Articles and News

At Geraci, our legal experts are committed to keeping you informed on the latest rules, regulations, and strategies that impact your lending business. Explore our topics below or use the search bar for specific insights.
AML Compliance-fortra-law

Why AML Compliance is Critical for Lenders

Private lenders who maintain strong AML compliance protect more than just their portfolios; they safeguard their entire lending platform. Under FinCEN’s current guidance, private lenders are expected to maintain anti-money ...

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ALTA and CLTA fortra law

ALTA and CLTA In California Made Simple

When preparing loan documents on behalf of our clients, the firm’s practice is to always require a 2021 ALTA loan policy. Often, the title company will come back and offer ...

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Non-QM Lender

Non-QM Lenders Crack Down as Fraud Risks Soar

Fraud in the non-qualified mortgage market is escalating, and some Non-QM Lenders are responding decisively. Several lenders have begun issuing exclusion lists naming borrowers, appraisers, and even specific regions as ...

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Foreign Investor

Raising debt from foreign investors can be a powerful tool for building a robust lending platform, however it’s essential to understand the best practices for engaging with foreign investors. This article outlines the 3 key ...

Family Real Estate

Imagine a long-time friend, James, approaches you with an opportunity to purchase a four-unit apartment building together. He’s found a promising property and plans to renovate it, add an accessory dwelling unit, and lease it ...

Mega Fund

The rise of the mega fund has reshaped the private credit landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for smaller and mid-market lenders. Firms such as Blackstone, KKR, Brookfield, and Ares have raised billions in private ...

NMLS Renewal

As the end of the year approaches, companies must prepare to renew their licenses through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (“NMLS”). The renewal period for 2025 began on November 1 and ends on December 31. ...

Loan Documentation

The loan documentation process is one of the most critical and often underestimated components of a successful private lending transaction. A well-structured set of loan documents is far more than paperwork; it’s the backbone of ...

Mortgage Funds for Private Lenders

Mortgage funds for private lenders have become one of the most effective ways to scale a lending business in today’s competitive real estate market. Whether you’re originating bridge loans, DSCR loans, or other business purpose ...

tech for lenders-fortra-law

Disclaimer: How Tech for Lenders Can Reduce Risk and Increase ROI is a guest contribution and is for informational purposes only. It is not written by a licensed attorney and should not be relied on ...

AML Compliance-fortra-law

Private lenders who maintain strong AML compliance protect more than just their portfolios; they safeguard their entire lending platform. Under FinCEN’s current guidance, private lenders are expected to maintain anti-money laundering programs that include due ...

ALTA and CLTA fortra law

When preparing loan documents on behalf of our clients, the firm’s practice is to always require a 2021 ALTA loan policy. Often, the title company will come back and offer “Standard Coverage”, an ALTA policy ...

squatter vs trespasser in California fortra law

The distinction between a squatter vs trespasser in California directly impacts how property owners must respond and what resources they need to deploy. Trespassers can usually be handled quickly by law enforcement with minimal paperwork. ...

Utah Lending License Requirements

Understanding the complexities of private lending licensing regulations can be daunting, which is why the current Utah lending license requirements are under scrutiny for overly rigid conditions that pose a challenge for even the most ...

Non-QM Lender

Fraud in the non-qualified mortgage market is escalating, and some Non-QM Lenders are responding decisively. Several lenders have begun issuing exclusion lists naming borrowers, appraisers, and even specific regions as ineligible for loans. For lenders, ...

AB 130

AB 130 is reshaping the foreclosure process for California lenders, creating new compliance hurdles and litigation risks that cannot be ignored. In July 2025, following the initial passing, many questions arose about who and what ...

Business Purpose and Consumer Loans

Business purpose and consumer loans are two distinct types of financing that private lenders in the real estate industry must understand to properly assess risk, compliance, and borrower eligibility. While both types of loans provide ...

Mezzanine Loans

Mezzanine loans are a key tool for private lenders looking to expand their participation in real estate transactions beyond senior debt. A mezzanine loan is a second layer of financing that sits behind a regular ...

Receiverships

A receivership can be the most effective legal tool a private lender has to protect itself after a borrower defaults or mismanages the collateral. Understanding how to request a court-appointed receiver, the powers a receiver ...