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Ask Speedy

Hard money loans. Speed-first.

The fastest real estate loan type on the marketplace. Hard money sourced from 14 pre-vetted direct hard money lenders — same-day approvals, 3-day close possible, 7-day median. Asset-based underwriting, no doc, 10-13% rate, 65-75% LTV (90% LTC on fix-and-flip). $25k to $5M+.

Defined

What is a hard money loan?

Hard money is short-term, asset-based real estate financing. The property's value drives the underwrite — not the borrower's income or credit. If the borrower defaults, the lender takes the property. That's why hard money lenders care most about collateral marketability, equity cushion, and exit strategy.

Hard money is the fastest path to close on the platform. Direct lenders pre-fund and pre-underwrite to their box, so same-day approvals on qualified deals are routine. The trade-off is rate: 10-13% is typical, 12-month terms standard, interest-only payments common.

For ISOs, hard money fills the gap where speed beats rate: foreclosure auctions, distressed sellers, partner-buyouts, default rescue, and fix-and-flip acquisitions where the borrower will refinance to DSCR after stabilization.

Hard money at a glance

Terms across direct hard money lenders.

Direct lenders on platform 14
Loan range $25,000 – $5,000,000+
Rate range 10–13% (median ~11.5%)
Max LTV (stabilized) 65–75%
Max LTC (fix-and-flip) 90% purchase + 100% rehab
FICO floor Often none (asset-based). Some require 600+.
Term 6–18 months typical (interest-only)
Prepayment penalty Usually none
Time to close 3–7 days (same-day approval common)
Documentation No doc — entity docs, contract, appraisal/BPO, title

Common scenarios

Where ISOs source hard money.

Fix-and-flip acquisitions

Up to 90% LTC + 100% rehab. ARV-based underwriting. Speed beats rate when distressed sellers won't wait.

Foreclosure auctions

Same-day approval, cash-equivalent funding. Pre-funded direct hard money lenders specifically for auction buyers.

Partner buyout

Bridge to fund the buyout. Refinance to long-term takeout (DSCR / agency) at stabilization.

Distressed acquisition

Properties needing rehab don't qualify for conventional. Hard money closes the deal; borrower stabilizes; refinance out.

Foreign nationals

No US tax returns. Hard money underwrites the asset; passport and ITIN sufficient for most direct hard money lenders.

No-credit borrowers

No credit score? Property value carries the underwrite. Higher rate but the deal gets done.

FAQ

Hard money, answered.

What is a hard money loan?
A hard money loan is a short-term, asset-based real estate loan where the property's value drives the underwriting decision — not the borrower's income or credit. Direct hard money lenders fund acquisition, rehab, and distressed deals. Typical rate 10-13%, 65-75% LTV, 6-18 month terms, interest-only.
Are hard money lenders direct lenders?
On Ask Speedy, yes. All 14 hard money lenders on the platform are pre-vetted direct lenders funding from their own capital. No brokers in the vendor pool. Funding history, capital source, and licensure verified before access.
How fast can a hard money loan close?
Hard money is the fastest real estate loan type. Same-day approvals are common. 3-day close is realistic. 7-day close is the median on the platform. Speed comes from focused underwriting — appraisal/BPO + title is most of the work.
What LTV is typical on hard money?
65-75% LTV on stabilized property. On fix-and-flip with ARV underwriting: up to 90% LTC plus 100% rehab funding. Lower LTV = lower rate. Borrowers willing to bring more down get better terms.
When should an ISO source hard money?
When speed beats rate: foreclosure auctions, distressed acquisitions, partner buyouts, default rescue, fix-and-flip acquisitions. Also when traditional financing is unavailable: no credit, foreign nationals, complex ownership structures, properties needing rehab.
What documentation is required?
Minimal. Entity documents (LLC operating agreement, articles), identity verification, property contract, appraisal or BPO, title. Some lenders also pull a soft credit check. Income docs are not typically required — this is no-doc lending.

Hard money, sourced direct.

Updated 2026-05-10