FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to all your questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Solutions

Expert answers

to your funding questions

What are your insurance requirements for borrowers?
Our property and commercial liability insurance requirements vary by state. Contact your relationship manager for specific requirements regarding your portfolio assets.
Do I need prior real estate or landlord experience to qualify?
Not at all. We lend to all kinds of borrowers, from new investors buying their first property to seasoned investors who manage hundreds of rental properties. We tailor each of our loans to match your unique experience level and funding needs.
What types of properties do you finance?
We specialize in residential investment properties, including single-family rentals, condos, townhomes, andsmall multifamily portfolios.We do not cover owner-occupied residences, mobile or manufactured homes, co-ops, assisted living facilities, mixed-use properties (e.g., residential properties with a retail component), or commercial real estate. While we may consider larger apartment buildings, other lenders are often a better fit for those projects.
Do I need a Special Purpose Entity (SPE) for my loan?
Yes. As a commercial lender, we require properties to be held under a Special Purpose Entity (SPE), which is typically a Limited Liability Company (LLC). If you don’t have one set up yet, our team is happy to guide you through this straightforward process.
What is the minimum amount I can borrow?

Our minimum amounts vary by loan. Explore our loans to find a solution that fits your strategy and review its criteria.

Do I need a minimum credit score to qualify?

The minimum credit score required is typically 620 for standard rental and single-asset property loans. However, specific loan programs or portfolios with multiple properties may require higher scores, such as 680 or 720

What are your insurance requirements for investor portfolios?
Our property and commercial liability insurance requirements vary by state. Contact your relationship manager for specific guidelines regarding your clients’ portfolio assets.
Can I close more loans and get paid reliably?
Yes, you can close more loans and get paid reliably by partnering with CoreVest Finance, provided your deals focus on business-purpose residential real estate.

CoreVest is backed by Redwood Trust, which specializes in debt capital for real estate investors. Our platform is specifically tailored to help bankers, brokers, and originators scale their business efficiently.
Can I serve my client without jeopardizing my balance sheet or losing them?
Yes, you can serve your clients through a partnership with CoreVest without putting your own balance sheet at risk or losing client ownership. Because CoreVest specializes in real estate investor loans rather than retail mortgages, we offer structures that keep you in control of the client relationship.
What are your LTV / LTC / DSCR limits?
Our loan guidelines and parameters vary by loan program, but generally cap LTV at 75% to 80% and LTC at 80% to 90%. Their minimum DSCR requirement is typically 1.0, though it can be higher depending on the specific product and market factors.
Who makes the credit decision?
At CoreVest, credit decisions are made in-house by our dedicated credit, underwriting, and capital markets teams.
What documentation is required to work with CoreVest?

To work with CoreVest as a mortgage intermediary (via our Wholesale Broker or Broker+ programs), you must meet our requirements and provide a comprehensive corporate approval package.

To get approved, you must submit the following documents to CoreVest:

Corporate & Legal Documentation

  • Application Forms: Completed and signed Wholesale Broker Application or Broker+ Application.
  • Entity Documents: Certificate of Incorporation/Formation, Bylaws or Operating Agreement, and any DBA filings.
  • Corporate Resolution: Executed Corporate Resolution/Consent authorizing your company to work with CoreVest.
  • Licenses: Proof of proper state licensing and regulatory registrations.

Financial & Background Documentation

  • Financial Statements: Current financial statements (one full-year audit and year-to-date interim, signed and dated). If unaudited, you must provide a signed IRS Form 4506.
  • IRS Form W-9: Signed and dated.
  • Insurance Certificates: Proof of current E&O Insurance and Fidelity Bond policies.
What are your insurance requirements for my clients?
Our property and commercial liability insurance requirements vary by state. Contact your relationship manager for specific requirements needed to clear your clients’ properties for closing.
Do you issue term sheets or fully underwritten approvals?
CoreVest primarily issues term sheets (or letters of intent) to establish preliminary loan parameters, rather than fully underwritten approvals at the initial application stage.
How often do deals close on the original term sheet numbers?
Deals with CoreVest falling out after a term sheet is issued are relatively rare. Because term sheets are typically issued after initial vetting, fallout usually happens during the formal due diligence or appraisal phase, or as a result of borrower decisioning.
What are your rates and fees?
CoreVest Finance offers loans tailored to real estate investors, including bridge, rental, and construction loans. Interest rates generally range from 5% to 11.5%, with origination and closing fees typically running between 1% and 2.5%. Exact rates heavily depend on your credit score, experience, and the specific loan type.

