📍Chicago-Based
14-Day Closings
💰70–75% LTV
📊Rates from 10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about hard money lending with HS Lending

What is hard money lending?

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Hard money lending is asset-based financing where loans are secured by real estate. Unlike traditional banks that focus heavily on credit scores and income verification, hard money lenders prioritize the property value and exit strategy. This makes approval faster and more flexible, ideal for real estate investors who need quick capital for fix-and-flip projects, bridge loans, or investment properties.

How fast can I get funded?

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We close loans in as little as 2 weeks from application to funding. Our streamlined process and automated systems allow us to move significantly faster than traditional banks, which can take 45-60 days. For straightforward deals with clean title and complete documentation, we've closed in as few as 7-10 business days.

What types of properties do you fund?

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We specialize in:
  • Non-owner occupied residential - Single-family homes, condos, townhouses used for investment
  • Multi-family properties - Duplexes, triplexes, small apartment buildings (2-4 units)
  • Commercial properties - Office buildings, retail spaces, mixed-use properties
  • Fix-and-flip projects - Properties requiring renovation for resale
We do NOT fund owner-occupied primary residences or properties in poor condition without a clear exit strategy.

What documentation do I need to apply?

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Our documentation requirements are simpler than traditional banks:
  • Property details - Address, purchase price, estimated after-repair value (ARV)
  • Proof of funds - Evidence you can cover down payment and closing costs
  • Exit strategy - Clear plan for loan repayment (sale, refinance, rental income)
  • Property photos or appraisal - Current condition assessment
  • Basic financial info - No extensive tax returns or W-2s needed, but we verify you're financially capable
For experienced borrowers with strong track records, we can sometimes streamline this even further.

What are typical rates and terms?

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Our typical loan terms:
  • Interest rates: 12-15% APR (varies based on deal strength, property type, and borrower experience)
  • Origination points: 2-3% of loan amount (one-time fee at closing)
  • Loan term: 6-24 months, with extension options available
  • Loan-to-Value (LTV): Up to 75% of property value or 90% of purchase price, whichever is lower
  • Payment structure: Interest-only monthly payments, balloon payment at maturity
Use our loan calculator to estimate your specific costs.

How is hard money different from a bank loan?

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Speed: Hard money closes in 2 weeks vs. 45-60 days for banks.

Approval criteria: We focus on the property and your exit strategy, not perfect credit scores or extensive income documentation.

Flexibility: We can structure creative deals, fund renovations, and work with experienced investors on unique projects that banks won't touch.

Cost: Higher interest rates (12-15% vs. 6-8%) and origination fees, but worth it for speed and flexibility.

Term: Short-term bridge financing (6-24 months) vs. long-term mortgages (15-30 years).

Hard money is ideal for investors who need to move fast, can't qualify for traditional financing, or are working on properties that don't meet conventional lending standards.

Ready to Get Started?

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