Hard Money FAQ

What is a hard money lender?

A hard money lender is a type of private lender that provides short-term loans to borrowers who need fast financing for real estate projects. Unlike traditional lenders, such as banks, hard money lenders do not focus on the borrower’s credit score or income. Instead, they base their lending decision on the value of the property being used as collateral.

Why use a hard money lender?

There are several reasons why a borrower might choose to work with a hard money lender. Here are some of the most common ones:

Fast financing: Hard money lenders can typically approve and fund a loan in a matter of days, whereas traditional lenders can take weeks or even months to process a loan. This is especially important for borrowers who need to move quickly to secure a property or take advantage of a time-sensitive opportunity.

Flexible terms: Hard money lenders are usually more flexible than traditional lenders when it comes to loan terms. For example, they may be willing to offer shorter loan terms, interest-only payments, or customized repayment schedules. This can be helpful for borrowers who have unique financial situations or need to tailor their financing to their specific project.

Less strict qualification criteria: Because hard money lenders focus on the value of the collateral rather than the borrower’s credit score or income, they may be willing to lend to borrowers who would not qualify for a traditional loan. This can be especially useful for borrowers who have credit challenges or are self-employed.

Higher loan-to-value ratios: Hard money lenders often offer higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios than traditional lenders, which means they will lend a higher percentage of the property’s value. This can be beneficial for borrowers who need to borrow a larger amount relative to the value of the property.

When to use a hard money lender?

Hard money loans are best suited for borrowers who need fast financing for a specific real estate project. They are typically used for fix-and-flip projects, construction projects, or other types of real estate investments that require a short-term loan.

However, it’s important to note that hard money loans come with higher interest rates and fees than traditional loans. This means that they are more expensive in the short term, but can be a good option for borrowers who need fast financing and are confident that they can repay the loan quickly.

In summary, hard money lenders provide fast, flexible financing for real estate projects. They may be a good option for borrowers who need to move quickly, have credit challenges, or require customized loan terms. However, it’s important to carefully consider the costs and terms of a hard money loan before committing to one.