About Us

Vestin brokers short-term commercial real estate and construction loans, and holds a mortgage broker's license in Nevada. Vestin obtains borrowers through referrals, repeat business, or other licensed brokers in compliance with Nevada law.

Loans are funded primarily through publicly traded REITs (VRTA, VRTB).

Since 1995, Vestin has brokered approximately 900 loans totaling more than $2 billion dollars. Most of our brokered loans are between $2.5 million and $10 million, although we have brokered several loans between $10 million and $45 million. Typically loans are for one year, but may have an option for extension for up to an additional year if a borrower has performed as agreed and meets other qualifying criteria.

The Vestin Borrower

Vestin serves an assortment of borrowers, seeking loans on income, acquisition, development and construction properties, as well as raw or unimproved land. We also serve those who need very short term, bridge financing, allowing them time to obtain permanent financing. Vestin has established relationships with seasoned borrowers whose histories of strong performance make them likely candidates for repeat business. Our borrowers receive the advantage of loans that can be rapidly processed without common banking delays or enormous documentation.

Vestin's Underwriting Process

Of the numerous loans presented to us, Vestin's underwriting team carefully considers the safest loans. We consider mostly the value and location of the real estate proposed as security. One rule of thumb we attempt to follow is: "If it's not worth owning, it's not worth loaning". Each property is personally inspected and an appraisal is obtained. Property values and loan viability are also reviewed through comparable market analysis and other factors, including the purpose of the loan, along with the location and nature of each property. After Vestin's personal inspection of a property, the underwriting team makes a conservative decision on the requested loan amount. This is important because it is critical to loan the correct amount relative to the value and other factors affecting the property. By basing loans on conservative values provided by an appraisal, we attempt to increase the margin of safety. We also strive to determine the income, or potential income, as well as the capital and character of the borrower, supported by financial data. This process is streamlined in cases where borrowers have established reputations with us and other lenders. Further, we seek borrowers who have substantial capital invested, or to be invested, in a property. As an additional assurance, brokered loans require a personal guarantee from at least one of the individual principals with each borrower. Each loan is thoroughly documented by our professional staff. In the preliminary process, a title report is obtained and reviewed on each property, followed at loan closing with a title insurance policy insuring the status and priority of the First Trust Deed. If the subject property is raw or unimproved land, Vestin's loan to value guidelines are between 35% and 60% of its value. However, in most instances the loan will not exceed 35% of the value. If the property is to secure a construction loan, the loan to value guidelines are between 60% and 75%. Construction loans are based on the dollar amount per square foot and the location of the project. Once a construction loan closes, an independent construction control company oversees the development and assures strict compliance with the loan agreement, requiring the timely payment of interest, documentation of labor and material, while independently inspecting the progress of the development prior to disbursing loan proceeds.