Hard Money Lenders Cambridge, MA

Rates Starting at 10%

As a leading Massachusetts-based hard money lender, West Forest Capital provides real estate investors with funding solutions up to $3 million. Our clients value our speed and reliability, which have earned us a reputation as the go-to lender in Massachusetts’ fast-paced property market.

We are a direct lender—not a middleman or broker
Get pre-approved on the same day you apply
We typically fund in just 3 to 5 days, and can fund in 1 day when necessary

Lending capacity goes up to $5 million per loan

Property Types

Lending Parameters

Loan Size	$100,000 to $5,000,000
LTC	Up to 80% of purchase price
Rehab Funding	100%
LTV	Up to 70% of the ARV
Term	Standard is 12 months. 24-36 months is available
Lien	First lien; second lien as additional collateral only
Interest Rate	10%–12.5%
Points	1.5–2% of the loan amount

Counties Covered

West Forest Capital lends in the following counties in Massachusetts:

Recently Funded Hard Money Loans in Massachusetts

Medway, MA

This Massachusetts hard money loan was a cash-out refi, the proceeds of which were used by our client to build-out ancillary commercial space that is owned by our client in the same building. The subject property, a residential condo, was purchased for $225,000 and appreciated to $290,000. Utilizing a hard money loan in Medway, MA we were able to provide a cash-out $200,000 loan at 78% LTV by including the commercial space as additional collateral. The borrower was able to pull the vast majority of his investment out of the property, leaving only $25,000 in the deal, and generating a 160% return. Our loan was later refinanced by a traditional bank.

Dedham, MA

This Boston area hard money loan was used to fix and flip a single-family house. The home was purchased after several rounds of negotiations and needed a new kitchen, bathrooms, and various cosmetic touch-ups. We provided 70% of the purchase price and 100% of the rehab costs. Our client, who had completed two other flips in the previous three years, was able to move through the project quickly. Within 4 months the entire rehab had been completed and the property was listed for sale. Demand was strong, and the property went into contact within three weeks of the listing date. Two months later, the property was sold and our loan repaid.

Boston, MA

This hard money loan was made to a foreign national purchasing a two-bedroom condo in the Back Bay neighborhood. With a light credit history and no US income, our client was not eligible for a traditional bank loan for this investment property. However, the client was able to put down a 35% down payment, and we utilized a Boston hard money loan to fund the remaining 65%. This loan also included a 6-month interest reserve. The property needed no rehab and was quickly rented out. After demonstrating 9 months of rental history, our client was able to refinance our loan into a long-term fixed DSCR loan.

Why Use a Hard Money Loan

If you need funding fast. Banks are notorious for dragging out loan approvals. But with West Forest Capital, you can skip the wait—we offer approvals the same day you apply and typically fund within 3 to 5 business days. For critical situations, we even offer one-day funding.
If the property isn’t stabilized. A lender’s hesitation isn’t always about time—it’s often about risk. Banks commonly deny financing for buildings needing repairs, lacking a CO, or without a consistent rent roll. West Forest Capital steps in where banks step back, funding difficult-to-finance assets.
If you have poor credit. We understand that a person’s credit score doesn’t always reflect their investment potential. At West Forest Capital, we prioritize the value of the real estate itself rather than relying on credit scores or strict income qualifications to determine loan eligibility.
If you don’t want to take a loan in your personal name. Most banks require that the borrower hold the property in their own name. But if you’re investing under an LLC or you’ve already hit personal loan limits, West Forest Capital can fund the deal through a hard money loan structured around your needs.

Why Choose A Cambridge Hard Money Lender

We love Cambridge and are proud to be your local hard money lender in this innovative and historic city! With deep roots in the Boston metro, we understand every corner of Cambridge—from the academic prestige of Harvard Square and MIT’s Kendall Square to the eclectic culture of Central and Inman Squares. We don’t need a primer on the property values rising in neighborhoods like Porter Square, West Cambridge, and East Cambridge. Looking for funding in surrounding areas like Somerville, Medford, Arlington, or Watertown? We’ve got you covered and can help you move quickly.

And it doesn’t stop there. If your next project takes you across the river or further out—whether it’s a flip in Allston-Brighton, a rehab in Waltham, or a buy-and-hold in Belmont—we’re right here with the capital and know-how to help you close with confidence.

Financing your Massachusetts Investment Property

While some regions have seen residents migrate south and west, Cambridge has remained a powerful magnet for both people and businesses. Its robust economy is driven by major players in biotechnology, education, and finance, supported by the academic output of institutions like Harvard University and MIT. The city’s reputation as a global innovation hub continues to attract top talent and corporate investment.

