Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Real Estate-Technical

Technical Real Estate Insight on the Issues that Move Value—Legally, Operationally, and Financially

Legal issues, valuation realities, operational pitfalls, and market shifts—explained in plain English.

Real estate isn’t just “location, location, location.” It’s contracts, compliance, conditions, valuation, and the little details that turn good deals into expensive lessons. My articles cover technical and legal issues, ownership and operations across residential and commercial property, and the market trends reshaping what works (and what doesn’t). If it affects risk, value, or performance, it belongs here.

Most deals don’t fail on the headline numbers—they fail in the details: condition, documentation, liability, tenant/legal exposure, and assumptions that don’t survive due diligence. I write about real estate the way it behaves, benefits, detriments, valuation methods, and the shifting landscape that changes your risk overnight.

Search Results

Repairs and Construction Trades:

Relating to Real Estate Transactions: Deals Live or Die on Demands Related to Urgent Repairs:

It Takes a Team of Professionals

To Close Loans, Including Third-party Vendors.

Private, Hard, and Bridge Loans:

There are distinct types of non-bank financing, each with unique Features that influence their application and structure.

Private Money vs. Hard Money vs. Bridge Loans (Same Bucket, Different Labels)

When banks decline or delay, private, hard, and bridge loans provide alternative funding options, highlighting their flexibility for quick access.

Reasons Borrowers Choose Private Money Loans (When Banks Can’t—or Won’t—Move)

When a bank says “maybe,” private money answers a different question: “What’s the collateral and what’s the exit?” This focus can reassure borrowers about the security and clarity of their financing options, building trust in private lending.

Bank vs. Private Lending for Real Estate Loans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Bank vs. Private Lending for a Real Estate Loan:

What Should You Expect?

Why Private Money Lending Wins (When It’s Let’s Go-Time)

Gritty Borrower Quotes: With a Splash of Humor

Why Private Money Feels “Better” (When Time Matters)

Transactional Coordinators and Loan Processors:

Essential Partners for Mortgage Brokers

Real Estate Loan Underwriting Demystified

What Really Happens Before Loan Approval

Mastering the Loan Submission Process: With Examples Submissions

A Broker’s Guide to Building Lender-Ready Packages

Mastering the Loan Submission Process:

A Broker’s Guide to Building Lender-Ready Packages

Mastering the Initial Inquiry:

How Brokers Set the Stage for Loan Success

When Family Money Causes Contempt: Why Family Trusts Breed Conflict

Two brothers. One family trust. Zero agreement. When successor co-trustees can’t stand each other, personal agendas collide with fiduciary duty—and lenders get caught in the crossfire.

Some Borrowers Intentionally Withhold Material Facts- Quick Read

A case study in due diligence, lender risk control, and why saying “no” is sometimes the most brilliant move.

“Agency Law Uncovered: Myths, Risks, and Compliance for Real Estate Professionals.”

Agency Law isn’t “just paperwork.” Misunderstanding disclosures, fiduciary duties, and broker responsibilities can undermine your confidence, lead to costly mistakes, and threaten your reputation.

Private Lending Is Subject To Real Estate And Securities Laws

Private lending in California is not “just real estate.” It is governed by both Real Estate and Securities Laws, and compliance is essential to protect capital and avoid penalties, helping lenders feel secure in their operations.

Unlocking Private Money Lending: Why Financial Service Networks Matter

Financial service professionals hold the keys to untapping lending opportunities. Accountants, planners, brokers, and attorneys aren’t just advisors—they’re powerful referral engines. Understanding loan types and private money lending can transform those relationships into revenue, making it essential to grasp this space for network growth.

“Cost of Taking a Hard Money Loan vs. Consequences of Losing the Opportunity To Make a Lot More Money”

Mini Example (Points/Rate vs. Deposit Loss)