*Rates are also subject to change based on market conditions and may fall outside of the range described above.
How do brokers get paid?

Brokers, Mortgage Bankers and Mortgage Intermediaries are paid through our Broker or Wholesale Partner programs, which compensate intermediaries for originating loans for their real estate investors. They can receive payment through two main channels:

  • Lender-Paid Fees: CoreVest pays the broker a referral or origination fee upon the successful closing and funding of the loan. CoreVest issues this payment to the broker directly - usually within 10 business days of closing.
  • Borrower-Paid Fees: The broker can charge the borrower a separate broker fee, processing fee, or points directly. These fees are typically collected at closing and settled directly out of the loan proceeds.
What documentation is required to work with CoreVest?

To work with CoreVest as a mortgage intermediary (via our Wholesale Broker or Broker+ programs), you must meet our requirements and provide a comprehensive corporate approval package.

To get approved, you must submit the following documents to CoreVest:

Corporate & Legal Documentation

  • Application Forms: Completed and signed Wholesale Broker Application or Broker+ Application.
  • Entity Documents: Certificate of Incorporation/Formation, Bylaws or Operating Agreement, and any DBA filings.
  • Corporate Resolution: Executed Corporate Resolution/Consent authorizing your company to work with CoreVest.
  • Licenses: Proof of proper state licensing and regulatory registrations.

Financial & Background Documentation

  • Financial Statements: Current financial statements (one full-year audit and year-to-date interim, signed and dated). If unaudited, you must provide a signed IRS Form 4506.
  • IRS Form W-9: Signed and dated.
  • Insurance Certificates: Proof of current E&O Insurance and Fidelity Bond policies.
Explore all FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to your fix and flip loan questions

Discover what makes CoreVest an industry leader. With over a decade of experience, we continue to raise the bar through each market cycle.

Meet Corevest
Do you finance rehab expenses? How are rehab funds disbursed?
Yes, we finance eligible rehab expenses. Funds are released in stages (or “draws”) as your project hits specific milestones. Once a phase of work is completed and verified through an inspection, we reimburse those costs directly to you.
How do draw schedules work?

CoreVest’s Construction Management Draw Process Overview:

This applies to our RTL/Bridge loans; Fix and Flip, Ground-up Construction, Lines of Credit, and Build-to-Rent

  • Once loan closes, CM Team sends Welcome email
  • Email includes username and temp password to access Draw Request site, “OneSite”. They have the option to schedule a welcome call with their dedicated Construction Manager to discuss the process
  • Borrower initiates funding request by submitting a draw package through OneSite
  • They provide supporting documentation in their funding request

NOTE: You can only request reimbursement for completed work.

  • CM Team reviews documentation submitted in the request and orders an inspection
  • Inspector reaches out to the borrower to schedule the inspection, and reports back to CoreVest with a report and photos
  • CoreVest reviews the report and if approved, funds are wired to borrower entity within 2-5 business days for fix and flip. Draw turn times and documentation vary by product type.
  • Draw servicing fees, and 3rd party fees (inspection/wire) will be netted out of each draw

NOTE: Draw funds will not be sent if real estate taxes are delinquent, property insurance is not in place, or loan repayments are past due


Required documentation to initiate a draw request:

  • The borrower will be asked to submit their wire instructions and W-9 for the borrowing entity (on the 1st draw only)
  • They will complete and submit an electronic draw request form executed by the borrower(s) and the contractor(s)
  • Additional documentation (if applicable) includes; Soft cost invoices and proof of payment, structural permits, unconditional lien waivers, certificate of occupancy or equivalent, unconditional lien waivers from the General Contractors(s) and any subcontractors, and borrower’s letter of completion on the final draw
How fast can I close?
Most of our Rental Loans close within 4–6 weeks. Our Bridge Loans typically close within 2–4 weeks.
What happens if my project goes over budget or timeline?
Please connect with your loan team so we can review the situation together and explore potential solutions.
Can I refinance into a rental loan after the flip?
Yes, you can refinance a flipped property into a CoreVest rental or term loan. This is a common strategy where investors transition from a short-term bridge financing to a long-term, single-asset, or portfolio rental or DSCR loan.
Explore all FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to your rental portfolio loan questions

Discover what makes CoreVest an industry leader. With over a decade of experience, we continue to raise the bar through each market cycle.