Cambridge real estate offers long-term stability with the potential for substantial appreciation. As demand rises in adjacent neighborhoods such as Somerville, Arlington, and Medford, the area continues to be one of the most sought-after markets in Massachusetts.

Asset-backed Lender Focused on Customized Solutions

Thanks to our familiarity with the Cambridge investment market, West Forest Capital can create innovative loan structures that meet your unique hard money needs. Because we underwrite based on asset value, we’ve occasionally funded deals where over 100% of the acquisition and rehab costs were covered.

We also offer long-term options for investors interested in holding rental property in the Cambridge area. Our industry-leading 3-year hard money loan provides the flexibility needed to maximize long-term gains.

Ready to get started? Reach out today or submit your loan request online.

Borrower interview

Interview with our client, Mike, in Massachusetts

Check out our interview with Mike, a tech professional from Massachusetts, who got into real estate as a way to generate passive income on the side.

Hard Money Lender Springfield: Frequently Asked Questions

What are Hard Money Lenders?

For investors operating in Cambridge, working with a hard money lender offers critical advantages over traditional banking. Hard money lenders are asset-based and non-institutional, meaning they place greater emphasis on the value of the real estate, not your financial profile. Compared to banks, the process is much quicker—loans can often close in a matter of days rather than months.

If you’re buying a property in Cambridge at a foreclosure auction, you’ll likely need a fast close—something hard money lenders specialize in. They also finance unique or distressed properties that traditional banks refuse, such as those lacking a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Even if you have credit challenges, hard money lenders may still approve your loan. They’re also a smart option for refinancing or cashing out on a Cambridge property.

How Do Hard Money Loans Work?

One of the reasons real estate investors turn to hard money loans—particularly in active markets like Massachusetts—is how much faster and simpler they are to secure compared to traditional bank loans. This convenience comes at a premium, with interest rates typically falling between 10% and 12%, along with an additional 2 points charged upfront at closing. Most hard money loans are short-term, spanning one to two years, and are typically structured in two parts:

The acquisition portion of the loan generally funds 70% to 85% of the property’s purchase price.
The rehab portion, if applicable, can cover the full cost of renovations—up to 100%.

When rehab funding is included, it’s important to note that the disbursement of those funds is done in arrears. This means the borrower first completes a portion of the work, then submits a draw request for reimbursement. For example, if a $50,000 rehab budget is approved, the borrower must complete $15,000 in work before receiving that same amount from the lender, and the process continues until the full amount is paid out.

These types of loans are widely used for flipping houses, funding commercial projects, or bridging financing gaps. To protect both the lender and borrower, the combined total of the loan—both purchase and rehab—must not exceed 65% of the property’s after-repair value (ARV). Especially in fast-paced real estate markets like Massachusetts, these loans provide the quick turnaround that can make or break a deal.

What do hard money lenders look for?

Hard money loans in Cambridge are classified as commercial financing, which means they aren’t issued to individuals—only to business entities like LLCs. If you don’t yet have an LLC, don’t worry—it’s very straightforward to form one, and you can be the only member.

Cambridge-based hard money lenders will carefully review both the purchase price and projected ARV (After Repair Value) of your real estate deal to determine viability. Buying below or at market value is often necessary to get approved. When loans include a rehab budget, lenders will expect the renovations to be completed according to a set schedule. A clean title is a must—any existing liens or legal judgments against the property or your LLC need to be resolved before loan disbursement.

Ultimately, lenders want to fund profitable investments. A Cambridge lender will work to ensure your project includes a sufficient “spread” between all costs and the final value of the home. This means that after accounting for acquisition, renovation, interest, closing costs, and other fees, there’s still enough profit left for you. When your deal makes money, the lender gets paid—it’s a mutually beneficial outcome.

What is hard money used for?

Real estate investors turn to hard money loans in several common scenarios where conventional bank financing isn’t viable. These include:

Purchasing and repairing residential investment properties that traditional lenders refuse to fund, often because the property is in disrepair or the borrower doesn’t meet strict credit requirements. These properties are typically resold to an end-user, a strategy widely known as “fix and flip.”
Acquiring and improving a property with the intention of holding it as a rental. Once the home is rented and producing income, it’s considered stabilized, and the investor may then refinance it through a bank at more favorable terms.
Funding a project that requires closing much faster than a traditional bank could accommodate, such as foreclosure auctions or other time-critical investments. Hard money lenders can often close in under a week, while banks may take two or three months.
Securing a fast cash-out refinance using equity from a property already owned. This allows the borrower to tap into liquidity quickly, without the delays of traditional underwriting.
Paying off or replacing a loan that’s about to come due. Hard money can be used as a short-term bridge solution to refinance existing debt.
Gaining full ownership of a property by quickly buying out a partner or relative. Hard money lending offers a way to complete the buyout fast, then transition into long-term financing later.