Hard money is short-term, asset-based financing secured by the Irvine property — funded in days, based on equity not income. Typical: ~9.5–15% rate, 1.5–4 points, 65–75% LTV, 6–24 months. Used for flips, auctions & bridges, then refinanced. Full program details.
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How hard money works
A hard money lender cares first about the property and its equity, not your tax returns. Because approval skips lengthy income underwriting, funds can arrive in days. The trade-off is a higher rate and points — fine, because it's a short-term tool: use the speed to win or fix the deal, then refinance into a DSCR or conventional loan.
When Irvine investors use it
✓ Great for
- Competitive offers needing speed
- Flips / homes that need work
- Auctions & time-sensitive deals
- Bridging between purchase & sale
✗ Not ideal for
- Long-term hold with no exit plan
- Primary-home buyers with time
- Lowest-possible-rate seekers
- Deals with thin equity
Typical terms (2026)
| Feature | Typical |
|---|---|
| Basis | Property & equity — not income |
| Rate | ~9.5–15% |
| Points | ~1.5–4 |
| LTV | ~65–75% |
| Term | ~6–24 months |
| Speed | Days to ~2 weeks |
Terms vary by lender, deal & equity; illustrative for 2026, not an offer.
Hard money FAQs
What is it?
Short-term, asset-based financing secured by the property.
Typical terms?
~9.5–15% rate, 1.5–4 pts, 65–75% LTV, 6–24 mo. Illustrative.
How fast?
Often days to ~2 weeks — speed is the point.
When to use it?
Speed, homes needing work, or bridging — then refinance.
Offer it in Irvine?
Yes — plus a DSCR/conventional exit to refinance into.
Save Financial is a California-licensed mortgage brokerage (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766), serving Irvine from its Newport Beach office.