Baker Collins & Co. is a private money lender specializing in real estate investment loans including fix-and-flip, rental, new construction, and multi-family projects across the US.
Data compiled from public sources · Google rating shown when a stored review count is available
Baker Collins & Co. is a real estate private money lending firm that has closed over 1,000 loans since 2015. The company positions itself as a listed lender for real estate investors who need alternative financing solutions outside traditional bank channels. Their primary focus is providing reliable capital to fund real estate projects quickly and efficiently.
The company offers four primary loan products: Rental loans for growing rental portfolios, Rehab "Fix & Flip" loans with interest-only options, New Construction loans with interest-only structures, and Multi-Family loans for scaling multi-family portfolio businesses. All loans appear to be designed specifically for real estate investors rather than owner-occupants, with flexible terms tailored to project-based needs rather than traditional mortgage lending criteria.
Baker Collins differentiates itself through experience-backed experience context, documented case studies across all three major loan categories, and client testimonials emphasizing quick closes, responsive service, and rate claims to verify. They position themselves as a preferred funding partner for real estate professionals and have developed relationships with realtors as referral partners. The company provides educational resources including a free guide for realtors working with investors.
As a private money lender, Baker Collins & Co. serves a niche market of active real estate investors who need non-traditional financing. However, prospective borrowers should understand that private money lending typically carries higher interest rates and fees than conventional mortgages, shorter loan terms, and stricter underwriting focused on property value and exit strategy rather than credit scores. The website lacks specific rate information, terms, or APR details, making detailed cost comparison difficult for borrowers.
This is state-level context for Mortgages & Home Loans consumers in Atlanta, GA. It does not confirm that Baker Collins & Co. | Commercial Lending or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Georgia Department of Banking and Finance
Consumer protection
Georgia is a non-judicial foreclosure state. Mortgages regulated under Ga. Code Ann. § 34-29-1 et seq. and foreclosure rules under Ga. Code Ann. § 44-14-1 et seq. Georgia Fair Lending Act (Ga. Code Ann. § 34-60-1 et seq.) regulates high-cost home loans and requires certain disclosures for loans with APR over 8% or fees/points exceeding 5% of loan amount.
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Baker Collins & Co. | Commercial Lending offers 8 services including Fix & Flip (Rehab) Loans - interest-only loans for property rehabilitation and resale projects, Rental Property Loans - financing for residential rental portfolio growth and acquisition, New Construction Loans - interest-only financing for ground-up construction projects, Multi-Family Loans - portfolio-scale financing for apartment and multi-unit property investments, Real-time case study videos across all three major loan categories, and 3 more.
Baker Collins & Co. | Commercial Lending has profile signals associated with Real estate investors pursuing fix-and-flip projects who need speed and flexibility over lowest rates, Rental property portfolio builders seeking non-traditional financing for multiple simultaneous projects, New construction developers and multi-family investors unable to secure traditional construction financing, Real estate professionals (realtors, wholesalers) needing reliable funding partner for investor clients.
Key strengths: Over 1,000 loans closed since 2015 demonstrates substantial lending experience in real estate markets; Offers interest-only loan options on Rehab and New Construction products, preserving cash flow during project phases; Multiple loan product categories (Rental, Fix & Flip, New Construction, Multi-Family) allow customized financing for different investment strategies. Areas to consider: No interest rates, APR ranges, fees, or loan terms disclosed on website, preventing cost transparency and comparison; Described as 'hard money lender' in testimonials, indicating private lending typically carries significantly higher costs than conventional mortgages.
In the Mortgages & Home Loans category, comparable providers include ClearFi Loans, Kevin Flaherty, Mortgage Advisor - Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp., Park Place Finance - Austin Mortgage Lender. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Baker Collins & Co. is best suited for active real estate investors with experience in their specific project type (flips, rentals, or new construction) who prioritize speed and flexibility of funding over lowest possible rates. The primary caveat is that as a private money lender, their loan costs will substantially exceed conventional mortgages, and all specific terms, rates, and requirements must be discussed directly with the company since they are not disclosed publicly.
ClearFi Loans is a Chicago-based mortgage lender specializing in home purchases and refinances. They emphasize straightforward processes and personalized service from loan officers like Jake Jones and JP Marzano.
