Investor Loans · 6 min read
How to Get a Hard Money Loan in California (2026)
To get a hard money loan in California, you submit the property and your exit plan to a private/specialty lender, who lends against the asset's value rather than your income or credit. Expect to bring 25–35% equity (up to 65–75% LTV), pay roughly 9.5–12% plus 1–3 points, and close in as little as 5–10 days. Hard money is short-term — you exit by selling the property or refinancing into long-term financing.
When does a hard money loan make sense?
Hard money is the right tool when speed or flexibility matters more than getting the lowest rate: fix-and-flips, auction purchases, competitive offers needing a fast close, bridge situations, or when your income is hard to document conventionally. Because approval rests on the property and equity, it closes far faster than a bank loan.
What do you need to qualify?
Far less than a conventional loan. The core requirements: a property with sufficient equity (you'll bring 25–35% down or hold that equity), a clear and credible exit strategy, and basic entity/title/insurance documents. Credit is checked but matters less than the asset. No tax returns are required to start. See the full hard money loan program.
What are hard money rates and terms in 2026?
| Rate | ~9.5%–12% + 1–3 points |
| LTV | Up to 65–75% of value (or ARV on a rehab) |
| Term | 6–24 months, often interest-only |
| Funding speed | As fast as 5–10 days |
How do you exit a hard money loan?
Hard money is temporary by design. The two exits: sell the property (typical for a flip), or refinance into long-term financing. For a rental, that long-term takeout is usually a DSCR loan that qualifies on rental income. Smart investors line up the exit before the hard money loan even closes — Save Financial can arrange both.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can I get a hard money loan in California?
Often 5–10 business days, and sometimes 48–72 hours for a clean deal. Because qualification is based on the property and equity rather than full income underwriting, the process skips most of what slows a conventional mortgage.
Do hard money lenders check credit?
Most pull credit, but it carries far less weight than with a conventional loan. Approval rests mainly on the property's value and your equity, so borrowers with credit issues can often still qualify — though stronger credit can improve your rate.
How much money do I need to bring to a hard money deal?
Plan on 25–35% of the property value as a down payment or equity, since most lenders cap the loan at 65–75% LTV (or of after-repair value on a rehab). More equity generally means better pricing.
Can I use a hard money loan to buy a primary residence?
Hard money is primarily for investment and business-purpose loans. Owner-occupied hard money exists but carries extra consumer regulations and is far less common. For a primary home, conventional, FHA, or bank statement loans are usually the better route.
About this guide: Save Financial is a California-licensed mortgage broker (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766) serving all 58 counties. Get a custom quote or call 888-703-1840.