A hard money loan is a short‑term, asset‑based real estate loan funded by private lenders, not banks.
In California, these loans are extremely common for fix‑and‑flip projects, bridge financing, distressed properties, and fast closings.
Hard money lenders focus on the value of the property, not the borrower’s income or credit.
Key Features of Hard Money Loans in California
1. Asset‑Based Approval
Lenders care primarily about:
• Property value
• After‑repair value (ARV)
• Exit strategy
Credit and income matter far less than in traditional loans.
2. Fast Funding
• Same‑day approvals
• Funding in days
• Closings in as little as 5–10 days