In real estate, timing often decides profit or loss. A good deal can vanish in days. Traditional banks move slowly, buried in red tape. For investors, that wait is costly. That’s why hard money lending is gaining traction. Fast, direct, and collateral-based, it gives borrowers what they need: speed.
Who better to spot opportunities before they slip away than Eric Brahms, President of Mae Capital, LLC, who is known for his background in trading, investing, and business building? Especially since Brahms has decades of financial experience in real estate lending. He understands risk, timing, and opportunity. More importantly, he understands how to structure loans that actually work for borrowers.
“Hard money loans are secured by real estate rather than the borrower’s credit score,” Brahms explains. “At Mae Capital, the focus is on the value of the asset at hand—this means that even if traditional banks or lenders have turned you down, there is still an opportunity at Mae Capital.”
Mae Capital has become a go-to for borrowers looking for quick bridge loans since it provides asset-backed lending that moves at the speed of the market.
Why Hard Money Loans Matter Today
The real estate market is changing. Prices rise and fall. Investors have to act quickly. In many cases, a traditional mortgage takes too long. In such circumstances, Mae Capital fills in the gap.
Borrowers come to Brahms and his team for:
- Bridge loans: Short-term funding to buy a property before selling another.
- Renovation capital: Quick financing for flips or upgrades.
- Acquisition loans: Securing a property fast when banks say no.
Unlike banks, Mae Capital evaluates the property itself, not the borrower’s credit history. That means deals can close in days instead of months. For investors, that speed can make the difference between closing on a property or watching it go to someone else.
The Benefits and Risks of Hard Money Lending
Like any financial tool, hard money loans come with advantages and challenges. Brahms doesn’t shy away from explaining both.
Key benefits include:
- Fast closing timelines, often just a few days.
- Less paperwork compared to bank loans.
- Focus on collateral value instead of credit history.
- Flexible funding for investors with complex financials.
Risks to consider:
- Interest rates are higher than traditional loans.
- Loan terms are shorter, often six months to three years.
- A solid exit plan is required to avoid issues.
Hard money lending is not a magic fix. It’s a tool. For investors who know what they’re doing, it can be powerful. For those unprepared, it can be costly. That honesty has shaped Mae Capital’s reputation as a transparent and reliable partner.
Inside Mae Capital’s Lending Process
Mae Capital keeps the process simple. Borrowers don’t face endless forms or credit checks. Instead, the process is focused on the property itself.
Here’s what borrowers can expect:
- Consultation: An initial call to discuss the project and funding needs.
- Collateral review: A clear look at the property’s value and potential.
- Customized terms: Loans as per the borrower’s exit strategy.
- Quick turnaround: Funding that matches the speed of the market.
Brahms emphasizes working closely with clients to understand their goals. At Mae Capital, they don’t just hand out money. They make sure the structure fits the deal. That’s how both sides succeed.
Revenue-Based Financing: Flexible Funding Without Losing Control
Mae Capital also provides revenue-based financing, also known as royalty-based financing. This funding solution allows businesses to secure capital in exchange for a share of future revenue rather than fixed monthly payments. Repayments rise and fall with income, making it ideal for companies with fluctuating cash flow. Unlike equity financing, business owners retain full control of their company, and unlike rigid bank loans, there’s no pressure to meet high monthly obligations. For growing businesses, this model offers flexibility while still providing access to essential capital.
Here’s how it works: Mae Capital provides funding, and in return, receives a percentage of the company’s ongoing revenue until a pre-set multiple of the initial investment is repaid. Payments scale with performance; if revenue dips, so do repayments, and if sales increase, investors see a higher return. This makes revenue-based financing a hybrid between debt and equity models, combining elements of each without giving away ownership or locking companies into high-interest obligations.
Why Investors Trust Eric Brahms and Mae Capital
Eric Brahms is not new to financial cycles. His early career was spent on the trading floors of the NYMEX, where speed and analysis decided outcomes. He later traded NASDAQ securities and managed investments through volatile markets. That history built the instincts he now applies to real estate lending.
Since founding Mae Capital in 2012, Brahms has expanded beyond lending. His company has invested in housing, precious metals, diamonds, and vintage watches.
Mae Capital’s success in hard money lending comes from the same principle: secure the loan with something tangible. Assets matter more than credit scores. That’s why borrowers with solid real estate in hand keep coming back.
Conclusion
The real estate market will always shift. Interest rates rise and fall. Traditional lenders tighten and loosen their rules. In all of that change, one constant remains: investors need fast access to capital.
Hard money lending is not for everyone. It comes with higher costs and shorter terms. But for the right investor, it can mean the difference between missing a deal and closing it. This is why Eric Brahms focuses on asset-backed loans and bridge financing. If you have a property with potential and a plan, Mae Capital can provide the funding to make it happen.