely foolproof, as they won’t be able to take into consideration everything that would be included with physical inspection of a property. However, the data surrounding its median error rates can provide some measure of its overall reliability.

A detailed chart showcasing the accuracy of a Zestimate in various markets
A detailed chart showcasing the accuracy of a Zestimate in various markets (Source: Zillow.com)

Property listings & neighborhood data (winner: tie)

Ownerly and Zillow both allow users to obtain information about property listings and detailed neighborhood data. While each does so in a different format, I declared this a tie since the best one will depend on your needs. Ownerly, for instance, provides data on demographics and natural hazards, while Zillow has a larger emphasis on allowing you to find available listings within a specified geographic region. 

Ownerly

Owner’s property listing reports will show a wide range of data on a home as it compiles data from multiple sources, including publicly available records. Common data you’ll receive will include property taxes, comparable homes, a historical record of sales prices, transfer history, previous owners, demographics for the neighborhood, and features of the home such as room count and living area.

A sample of some of the data you’ll receive on an Ownerly property report
A sample of some of the data you’ll receive on an Ownerly property report (Source: Ownerly.com)

Zillow

If you’re searching for homes to buy or rent, Zillow is an excellent tool to use as it allows you to locate properties based on certain parameters like location, price, size, room count, and property type. If you’re a landlord or seller, listing your home on Zillow can allow potential buyers and renters to more easily find your property. 

Like Ownerly, Zillow will also provide a great deal of information about a property, including its sales history, property tax amounts, neighborhood overview, and other similar homes.

An example of what Zillow’s property search function looks lik
An example of what Zillow’s property search function looks like (Source Zillow.com)

Rental property management tools (winner: Zillow)

Zillow is the winner here because it provides a wide range of services for landlords to manage their properties and rental listings. Ownerly currently does not provide these services. 

Ownerly

Ownerly’s services are primarily geared towards homeowners. As a result, landlords and renters may not gain much value from what the company has to offer. One possible use case, however, is renters who may want to eventually purchase the property they’re living in. In this instance, they could benefit from the data received from a property listing report. 

Zillow

Zillow’s Rental Manager segment has a number of tools that landlords can use to help with the rental process from start to finish. In addition to posting listings to find renters, landlords can use Zillow’s tools to screen applicants, create lease agreements, identify market rents, and collect rent. 

If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can let Zillow’s team do the work for you, as it offers full-service tenant placement services. This premium level of service includes real estate agent-led tours, professional photography, and more.

A summary of the services Zillow makes available to landlords
A summary of the services Zillow makes available to landlords (Source: Zillow.com)

Home financing tools (winner: Zillow)

Financing tools can include calculators and other resources that homeowners and renters can use to determine their level of affordability. Zillow is the winner for this section since it provides more calculators than Ownerly. 

Ownerly

Ownerly provides a couple of calculators that prospective homeowners can use to determine whether they can afford a particular property. These calculators are free to use. A mortgage tax deduction calculator is available to help homeowners determine what their tax savings will be after purchasing a home. A reverse mortgage loan calculator is also available, which is designed to estimate how much you can borrow against your home’s equity. 

Zillow

Zillow provides a much wider range of calculators than Ownerly. 

  • An affordability calculator is available to help you determine what you can comfortably spend on purchasing a home based on things like your annual income, debts, and down payment. 
  • A mortgage calculator is also provided to help you determine what your monthly loan payment would be based on the details of your loan. 
  • If you’re already a current homeowner, Zillow’s refinance calculator can help determine your break-even timeframe based on the closing costs of the new loan. 
  • Finally, a debt-to-income calculator can help you figure out your likelihood of qualifying for a loan by breaking down the most common debts considered for lending purposes.
A mortgage calculator from Zillow
A mortgage calculator from Zillow (Source: Zillow.com)

Homeowner resources (winner: Zillow)

Zillow is again the winner here as it provides an entire ecosystem of services to connect homeowners with real estate agents, as well as landlords with renters. Ownerly currently does not provide such services, and only provides an informational blog as more of a DIY approach. 

