Hard money is short-term, asset-based financing secured by the Tustin 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 older Old Town home or bridge a purchase — 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 Tustin buyers use it
✓ Great for
- Renovating an older Old Town character home
- Value-add investment projects
- Bridge: buy before you sell
- Moving fast on a competitive listing
✗ 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. Confirm historic-district rules independently.
Hard money FAQs
What is it?
Short-term, asset-based financing secured by the property.
Why Old Town?
Genuinely old homes often can't finance conventionally as-is.
Historic-district rules?
Yes — parts of Old Town have preservation guidelines; confirm first.
Typical terms?
~9.5–15% rate, 1.5–4 pts, 65–75% LTV, 6–24 mo. Illustrative.
Offer it in Tustin?
Yes — with a conventional or DSCR exit.
Save Financial is a California-licensed mortgage brokerage (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766), serving Tustin from its Newport Beach office. Historic-district and preservation rules are set by local government and change; confirm independently.