Loading
Loading
Union City sits in Alameda County where the median household income of $126,240 supports homes across a wide price range. Hard money lenders focus on property potential, not just credit scores, making them ideal for investors buying below-market properties.
Recent restaurant openings and housing investments across the East Bay signal neighborhood momentum. Hard money loans close in weeks, not months, letting investors move fast on opportunities before conventional buyers can compete.
2-4 weeks
Typical Closing Timeline
20-30%
Down Payment Requirement
650+
Minimum FICO Score
$126,240
Alameda County Median Income
8-12% (asset-dependent)
Typical Rate Range
Hard Money Loans in Union City
Hard money lenders in California require 20% to 30% down on most deals, with FICO scores typically 650 or higher. The focus is on the property's after-repair value and equity position, not your credit history or debt-to-income ratio.
Alameda County's median household income of $126,240 means most owner-occupants qualify for conventional loans. Hard money borrowers are typically investors, house flippers, or buyers with complex situations where speed matters more than rate.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect hard money loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Union City.
Union City sits in Alameda County where the median household income of $126,240 supports homes across a wide price range. Hard money lenders focus on property potential, not just credit scores, making them ideal for investors buying below-market properties.
Recent restaurant openings and housing investments across the East Bay signal neighborhood momentum. Hard money loans close in weeks, not months, letting investors move fast on opportunities before conventional buyers can compete.
Hard money lenders in California require 20% to 30% down on most deals, with FICO scores typically 650 or higher. The focus is on the property's after-repair value and equity position, not your credit history or debt-to-income ratio.
California hard money lenders are private and portfolio-based, not agency-backed like FHA or VA. They price based on property equity, exit strategy, and deal structure rather than borrower credit alone.
The market has consolidated around specialized lenders who focus on fix-and-flip, bridge loans, and construction financing. Brokers connect borrowers to these lenders, negotiating terms on points, rates, and prepayment penalties that vary by deal.
Hard money makes sense in Union City when you're buying a property below market value and need to close before a conventional lender can appraise. If you're a first-time owner-occupant with stable income, conventional or FHA will cost less overall.
The real advantage is speed and certainty. Investors who can show a solid after-repair value and exit plan close in weeks, avoiding the appraisal contingency risk that kills deals in competitive markets.
Conventional loans run 3-4% lower in rate but require 20% down, full appraisal, and 30-45 day closing. Hard money costs more per month but closes in 2-4 weeks and doesn't care if the property needs work.
FHA loans let you put 3.5% down but carry lifetime mortgage insurance and strict property condition rules. Hard money skips the insurance but demands higher equity and a clear exit plan—ideal for investors, not owner-occupants.
Measure W allocated $15 million for affordable housing projects across the East Bay, signaling long-term neighborhood investment. For investors, that kind of public funding supports property appreciation and tenant demand over the next 5-10 years.
New restaurants and dining options opening in nearby Oakland and Berkeley attract younger renters and owner-occupants to the region. Investors buying rental properties in Union City benefit from rising neighborhood appeal and stable tenant pools.
Hard money typically closes in 2-4 weeks. Conventional loans take 30-45 days. Speed is the main advantage when you need to move fast on a deal.
No. Hard money lenders focus on the property's equity and after-repair value, not your credit score. FICO 650+ is typical, but the deal structure matters more.
Most hard money lenders require 20-30% down. The exact amount depends on the property condition and your exit strategy—refinance, fix-and-flip, or bridge.
Hard money is designed for investors and fix-and-flip deals. If you're buying to occupy, conventional or FHA loans will cost significantly less over time.
Hard money loans typically have prepayment penalties and strict timelines. Discuss your exit plan—refinance to conventional, sell, or complete the flip—before closing.