Google rating from 52 reviews
Profile signals: First-time home buyers seeking personalized guidance through the mortgage process, Self-employed or freelance borrowers with non-traditional income documentation
Kevin Flaherty is a mortgage loan officer at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. serving the Chicago area, helping homeowners with purchase and refinance decisions.
Google rating from 142 reviews
Profile signals: Chicago-area homebuyers seeking a relationship-focused mortgage advisor, Homeowners considering refinancing to consolidate debt or lower payments
Park Place Finance is a nationwide hard money lender specializing in investment property loans including bridge loans, fix-and-flip, DSCR, and construction financing with 3-5 day closing times.
Google rating from 470 reviews
Profile signals: Real estate investors seeking rapid funding for fix-and-flip or bridge loan transactions, Rental property owners qualifying for DSCR loans based on investment income rather than W-2 employment
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
The total yearly cost of borrowing money, including the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. Think of it as the 'true price tag' on a loan.
Lenders are required to show APR by law (Truth in Lending Act) because the interest rate alone can hide fees. Comparing APR across lenders is the most reliable way to find the lower-cost loan.
Example
You borrow $10,000 at 6% interest for 3 years, but there's a $300 origination fee. The interest rate is 6%, but the APR is 6.9% because it includes that fee. You'd pay $304/month and $946 total in interest.
An interest rate that stays the same for the entire life of the loan. Your monthly payment never changes.
Fixed rates protect you from market changes. If rates go up, your payment stays the same. The tradeoff: fixed rates are usually slightly higher than starting variable rates.
Example
You get a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% fixed. Whether rates rise to 9% or drop to 4% over the next 30 years, your payment stays at $1,264/month on a $200,000 loan.
The percentage a lender charges you for borrowing their money, calculated on the amount you still owe. It's the lender's profit for taking the risk of lending to you.
Even a 1% difference in interest rate can cost you thousands over a loan's life. Lower rates mean less money out of your pocket.
Example
On a $20,000 car loan for 5 years: at 5% you pay $2,645 in interest. At 8% you pay $4,332. That 3% difference costs you $1,687 extra.
An interest rate that can go up or down over time, usually tied to a benchmark like the prime rate. Your monthly payment changes when the rate changes.
Variable rates often start lower than fixed rates to attract borrowers, but they can increase significantly. Many people who got hurt in the 2008 crisis had adjustable-rate mortgages.
Example
You start with a 5/1 ARM mortgage at 5.5%. For the first 5 years you pay $1,136/month on $200,000. Then the rate adjusts to 7.5%, and your payment jumps to $1,398/month.
The process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.
Understanding amortization explains why paying extra early in a loan saves the most money — you're reducing the principal that interest is calculated on.
Example
Month 1 of a $200,000 mortgage at 6%: your $1,199 payment splits as $1,000 interest + $199 principal. By month 300: only $47 goes to interest and $1,152 goes to principal.
How long you have to repay the loan, measured in months or years. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.
Longer terms feel more affordable monthly but cost much more overall. A 30-year mortgage costs almost double in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage on the same amount.
Example
Borrowing $200,000 at 6.5%: A 15-year term costs $1,742/month ($113,561 total interest). A 30-year term costs $1,264/month ($255,088 total interest). You save $141,527 with the shorter term.
A fee some lenders charge if you pay off your loan early. The lender loses the interest they expected to earn, so they penalize you for leaving early.
Always ask about prepayment penalties before signing. They can trap you in a high-rate loan even if you find a better deal to refinance into.
Example
Your mortgage has a 2% prepayment penalty for the first 3 years. If you refinance after year 2 on a $200,000 balance, you'd owe a $4,000 penalty fee.
Replacing your current loan with a new one, usually at a lower interest rate or with different terms. The new loan pays off the old one.
Refinancing can save thousands if rates drop or your credit improves. But watch for fees — a $3,000 refinancing cost needs to be offset by monthly savings.
Example
You have a $180,000 mortgage at 7.5% ($1,259/month). You refinance to 6% ($1,079/month), saving $180/month. With $3,000 in closing costs, you break even in 17 months.
