Hard money is short-term, asset-based financing secured by the Mission Viejo property — funded in days, based on equity not income. Typical: ~9.5–15% rate, 1.5–4 points, 65–75% LTV, 6–24 months. Ideal to renovate an aging planned-community home or bridge a move-up — 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 higher rate and points are the cost of speed — fine, because it's a short-term tool: acquire and improve, then refinance into a conventional or DSCR loan, or sell.
When Mission Viejo buyers use it
✓ Great for
- Renovating a dated first-generation home
- Value-add investment projects
- Bridge: buy the bigger home before selling
- Moving fast when the right home appears
✗ Not ideal for
- Long-term hold with no exit plan
- Buyers with time for standard financing
- Lowest-possible-rate seekers
- Deals with thin equity
Typical terms (2026)
| Feature | Typical |
|---|---|
| Basis | Property & equity — not income; as-is OK |
| Rate | ~9.5–15% |
| Points | ~1.5–4 |
| LTV | ~65–75% |
| Term | ~6–24 months |
| Exit | Refi to conventional/DSCR, or sell |
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.
Why renovation here?
Much of MV is 1970s–80s stock — dated homes in great neighborhoods.
Bridge a move-up?
Yes — buy the bigger home before selling; repay when yours sells.
Typical terms?
~9.5–15% rate, 1.5–4 pts, 65–75% LTV, 6–24 mo. Illustrative.
Offer it in MV?
Yes — with a conventional or DSCR exit.
Save Financial is a California-licensed mortgage brokerage (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766), serving Mission Viejo from its Newport Beach office.