Real estate.A different way to participate.
Interested in real estate without taking on the responsibility of managing a property? Learn how a project-based private lending relationship may work and what questions to ask before making a decision.
Real estate involvement, without the day-to-day property management.
Private lending is one way individuals may participate in a real estate project without purchasing, renovating, or managing the property themselves.
At Liberty and Legacy Properties, we’re building our real estate business with a focus on the Greater Cleveland area. For suitable future projects, we may explore lending relationships with individuals who want to understand the details, evaluate the risks, and make informed decisions.
Every situation is different. The right starting point is a conversation—not an assumption about returns, timelines, or whether a particular opportunity will be available.
What a lending relationship may involve.
There is no one-size-fits-all structure. These are some of the important elements to understand and review.
A specific property or project
A potential loan may be tied to a defined residential real estate project and its particular needs.
A written agreement
Any proposed amount, repayment terms, timing, and obligations should be reviewed and documented before a commitment.
Possible collateral
Some arrangements may involve a mortgage or other security interest, depending on the deal and final documentation.
Independent evaluation
Every loan has risk, including delayed payment, default, or loss of principal. Collateral does not remove those risks.
Start with questions. Move forward with clarity.
Learning about private lending shouldn’t mean feeling pressured to make a commitment. Here’s how a conversation with our team can begin.
Introduce yourself.
Tell us a little about your interest in private lending and the questions you’d like answered.
Learn about our approach.
We’ll explain the types of residential projects we’re interested in and how a possible lending relationship could be considered.
Evaluate any future opportunity.
If a suitable project and potential arrangement arise, take time to review its documentation, terms, and risks with your own advisers.


A family business. A commitment to doing things right.
We’re Matt and Jennifer Schmidt, a husband-and-wife team building Liberty and Legacy Properties on the values that guide our family: honesty, integrity, hard work, and respect for others.
Jennifer’s background as a registered nurse and Matt’s experience as a union electrician have shaped the way we think about responsibility, problem-solving, and following through on commitments.
As we grow our real estate business, our intention is to bring those same principles into every professional relationship.
Get to Know Matt & JenniferGood opportunities deserve good questions.
Private lending involves risk. Repayment may be delayed or may not occur, and it’s possible to lose some or all of the money lent. Even an arrangement backed by real estate can involve uncertainty around value, title, costs, and recovery.
We encourage anyone exploring private lending to understand the details and speak with independent legal, financial, and tax professionals before considering a commitment.
We believe informed conversations are better than promises that sound too good to be true.- What is the purpose of the loan?
- How will repayment be funded?
- What happens if the project takes longer than expected?
- What security, if any, supports the loan?
- What are the risks and potential costs?
Questions are always welcome.
Private lending can be unfamiliar territory. We want prospective partners to begin with clear information and realistic expectations.
Ask Us a QuestionWhat is private lending in real estate?
In general, private lending involves lending money to a person or business under agreed terms, sometimes for a specific real estate project. Unlike purchasing the property yourself, your role is that of a lender, subject to the actual agreement.
Would I own or manage the property?
Private lenders generally do not own or manage the property simply because they provide a loan. The legal rights and obligations of each party depend on the final documents.
Is my money or repayment guaranteed?
No. Private loans carry risk, including the possibility of default, delayed repayment, and losing principal. Even loans backed by real estate are not guaranteed.
Are private lending opportunities currently available?
We welcome conversations with prospective lending partners, but submitting an inquiry does not mean that a lending opportunity or offer is currently available. Any potential arrangement would be considered individually.
How would the terms of a loan be decided?
Any proposed loan would be considered in light of the specific project and documented terms. You should independently review all relevant details with appropriate professional advisers before deciding whether to participate.
A thoughtful relationship starts with a conversation.
Have an interest in private lending or questions about our approach? We’d be glad to hear from you. Start by introducing yourself—there’s no commitment involved in reaching out.
Family owned. Proudly serving the Greater Cleveland area.
Private Lender Inquiry
Share your name and preferred contact details using the inquiry form below. We’ll be happy to discuss your questions about possible private lending relationships.
For informational purposes only. This page is not an offer to sell or solicitation to purchase securities or any lending interest. Private lending involves risk, including potential loss of principal. No repayment or lending opportunity is guaranteed. Consult independent advisers. Full Disclosures · Privacy Policy
