Breclaw Capital is a private money lender specializing in hard money loans for non-owner occupied investment properties, fix-and-flip deals, and commercial real estate in the Chicago area.
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Breclaw Capital is a private lending firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded by owner Al Watson. The company focuses exclusively on asset-based lending for investment properties rather than traditional owner-occupied residential mortgages. They position themselves as a fast-funding alternative to conventional bank financing, emphasizing speed and deal-focused underwriting over credit score requirements.
Breclaw Capital offers hard money loans, fix-and-flip financing, cash-out refinancing, multifamily property loans, new construction financing, and vacation rental property loans. They advertise having millions in available capital and claim to evaluate deals based primarily on property value and deal structure rather than borrower creditworthiness. Their lending structure includes options for up to 90% loan-to-value on purchase price and 100% financing on rehab costs up to 65% of after-repair value. The company also facilitates self-directed IRA investments in real estate and cross-collateral arrangements using free-and-clear properties.
What distinguishes Breclaw Capital is their explicit focus on speed and deal flexibility compared to traditional lenders. They advertise fewer documentation requirements, a streamlined three-step process (initial conversation, document submission/appraisal/underwriting, closing), and direct owner communication. Their marketing emphasizes competitive advantage for investors competing on deals where "money is no longer a reason for your competitor to get the next deal before you." They position themselves as "the nation's fastest growing Hard Money Lender."
However, this is a specialized business lending product, not consumer lending. Prospective borrowers should understand that private hard money loans typically carry higher interest rates and fees than traditional mortgages, require substantial equity or collateral, and involve shorter loan terms. The website contains incomplete information (FAQ content cuts off mid-sentence), and specific terms, rates, and approval criteria are not disclosed—requiring direct contact for quotes. This is appropriate only for experienced real estate investors with investment properties, not homebuyers or consumer borrowers.
Yes. Breclaw Capital is a registered company, headquartered in Chicago, IL.
Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Breclaw Capital is best for experienced real estate investors seeking rapid hard money financing for non-owner occupied properties, not consumer homebuyers or primary residence borrowers. The critical caveat is that hard money loans carry substantially higher costs than traditional mortgages—users must contact directly for rate quotes and thoroughly understand the investor-focused business lending model before proceeding.
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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 must 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 cheapest 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.
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.
A person who agrees to repay your loan if you can't. They're equally responsible for the debt, and their credit is affected by your payment behavior.
Cosigning helps people with thin credit get approved or get better rates. But it's a huge risk for the cosigner — they're on the hook for the full amount if you default.
Example
A parent cosigns their child's $30,000 student loan. The child stops paying after 6 months. The parent is now legally required to make the payments or face collections, lawsuits, and credit damage.
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 one-time fee the lender charges to process and set up your loan. It covers their costs for underwriting, verifying your information, and preparing paperwork.
Origination fees are usually 1-8% of the loan amount and are often deducted from your loan proceeds — so you receive less than you borrowed.
Example
You're approved for a $10,000 personal loan with a 5% origination fee. The lender deducts $500 upfront, so you receive $9,500 in your bank account but owe $10,000 plus interest.
The original amount of money you borrowed, before any interest or fees are added. It's the 'real' amount of your debt.
Your interest is calculated on the principal. Paying extra toward principal (not just interest) is the fastest way to reduce your total cost and pay off a loan early.
Example
You borrow $25,000 for a car. That $25,000 is your principal. Your first payment of $450 might split as $150 toward interest and $300 toward principal, bringing your balance to $24,700.
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.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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