Fresh Lending Group is a Chicago-based private lender specializing in real estate investment financing, offering fix-and-flip loans, rental property mortgages, and construction financing with rates starting at 3.49%.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Fresh Lending Group was established in Chicago, Illinois in 2016 as a collective of private investors and equity funds focused on funding real estate investment opportunities throughout the Chicago area. The company has completed 1,758 projects and appointed 870 contractors, positioning itself as an active player in the local real estate lending market.
The company offers multiple financing products tailored to real estate investors: Fix & Flip loans for short-term purchase and rehabilitation financing (rates starting 6.49%, up to 90-100% of purchase price plus 100% of rehab costs), Rental Loans for long-term income-producing properties (rates starting 3.49%), New Construction financing for both first-time and experienced builders (rates starting 4.99%), Lines of Credit, Refinances, and Commercial Real Estate loans. All loan products emphasize fast closing (7-20 days depending on product type).
Fresh Lending Group distinguishes itself through its emphasis on quick turnaround times, high loan-to-value ratios for fix-and-flip projects, and a stated commitment to personalized one-on-one client relationships. The company operates as a private lender rather than a traditional bank, which allows for more flexible underwriting criteria typically required for non-owner occupied investment properties.
As a private lender specializing exclusively in real estate investment properties (non-owner occupied), Fresh Lending Group is not suitable for primary residence mortgages or conventional homebuyers. Borrowers should expect higher rates compared to traditional mortgage lenders and should verify licensing, regulatory status, and specific terms before committing, as private lenders operate under different regulatory frameworks than federally-chartered banks.
Yes. Fresh Lending Group 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
Fresh Lending Group is best for experienced real estate investors and fix-and-flip operators in the Chicago area seeking private lending with fast closing times and high LTV ratios. The main caveat is that this is a private lender serving only non-owner occupied investment properties, not a traditional mortgage lender—borrowers will face higher rates and should carefully verify licensing, specific terms, and regulatory status 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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