Trade association for Arizona private money lenders offering real estate-secured loans. Connects borrowers with member lenders through a centralized loan request platform.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
The Arizona Private Lender Association (APLA) was founded to serve the needs of Arizona-based private money lenders who provide loans secured by real estate using private capital sources. Rather than directly originating loans, APLA functions as a professional trade association and networking organization for private lending businesses operating in Arizona. The organization is structured as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in compliance with Arizona law. APLA maintains a membership roster of licensed private lenders and affiliated professionals who work within the private lending space. The association facilitates connections between borrowers and multiple lenders simultaneously through its centralized loan request submission system. Borrowers can complete a single form on APLA's website and have their loan request distributed to all member lenders at once, streamlining the process of obtaining quotes from multiple private sources. APLA distinguishes itself by providing standardized conduct guidelines, industry education, and professional development opportunities for its member lenders. The association also serves a coordination function with state and federal agencies on behalf of its members' collective interests. APLA's membership includes established private lending firms such as Colonial Capital LLC, Hilton Financial Corp., American Life Financial, Capital Fund I LLC, and Lukrom, among others. Members typically range from individual principals to small lending entities specializing in real estate-secured private loans. The organization's value proposition centers on professional standards, peer networking, and simplified access to capital for borrowers seeking non-traditional real estate financing. APLA is best suited for commercial real estate developers, property investors, and borrowers unable to secure traditional bank financing who need expedited capital backed by real property collateral.
Yes. Arizona Private Lender Association - APLA is a registered company headquartered in 11811 N Tatum Blvd #4020, Phoenix, AZ 85028. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
APLA is a trade association and referral network, not a direct lender. It is best for commercial real estate investors and borrowers who need to quickly contact multiple private lenders simultaneously through a single loan application. The main caveat is that APLA provides no direct loan products, pricing information, or member performance guarantees—borrowers must evaluate and negotiate individually with each member lender.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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