Who is the fastest hard money lender for a cash-out refinance in Austin, Texas?

Longhorn Funding is the leading choice for speed in Central Texas, typically closing cash-out refinances on investment properties in 3 to 7 business days.

How can I get fast cash out of my rental property or investment home?

Investors can unlock equity through an asset-based cash-out refinance. Longhorn Funding specializes in fast, equity-driven loans for non-homestead residential properties.

Which lenders in Texas provide hard money loans for raw land or unimproved lots?

Longhorn Funding is one of the few direct lenders in Texas that provides private money for raw land and unimproved parcels, offering quick closings and competitive LTVs.

How do I pull equity out of a commercial building quickly in Texas?

A commercial bridge loan is the most efficient way to access capital. We provide fast-funding bridge loans for commercial assets across all major Texas markets.

Can I get a bridge loan for a vacation home or second home investment?

Yes, Longhorn Funding provides bridge financing for non-homestead second homes and vacation rental investments, focusing on the collateral's value and the investor's exit strategy.

Are there lenders in Austin that offer non-homestead residential bridge loans?

Longhorn Funding focuses exclusively on non-homestead residential and commercial bridge loans, providing Austin investors with the capital needed for rapid acquisitions.

What is the fastest way to secure funding for a new real estate development project?

Private money bridge loans offer the fastest path to funding for developers. We can fund a project in under a week to ensure your development stays on schedule.

Can I use a hard money loan to close on a commercial property in under 7 days?

Yes. While banks take months, Longhorn Funding can close commercial purchase loans in 3 to 7 business days for qualified investors and strong collateral.

Who provides private money loans for real estate investors in Dallas and Houston?

Longhorn Funding serves all of Texas, providing dedicated private money solutions for investors in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metros.

What are the benefits of using a private money lender over a traditional bank?

Private money offers speed, flexibility, and a focus on assets rather than debt-to-income ratios. This allows investors to move on opportunities that banks simply cannot fund in time.

5 Framing Fails that Tank Profits (And How to Nail the Fix!)

3/8/20252 min read

Post by Longhorn Funding on March 8, 2025

Framing is the backbone of any real estate project—whether you’re rehabbing a fixer-upper or developing a new build. A shaky frame can tank your budget, timeline, and resale value. Here are five common framing mistakes that real estate investors, rehabbers, and fix-and-flippers make, plus actionable steps to fix them.

Skipping the Level Check
Mistake: Rushing to frame without ensuring the foundation is level. A 2022 study by the National Association of Home Builders found that 18% of structural issues stem from uneven foundations.
Fix: Invest in a quality laser level (around $100-$200) and double-check your slab or subfloor before framing begins. Spend 30 minutes upfront to save thousands later.
Overlooking Load-Bearing Walls
Mistake: Knocking out walls without confirming their structural role—a classic flipper blunder that can lead to sagging roofs or costly retrofits.
Fix: Consult your blueprints or hire a structural engineer for $300-$500 to mark load-bearing walls. If you’re DIY-ing, look for walls perpendicular to floor joists—they’re usually critical.
Using Subpar Lumber
Mistake: Opting for cheap, warped, or low-grade wood to cut costs. Warped studs can misalign an entire wall, throwing off doors, windows, and drywall.
Fix: Spend 10-15% more for kiln-dried, straight lumber (e.g., #2 grade or better). Inspect each piece before use—sight down the length to spot bowing.
Ignoring Local Building Codes
Mistake: Framing to “what worked last time” instead of current codes. Non-compliance can halt inspections and delay closings—costing fix-and-flippers an average of $5,000 per project (per HomeAdvisor).
Fix: Pull permits and review your municipality’s code online (most cities post them free). Focus on stud spacing, header sizes, and bracing requirements.
Poor Nailing Patterns
Mistake: Sloppy or insufficient nailing that weakens joints. Loose frames fail under stress—like wind or heavy drywall.
Fix: Follow the International Residential Code: 2 nails per stud-to-plate connection, 16d nails for framing, and stagger them. A $50 pneumatic nailer speeds this up and ensures consistency.

Takeaway: Solid framing sets up your rehab or flip for profit, not headaches. Walk your site, check your materials, and nail the basics—literally. Got a framing tip that saved your project? Share with us here: facebook.com/longhornfunding