Ownerly

As far as providing existing or prospective homeowners with resources goes, Ownerly has a blog with posts that cover various aspects of the home ownership cycle. Article categories include home improvement, house buying, house selling, mortgages, house value, house loans, insurance, and real estate.

The front page of Ownerly’s blog
The front page of Ownerly’s blog (Source: Ownerly.com)

Zillow

Zillow provides an entire ecosystem of products and services to help homeowners. As a buyer, Zillow offers services to get you connected with a real estate agent and get approved for financing. Zillow also offers search features which allow you to locate properties based on user-defined criteria, including the ability to search only for homes that are within your budget and are likely to get approved for financing. Sellers can also benefit from Zillow’s services by partnering with a Zillow partner agent, or accepting a cash offer by selling directly to its partner, Opendoor. 

If you’re an agent looking to get connected with buyers and sellers, you can contact Zillow’s sales team to become a Premier Agent. Pricing varies by location, but Zillow states that the average cost per lead in most major metro areas works out to $223, and $139 in others. While Zillow states that it’s worth it for most of its agents, you’ll need to look at your own expenses, income, and business model to determine if being a Zillow Premier Agent is worth the cost.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)




Bringing it all together

Ownerly and Zillow each offer fantastic resources if you’re looking to get information on properties. This can be useful for landlords and individuals looking to buy property, sell a home, or find a place to rent. If you’re looking to save time researching properties, one of these two companies could be a great fit for you! 

Have you worked with either Ownerly or Zillow? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

The post Ownerly vs Zillow: A Detailed Comparison for 2025 appeared first on The Close.

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https://theclose.com/ownerly-vs-zillow/feed/ 0 Ownerly Zillow logo Ownerly unnamed – 2025-04-23T171514.132 The home page of Ownerly’s website, allowing users to input a property address as the first step to obtaining a property report (Source: Ownerly.com) Zillow logo unnamed – 2025-04-23T171518.111 The front page of the Zillow website, summarizing some of the services it offers (Source: Zillow.com) unnamed – 2025-04-23T172323.581 A summary of the data you’ll receive in a property report from Ownerly (Source: Ownerly.com) unnamed – 2025-04-23T172415.301 A detailed chart showcasing the accuracy of a Zestimate in various markets (Source: Zillow.com) unnamed – 2025-04-23T172502.289 A sample of some of the data you’ll receive on an Ownerly property report (Source: Ownerly.com) unnamed – 2025-04-23T172544.908 An example of what Zillow’s property search function looks like (Source Zillow.com) unnamed – 2025-04-23T172630.092 A summary of the services Zillow makes available to landlords (Source: Zillow.com) unnamed – 2025-04-23T172718.215 A mortgage calculator from Zillow (Source: Zillow.com) unnamed – 2025-04-23T172801.707 The front page of Ownerly’s blog (Source: Ownerly.com) expand/collapse expand/collapse expand/collapse
6 Best Credit Cards for Real Estate Agents in 2025 https://theclose.com/best-credit-cards-for-real-estate-agents/ https://theclose.com/best-credit-cards-for-real-estate-agents/#respond Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:43:26 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=111894 It is incredibly smart to have a business credit card as a real estate agent.

