NATIONAL SPEAKER ยท AUTHOR ยท EDUCATOR ยท TOP PRODUCER ยท 27 YEARS
Scott Ward
CFM ยท AAPL EDUCATION BOARD ยท $1.5B+ FUNDED ยท NMLS #1148813
For 27 years, Scott Ward has been a top-producing private lender, national speaker, published author, and industry educator - the definitive voice on hard money lending, private money lending, and trust deed investing.
NMLS #1148813 ยท Lakewood Ranch Lending ยท Novus Home Mortgage, a division of Ixonia Bank NMLS #423065 ยท Equal Housing Lender
Proven Impact
27
YEARS IN LENDING
$1.5B+
FUNDED & ORIGINATED
National
SPEAKER & AUTHOR
Top Producer
SINCE 1997
Industry Designations
Certified Fund
Manager
AAPL Education
Board Member
2024 AAPL Community
Impact Award Winner
Co-Author, Private
Lender Perspectives
27 Years. Three Disciplines.
One Expert.
Hard Money Lending
Asset-based lending for real estate investors who need capital fast - Fix & Flip, Ground-Up Construction, Bridge Loans. Scott has structured and closed hard money transactions across Florida and nationally for over two decades.
Private Money Lending
Non-institutional, relationship-driven capital for investors and borrowers who don't fit conventional boxes. DSCR loans, portfolio lending, non-QM, and business-purpose loans structured with speed and flexibility.
Trust Deed Investing, AKA Private Mortgage Notes
Private mortgage notes secured by real property. Scott is a nationally recognized educator and practitioner in trust deed and mortgage note investing - guiding accredited investors into yield-generating, collateral-backed instruments.
27
Years in the Business
$1.5B+
Funded & Originated
3
Core Disciplines
National
Aspire4More Educator
Professional Bio
The Definitive Voice
Scott Ward is one of the most recognized private lending authorities in the country - a national speaker, published author, educator, and top producer with 27 years of experience and over $1.5 billion in loans funded and originated.
As a Certified Fund Manager (CFM), AAPL Education Board Member, and recipient of the 2024 AAPL Community Impact Award, Scott is a nationally renowned subject matter expert in three core disciplines: hard money lending, private money lending, and trust deed investing (private mortgage notes). His work spans real estate investors, homebuyers, and business owners across Florida's Gulf Coast and markets nationwide.
Scott co-authored Private Lender Perspectives, a reference guide used across the private lending industry, and serves as a national educator on the Aspire4More Tour - bringing deal-level expertise to lenders and investors in markets across the country.
He is the Co-Owner of Lakewood Ranch Lending, a private and alternative lending company based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, operating under Novus Home Mortgage, a division of Ixonia Bank (NMLS #423065). Scott also leads the Gulf Coast Triangle Trust Deed Investment Program, connecting accredited investors with collateral-backed private mortgage note opportunities.
Scott Ward. National speaker. Author. Educator. Top producer. 27 years.
Scott Ward's Lending Specialties
Rental property financing based on cash flow, not personal income. Ideal for portfolio investors looking to scale.
Fix & Flip / Hard Money
Short-term asset-based capital for acquisition and renovation. Fast closings and experience-first underwriting.
Ground-Up Construction
New construction financing for spec builders and custom home developers on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Cash-Out Refinance
Unlock equity from existing investment properties to fund the next acquisition or project.
Conventional & Non-QM Home Loans
Primary and secondary residence mortgages for Gulf Coast homebuyers, including non-QM for self-employed borrowers.
Trust deed investment opportunities for accredited investors โ collateral-backed, yield-generating private mortgage notes.
National Authority.
Proven Track Record.
Scott Ward is recognized nationwide as a definitive voice in private lending. Through published works, national speaking tours, and award-winning community impact, his 27 years of expertise shape the industry and set the standard for excellence.
Industry reference guide co-authored by Scott Ward, used by private lenders and real estate investors nationwide.
National Speaker: Aspire 4 More Education Tour
Scott educates lenders, originators, and real estate investors across the country on hard money, private money, and trust deed investing.
Recognized by the American Association of Private Lenders for outstanding community leadership and impact in the private lending industry.
Work With a 27-Year
Private Lending Expert
Whether you're funding your next fix and flip, scaling a rental portfolio, exploring trust deed investments, or buying your forever home on Florida's Gulf Coast: Scott Ward brings 27 years of deal expertise to your transaction.
LAKEWOOD RANCH LENDING
Gulf Coast Built. Nationally Licensed.
NMLS #1148813
Loan Programs
- DSCR Loans
- Fix & Flip
- FHA & VA Loans
- Jumbo Loans
- SBA Loans
- Ground-Up Construction
Who We Serve
- Real Estate Investors
- Home Buyers
- Business Owners
- First-Time Buyers
- Self-Employed
Get In Touch
๐ 941-526-0778
๐ Lakewood Ranch, FL
Lakewood Ranch Lending is licensed to originate residential mortgage loans in the United States, operating in the state of Florida. All loan products are offered through Novus Home Mortgage, a division of Ixonia Bank, NMLS #423065. Scott Ward, NMLS #1148813, operates as an authorized loan originator. This is not a commitment to lend. Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice.
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