What bridge & hard money is
Bridge and hard money loans are short-term, asset-based financing — typically 6–24 months — underwritten primarily on the property's value and your exit strategy rather than your income. They're the tool for auction purchases, time-sensitive acquisitions, and transactions that need to close in days, not weeks. Full program details →
How qualifying works
Sample qualifying snapshot: A strong file shows (1) a clear exit strategy — sale, refinance, or stabilized cash flow — because the lender needs to know how they're repaid; (2) meaningful equity in the deal (hard money LTVs run conservative); (3) a property with verifiable value; (4) the experience or plan to execute. Exact LTV caps, rate structures, and term options vary by investor and are subject to change.
Speed is the product. The underwriting is thinner by design — but the pricing reflects the risk and the velocity. Nobody takes hard money because it's cheap; they take it because it's now.
3 qualifying scenarios
Scenario 1 — The auction buy: A foreclosure auction requires closing in 10 days. No conventional lender can move that fast. Hard money funds the purchase; the investor refinances into DSCR after renovating and stabilizing.
Scenario 2 — The bridge between homes: A buyer finds the next home before selling the current one. A bridge loan covers the new purchase; the sale repays it. One move instead of two.
Scenario 3 — The BRRRR starter: An investor buys a distressed duplex cash-fast with hard money, rehabs it, rents it, then refinances into a long-term DSCR loan — the exit was planned before the purchase. Illustrative examples; exact terms vary by investor and are subject to change.
Check Your Eligibility — Bridge & Hard Money
60 seconds. No obligation, no hard credit pull. NMLS #7861.
Who bridge & hard money is NOT for
- Buyers with flexible timelines — if you have 30 days, standard Non-QM will price far better.
- Borrowers without an exit — "I'll figure it out" is how hard money goes bad. The exit is the loan.
- Primary-residence shoppers wanting the lowest payment — this is a business-purpose tool.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can a hard money loan close?
Days, in the right circumstances — that's the product's reason for existing. Timeline depends on valuation and title.
What is an exit strategy and why does it matter?
It's how the short-term loan gets repaid: selling the property, refinancing into long-term debt, or another planned payoff. Lenders underwrite the exit as carefully as the property.
Are bridge loans only for investors?
No — homeowners bridging between a current home and a next purchase use them too.
Can I refinance out of hard money into DSCR?
That's one of the most common exits — stabilize the property, document the rent, and refinance into long-term DSCR financing.
Skip the Bank Runaround.
Deal under contract with a tight deadline? Tell us the property, the timeline, and the exit — we'll tell you if bridge fits.
Get Your Bridge & Hard Money Review
60 seconds. No obligation, no hard credit pull. NMLS #7861.
Guidelines change. Terms, pricing, and requirements vary by investor and are subject to change without notice. Examples in this article are illustrative only — not quotes, approvals, or commitments to lend. This article is educational, not loan advice. Confirm current guidelines with us before making an offer. NMLS #7861 · Equal Housing Opportunity.