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It is incredibly smart to have a business credit card as a real estate agent. Credit cards can reward you for your spending and help you track and manage cash flow. However, you have to choose the right credit card that most aligns with your business expenses and financial needs. Here’s our selection of the best credit cards for real estate agents:

Best credit cards for real estate agents compared

Credit CardAnnual feeAPRIntro offerRewards
Chase Ink Business Cash®$00% for 12 months, then 17.49 - 25.49%Earn a total of $750 in the first six months of having this card if you spend $3,000 in the first three months and $6,000 in the first six months

  • 1-5% cash back on purchases

  • Redeem rewards for cash back, travel, or gift cards

Learn more about the Chase Ink Business Cash®
Capital One Spark$029.74% variable APRN/A

  • 1% cashback on every purchase

Learn more about the Capital One Spark 1% Classic
Blue Business® Plus Credit Card$00% for the first 12 months, then 17.49 - 27.49%15,000 rewards points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months

  • 2X points on the first $50,000 you spend

  • Expanded buying power

  • Redeem for travel

Learn more about the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards$00% for 12 months, then variable rate of 17.99 - 26.99%Earn a bonus of $750 cash back if you spend $6,000 in 180 days

  • 1-5% cash back on purchases

  • $100 credit for recurring software subscriptions

Learn more about the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards
American Express Gold Card$3750% for six months, then 18.49 - 27.49% variable APR rate200,000 bonus points when you spend $15,000 in the first three months

  • 4x rewards points for two categories

  • 3x rewards points on travel

  • Up to $240 Flexible Business Credits

  • Redeem for travel, business expenses, or statement credits

Learn more about the American Express Gold Card
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards$00% for the first nine billing cycles, then 17.49 - 27.49%$300 statement credit offer when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days

  • 1-3% cashback on purchases

  • Redeem for cashback and statement credits

Learn more about the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards

Chase Ink Business Cash®: Most flexible rewards program

Chase Ink Business Cash®
Pros

  • $0 annual fee

  • Both travel and cash back rewards

  • Fraud protection

Cons

  • Getting 5% cash back is limited to $25,000 in the first year

  • Limited travel perks

  • Requires good to excellent credit

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $0

  • APR: 0% for 12 months, then 17.49 - 25.49%

  • Introductory offers: Earn a total of $750 in the first six months of having this card if you spend $3,000 in the first three months and $6,000 in the first six months


Rewards 

  • 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in one category of your choice

  • 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants

  • 1% cash back on all remaining purchases

  • Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, travel, or gift cards

  • Automatic credit line increase check every six months

  • Travel and emergency assistance

  • Fraud protection

  • Extended warranty protection

The Chase Ink Business Cash® card is the best credit card for realtors who want to maximize their spending power and take advantage of rewards in a variety of ways. All cardholders have the opportunity to earn up to 5% cash back on purchases at office supply stores, internet services, and phone services. Points never expire, and you can redeem your points for cash, travel, or even gift cards. 

Capital One Spark 1% Classic: Best for credit building

Capital One Spark
Pros

  • $0 annual fee

  • 1% cash back on every purchase

  • Free financial tracking tools

Cons

  • 29.74% variable APR

  • No introductory offers

  • Limited rewards and benefits

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $0

  • APR: 29.74% variable APR

  • Introductory offers: N/A


Rewards

  • 1% cash back on every purchase

  • $0 fraud liability

  • Extended warranty

  • $0 foreign transaction fees

  • Roadside assistance

  • Capital One travel

  • Business management tools like autopay, integrations with software tools, and a virtual card

The Capital One Spark 1% Classic is the best real estate agent and business credit card for those wanting to increase their credit score to qualify for cards with better rewards and more stringent requirements. Although there are a limited number of rewards for your purchases, it has a $0 annual fee. This is an ideal choice for agents who need to focus on creating a real estate budget and paying credit card statements on time as they grow their business.

American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best for Expanded Buying Power

Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
Pros

  • $0 annual fee

  • 0% interest for the first year

  • Flexible spending limits

Cons

  • 2x points are limited to $50,000

  • Requires a good to excellent credit score

  • Points can only be redeemed through AmEx travel

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $0

  • APR: 0% for the first 12 months, then 17.49 - 27.49%

  • Introductory offers: Earn 15,000 reward points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months


Rewards

  • Expanded Buying Power allows you to spend above your credit limit when needed

  • 2x points on the first $50,000 you spend each year

  • 1x points on all remaining purchases

  • Expense management tools

  • Integration with QuickBooks

  • Extended warranty

  • Fraud protection

The American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is the only card on this list that offers Expanded Buying Power, which gives you the ability to spend above your credit limit when necessary. This makes it one of the best credit cards for realtors who are growing their business and may have an increase in expenses.

