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Big Bear Lake is a mountain resort market. Cabins, vacation rentals, and fixer-uppers move fast — and conventional financing rarely keeps pace.
Hard money loans are asset-based. The property secures the loan, not your tax returns. That speed is the whole point in a market like this.
6–24 months
Typical Loan Term
60–70% of ARV
Max LTV (typical)
Asset-based
Credit Focus
Acquire & rehab
Loan Purpose
7–14 days
Est. Close Time
Hard Money Loans in Big Bear Lake
Credit scores matter less here. Lenders focus on the deal — the property's current value and your exit strategy.
Most lenders want 30–40% equity or down payment. Expect rates well above conventional. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect hard money loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear Lake is a mountain resort market. Cabins, vacation rentals, and fixer-uppers move fast — and conventional financing rarely keeps pace.
Hard money loans are asset-based. The property secures the loan, not your tax returns. That speed is the whole point in a market like this.
Credit scores matter less here. Lenders focus on the deal — the property's current value and your exit strategy.
Banks don't do hard money. You're working with private lenders and funds — each with different appetites for mountain resort properties.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders at SRK CAPITAL. That includes private funds actively lending in San Bernardino County resort zones.
Big Bear fixer-uppers are popular flips. But lenders price the risk of seasonal access, short-term rental zoning, and mountain rehab costs.
Know your after-repair value (ARV) cold before you call a lender. That number drives everything — loan amount, rate, and whether the deal pencils.
Bridge loans are similar but typically used between property transactions. Hard money is broader — it covers acquisition, rehab, or both.
DSCR loans are better for stabilized rentals with cash flow. Hard money fits the buy-and-flip or buy-and-renovate phase before a property is rent-ready.
Big Bear Lake sits at 6,752 feet. Lenders factor in snow load, mountain utility access, and higher rehab costs when sizing your loan.
San Bernardino County's short-term rental regulations affect exit strategies. If your plan depends on Airbnb income, confirm local zoning first.
Many private lenders close in 7–14 days. Mountain property appraisals can add time, so build that into your offer timeline.
Most lenders cap at 60–70% of value or ARV. Resort and vacation properties sometimes see tighter limits than standard residential.
Yes, but your exit strategy matters. Lenders want to know if you're flipping, refinancing into a DSCR loan, or selling outright.
Some lenders require prior flip or rehab experience. First-timers can still qualify but may face stricter LTV requirements.
Most hard money loans allow extensions for a fee. Negotiate extension terms before closing — don't assume they're automatic.
Most are fixed for the short term. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions — get your term sheet before committing to a deal.