Hard Money Loans
Short-term asset-based financing for real estate investors. Ideal for fix-and-flip projects, bridge loans, short-term rentals, and ground-up construction with fast funding.
Is This Loan Right for You?
A hard money loan is right for you if you are a real estate investor who needs fast funding for a fix-and-flip, bridge financing, or short-term project. Qualification is based on the property value rather than your personal income, with funding possible in as little as 7 to 10 days. Loan amounts range from $150,000 to $10 million with terms of 6 to 24 months and a minimum credit score of just 600. Fix-and-flip programs offer up to 85% loan-to-cost, 100% of construction costs, and 75% of after-repair value. Interest rates typically fall between 9 and 13%, reflecting the short-term risk premium, with no PMI required. Asset-based underwriting means minimal personal income documentation and no DTI calculation. Compared to DSCR loans designed for long-term rental holds, hard money is purpose-built for short-term value-add projects requiring a clear exit strategy. Choose hard money when speed and flexibility matter more than long-term rate.
Hard Money vs Conventional vs DSCR
Hard money loans trade long-term rate for speed and flexibility — ideal for fix-and-flip and short-term projects.
| Feature | Hard Money | Conventional | DSCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approval Speed | 7-10 days | 30-45 days | 21-30 days |
| Credit Score Focus | Minimal (600+) | Primary factor (620+) | Moderate (640+) |
| Collateral-Based | Yes — property value drives approval | No — income-driven | Partial — rental income focused |
| Typical Term | 6-24 months | 15-30 years | 30 years |
| Interest Rate Range | 9-13% | Market rate (lowest) | 1-2% above conventional |
| Down Payment / Equity | 15-25% | 3-20% | 20-25% |
| Best For | Fix & flip, bridge, quick close | Primary residence, stable income | Long-term rental investors |
What Are the Hard Money Requirements?
Min Credit Score
600+
Min Down Payment
15%
Max LTV
85%
Max DTI
N/A (asset-based underwriting)
Loan Limits
$150,000 to $10,000,000
PMI / MIP
No PMI; interest rate reflects short-term risk premium
Occupancy
Investment property only (non-owner-occupied)
Key Features
- Fix & Flip: Up to 85% LTC/LTV, 100% construction costs, 75% ARV
- Short-Term Rental and Bridge Loan programs available
- Ground-up construction financing
- Loan amounts from $150K to $10MM
- Terms from 6 to 24 months
How It Works
Deal Submission
Submit your property details, purchase price, renovation budget, and exit strategy. We evaluate the deal and provide a term sheet within 24-48 hours.
Property Evaluation
We order a BPO or appraisal, review the renovation scope of work, and assess the after-repair value (ARV) to determine the final loan amount.
Underwriting & Approval
Asset-based underwriting focuses on the property value and project viability. Personal income documentation is minimal. Approval can happen in days, not weeks.
Closing & Funding
Close in as little as 7-10 days. Renovation funds are held in escrow and disbursed as draw requests upon completion of specified work.
Estimate Your Payment
Results
This information is not intended to be an indication of loan qualification, loan approval or commitment to lend. Rates, terms, and availability of programs are subject to change without notice.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Hard Money?
Advantages
- Extremely fast funding, often in 7-10 days
- Asset-based qualification means less personal income documentation
- Flexible underwriting for borrowers who may not qualify for conventional financing
- 100% of renovation costs can often be financed
Considerations
- Higher interest rates than long-term financing (typically 9-13%)
- Short-term loans (6-24 months) require a clear exit strategy
- Origination fees and points are higher than traditional mortgages
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a Hard Money Loan in the San Gabriel Valley
NetCORE Lending™ is headquartered in Diamond Bar and has been helping borrowers across the San Gabriel Valley secure hard money financing since 2015. We serve homebuyers and homeowners in Pomona, Walnut, Rowland Heights, West Covina, Chino Hills, Covina, La Verne, Glendora, San Dimas, Hacienda Heights, and City of Industry — as well as borrowers throughout California.
As a local mortgage broker, we understand the San Gabriel Valley real estate market — from the higher-value properties in Chino Hills and Diamond Bar to the more affordable options in Pomona and West Covina. Our team provides bilingual service in English and Vietnamese and shops 100+ wholesale lenders to find you the lowest available rate on your hard money loan.
Call (714) 399-6361 to discuss hard money options with a local loan advisor, or get pre-qualified online in 2 minutes.
Also Consider
Explore other loan products that might be a good fit for your needs.
DSCR
Debt Service Coverage Ratio loans for real estate investors. Qualification is based on the property's rental income rather than personal income, making it ideal for portfolio builders.
Construction
Financing for building a new home from the ground up or major renovations. Features progressive disbursements during construction with interest-only payments, converting to a permanent mortgage upon completion.
Non-QM
Flexible mortgage solutions for borrowers who do not meet traditional lending criteria. Includes bank statement loans, P&L loans, and ITIN loans for self-employed and non-traditional income earners.
Bridge Loans
Buy your next California home before selling your current one with a bridge loan from NetCORE Lending™. Close in 3-5 days, avoid contingent offers, skip temporary housing, and sell your old home on your own timeline. Available up to $5M+ with no prepayment penalties.
Ready to Get Started?
Apply online in minutes or call us to speak with a loan advisor about your Hard Money options.
This information is not intended to be an indication of loan qualification, loan approval or commitment to lend. Rates, terms, and availability of programs are subject to change without notice.
Reviewed by Joann Ton, Loan Officer (NMLS# 1461031) | Last updated: June 2026