This credit card is also great for newer agents who are avoiding additional expenses because it charges a $0 annual fee and 0% APR for the first 12 months. It also offers more rewards than some other cards on this list, with double points on all purchases up to $50,000. 

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards: Best reward structure for realtors

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards
Pros

  • $0 annual fee

  • $750 introductory offer

  • Rewards that perfectly fit realtors’ expenses

Cons

  • Very few travel rewards

  • Cash rewards will expire if your account is not used for 12 months

  • Gas and vehicle charging rewards are limited to $200

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $0

  • APR: 0% for 12 months, then a variable rate of 17.99 - 26.99%

  • Introductory offers: Earn a bonus of $750 cash back if you spend $6,000 in 180 days


Rewards

  • 5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through the travel rewards center

  • Additional 4% cash back on rental car and hotel reservations

  • 3% at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone providers, and restaurants

  • 1% cash back on everything else

  • $100 credit for recurring software subscriptions

  • ExtendPay plans

The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card is an ideal real estate agent and business credit card because of its reward structure. It offers 3% cash back at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations, office supply stores, restaurants, and cell phones — it’s as if this credit card was designed for the expenses of real estate agents! 

This obviously ranks as one of the best credit cards for real estate agents because it rewards you for typical expenses, like printing real estate marketing materials, your cell phone plan, meeting with clients over coffee or lunch, and traveling back and forth from showings. In fact, it actually won an award for “Best Gas Rewards Credit Card” from WalletHub.

American Express Gold Card: Highest level of rewards

American Express Gold Card
Pros

  • Additional benefits at Walmart, shipping stores, and office supply stores

  • Highest number of travel rewards points offered

  • Ability to choose the categories to earn 4x rewards points

Cons

  • $375 annual fee

  • High spending requirements to get the introductory offer

  • No cashback rewards

  • Must have a credit score of at least 670 to qualify

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $375

  • APR: 0% for six months, then 18.49 - 27.49% variable APR rate

  • Introductory offers: Get 200,000 bonus points when you spend $15,000 in the first three months


Rewards

  • 4x rewards points for two categories of your choice

  • 3x rewards points on flights and hotels booked through AmEx Travel

  • Up to $240 Flexible Business Credits with FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores

  • Walmart+ Membership credit

  • Cell phone protection up to $800 per claim

  • $100 credit towards one two-night stay at The Hotel Collection

  • $0 foreign transaction fees

  • Fraud protection

  • Financial tracking tools

The American Express® Business Gold Card is one of the best business credit cards for realtors who have a higher level of expenses and want a high-earning rewards card to match. Cardholders can get 4x rewards points in two categories of their choice (software and electronic goods, monthly phone services, transportation, restaurants, or gas stations).

Although this card has the highest annual fee on our list, it also offers a 0% APR rate for the first 6 months and multiple bonus benefits, like Walmart+ and credits for FedEx and office supply stores. Another benefit of the Gold Card is that you can redeem points for travel, business expenses, or even statement credits.

Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard: Best for cash back rewards

Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards
Pros

  • $0 annual fee

  • Customizable 3% cash back category

  • Higher rewards for agents with a Bank of America business account

  • Cash rewards don’t expire

Cons

  • Cashback is limited to $50,000

  • No travel rewards

  • Requires an excellent credit score to qualify

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $0

  • APR: 0% for the first nine billing cycles, then 17.49 - 27.49%

  • Introductory offers: $300 statement credit offer when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days


Rewards

  • 3% cash back in one category of your choice (gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, travel, cable services, computer services, or consulting services)

  • 2% on dining and restaurants

    • Earn 3% and 2% on the first $50,000 in the category of your choice and dining for the first year, then 1% thereafter



  • 1% cash back on all remaining purchases

  • Redeem for cash back in your account

  • Fraud protection

  • Access to Business Advantage 360, the small business banking app

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® is ideal for agents who want to get the best cashback rewards and minimize costs. Similar to the Gold Card and Chase Ink Business Cash, it allows you to choose one category to receive the maximum reward of 3% cash back. 