The process where a lender evaluates your finances — income, debts, credit history, assets — to decide whether to approve your loan and at what rate.
Understanding what underwriters look for helps you prepare a stronger application. They check your DTI ratio, employment stability, credit score, and the asset's value.
Example
You apply for a mortgage. The underwriter reviews your pay stubs (income), bank statements (savings), credit report (history), and orders an appraisal (home value). This takes 2-4 weeks.
The fees paid when finalizing a home purchase or refinance — typically 2-5% of the loan amount. They include appraisal, title insurance, attorney fees, and lender fees.
Closing costs can add $6,000-$15,000 to a home purchase that buyers don't always budget for. Some can be negotiated or rolled into the loan.
Example
You buy a $300,000 home. Closing costs at 3% = $9,000. That includes: appraisal $500, title insurance $1,500, attorney $800, origination fee $3,000, taxes/escrow $3,200.
Upfront fees you pay to the lender at closing to buy a lower interest rate. One point = 1% of the loan amount and typically reduces your rate by 0.25%.
Points make sense if you plan to stay in the home long enough for the monthly savings to exceed the upfront cost. That breakeven point is usually 4-6 years.
Example
On a $250,000 mortgage at 6.5%: you pay 1 point ($2,500) to get 6.25%. Monthly payment drops from $1,580 to $1,539 — saving $41/month. Breakeven in 61 months (5 years).
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.
Example
You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.
An account managed by your mortgage lender that holds money for property taxes and homeowners insurance. A portion of each mortgage payment goes into escrow, and the lender pays these bills for you.
Escrow ensures taxes and insurance are always paid on time (protecting the lender's investment). Your monthly payment may go up if taxes or insurance increase.
Example
Your mortgage payment is $1,400: $1,050 principal+interest + $250 property taxes + $100 insurance. The $350 for taxes/insurance goes into escrow. The lender pays your tax bill in December from escrow.
A government-insured mortgage that allows lower down payments (as low as 3.5%) and lower credit score requirements (580+). The FHA insures the loan, reducing risk for lenders.
FHA loans make homeownership accessible for first-time buyers and those with imperfect credit. The tradeoff: borrowers are required to pay Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) for the life of the loan.
Example
You have a 620 credit score and $10,500 saved. On a $300,000 home: FHA lets you put 3.5% down ($10,500) vs. conventional requiring 5-20% down ($15,000-$60,000).
The ratio of your loan amount to the property's appraised value, expressed as a percentage. It tells the lender how much of the home's value they're financing.
LTV above 80% usually requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which adds $100-300/month. Lower LTV can mean lower lender risk and different rate context.
Example
Home value: $300,000. Down payment: $60,000. Loan: $240,000. LTV = 80%. You avoid PMI. If you only put $30,000 down (90% LTV), you'd pay PMI until you reach 80%.
Replacing your current mortgage with a new one, usually to get a lower rate, change the loan term, or pull cash out of your home equity.
A 1% rate reduction on a $250,000 mortgage saves ~$150/month ($54,000 over 30 years). But closing costs of 2-5% mean it can be useful to stay long enough to break even.
Example
You have a $300,000 mortgage at 7.5% ($2,098/month). Rates drop to 6%. Refinancing costs $8,000 in closing. New payment: $1,799/month. Monthly savings: $299. Breakeven: 27 months.
Insurance that protects the LENDER (not you) if you default on a mortgage with less than 20% down payment. You pay the premium, but it only covers the lender's loss.
PMI typically costs 0.5-1.5% of the loan per year and adds nothing to your equity. Once you reach 20% equity, you can request it be removed.
Example
On a $250,000 loan with 10% down, PMI at 0.8% = $2,000/year ($167/month). After 5 years, your home's value rises and your equity reaches 20%. You request PMI removal and save $167/month.
A mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible military members, veterans, and surviving spouses. Key benefits: no down payment required and no PMI.
VA loans are among the mortgage options with notable listed benefits — 0% down, no PMI, and rate claims to verify. They're earned through military service and can be used multiple times.
Example
A veteran buys a $350,000 home with a VA loan: $0 down, no PMI, 5.8% rate ($2,054/month). A comparable conventional loan with 5% down would require $17,500 down plus $175/month PMI.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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