Kennedy Funding Ripoff Report: What You Should Know
Many people have read about Kennedy Funding on the internet, especially on complaint websites like Ripoff Report. Some borrowers say the company took their money and didn’t deliver loans, while others say Kennedy Funding helped them get money quickly when banks said no.
This article explains what Kennedy Funding does, what people are complaining about, what the facts show, and what you should do if you plan to borrow from a company like this.
About Kennedy Funding
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Kennedy Funding |
| Location | Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey |
| Business Type | Private or “hard money” lender |
| Main Service | Short-term loans for real estate and business deals |
| Typical Loans | Land, construction, commercial property, bridge loans |
| Reported Volume | Over $4 billion in loans funded |
Kennedy Funding is a private lender, not a bank. This means it gives loans to people or businesses that may not qualify for regular bank loans. The company says it is known for being fast, flexible, and able to handle difficult deals that others won’t.
What Is a “Ripoff Report”?
A Ripoff Report is a website where anyone can post complaints about a company.
Important facts:
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Anyone can post; the reports are not checked for truth.
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Companies can respond or pay to show they are a “Verified Business.”
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Once a report is posted, it cannot be deleted.
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Some reports may come from real customers, but others may be mistaken or unfair.
So, when you see a “Kennedy Funding Ripoff Report,” it means there are complaints online, but it doesn’t always mean the company did something illegal.
Common Complaints About Kennedy Funding
Here are the most common problems borrowers mention online:
| Complaint | What People Say | Effect on Borrowers |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Fees | Paid large “due diligence” or “commitment” fees but didn’t get a loan. | Lost money |
| Delays in Funding | Promised quick funding, but loan took too long or didn’t close. | Missed business deals |
| Hidden Costs | Fees or terms changed later in the process. | Extra costs or confusion |
| Poor Communication | Hard to reach staff or get updates. | Frustration |
| Misunderstanding of LOI | Thought a Letter of Intent meant guaranteed loan approval. | False expectations |
Why These Complaints Happen
Private lending works differently from bank lending.
Here’s why these problems often appear:
a) How Private Lending Works
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Loans are made to higher-risk borrowers.
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The lender often charges non-refundable fees to start the process.
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A Letter of Intent (LOI) is not final approval — it’s just a first step.
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Deals can fall apart because of property issues or missed deadlines.
b) Where Borrowers Go Wrong
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They don’t read the full terms before paying fees.
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They expect fast approval like a personal loan.
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They don’t confirm which fees are refundable.
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They don’t ask questions about the process.
Summary Table:
| Type of Issue | Example | Who Is Responsible? |
|---|---|---|
| Complicated property | Title or zoning problems | Both lender and borrower |
| Misunderstood fees | Paying before reading terms | Borrower |
| Slow process | Due diligence delays | Lender |
| Unrealistic promises | “Guaranteed approval” | Borrower should verify |
Real Case Example
In Quimera Holding Group v. Kennedy Funding (2025), a borrower said the company changed terms after agreeing on a deal.
The court said it was a contract issue, not fraud.
This shows that most complaints about Kennedy Funding are about business disagreements, not criminal acts.
Kennedy Funding’s Side
Kennedy Funding often points to its record of over $4 billion in closed loans and says it helps clients when banks can’t.
The company has a profile on Ripoff Report that shows it as a Verified Business, meaning it has replied to complaints.
While some borrowers disagree, the company says it acts within the law and does its best to help people in complex deals.
Legal and BBB Information
| Source | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | Not accredited | Has received complaints |
| Court Records | Active civil cases | About contracts, not fraud |
| Regulators | No major actions | No evidence of criminal activity |
So far, there is no official proof that Kennedy Funding is a scam.
Most problems are civil matters — meaning disagreements over contracts, not illegal behavior.
Is Kennedy Funding a Scam?
| Viewpoint | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Borrowers’ View | Some feel cheated by fees or slow timelines. |
| Experts’ View | The company operates legally but in a risky area of lending. |
| Legal View | No court has proven fraud, only contract disputes. |
In short:
Kennedy Funding is not proven to be a scam, but you should be careful before working with them or any similar private lender.
How to Protect Yourself
If you plan to apply for a private or bridge loan, take these steps:
Step 1: Check the Company
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Look up the lender on BBB.org.
