Hard Money Lenders Lakewood

Hard money lenders function as non-bank, asset-focused lenders. Although banks and hard money lenders both offer mortgage loans, the requirements and approval processes for hard money loans differ substantially from traditional bank loans. Hard money lenders emphasize the value of the property over the borrower’s creditworthiness, allowing for a significantly faster underwriting process. In areas like Lakewood, this means investors can secure financing in as little as a week, compared to the several months banks often require. This quick turnaround is especially useful for investors purchasing foreclosure properties at auction where timing is crucial. Hard money lenders also fund loans on properties that banks may reject, such as those lacking a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

This type of lending suits borrowers with low or rebuilding credit since credit scores are less important. Hard money loans can also refinance existing loans or enable owners to cash out on their investments. Keep in mind, these loans are strictly for investment properties and are not intended for residential use—you cannot occupy a home financed by a hard money lender.

Because securing a hard money loan is much faster and simpler than obtaining a traditional bank mortgage, the interest rate tends to be higher. In Lakewood’s real estate market, hard money interest rates usually fall between 9% and 12%, with an additional charge of 1 to 3 points at closing. The terms of these loans are generally short-term, lasting 1 or 2 years. Hard money loans are structured in two parts: the first part finances the purchase price—typically covering 70% to 85% of the cost—and the second part covers the rehabilitation expenses necessary to update the property. Lenders often provide up to 100% funding for rehab work. If the property requires no rehabilitation, that portion is excluded from the loan. When rehab is involved, funds are disbursed incrementally after each phase of work is completed. For example, if $50,000 in rehab is planned, the borrower might finish the first $15,000 of repairs and then receive that amount from the lender. This process continues in stages until all rehab funds are allocated. The total loan amount, including purchase and rehab costs, is usually capped at 65% of the property’s after-repair value (ARV). This arrangement allows real estate investors in Lakewood to quickly access the capital they need while keeping their projects financially sound.

Since hard money loans are considered commercial loans by nature, hard money lenders generally will not lend directly to individuals but will instead require that the borrower be an LLC. If you do not have an LLC yet, you can rest assured that creating one is a relatively simple procedure, and it’s common for investors to form single-member LLCs where they are the sole owner to fulfill this criterion.

When underwriting loan applications in Lakewood, lenders focus on both the property’s purchase price and its after-repair value (ARV) to confirm that the loan can be repaid without issues. Purchasing a property at or below its market value plays a critical role in loan approval. If you are also requesting funds to cover rehabilitation or renovation work, hard money lenders will expect that the repairs are performed in accordance with an agreed repair schedule and completed on time. Another essential requirement is a clean title; any liens, judgments, or claims against the property or the LLC applying for the loan must be cleared and resolved prior to the loan’s disbursement.

Hard money lenders are primarily concerned that borrowers are pursuing investment opportunities that will result in profit, as this ensures the lender will be repaid. They carefully evaluate the financial “spread” of each deal, verifying that the after-repair value adequately covers all costs, including the purchase price, rehab expenses, interest on the loan, closing fees, and other relevant charges, while still providing enough room for a profitable outcome. This detailed review process is common among Lakewood real estate investors who use hard money financing for their projects.

• To buy and renovate a property that a bank refuses to finance (whether because of the property’s condition or the borrower’s credit), which will then be resold to a retail buyer. This is known as a “fix and flip.”
• To buy and repair a property that a bank won’t fund, which will then be rented out. Once stabilized through rental, the property can be refinanced by a traditional lender at a lower rate.
• To purchase real estate within a deadline that a bank cannot accommodate (such as in a foreclosure auction). Hard money lenders can fund deals in about a week, whereas banks may need 2 to 3 months or longer.
• To access fast cash-out refinancing by using an owned property as collateral.
• To quickly refinance a mortgage on a property that is about to mature.
• To purchase a property in an LLC’s name. Banks often won’t finance LLC purchases, so hard money loans offer a way for borrowers to own property outside their personal names.