Regardless of which category you choose, you get 2% back on all dining purchases and 1% on all remaining purchases. Plus, when you open a Business Advantage credit card, you can earn a $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first three months.

How to choose the best credit card for realtors

As a real estate agent, you have unique expenses and financial needs. By choosing the right credit card, you can earn valuable rewards, increase your credit score, and become an even more successful real estate agent. However, it’s important to carefully consider which of the best credit cards for real estate agents is right for you.

Here are some important factors to consider when you’re choosing a real estate business credit card:

  • Your credit score: Many high-reward credit cards require a good or excellent credit score
  • Rewards & benefits: Many credit cards offer cash back or rewards points. Think about which type of reward would be best for your business. You may want to rack up travel points for a vacation, but if you are just starting your business with a limited emergency fund, then a cashback rewards structure might fit you better.
  • Introductory offers: Look at cards with welcome offers, such as those that offer additional rewards points or cashback credits when you spend a certain amount within the first few months. Make sure to compare your business expenses with those criteria to ensure that you’ll be able to take advantage of this offer.
  • Interest rates: Unfortunately, many people don’t even look at the interest rates or APR of credit cards before signing up. While APR rates are generally pretty similar between credit cards, there are many cards that give you six to twelve months with 0% interest. This could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars, especially if you aren’t accustomed to managing a credit card.
  • Annual fees: Annual fees on business credit cards can range from $0 to $700. Consider the annual fee and whether the card rewards make it worth the cost.
  • Security features: Make sure you choose a credit card with fraud protection measures and read the specifics before signing up.
  • How you’ll use it: Think about your business expenses. Will you use the credit card for traveling, marketing, advertising, dining, office supplies, or technology? Try to match your expenses with a card that has rewards for that category.

Our Methodology

At The Close, we have a team of professionals, researchers, writers, and real estate experts who do thorough research to give you accurate information. To help you find and choose the best credit card for real estate agents, we carefully evaluated a wide range of credit cards and reward cards on the market. 

Our detailed criteria includes: 

  • Annual fees: Although we prioritized credit cards for realtors that had a $0 annual fee, we selected cards with an annual fee that balanced out the potential rewards.
  • Interest rates: We confirmed the APR rates of every credit card, favoring cards that offered a certain period of time with 0% interest.
  • Credit requirements: Since real estate agents can have a huge range of experience, credit history, and financial backgrounds, we looked for credit cards available for fair, good, and excellent credit scores.
  • Rewards structure: The best business credit cards for realtors will reward categories where they most often spend money (like gas stations and office supplies), so we evaluated the rewards opportunities that aligned the most.
  • Introductory offer: Credit cards with introductory offers help agents get the most benefit out of their cards, so we selected cards with strong welcome offers.
  • Additional benefits: We favored credit cards that offered additional rewards like fraud protection, a variety of methods to redeem points, travel assistance, and cell phone protection.

For more details about how we evaluate tools and resources, read more about The Close methodology.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)





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6 Best Fix and Flip Loans in 2025 https://theclose.com/best-fix-and-flip-loans/ https://theclose.com/best-fix-and-flip-loans/#respond Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:27:41 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=111817 When you need to finance a house flip, you need a loan that offers a repayment term that fits your project timeline, can close quickly, and, of course, doesn’t have unrealistic eligibility requirements.