Meet Corevest
What types of residential properties do you finance?
We provide financing for single-family rentals with 1–4 units, condos, townhomes, and small multifamily assets.
Do you have seasoning requirements?
Yes, seasoning requirements apply to certain loans. For our term rental loans and DSCR loans, leverage is generally capped at 90% of the total cost within the first six months, increasing to 100% between six and 12 months. DSCR cash-out refinances are also generally capped for the first six months, while standard rate-and-term refinances generally carry no loan-to-cost (LTC) restrictions.
Is there a prepayment penalty, such as yield maintenance?
It depends on the loan. Yield maintenance is a standard practice that protects the lender from the loss of unpaid interest when a loan is paid off early. Think of it like a car lease, where breaking the agreement early typically requires fulfilling the remaining monthly payments.

Because our rental loans offer long-term fixed rates, they require yield maintenance. This generally includes 54 months on our 5-year note and 114 months on our 10-year note. Our line of credit, on the other hand, does not have prepayment penalties. Because it is a short-term financing option, it gives you the freedom to exit the deal when you’re ready.
Can a buyer assume my CoreVest rental loans if I sell my portfolio?
Yes, if certain conditions are met. For loans over $5 million, we generally grant a one-time right for a purchaser to assume the existing debt, subject to underwriting approval and an assumption fee. For loans under $5 million, debt assumption isn’t standard but can be reviewed on an exception basis.
Do you offer a non-recourse loan?
Yes, we offer both recourse and non-recourse options for our rental portfolio loans. While recourse loans require a personal guarantee from the operator, our non-recourse loans are secured by the underlying real estate asset, with recourse limited to certain circumstances (such as fraud and bankruptcy).
Do you require reserves on your loans?
Yes, we require reserves for taxes, insurance, and capital expenditures on our rental portfolio loans. This protects your real estate investments against unforeseen costs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to your DSCR loan questions

Discover what makes CoreVest an industry leader. With over a decade of experience, we continue to raise the bar through each market cycle.

Meet Corevest
What types of residential properties do you finance?
We provide financing for single-family rentals with 1–4 units, condos, townhomes, and small multifamily assets.
What is the difference between a CoreVest investment loan and a traditional home loan?
We’re a commercial lender that provides financing exclusively for investors with non-owner-occupied properties. While a traditional home loan is a consumer product meant for a primary residence, a CoreVest investment loan is a business product meant for scaling a real estate portfolio.
Do you have seasoning requirements?
Yes, seasoning requirements apply to certain loans. For our term rental loans and DSCR loans, leverage is generally capped at 90% of the total cost within the first six months, increasing to 100% between six and 12 months. DSCR cash-out refinances are also generally capped for the first six months, while standard rate-and-term refinances generally carry no loan-to-cost (LTC) restrictions.
Do your loans amortize?
Yes, most of our rental loans amortize based on a 30-year schedule to help you steadily build equity. We also offer interest-only options depending on your investment strategy and goals.
Are your interest rates fixed or floating?
As a cycle-tested lender, we offer fixed interest rates across our entire suite of loans, as well as floating or variable rates for our rental and term loans. Whether you prefer long-term predictability or short-term flexibility, we can structure our loans for your capital needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to your DSCR loan questions

Discover what makes CoreVest an industry leader. With over a decade of experience, we continue to raise the bar through each market cycle.

Meet Corevest
What types of residential properties do you finance?
We provide financing for single-family rentals with 1–4 units, condos, townhomes, and small multifamily assets.
What is the difference between a CoreVest investment loan and a traditional home loan?
We’re a commercial lender that provides financing exclusively for investors with non-owner-occupied properties. While a traditional home loan is a consumer product meant for a primary residence, a CoreVest investment loan is a business product meant for scaling a real estate portfolio.
Do you have seasoning requirements?
Yes, seasoning requirements apply to certain loans. For our term rental loans and DSCR loans, leverage is generally capped at 90% of the total cost within the first six months, increasing to 100% between six and 12 months. DSCR cash-out refinances are also generally capped for the first six months, while standard rate-and-term refinances generally carry no loan-to-cost (LTC) restrictions.
Do your loans amortize?
Yes, most of our rental loans amortize based on a 30-year schedule to help you steadily build equity. We also offer interest-only options depending on your investment strategy and goals.
Are your interest rates fixed or floating?
As a cycle-tested lender, we offer fixed interest rates across our entire suite of loans, as well as floating or variable rates for our rental and term loans. Whether you prefer long-term predictability or short-term flexibility, we can structure our loans for your capital needs.
Explore all FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to your short-term rental loan questions

Discover what makes CoreVest an industry leader. With over a decade of experience, we continue to raise the bar through each market cycle.

