Draw Process

Understanding the Smarter, Smoother Approach with REI Private Money Lending

When it comes to construction lending, a streamlined draw process can make or break your project timeline and cash flow. At REI Private Money Lending, we've identified the three most common problem areas-and how to get them right from the start:

The FastDraw Process

1. The Itemized Contractor Bid: The Blueprint of Your Loan

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The itemized bid is not just paperwork—it’s the central document that travels through every step of your loan journey:

  • Loan Officers use it to initiate the appraisal process.
  • Appraisers use it to assess the rehab scope and valuation.
  • Underwriters calculate the total loan exposure from it.
  • The Draw Department relies on it to reimburse you accurately and efficiently.

Because it has such a broad impact, accuracy from day one is critical. If you’re uncertain about the scope or materials, ask your contractor to include a contingency line item—typically 10–15%—to cover surprises like structural damage, electrical upgrades, or plumbing issues behind the walls.

What makes a strong bid?

  • Break it down by category (e.g., electrical, plumbing, paint).
  • Detail the scope of work within each category.

Example – Paint Category:

  • Interior or exterior?
  • Interior: Which rooms? Are cabinets, trim, and doors included?
  • Exterior: Will eaves, siding, or fences be painted?

Using construction management software like Buildertrend or CoConstruct can make this process more dynamic and easier to update when changes arise—saving everyone time and reducing errors.

2. Requesting Draw Inspections: A Checklist for Seamless Scheduling

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Before requesting your first draw, email the draw team at draws@reiprivatemoney.com to verify that your bid and cost breakdown are correct in the system. This step prevents inspection delays and ensures you’re reimbursed for completed work—not just planned tasks.

Use this format when submitting a draw inspection request:

Subject Line: Loan Number – Draw Request
Body:

  • Client’s Last Name
  • Rehab Property Address
  • Contact Person Name & Phone Number
  • General Contractor’s Email
  • List of Completed Items (organized by category)

Inspections are often outsourced to third-party evaluators, so providing clear, detailed information helps them validate your request faster—and gets you paid quicker.

3. Lien Waivers: Legal Protection for All Parties

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Lien waivers aren’t just formalities—they are legal documents that protect your title from future disputes. They confirm that contractors and subcontractors have been paid for their work and waive their right to file a lien against your property.

Best Practices:

  • Fill out every field completely.
  • Use the correct version (partial vs. final waiver).
  • Confirm payment amounts match draw disbursements.
  • If unsure about any section, ask your draw specialist before submitting.

Consider using digital lien waiver platforms (like Levelset or GCPay) for better tracking and automatic error checks.

Proactive Communication = Smoother Draws

The most successful investors treat the draw process as a collaborative effort. Staying proactive—checking cost breakdowns early, submitting clear requests, and asking questions—helps avoid delays and build a stronger working relationship with your lending team.

Need more help? Visit the FAQs tab or email us at draws@reiprivatemoney.com for one-on-one support.

Draws Resources

Request Draws

Are you ready for your next disbursement of funds? Let’s get the process started. Follow the link below to submit a request, and our team will be in touch shortly.

Building a Draw Schedule

Building your construction draw schedule is one of the most important parts of keeping your project on track. Not sure where to get starts? No worries! Take a look at our guide to building a draw schedule and access our free template to get started.

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