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When you need to finance a house flip, you need a loan that offers a repayment term that fits your project timeline, can close quickly, and, of course, doesn’t have unrealistic eligibility requirements. Although the best fix and flip loans will vary based on the specifics of your business, I’ve picked out six with high LTC (loan-to-cost) ratios, flexible terms, and fitting for investors of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Overview of the best fix and flip loans

Loan
Loan amount
Interest rate
Repayment terms
Minimum credit score
kiavi logo
$100,000 - $3 millionStarting at 7.75%12, 18, or 24 months680
Visit Kiavi
Lima one capital logo
$75,000 - $3 millionStarting at 8.45%3, 19, and 24 months600
Visit Lima One Capital
RCN capital
$50,000 - $3 millionStarting at 9.64%12-18 months660
Visit RCN Capital
Flip Funding logo
$150,000 - $3 millionStarting at 9.99%12-24 months620
Visit Flip Funding
NewSilver logo
$100,000 - $5 million9.5-11.25%Up to 18 months650
Visit New Silver
CoreVest logo
$75,000 - $2 millionStarting at 7.99%6-24 month terms620
Visit CoreVest

Kiavi: Best for quick & easy funding

kiavi logo
Pros
Cons
  • No application fee or appraisal
  • No income verification
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Required credit score of 680
  • Requires inspections to release funds throughout the flip
  • No loans available in MS, NM, RI, UT, or VT
Terms
  • Loan amount: $100,000 - $3 million
  • Repayment terms: 12, 18, or 24 months
  • Time to funds: As little as 7 days
  • Interest rate: Starting at 7.75%
  • Covers up to 95% of purchase price and 100% of rehab cost

The Kiavi fix and flip loan is one of the most popular lending options because of its fast financing, competitive interest rates, and user-friendly application process. Unlike most types of fix and flip loans, it has no application fee, doesn’t require an appraisal, and doesn’t require income verification. This also allows it to close in as little as seven days. 

However, Kiavi has the highest credit score requirement of 680, and uses a “draw” process that requires an inspection to release funds periodically. As long as you understand how this works, it could be a great financing option, with one of the lowest starting interest rates and highest LTC ratios.

Lima One Capital: Most versatile fix and flip loan

Lima one capital logo
Pros
Cons
  • Low credit score requirement of 600
  • Flexible interest rates depending on your terms
  • Ability to defer origination fees until the property sells
  • Home Depot discounts up to 20%
  • Doesn’t offer loans in Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Vermont
  • Only covers 100% of rehab costs with four-day draws
Terms
  • Loan amount: $75,000 - $3 million
  • Repayment terms: 13, 19, and 24 months
  • Interest rates: Starting at 8.45%
  • Covers up to 92.5% of purchase price and 100% of rehab costs

Lima One Capital offers one of the best fix and flip loans for investors who want options and flexibility. Its “FixNFlip” loan program is highly competitive on its own, with lower interest rates than many other options, multiple repayment terms, and up to 92.5% LTC. 

However, what really sets Lima One Capital apart is the flexibility and alternative loan options. It offers fix and flip financing for different types of flips (quick flip, middle of the fairway, and heavy rehab) and even allows you to switch financing programs if your goals change. For example, if you decide to rent your property instead of selling, you can switch to a “Fix2Rent” program and even get a discount on your origination fees. Ultimately, Lima One Capital is the most versatile loan program for home flippers.

RCN Capital: Best for experienced investors

RCN capital
Pros
Cons
  • Loans offered in every state
  • No pre-payment penalty
  • Offers financing for a wide variety of property types and amounts
  • New investors don’t get the best rates
  • Must have a minimum FICO credit score of 660
Terms
  • Loan amount: $50,000 - $2 million for 1-4 family homes, condos, and townhomes, and $250,000 - $3 million for more than 5 units and mixed-use properties
  • Repayment terms: 12-24 months
  • Time to funds: As little as 10 business days
  • Interest rates: Starting at 9.64%
  • Covers up to 92.5% of purchase price and 100% of renovation cost

RCN Capital is a private lender that offers a variety of loan programs for real estate investors. It offers a simple application process, funding in just a few weeks, and competitive interest rates. Also, it is the only provider on this list that only charges interest on your outstanding balance and has no prepayment penalty, allowing you to minimize expenses even further.

