Excel Trust Deed Investments (formerly Excel Financial) has been arranging private lending solutions and helping families and businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area with their alternative financing needs for over 30 years.
We place our $60 million plus portfolio of investor funds in short-term real estate loans secured by residential or commercial property in California, mainly in the San Francisco Bay Area. While our borrowers are able to meet their short-term financial goals, our investors enjoy competitive interest rates paid monthly and generously secured by equity in real estate approved by each investor.
Our loan experts constantly evaluate the best ways to help meet your short-term and long-term financial goals.
Our Expert Team
We provide expert financial guidance with regard to your personal and retirement fund investment goals. Excel Trust Deed Investments, Inc. (formerly Excel Financial) has been arranging private lending solutions for over 30 years – helping families and businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area with their alternative financing needs.
Sheldon Perry
Founder, VP Investment Lending
Before founding Excel Trust Deed Investments (formerly Excel Financial) in 1986, Sheldon was a mechanical designer for Lam Research and a professional photographer while investing in real estate in his spare time. He continues to leverage that knowledge and those experiences today.
Specializing in expedited and efficient loan closings, Sheldon applies creative problem-solving skills to every facet of the private lending process for his clients. As a result, Sheldon and Excel TDI are the most well-known names in the private lending industry.
When not helping clients with their investment and financial goals, Sheldon and his wife Diane enjoy travel and foodie endeavors as well as spending time with their family of five children, two beautiful grandchildren, and two golden retrievers.
Email Sheldon
CA DRE #00858625
NMLS ID #358021
Diane Perry
Broker, President
It’s not every day you meet someone who has grown up in real estate, but that is the case for this California native. Diane has been involved in the real estate industry since the age of 12, beginning with passing out real estate flyers and then acting in a supportive role to realtors, appraisers as well as title and loan escrow departments. She had logged time in almost every area of the real estate and mortgage business before joining Excel TDI in 1990.
In 2014 Diane fulfilled a lifetime goal of obtaining her Broker’s license and now holds the title of President of Excel Trust Deed Investments. In addition, Diane holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Jose State University – applicable knowledge for managing the loan servicing and compliance arm of Excel TDI private lending business.
Out of the office, you’ll find Diane advocating for adolescent mental health services in her community by volunteering her time with Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) which supports the well-being of tweens, teens, and young adults in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
Email Diane
CA DRE #01944816
NMLS ID #1185501
Jim Ellingwood
Loan Officer, Broker Associate
With over 40 years in the mortgage business, Jim partners closely with clients to help achieve their financial goals and ensures everything goes smoothly throughout the private lending process.
He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from Ball State University in Indiana – whose most famous alumnus is David Letterman.
In his spare time, you’ll find Jim with either a book or a tennis racket. He’s an avid reader, involved in his church, and enjoys tennis, travel, and spending time with his wife, their combined four adult sons, and daughters, adorable grandchildren, and pets.
Email Jim
CA DRE #0410612
NMLS ID #291268
Robert Whitacre
Loan Officer
Robert’s interest in real estate first began after college while working independently as a Nationally Certified Personal Trainer. Although busy with his clients, his interest in real estate drove him to simultaneously become licensed as a realtor in 2001, joining Equitas Capital as a loan officer. Fast forward to 2019 when he joined the Excel TDI team, bringing decades of experience in customer service and client retention skills.
Having worked independently for the past 30 years, Robert understands how to assist his clients’ needs in both fitness and real estate.
Robert, along with his wife Stacy, moved down to Pacific Grove in 2020 and continues to travel to the San Jose area weekly to continue work with his clients. When he finds free time, he can bee seen out hiking, biking, or paddleboarding while exploring the beautiful Monterey Coast.
Email Robert
CA DRE #01738850
NMLS ID #1881898
Frequently Asked Questions
We place our $60 million plus portfolio of investor funds in short term real estate loans secured by residential or commercial property in California, mainly in the San Francisco Bay Area. While our borrowers are able to meet their short term financial goals, our investors enjoy competitive interest rates paid monthly secured by equity in real estate approved by each investor.
How long does your closing process take?
This depends on the type of loan and how complete the loan package is when we receive the application. With a full package, we can close as fast as the law allows… in the case of owner occupied loans for example this will be up to 2 weeks to allow for disclosure and cancellation laws. If loan is not subject to more stringent disclosure and cancellation laws, we can close in one week or less.
Do you do personal loans?
No, sorry. We only fund loans secured by California real estate.
How long are your loan terms?
Our loans are primarily short term ranging from a one year bridge loan to 5 years for an owner occupied loan. Most loans average 3 years. This will also depend on the borrower’s needs and and goals.
What is your maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio?
So this can vary based on the type of property and the borrower’s financial position. We usually do not go over 65% for most loans and 50% for land loans.
Do you offer low/easy doc loan programs?
Though you will find our application process is much easier than that of a traditional bank, we will require documentation so that our lenders can be assured the loan will be secured.
There are also certain state requirements for minimum documentation, usually relating to income and determining property value, which we must have in our files. In most cases, we will require a completed and signed loan application, credit report, proof of income, and appraisal. In addition, our lenders may occasionally request additional or supporting documentation such as tax returns.