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San Carlos real estate moves fast. Hard money loans fund in days, not weeks, giving investors the speed to compete against all-cash offers.
Most San Carlos fix-and-flip deals close with hard money. The loan amount depends on property value, not borrower income or credit history.
Rates typically run 9-14% for hard money in San Mateo County. As of February 2026, some lenders are beginning to accept crypto holdings as collateral alongside traditional real estate.
Hard Money Loans in San Carlos
Hard money lenders look at the property, not your tax returns. Most require 20-30% down and proof you can complete the renovation.
No minimum credit score on most programs. Lenders want to see your exit strategy and renovation budget with contractor bids.
You need a clear plan to refinance or sell within 12-24 months. Bridge financing extends the term if you need more time to stabilize the property.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect hard money loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Carlos.
San Carlos real estate moves fast. Hard money loans fund in days, not weeks, giving investors the speed to compete against all-cash offers.
Most San Carlos fix-and-flip deals close with hard money. The loan amount depends on property value, not borrower income or credit history.
Rates typically run 9-14% for hard money in San Mateo County. As of February 2026, some lenders are beginning to accept crypto holdings as collateral alongside traditional real estate.
We work with 15+ hard money lenders who fund San Carlos deals. Each one has different property type preferences and max loan amounts.
Some lenders cap loans at $2 million. Others go to $5 million for experienced investors with proven track records.
New programs now accept verified cryptocurrency as additional collateral. This works well for tech investors in San Carlos who hold digital assets but lack traditional W-2 income.
Most San Carlos investors use hard money for the purchase, then refinance to DSCR once the property generates rent. This two-step approach costs more upfront but unlocks deals you can't get conventionally.
Watch out for prepayment penalties. Some hard money lenders charge 3-6 months interest if you pay off early, which kills your profit on quick flips.
The best deals pair hard money with a contractor who knows San Carlos permit timelines. Delays destroy your carry cost on a 12% loan.
Bridge loans offer lower rates than hard money but take 2-3 weeks longer to close. Use them when you don't need same-week funding.
DSCR loans cost less but require the property to already generate rental income. They don't work for vacant fixers or ground-up construction.
Construction loans from banks take 45+ days and require perfect credit. Hard money closes in a week with credit scores in the 500s.
San Carlos permits can take 8-12 weeks for kitchen and bath remodels. Build permit wait time into your hard money term or you'll get crushed on interest.
Most San Carlos investment properties sell or rent within 30 days once renovated. The strong market supports aggressive hard money strategies if you execute on schedule.
Lenders prefer single-family homes in San Carlos over condos. Condo restrictions and HOA approval slow down both renovation timelines and eventual sale.
Most deals close in 5-10 business days. We've funded San Carlos purchases in 72 hours when borrowers had appraisals and clean title.
No minimum on most programs. Lenders focus on property value and your renovation plan, not credit history.
No. Hard money is for investment properties only. Look at FHA 203k or conventional renovation loans for owner-occupied homes.
Rates run 9-14% depending on loan-to-value and borrower experience. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
First-time flippers qualify but expect higher rates and lower leverage. Most lenders want to see a contractor and detailed budget.
Select lenders now accept verified crypto holdings as additional collateral. This helps tech investors with digital assets qualify for larger loan amounts.