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Mill Valley's real estate market moves fast, and the Marin County Fair's return this July signals a community focused on growth and investment.
Hard money loans skip the lengthy underwriting process. Approval hinges on the property's value and your equity position, not your credit score or income verification.
8–12%
Typical Rate Range
7–14 days
Closing Timeline
20–30%
Minimum Equity
None (collateral-based)
Credit Score Required
2–4 points
Typical Points
Hard Money Loans in Mill Valley
Hard money lenders care about one thing: the property's equity cushion. You'll need at least 20–30% equity or down payment to qualify. Credit scores below 600 don't disqualify you — the collateral does the talking.
Marin County's median household income of $142,785 supports homes in the $1.2 million range comfortably under conventional terms. Hard money borrowers often earn less but have substantial equity.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect hard money loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Mill Valley.
Mill Valley's real estate market moves fast, and the Marin County Fair's return this July signals a community focused on growth and investment.
Hard money loans skip the lengthy underwriting process. Approval hinges on the property's value and your equity position, not your credit score or income verification.
Hard money lenders care about one thing: the property's equity cushion. You'll need at least 20–30% equity or down payment to qualify. Credit scores below 600 don't disqualify you — the collateral does the talking.
California's hard money market is fragmented. Private lenders, hedge funds, and specialized finance companies compete on speed and flexibility. Rates run 8–12% depending on loan-to-value and exit strategy. Points (upfront fees) typically range 2–4 points.
Retail banks won't touch hard money deals. Brokers connect borrowers to private capital networks. The trade-off is clear: you pay more for speed and loose underwriting.
Hard money makes sense in Mill Valley when you're buying a fixer-upper, bridging to a sale, or facing a credit or income gap. The speed justifies the cost. It doesn't make sense if you can qualify for conventional — the rate penalty is steep.
A $1,249,125 conforming purchase at conventional rates costs far less over time than hard money's 8–12% rate. Use hard money as a tactical tool, not a long-term hold. Plan to refinance into conventional within 6–12 months or sell the property.
Conventional loans run 6–7% with 20% down and close in 30–45 days. Hard money runs 8–12% and closes in 7–14 days. The rate difference is real money over a decade — but if you need to close in two weeks, conventional isn't an option.
FHA loans offer lower rates than hard money but require full income verification and mortgage insurance. VA loans go zero-down with no PMI but demand a Certificate of Eligibility and standard underwriting timelines.
The new Hawk Hill trails in the Marin Headlands signal infrastructure investment across the county. Buyers renovating older Mill Valley homes often tap hard money to fund upgrades before conventional refinance. That equity upside justifies the short-term cost.
Super Duper's third Marin location opening in Corte Madera shows the region's commercial momentum. Investors buying rental or mixed-use properties in Mill Valley frequently use hard money to move fast, then refinance once stabilized income appears on the...
Hard money lenders rarely check credit scores. The property's equity and your exit strategy matter far more. Borrowers with 580 FICO and $500,000 in equity close routinely. Bring proof of funds and a clear plan.
7–14 days is standard. Some lenders close in 5 days if appraisal and title clear quickly. Conventional loans take 30–45 days. Speed is hard money's core advantage — and the reason rates run 8–12%.
Expect 2–4 points upfront (paid at closing) plus 1–2% in origination and processing fees. Total closing costs run 3–5% of the loan amount. A $500,000 hard money loan costs $15,000–$25,000 in fees and points combined.
Yes, but it's expensive for a long-term hold. Hard money works for primary residences when you're bridging a sale or need speed. Plan to refinance into conventional within 6–12 months to cut your rate and cost.
No. Hard money lenders skip income verification entirely. They focus on the property value and your equity position. Proof of funds and a solid exit strategy replace W-2s and tax returns.