We are delighted to announce the release of RiskSpan’s series of Private Credit Primers aimed at providing investors with essential knowledge about the diverse and growing landscape of the loan types that private credit investors are buying. These primers offer at-a-glance insights into the mechanics, performance expectations, and unique features of various asset classes, enabling investors to make informed decisions in this dynamic market.

The first three primers in the series are available now: They focus on Residential Transition Loans (RTLs), Personal Loans, and HELOCs — loan types that are becoming increasingly popular in the private credit space.

Residential Transition Loans (RTLs) (full primer here)

RTLs are short-term loans designed to help borrowers bridge financial gaps during transitional periods in residential real estate. Often used for construction, bridge, and relocation purposes, RTLs typically have terms ranging from 6 to 36 months and feature higher interest rates than traditional long-term financing. These loans play a crucial role for both homeowners and real estate investors, especially in markets where property values fluctuate or where short-term liquidity is needed.

• Important Features: RTLs often involve draw functionality, allowing borrowers to access funds incrementally as projects progress. Another key aspect is the use of the “As-Repaired” Value (ARV) to calculate Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios, based on the projected value of the property after repairs.
• Performance Considerations: While RTLs have performed well during periods of stable or rising home prices, the primer cautions that these loans are more vulnerable during economic downturns or periods of home price decline​.

Personal Loans (full primer here)

Personal loans can be secured or unsecured and are used for a variety of purposes, including debt consolidation, medical expenses, and large purchases. They are repaid in fixed monthly installments over a predetermined period.

• Important Features: The primer highlights key modeling considerations for personal loans, such as static default/prepayment assumptions, which rely on historical data to predict future loan performance based on factors like loan age and borrower profiles.
• Performance Expectations: As of 2024, the delinquency rate for personal loans stands at around 3.38%, with average interest rates hovering around 12.42%, though they can vary widely depending on market conditions and borrower credit quality​.

HELOCs (full primer here)

The complexity of modeling HELOCs stems from their sharing characteristics of both a mortgage and a credit card. Reliable assumptions about borrower behavior both during the draw period (when balances can move in either direction at any time) and during the post-draw, repayment-only period are crucial to forecasting correct cash flows.

• Important Features: Understanding regional variations and borrower characteristics can provide deeper insights into HELOC performance, helping to refine risk models and lending strategies.
• Performance Expectations: The delinquency rate for HELOCs can vary based on factors such as economic conditions, borrower credit quality, and market trends. However, historically, the delinquency rate for HELOCs tends to be lower than for unsecured loans or credit cards.

What to Expect from the Series

Each primer in the series will not only break down the mechanics of the loan type but also provide performance insights and modeling considerations. With the ongoing volatility in the financial markets, these primers will explore how various asset classes perform under different economic conditions, such as rising interest rates, declining home prices, or increasing unemployment.

By offering practical, data-driven insights, the Private Credit Primer series will serve as an invaluable resource for private credit investors who are looking to deepen their understanding of these asset classes and navigate potential risks effectively.

Stay tuned for more primers in this series, as we continues to expand RiskSpan’s library of resources for private credit investors!