How much do hard money lenders usually charge?
Hard money lenders usually charge more than traditional banks because the loans are faster, more flexible, and often based heavily on collateral value. Costs may include an interest rate, origination points, underwriting or closing fees, legal expenses, and possible extension fees. Pricing depends on property type, loan-to-value, borrower experience, project timeline, and the strength of the exit strategy.
What types of Houston real estate projects can hard money fund?
Hard money financing can support fix-and-flip purchases, rental property acquisitions, commercial real estate bridge loans, land opportunities, value-add renovations, and construction or development projects. For Houston investors, these loans are often useful when a property needs quick closing, renovation capital, or a short-term bridge before refinancing, resale, stabilization, or permanent financing.
How fast can hard money financing close?
Funding speed depends on the property, borrower readiness, title work, appraisal or valuation needs, and lender review. Private lenders can often move faster than banks because they focus on collateral, transaction strength, and repayment path. Stirling Capital Group helps pre-qualify and pre-underwrite opportunities so borrowers can identify suitable lending options efficiently.
What do hard money lenders review before approving a loan?
Private lenders typically review the property value, purchase price, renovation budget, after-repair value, borrower experience, liquidity, entity structure, and exit strategy. For income-producing properties, they may also review leases, rent rolls, operating statements, and DSCR. A complete project package helps lenders evaluate risk and structure terms more quickly.
Can I get hard money financing with imperfect credit?
Hard money loans may be available even when credit is not perfect, because many private lenders place significant emphasis on collateral, equity, and project economics. Credit still matters, especially for pricing and risk assessment, but a strong property, realistic budget, clear repayment plan, and sufficient borrower contribution can help strengthen the application.
Do you offer rental property or DSCR financing?
Yes. Stirling Capital Group supports rental property financing for single-family rentals, condos, townhomes, two-to-four-unit properties, multifamily assets, and new construction rentals. Available structures may include DSCR-based lending, long-term fixed-rate options, interest-only payments, portfolio financing, bridge loans, renovation financing, and cash-out refinance solutions for qualified investors.
How does renovation draw funding work for fix-and-flip loans?
Fix-and-flip loans often include acquisition funding and a renovation component released through draw schedules. After closing, funds for approved rehab work are typically advanced as project milestones are completed and verified. This structure helps investors manage cash flow while keeping the lender aligned with the renovation timeline, budget, and expected resale strategy.
What documents should I prepare before applying?
Useful documents may include a purchase contract, entity documents, renovation budget, scope of work, property photos, rent roll, leases, operating statements, borrower financials, insurance information, and exit strategy details. For commercial or development projects, lenders may also request plans, permits, appraisals, environmental reports, construction budgets, and sponsor experience summaries.