However, the rates for RCN Capital’s hard money loans are different depending on your experience level:

  • New investor (Up to two flips within the last three years): covers up to 80% of purchase price, up to 100% of renovation costs, up to 70% of ARV, and interest rates starting at 10.64%
  • Intermediate investor (Between three and five flips in the last three years): Covers up to 85% of purchase price, up to 100% of renovation costs, up to 75% of ARV, and interest rates starting at 10.14%
  • Experienced investor (Over ten flips in the last three years):  Covers up to 92.5% of purchase price, up to 100% of renovation costs, up to 75% of ARV, and interest rates starting at 9.64%

Flip Funding: Best for new investors & home flippers

Flip Funding logo
Pros
Cons
  • Provides loans for foreign nationals
  • No experience required
  • Variety of short-term loan options
  • No loans available in SD, ND, MN, OR, UT, and VT
  • Minimum loan amount of $150,000
  • Not a direct lender
Terms
ul>
  • Loan amounts: $150,000 - $3 million
  • Repayment terms: 12-24 months
  • Time to funds: Close in 10-14 days
  • Interest rates: Starting at 9.99%
  • Covers up to 90% of purchase price and 100% of rehab cost
  • The fix and flip loan from Flip Funding has no experience requirements, which makes it ideal for investors who are just getting started. It also offers lending to foreign nationals and includes no-doc and low-doc loan options for flippers who may not have typical income documentation. However, Flip Funding is not a direct lender, which means that the specifics of your loan terms will depend on the provider you are matched with. 

    New Silver: Best for quick funding through AI

    NewSilver logo
    Pros
    Cons
    • AI-powered underwriting
    • No requirements for revenue or time in business
    • Advantage program offers rewards for repeat customers
    • Variety of real estate financing options
    • Doesn’t offer funding in OR, NV, UT, ID, ND, SD, MN, AL, LA, or VT
    • Minimum FICO score of 650
    • Does not finance rural properties
    Terms
    • Loan amount: $100,000 - $5 million
    • Repayment terms: Up to 18 months
    • Time to funds: As little as five days
    • Interest rates: 9.5-11.25%
    • Covers up to 92.5% of purchase price and 100% of rehab cost

    Another excellent choice for your next house flip loan is New Silver, which offers loans between $100,000 and $5 million that can be closed in as little as five days. It uses technology and AI to streamline the underwriting process and speed up your funding. New Silver also offers calculators to help you determine the cost of a hard money loan and how much it costs to flip a house.

    New Silver’s loans are available to investors of all experience levels, but experienced investors can benefit from its Advantage Program. When you close three or more loans with New Silver, you’ll receive discounts on your interest rates, origination fees, a free appraisal, and even more benefits.

    CoreVest Finance: Best for high-volume investors

    NewSilver logo
    Pros
    Cons
    • Provides loans for foreign nationals
    • Loans offered in every state
    • Non-recourse loan options
    • Lowest LTC rate of 90%
    • More strict experience requirements
    • 24-month repayment term only offered through extensions
    Terms
    • Loan amounts: $75,000 - $2 million
    • Repayment terms: 6-24 month terms
    • Time to funds: Under 30 days
    • Interest rates: Starting at 7.99%
    • Covers up to 90% of purchase price

    CoreVest is a lender that specializes in large-scale residential real estate portfolios, including multifamily properties, rentals, and new construction. Its fix and flip loan offers the lowest starting interest rate on our list and competitive terms. However, high-volume investors will benefit the most from the customized loan solutions at CoreVest.