Meet Corevest
What types of residential properties do you finance?
We provide financing for single-family rentals with 1–4 units, condos, townhomes, and small multifamily assets.
What is the difference between a CoreVest investment loan and a traditional home loan?
We’re a commercial lender that provides financing exclusively for investors with non-owner-occupied properties. While a traditional home loan is a consumer product meant for a primary residence, a CoreVest investment loan is a business product meant for scaling a real estate portfolio.
Can a buyer assume my CoreVest rental loans if I sell my portfolio?
Yes, if certain conditions are met. For loans over $5 million, we generally grant a one-time right for a purchaser to assume the existing debt, subject to underwriting approval and an assumption fee. For loans under $5 million, debt assumption isn’t standard but can be reviewed on an exception basis.
Are your interest rates fixed or floating?
As a cycle-tested lender, we offer fixed interest rates across our entire suite of loans, as well as floating or variable rates for our rental and term loans. Whether you prefer long-term predictability or short-term flexibility, we can structure our loans for your capital needs.
Can I manage my own properties?
Yes. Whether you prefer to be hands-on or outsource to a third-party property manager, we give you the flexibility to run your portfolio your way.
Can I choose my own title and escrow company?
Yes. To keep your closing on schedule, we often work directly with our borrowers’ preferred title and escrow companies.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to your line of credit questions

Discover what makes CoreVest an industry leader. With over a decade of experience, we continue to raise the bar through each market cycle.

Meet Corevest
What types of residential properties do you finance?
We provide financing for single-family rentals with 1–4 units, condos, townhomes, and small multifamily assets.
Is there a prepayment penalty on your line of credit?
Our lines of credit do not have prepayment penalties. Because it is a short-term financing option, it gives you the freedom to exit the deal when you’re ready.
What is your turnaround time for an application?
We move quickly to help you secure your next deal. Once your application is submitted, you can typically expect a term sheet within 2 to 7 business days.
How long will it take to close my loan or credit line?
We take pride in our streamlined closing process. Typically, our lines of credit close within 4 to 6 weeks.
How long does the process typically take?
Our line of credit generally requires a 30-day underwriting process, after which a credit commitment letter may be issued. Once your line is active and a specific asset is under contract, the underwriting, appraisal, and funding process can be completed in as little as 7 to 10 business days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to your no-ratio bridge loan questions

Discover what makes CoreVest an industry leader. With over a decade of experience, we continue to raise the bar through each market cycle.

Meet Corevest
How is CoreVest different from mortgage brokers or hard money lenders?
We’re a private lender specializing in residential investment properties. Unlike a broker, we own the loan decision and lend our own capital. While we offer the speed and flexibility of hard money, our financial backing from Redwood Trust allows us to provide more competitive pricing.
Do you report to credit bureaus?
No. Because we’re a commercial lender, we don’t report your loan balances to personal credit agencies when lending to your entities. That way, your investment financing remains entirely separate from your personal credit profile.
What types of residential properties do you finance?
We provide financing for single-family rentals with 1–4 units, condos, townhomes, and small multifamily assets.
What is the difference between a CoreVest investment loan and a traditional home loan?
We’re a commercial lender that provides financing exclusively for investors with non-owner-occupied properties. While a traditional home loan is a consumer product meant for a primary residence, a CoreVest investment loan is a business product meant for scaling a real estate portfolio.
How long will it take to close my loan?
We take pride in our streamlined closing process. Typically, our bridge loans close within 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I choose my own title and escrow company?
Yes. To keep your closing on schedule, we often work directly with our borrowers’ preferred title and escrow companies.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to your rental ground-up construction loan questions

Discover what makes CoreVest an industry leader. With over a decade of experience, we continue to raise the bar through each market cycle.

