Fix & Flip Loans · Process

The Fix and Flip Loan Process in California

From a deal on paper to a sold house, in eight steps. Because it's underwritten on the deal and the after-repair value, funding can happen in 5–14 days — then the rehab money flows through draws as you build.

8 steps5–14 days to fundDraws for rehabSell/refi exit
MBReviewed by Mike Basti, Mortgage Broker & Founder · NMLS #377740
Quick Answer

The process: 1) analyze the deal (70% rule) → 2) build the scope of work → 3) apply → 4) ARV appraisal → 5) term sheet → 6) close & fund (5–14 days) → 7) renovate with draws → 8) sell or refi. See Requirements.

The 8 steps to a completed flip

  1. Analyze the deal

    Run the 70% rule before you offer — purchase ≤ ARV × 0.70 − rehab. Calculator →

  2. Build the scope of work

    Detailed rehab budget + licensed contractor estimates + 15–20% contingency. This sizes your draws.

  3. Apply & submit the package

    Contract, scope of work, ARV comps, proof of funds, entity docs. No tax returns.

  4. Get the ARV appraisal

    Appraiser returns as-is + after-repair values that confirm your caps.

  5. Review the term sheet

    Loan amount, LTC/ARV terms, rate, points, draws, Dutch vs non-Dutch — shopped across lenders. Rates →

  6. Close & fund

    Sign and fund in 5–14 days; purchase funds now, rehab held for draws.

  7. Renovate with draws

    Build in stages, submit receipts, receive reimbursement draws as milestones verify.

  8. Sell or refinance

    Sell to capture profit, or refi into DSCR to hold as a rental (BRRRR).

Expert tip: The two steps that make or break the flip both happen before you closestep 1 (buy right) and step 2 (a real scope of work). A deal that passes the 70% rule with a contractor-verified budget and a contingency practically manages itself through funding and draws. A deal bought on an optimistic ARV with a back-of-napkin rehab number will fight you at every draw and every extension. Spend your energy on the front two steps; the back six are execution. We help you nail both. Prep my deal →

What's needed at each stage

StageWhat you provide / expect
Deal analysisPurchase price, rehab estimate, ARV comps
Scope of workLine-item rehab budget, contractor bids, contingency
ApplicationContract, scope, comps, proof of funds, entity docs
AppraisalAs-is + after-repair value
Term sheetLoan amount, rate, points, draws, interest type
ClosingSigned docs, purchase funds
RehabMilestone completion + receipts → draws
ExitSale escrow, or DSCR refinance

Reviewed by the licensing team at Save Financial, a California-licensed mortgage brokerage (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766) founded in 2009 and serving all 58 counties from offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey.

Have a deal in mind? Let's move — fast.

Send us the numbers and scope and we'll pressure-test the deal, order the ARV appraisal, shop the term sheet across lenders, and drive to funding in 5–14 days — then keep your draws moving. Free, no obligation.