Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Real Estate Investments in Berkeley, CA
Founded in 1921, F E Forbes has been a cornerstone of California's financial services industry, specializing in real estate loans and investment products. Our expertise extends across residential and commercial financing, offering creative solutions when traditional lenders fall short. With a legacy of family leadership, we combine century-old principles with modern financial strategies to serve borrowers and investors. Our commitment to community values, paired with a deep understanding of real estate markets, enables us to deliver reliable, tailored financial services.We pride ourselves on transparency, personalized service, and a track record of over $1 billion in successfully funded transactions. From bridge loans to trust deed investments, our approach prioritizes client needs while maintaining rigorous risk management standards. As a licensed real estate broker with generations of experience, we ensure every transaction aligns with our founding vision of integrity and excellence.
Services
Trust Deed Investments
Mortgage Fund
Private Real Estate Loans
Investment Opportunities
Bridge Loans
Details
- Year established: 1921
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of proven experience in California real estate finance
- Our family leadership ensures consistent, principled investment strategies
- We provide creative financing solutions when traditional lenders decline or delay
- Our track record includes $1 billion+ in successfully funded transactions
- We maintain strict risk management while offering personalized client service
What people say
Top of my list
Satisfying relationship
Sound investment vehicle
Services
Trust Deed Investments
Trust Deed Investments provide secured opportunities through California residential and commercial properties. Investors earn annualized returns of 7-12% via first or second deed of trust positions. Minimum investment starts at $25,000 with terms ranging 1-5 years, offering stable income with principle protection backed by real estate equity.
Mortgage Fund
Forbes Income Fund II offers diversified mortgage portfolios with minimum $50,000 investments. This private fund provides compound interest or quarterly distributions, focusing on short-term loans secured by California residential and commercial properties for consistent income generation.
Bridge Loans
Bridge Loans deliver expedited financing for property acquisitions and refinancing. With LTV ratios under 70%, these 12-24 month loans enable investors to secure properties before conventional financing becomes available, backed by first or second deed of trust security.
People
Mark E. Forbes
Principal and Chief Investment Officer
Mark oversees real estate loan origination and private investor relations with 40+ years of experience. Active in Berkeley Host Lions Club and mortgage industry associations, he maintains family commitment to community service.
Robert R. Forbes
Property Manager
Robert manages property administration with decades of experience in real estate finance. Active in Berkeley Kiwanis Club and Salesian College Preparatory, he continues the family business legacy established in 1921.
Questions
What investment options do you offer?
We provide Trust Deed Investments starting at $25,000 and Mortgage Fund opportunities from $50,000, both secured by California real estate with annualized returns of 7-12%.
How are investments secured?
All investments are secured by first or second deed of trust positions on residential or commercial properties across California, with loan-to-value ratios typically below 70%.
What loan types do you provide?
We offer construction rehab loans, bridge financing, investment property loans, and private real estate loans with amounts ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000 across California.
How quickly can you fund a loan?
We can typically fund loans within 7-14 days, with expedited processing available for time-sensitive transactions compared to conventional lenders' longer timelines.
Reviews (3)
Azur Re
Dec 06, 2019
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F E Forbes is dishonest fraudster. Do Not Trust Him and if You have to do business with Him, remember, He will steal Your Money if You are not looking.
Rauly B.
Oct 07, 2013
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I have been dealing with Mark and Bob Forbes for many years. I am an investor with them, I have done loans with them, and they have provided my advice on a regular basis.
FE Forbes is a full service real estate firm They do conventional (conforming and jumbo) loans on residential real estate. They also offer private loans (hard money) where people who do not qualify for a bank loan can get a loan from them and funded by their investors. Mark and Bob are of the highest integrity. They work with many different types of people and many of the situations they see are difficult and frustrating
FE Forbes is a full service real estate firm They do conventional (conforming and jumbo) loans on residential real estate. They also offer private loans (hard money) where people who do not qualify for a bank loan can get a loan from them and funded by their investors. Mark and Bob are of the highest integrity. They work with many different types of people and many of the situations they see are difficult and frustrating
Tim C.
Oct 31, 2009
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I know these guys personally, and I'm just writing to give a 2nd opinion to the other reviewer. Although I can't know what happened, these guys are 'hard money lenders"..their rates are going to be higher, since their risk is higher...by the way, have you checked your Visa bill lately?...they're charging 25%..THAT'S predatory.
