Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Private & Hard Money Lending

Valuable Insight and Information About Private & Hard Money Lending

Private Lending Runs on Trust. Brokers Make It Work

In private and hard money lending, brokers and agents don’t just “find money”—they engineer the transaction. They act as intermediaries with fiduciary responsibilities, aligning Borrower needs with investor requirements while keeping the deal anchored to collateral value, risk, and an executable exit strategy. This site provides reliable insight—from structuring to underwriting to documentation—so your deals are defensible and your outcomes predictable.

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AB-457 — Addressing Farmworker Housing Shortages in California’s Central Valley

A full-length policy analysis for practitioners, local officials, lenders, and advocates (October 2025)

AB-457: A Game-Changer for Farmworker Housing in Fresno, Madera, and Merced- Quick Read

AB-413: Translating State Housing Guidance into California’s Major Languages

A full-length policy analysis for practitioners, advocates, and local officials

AB-413: Expanding Language Access in California Housing Policy- Summary Read

Assembly Bill 413 (AB-413), introduced by Assemblymember Mike Fong during the 2025–2026 legislative session, addresses a critical barrier in California’s housing policy: language accessibility. The bill mandates that the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) translate its public-facing guidelines into the non-English languages spoken by a substantial number of residents. This measure aims to ensure that all Californians—regardless of language proficiency—can understand their rights and access housing-related services.

California AB-301: Residential Private Permitting Act and Post-Entitlement Phase Permits

California is currently grappling with a severe housing crisis, a pressing issue that has prompted lawmakers to take action. Assembly Bill 301 (AB-301), authored by Assembly Members Pilar Schiavo and Robert Rivas, is a significant step in this direction. It expands existing housing approval reforms by imposing strict timelines on state agencies for permits issued during the post-entitlement phase—mirroring requirements already applied to local governments

California AB-36: Housing Elements and the Pro-housing Designation Program

California continues to push for accelerated housing production and affordability through legislative reforms. Assembly Bill 36 (AB 36), authored by Assembly Member Esmeralda Soria, strengthens the Pro-housing Designation Program (PDP) by shifting from temporary emergency regulations to permanent rules and expanding incentives for jurisdictions that adopt pro-housing policies.

California AB-87: Housing Development and Density Bonuses Explained

California continues to push aggressive housing reforms to address its affordability crisis. Assembly Bill 87 (AB 87), authored by Assembly Member Tasha Boerner, amends the state’s Density Bonus Law (DBL) to clarify how incentives apply to mixed-use developments and affordable housing projects.

California SB-79: Transforming Housing Near Transit Hubs

On 10 October 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 79 (SB-79) into Law, marking one of the most significant housing reforms in California’s History. Authored by Senator Scott Wiener, SB-79 aims to tackle the state’s housing affordability crisis by upzoning land near major transit stops and streamlining development in transit-rich areas.

California’s New Building Standards: How State Mandates Are Reshaping Property Rights and Neighborhoods

California building standards, Title 24 compliance, electrification mandates, zoning changes, erosion of property rights, high-density housing, progressive energy codes, natural gas bans, and real estate development in California.

(The Borrower’s Playbook) How to Find, Vet, and Negotiate with Private Lenders: The Key to Secure and Confident Real Estate Financing

The Road Less Traveled—10 Practical Lessons for Modern Life and Work- Complete Version

Peck organizes his ideas into four pillars—Discipline, Love, Religion (as a personal worldview), and Grace—and uses clinical anecdotes to illustrate how everyday people can transform their lives by living these principles. Below is a detailed, practical guide that translates his framework into ten actionable lessons you can apply at home, at work, and in your community.

The Road Less Traveled. Lessons in Real Estate Finance. “Life is difficult.” — M. Scott Peck.

Markets shift—insurance costs spike. Regulators rewrite the playbook. These are the challenges that real estate finance professionals face regularly.

Setting Up an Operational Manual for a Company’s Marketing and Promotion Efforts:

The objective is to provide a clear roadmap of the company’s marketing objectives, enabling associates, employees, and vendors to participate and contribute to the company’s success proactively.

AB-130: The New California Law that States That a Homeowner Association Fee Violation cannot be more than $100?

Abusive HOA practices: Some homeowner associations harass their property owners with continuous fee assessments for every little thing. The propensity is irritating and makes property owners feel like another big brother is watching and harassing them. The practice is abusive and creates a bureaucratic infrastructure that supports itself on the backs of homeowners.

Moral Hazards in The GDP: As a Calculation of Economic Growth

A moral hazard occurs when one party takes on excessive risk because they do not bear the full consequences of that risk—often because someone else will absorb the cost.

Debt Monsters-Credit Cards-Locked into A Spiral of Dread

The current state of credit card defaults is not just a concern; it’s alarming. We’re witnessing the highest rates in 14 years, a stark reminder of the 2007-08 meltdown.

Credit Card Use Can Be Beneficial:

It can also become a curse to deal with. Consumer habits will dictate whether it is advantageous or a curse. Credit cards can be powerful financial tools, but they also have advantages and disadvantages.

Insurance Companies: Admitted vs. Non-Admitted

Here’s the difference between admitted and non-admitted insurance carriers in California:

FICO Scores: How Are They Calculated, and Why Are They Important?

✅ How FICO Scores Are Calculated

Sell the Sizzle, Not the Steak: How to Market Real Estate and Close More Loans Like a Pro

In the realm of real estate, facts are undeniably crucial—square footage, bedroom count, and location are all vital details. However, it’s not these facts that ultimately sell homes. It’s the emotions they evoke. This is where the timeless marketing principle of “Sell the sizzle, not the steak” comes into play. Instead of fixating solely on features, successful agents accentuate the experience, lifestyle, and emotional benefits that a property offers, tapping into the buyer’s emotional side.