Realtor Checklist for Referring an Investor Loan

A useful financing referral starts before the investor asks whether a lender can close. As a Realtor, you often know the property, seller expectations, contract deadlines, and likely resale or rental strategy. Bringing that information into the first conversation helps everyone identify the next step. You do not need to underwrite the loan. You need to make an introduction that explains the deal clearly enough for a lender to assess the financing path. This is the purpose of the Investor Loan Referral Checklist for Realtors.

Investor Loan Referral Checklist for Realtors: Identify the investor’s business goal

Ask whether the buyer intends to renovate and sell, renovate and rent, acquire a stabilized rental, or build from the ground up. Each answer creates a different financing conversation. A buyer purchasing a rental-ready duplex may need a DSCR loan review. A buyer purchasing a distressed four-unit property for renovation may need acquisition and rehab financing before a long-term rental exit becomes practical.

Also ask whether this is the investor’s first project or part of an established business. Experience should be described with completed projects, not broad claims about knowing construction. A first-time flipper can still assemble a strong team and thoughtful plan. An experienced investor should be ready to summarize prior purchases, renovation scopes, and exits. Accurate background helps the lender select the right program rather than guessing from the contract alone.

Investor Loan Referral Checklist for Realtors: Send the facts that matter

Provide the complete address, property type, unit count, occupancy, purchase price, and expected closing date. Identify whether the investor plans to buy through an entity. If the listing shows four units but another record shows three, flag the discrepancy. If access is limited or the seller has not supplied leases, say so. A missing fact is easier to resolve when it is visible early.

For 5–9 unit properties, avoid assuming a residential loan program extends automatically to the larger building. Unit count can change how the property and income are evaluated. A referral that clearly identifies an eight-unit apartment building saves a detour through a program intended for smaller rentals. The lender can then assess the available commercial or small multifamily path and request the appropriate operating information.

Investor Loan Referral Checklist for Realtors: Include a supported project plan

For a flip, include the proposed renovation budget and the investor’s expected resale value. Help explain the comparable sales rather than forwarding a list of unrelated listings. For a rental, share available leases and supporting rental information. For construction, identify whether the buyer already owns the land, has plans, and has selected a builder. Keep verified information separate from estimates and items awaiting confirmation.

Suppose a buyer wants a $240,000 property and expects a $60,000 renovation. An introduction saying “needs a $300,000 loan” leaves important questions unanswered. A better introduction explains the work, estimated finished value, intended exit, available liquidity, and closing deadline. The lender still decides the eligible amount, but the conversation begins with a business plan rather than a number floating in space.

Investor Loan Referral Checklist for Realtors: Discuss readiness without promising approval

FBC Funding’s campaign focuses on investors building a real estate business, generally with 680 or higher credit. Ask whether the client is comfortable discussing their financial profile directly with our team. Do not collect unnecessary sensitive documents by casual text or group email. The lender can provide the appropriate submission method and request the credit, liquidity, entity, and experience information needed for the selected product.

Our general mortgage loan minimum starts at $100,000, while ground-up construction starts at $150,000. Individual programs may have different requirements. FBC Funding offers fix and flip, DSCR, BRRRR, and construction financing, including qualifying 100% financing scenarios. These options are useful reasons to make an introduction; they are not permission to promise no cash needed, maximum leverage, or a guaranteed closing date.

Investor Loan Referral Checklist for Realtors: Make the handoff easy to follow

With the client’s permission, introduce the investor and lender together and state who will handle the next task. Include the property summary and any immediate deadline. Ask the investor to speak directly with the lender about financing terms. You can stay focused on the transaction while the financing team reviews the application. Clear roles help prevent a client from treating preliminary comments as final approval.

Explore the FBC Funding referral partner program and our fix and flip programs to understand the available conversations. Any proposed referral compensation should be confirmed separately under applicable requirements and your firm’s policies. The practical value of the referral begins with helping the client reach a suitable financing review.

Have an investor opportunity in Chicago, DC Metro, Georgia, Texas, or Florida? Schedule a free consultation or call 888-848-3114. Bring the deal summary, and we can identify what information is needed next.