Meet Corevest
What is your turnaround time for an application?
We move quickly to help you secure your next deal. Once your application is submitted, you can typically expect a term sheet within 2 to 7 business days.
How long will it take to close my loan?
We take pride in our streamlined closing process. Typically, our bridge loans, including Ground-Up Construction loans close within 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I manage my own properties?
We provide financing for single-family rentals with 1–4 units, condos, townhomes, and small multifamily assets.
What types of residential properties do you finance?
We provide financing for single-family rentals with 1–4 units, condos, townhomes, and small multifamily assets.
Are your interest rates fixed or floating?
As a cycle-tested lender, we offer fixed interest rates across our entire suite of loans, as well as floating or variable rates for our rental and term loans. Whether you prefer long-term predictability or short-term flexibility, we can structure our loans for your capital needs.
What states do you lend in?
CoreVest is a nationwide lender. While we don’t currently lend in Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota, or South Dakota, you can always call us to discuss how we can back your investments across the rest of the country.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to your Build-to-Rent loan questions

Discover what makes CoreVest an industry leader. With over a decade of experience, we continue to raise the bar through each market cycle.

Meet Corevest
What is your turnaround time for an application?
We move quickly to help you secure your next deal. Once your application is submitted, you can typically expect a term sheet within 2 to 7 business days.
How long will it take to close my loan?
We take pride in our streamlined closing process. Typically, our built-to-rent loans close within 6 to 8 weeks due largely to the extensive 3rd party reporting required for underwriting.
Can I manage my own properties?
Yes. Whether you prefer to be hands-on or outsource to a third-party property manager, we give you the flexibility to run your portfolio your way.
What types of residential properties do you finance?
We provide financing for single-family rentals with 1–4 units, condos, townhomes, and small multifamily assets.
What states do you lend in?
CoreVest is a nationwide lender. While we don’t currently lend in Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota, or South Dakota, you can always call us to discuss how we can back your investments across the rest of the country.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to your loan questions

Discover what makes CoreVest an industry leader. With over a decade of experience, we continue to raise the bar through each market cycle.

Meet Corevest
What is CoreVest? What kind of lending do you do?
CoreVest is a leader in residential real estate lending. Proudly backed by Redwood Trust, we provide reliable capital to investors of all sizes. We support them with everything from credit lines for fast-moving acquisitions to long-term debt solutions for stabilized rental portfolios.
What kind of loans do you offer?
We offer a range of rental, bridge, new construction, and small multifamily loans. For more information on our products, you can view our loan programs to find a solution that matches your investment goals.
How is CoreVest different from mortgage brokers or hard money lenders?
We’re a private lender specializing in residential investment properties. Unlike a broker, we own the loan decision and lend our own capital. While we offer the speed and flexibility of hard money, our financial backing from Redwood Trust allows us to provide more competitive pricing.
What states do you lend in?
CoreVest is a nationwide lender. While we don’t currently lend in Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota, or South Dakota, you can always call us to discuss how we can back your investments across the rest of the country.
Do you lend to foreign nationals?
Yes, we proudly provide financing solutions for international investors who can submit the appropriate documentation. Our foreign national programs offer non-recourse options with soft cash management up to 65% LTV. To qualify, you will need to utilize US-based banking and property management, register with the IRS, and provide an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), subject to underwriting and credit approval.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert answers

to your loan questions

Discover what makes CoreVest an industry leader. With over a decade of experience, we continue to raise the bar through each market cycle.

Meet Corevest
What is CoreVest? What kind of lending do you do?
CoreVest is a leader in residential real estate lending. Proudly backed by Redwood Trust, we provide reliable capital to investors of all sizes. We support them with everything from credit lines for fast-moving acquisitions to long-term debt solutions for stabilized rental portfolios.
What kind of loans do you offer?
We offer a range of rental, bridge, new construction, and small multifamily loans. For more information on our products, you can view our loan programs to find a solution that matches your investment goals.
How is CoreVest different from mortgage brokers or hard money lenders?
We’re a private lender specializing in residential investment properties. Unlike a broker, we own the loan decision and lend our own capital. While we offer the speed and flexibility of hard money, our financial backing from Redwood Trust allows us to provide more competitive pricing.
What states do you lend in?
CoreVest is a nationwide lender. While we don’t currently lend in Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota, or South Dakota, you can always call us to discuss how we can back your investments across the rest of the country.
Do you lend to foreign nationals?
Yes, we proudly provide financing solutions for international investors who can submit the appropriate documentation. Our foreign national programs offer non-recourse options with soft cash management up to 65% LTV. To qualify, you will need to utilize US-based banking and property management, register with the IRS, and provide an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), subject to underwriting and credit approval.

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