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La Mesa sits in San Diego County, where the median household income of $102,285 supports homes across a wide price range. Hard money lenders serve buyers and investors who don't fit conventional timelines or credit profiles — fix-and-flip projects, bridge...
Hard money loans close in days, not weeks. They're asset-based, not income-based, which means your property's value and your exit strategy matter more than your credit score or tax returns.
8% to 15%
Typical Hard Money Rate
5 to 10 business days
Closing Timeline
20% to 30%
Typical Down Payment
No minimum
Credit Score Required
Hard Money Loans in La Mesa
Hard money lenders care about the property, not your FICO score. You'll need 20% to 30% down on most deals, though some lenders go lower on strong projects. Your exit strategy — refinance, sale, or cash-out — drives approval more than your employment history.
San Diego County's median household income of $102,285 supports homes across the market. Hard money isn't income-qualified, so that number matters less here than your equity position and the property's after-repair value.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect hard money loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in La Mesa.
La Mesa sits in San Diego County, where the median household income of $102,285 supports homes across a wide price range. Hard money lenders serve buyers and investors who don't fit conventional timelines or credit profiles — fix-and-flip projects, bridge...
Hard money loans close in days, not weeks. They're asset-based, not income-based, which means your property's value and your exit strategy matter more than your credit score or tax returns.
Hard money lenders care about the property, not your FICO score. You'll need 20% to 30% down on most deals, though some lenders go lower on strong projects. Your exit strategy — refinance, sale, or cash-out — drives approval more than your employment history.
California's hard money market is fragmented. Private lenders, hedge funds, and small lending groups compete on speed and flexibility.
Expect to shop multiple lenders. Each one prices differently based on LTV, property condition, and your experience. Broker relationships matter — a good broker knows which lenders move fast on your deal type and which ones avoid certain neighborhoods or...
Hard money makes sense in La Mesa when you're buying a fixer, need to close in two weeks, or can't qualify for conventional financing. It's the right tool for investors and non-traditional buyers.
The math works when your exit is clear. If you're refinancing into a bank loan after repairs, the hard money cost is temporary. If you're holding the property long-term, the rate eats into returns. Know your exit before you sign.
Hard money vs. conventional: conventional costs less if you qualify and can wait 30 days. Hard money costs more but closes in a week and doesn't care about your credit. Pick hard money when speed or non-traditional income matters.
Hard money vs. FHA: FHA is cheaper and lasts 30 years, but it requires owner-occupancy and a 580+ FICO. Hard money has no occupancy requirement and no credit floor, but the rate is 3% to 8% higher.
La Mesa's real estate market includes older homes and newer construction. Fix-and-flip investors find opportunity in the older stock — properties that need cosmetic or structural work.
San Diego County's median household income of $102,285 reflects a competitive market. Investors and cash-strapped buyers use hard money to move fast in that environment.
Hard money lenders don't have a minimum FICO. They focus on the property's value and your exit strategy. Some lenders want to see 600+ FICO as a sign of stability, but it's not a hard floor.
Hard money typically closes in 5 to 10 business days. Some lenders move faster with clean deals and clear exit strategies. Conventional loans take 30 to 45 days. That speed is hard money's biggest advantage — and its biggest cost.
Hard money rates in California typically range from 8% to 15%, depending on LTV, property condition, and lender. Lower LTV (more equity) gets lower rates. Higher LTV or problem properties cost more. Origination fees add 2% to 5% on top of the rate.
Yes, but it's usually not the best choice. Hard money is designed for investors and non-traditional deals. If you're buying a primary home and can qualify for conventional or FHA, those programs cost far less over time.
Hard money loans have short terms — typically 6 to 24 months. If you can't repay or refinance, the lender can foreclose. That's why your exit strategy matters. Know how you'll repay before you borrow.