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Search for state licenses and legal records.
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Read reviews on multiple sites, not just one.
Step 2: Understand the Fees
| Fee Type | Why It Exists | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence | Appraisals, legal checks | ❌ No |
| Processing Fee | Administrative costs | ✅ Sometimes |
| Commitment Fee | To reserve funds | ❌ No |
Step 3: Ask Questions
Is the LOI binding?
No, a Letter of Intent (LOI) is usually not legally binding.
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The LOI shows that the lender is interested in your project and outlines basic loan terms (amount, rate, fees, collateral).
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It’s conditional, meaning the deal still depends on due diligence — property appraisal, title review, credit, and legal checks.
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The LOI can be withdrawn or changed if problems appear during that process.
👉 Tip: Never treat an LOI as final loan approval. Always wait for a commitment letter or signed loan agreement before making financial commitments.
2. When will I get my money?
It depends on the deal type, property location, and paperwork.
Typical timeline for Kennedy Funding–style private loans:
| Step | Average Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LOI issued | 1–3 days | After initial application |
| Due diligence (title, appraisal, legal) | 1–3 weeks | Paid by borrower |
| Final approval & closing | 2–6 weeks total | Only if all documents are clean |
Delays can happen if there are issues with the property, missing documents, or last-minute changes to loan structure.
👉 Tip: Always ask the lender for a written estimated closing timeline and confirm what factors might delay funding.
3. What happens if my deal fails?
If the deal doesn’t close — for example, if the property fails inspection, title issues arise, or underwriting denies the loan — the outcome depends on your contract.
Usually:
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Non-refundable fees (like due diligence fees) are lost.
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Refundable deposits (if stated) may be returned, but only if the cancellation meets the written conditions.
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You’ll likely lose time and paperwork costs, even if the loan doesn’t close.
👉 Tip: Always ask for a written list of refundable vs. non-refundable items before sending any money.
4. Which fees can I get back?
| Fee Type | Purpose | Refundable? | Typical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence Fee | Appraisal, underwriting, legal review | ❌ No | Paid whether or not loan funds |
| Processing Fee | Administrative setup | ⚠️ Sometimes | Ask before paying |
| Application Fee | To start review process | ⚠️ Sometimes | May apply toward total costs |
| Commitment Fee | Reserves lender funds for you | ❌ No | Lost if you cancel or deal fails |
| Legal / Third-Party Fees | Paid to outside vendors | ❌ No | Often billed directly |
👉 Tip: If a lender promises “fully refundable fees,” get it in writing and ask under what conditions the refund applies.
Step 4: Get Everything in Writing
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Don’t rely on verbal promises.
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Save all emails and texts.
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Read every page before signing.
Step 5: Compare Other Options
| Option | Good Points | Bad Points |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Banks | Lower interest rates | Slower approval |
| Private Lenders | Faster, more flexible | Higher cost |
| Crowdfunding | Easy online access | Limited funds |
| Peer-to-Peer Loans | Personal lending network | Higher risk |
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
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High upfront, non-refundable fees.
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Promises of “guaranteed approval.”
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Vague or changing loan terms.
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Pressure to sign quickly.
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Poor or delayed communication.
If you see several of these warning signs, pause and review the agreement carefully or speak with a lawyer.
Key Lessons
| Lesson | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Read contracts carefully | Avoid surprises later |
| Ask for clear terms | Stops confusion |
| Know what an LOI means | It’s not a full loan approval |
| Expect some fees | Common in private lending |
| Use multiple sources | Don’t rely on one website or review |
Conclusion
The Kennedy Funding Ripoff Report shows that many borrowers were unhappy with their experiences — mostly about fees, timing, and communication.
But at the same time, Kennedy Funding is a real company that has funded many deals.
The truth lies in the middle: it’s not a proven scam, but it requires careful attention and clear understanding before you sign anything.
If you ever plan to work with Kennedy Funding or any other private lender, remember these key tips:
✅ Read everything carefully.
✅ Ask questions about every fee.
✅ Get legal advice if possible.
✅ Compare your options.
✅ Never rush into a deal.
Being informed can save you time, money, and stress — and keep you from becoming another Ripoff Report story.
