Who We Are at Bel Air Lending
- Sep 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 3
At Bel Air Lending, we believe wealth should be working—not sitting idle. For more than seven years, we’ve helped investors pursue their financial goals through short-term, real-estate-backed lending opportunities supported by disciplined underwriting and asset-based collateral.
We welcome the opportunity to learn more about your investment objectives and determine whether Bel Air Lending's offerings may be a suitable fit for your portfolio.
Our Mission
We exist to connect investors seeking alternatives to traditional savings and investment vehicles with real estate developers who need capital to bring projects to life. Bel Air Lending facilitates short-term, real-estate-backed lending opportunities designed to help investors pursue their financial goals while supporting real estate development and rehabilitation projects.
Our goal is to help accredited investors make informed decisions about their financial future. As with any Investment, there are risks to consider, and future results cannot be guaranteed. Investment opportunities are available only to verified accredited investors.
Our Team
John Ford – Founder & Chief Executive Officer
With an NC General Contractor license and membership in the American Association of Private Lenders, John has overseen the funding of over $100 million in loans since 2018.
Jeanne Ford – Chief Financial Officer
Manages Ford Associates NC and Carolina Residential Solutions and assists with marketing and borrower underwriting.
Samantha Edwards (Sami) – Loan Underwriter & Marketing
A Meredith College Business & Marketing graduate (2020), specializing in short-term loans like fix-and-flips, new builds, and refinances—while also managing marketing and communications.
Jeff Hughes – Construction Manager
Licensed NC general contractor since 1985, overseeing rehab and new construction projects at Bel Air Lending and Ford Associates NC.
Dawn Greene – Paralegal
Served 38 years as a certified paralegal and law firm office manager in High Point before joining Bel Air Lending in 2022, bringing legal precision and consistency.
Steve Lowry – Attorney & Trust Administrator
Founder of Lowry & Associates (since 2003), he ensures legal strength in every transaction and has supported Bel Air Lending for seven years.
Cindy Blair – Land Development Underwriter
Brings extensive experience in lending, compliance, loan servicing, and land development underwriting. She became a part of Bel Air Lending's team in August 2024.
Goldie – Team Mascot
Our beloved dog is part of the soul of Bel Air—a Raleigh local that’s known for chasing sticks, saying hello to everyone, and brightening the office. 🐾
Our Advisory Team
We are grateful for the wisdom and experience of our 10-person Advisory Team—a group of trusted professionals who provide valuable guidance in real estate, finance, and strategic growth. Their input helps us make sound decisions and stay aligned with our mission of providing disciplined, real-estate-backed lending opportunities.
Our Private Money Team
At Bel Air Lending, we proudly refer to our investors as our Private Money Team—a community of individuals who entrust us with their hard-earned money to put to work in real estate-backed opportunities.
Today, our Private Money Team includes over 300 active lenders, with over $41 Million currently invested. This network spans 24 states across the U.S. and even extends internationally into Ecuador.
Their trust is the foundation of Bel Air Lending, and their continued commitment allows us to fund impactful projects while delivering the disciplined lending opportunities our investors value.
Our Giving Back
Empowering Communities Through Housing
Our financing doesn’t just offer returns—it creates opportunities. Our loans help rehabbers generate income, tradespeople secure steady work, and homeowners enjoy updated, comfortable living spaces. Beyond that, revitalized neighborhoods boost property values and contribute to local government services through increased tax revenue. 👉 Learn more
Supporting Local Arts and Purposeful Investing via Raleigh Community Orchestra
We are proud supporters of the Raleigh Community Orchestra, helping sustain and enrich the arts in our city. Through this partnership, we’re investing not only in financial growth but also in the cultural heartbeat of our community. We have established a $1 million investment fund. Accredited investors who participate in this offering support both real estate-backed lending opportunities and the arts in our community, with a portion of the program's proceeds benefiting the orchestra. 👉 Learn more
Why Choose Bel Air Lending?
✔ Real-estate-backed lending opportunities
✔ Over 7 years of lending experience
✔Disciplined underwriting and asset-based collateral
✔ Investor portal with real-time account access
✔ Experienced team of lending, construction, legal, and financial professionals
✔Commitment to transparency and investor communication
Join Us
Whether you are an accredited investor interested in learning more about real-estate-backed lending opportunities or a real estate developer seeking project financing, Bel Air Lending is here to help you explore your options and determine whether we are a good fit for your goals.
Important Disclosures
Securities offered by Bel Air Lending, LLC are offered only pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933 and have not been registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority.
This website is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Any investment will be made only through official offering documents, including a Private Placement Memorandum (PPM), subscription agreement, and related materials.
Investments are available only to accredited investors as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D. Bel Air Lending takes reasonable steps to verify accredited-investor status, and verification is required before any investment.
Investing in private securities involves substantial risk, including the possible loss of principal. These investments are illiquid, and there is no public market for them. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Any targeted, projected, or illustrative returns are hypothetical, are not guaranteed, and may not reflect actual results.
Neither Bel Air Lending nor its representatives provides legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. Prospective investors should consult their own advisors before making any investment decision.
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