    How to choose the best fix and flip loans

    It can be overwhelming and confusing to look through so many different types of fix and flip loans. In order to choose the right kind of loan for your project, you should consider a variety of factors about your business and your loan options.

    Here are some of the most important considerations:

    • Interest rates and fees: One loan may offer a lower interest rate, but charge more in origination fees and closing costs. Make sure you know all of the fees involved and compare them with your other options.
    • Loan terms and repayment: Fix and flip loans usually have a short repayment period, with all of our choices ranging between 6 and 24 months. Make sure the repayment period aligns with your project timeline and allows time for the house to sell.
    • Loan to value and loan to cost ratios: Fix and flip loans usually cover the purchase price and renovation costs separately, so make sure you know what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
    • Time to funding: When you find a house to flip, you need to be able to close quickly to have a competitive offer. 
    • Loan requirements: Fix and flip loans typically have different requirements than mortgages. Many lenders have a minimum credit score and experience requirements.
    • Reputation and reviews: Hard money loans are generally higher risk, since the interest rates are higher and the repayment term is much smaller than typical mortgages. Make sure you choose a lender that has helped other investors successfully complete their projects.

    Types of fix and flip loans

    Although our choices for the best fix and flip loans are all hard money loans, there are many different financing options to flip a house. In fact, since many lenders have strict requirements about investors’ experience level and credit score, you may not be able to qualify for many fix and flip loans. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t find financing!

    Here are a few other types of financing options for fix and flip projects:

    Hard money loansHard money loans are the most common type of financing for fix and flip projects. These offer short repayment terms from 6-24 months and higher interest rates. However, financing can be closed in just days to weeks, and the credit score requirements are sometimes lower. Check our roundup of the best hard money lenders for options.
    Private money loansA private money loan is between a flipper and someone who has personally agreed to offer them a loan. The rates and terms depend completely on the agreement between the two parties.
    Home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC)This is a loan based on the equity you have in your primary home. The interest rates are closely tied to mortgage rates, which are typically lower than hard money loans. Plus, the repayment term can be up to 30 years.
    Bridge loansA bridge loan is designed to cover the gap between buying and selling a new home, and can have terms as little as a few weeks to a few months. Lenders who offer fix and flip loans typically also offer bridge loans.
    Fix and flip lines of creditInstead of a loan based on one project, a line of credit can typically be used for all expenses on multiple projects.
    Construction loansConstruction loans are typically given when a project is being built from the ground up. There are many different types of construction loans, but they typically cover the purchase price and building costs.
    Cash out refinance loansThis loan is for current homeowners or investors who want to leverage the equity to pay for flips. Interest rates are typically lower than hard money loans, but it uses your existing properties as collateral.

    Methodology: How I evaluated the best fix and flip loans

    Our methodology at The Close is to provide readers with the most accurate information to help them make the right business decisions. Our team of professionals, researchers, writers, real estate agents, and experts have done detailed research to evaluate the best fix and flip loans for new to experienced house flippers. Our criteria include:

    • Interest Rates and Fees: We looked for fix and flip programs that offered competitive interest rates and fees. All of our selections offered rates between 7.75 – 11.25% as of March 2025, just above the national average mortgage rates.
    • Loan Terms: We looked for loan options with a range of repayment terms.
    • Max Loan Amounts: The fix and flip financing options we chose offer financing for a variety of projects, from under $100,000 to $5 million.
    • Credit Score & Eligibility Requirements: We evaluated programs that had reasonable requirements, including credit scores and experience levels.
    • Rehabilitation Financing: Almost all of our fix and flip loan choices cover up to 100% of renovation costs.
    • Loan-to-Cost (LTC) and Loan-to-After Repair Value (LTARV) Ratios: We selected loan programs that minimize up front and out-of-pocket costs for investors, with 90-95% LTC ratios.

    Frequently asked questions (FAQs)




    The post 6 Best Fix and Flip Loans in 2025 appeared first on The Close.

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