Virginia Beach Hard Money Lenders: Quick Approval Loans
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Joseph Gordon EditorCloseJoseph Gordon Editor
Joseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
Are you considering a hard money loan in Virginia Beach? This article will guide you through the essentials of hard money loans, their costs, and alternatives, helping you make an informed decision. Whether you’re flipping homes or need quick financing, understanding hard money loans can give you a competitive edge in this dynamic market.
Hard money loans provide fast, flexible funding for real estate projects when traditional loans aren’t an option. These loans can be a valuable resource in Virginia Beach, where property values are constantly evolving.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes and is not intended to be construed as financial advice. HomeLight always encourages you to consult your own advisor.
What is a hard money lender?
A hard money lender offers short-term, asset-based loans primarily to real estate investors like house flippers and those purchasing rental properties.
Unlike traditional lenders, hard money lenders focus on the property’s after-repair value (ARV) — the estimated value of the property once renovations are complete. This allows them to provide loans based on future potential rather than current conditions.
Interest rates for hard money loans are higher than conventional loans, typically ranging from 8% to 15%, reflecting the higher risk and quick access to funds. Additionally, lenders charge origination fees and other costs. If a borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender can take possession of the property, making it crucial to understand the terms and potential risks involved.
How does a hard money loan work?
Hard money loans in Virginia Beach are straightforward, offering flexibility and speed for real estate projects. Here’s a closer look at their features:
- Short-term loan: Hard money loans typically have terms ranging from six months to a few years, which is ideal for quick turnaround projects like flipping houses.
- Faster funding option: Approval and funding can occur in days, unlike traditional loans which can take 30 to 50 days, enabling you to act quickly on opportunities.
- Less focus on creditworthiness: Lenders prioritize the property’s value over your credit score, making it easier for those with less-than-perfect credit to secure a loan.
- More focus on property value: The loan amount is based on the property’s ARV, providing higher loan-to-value ratios compared to traditional loans.
- Not traditional lenders: Private investors or companies offer these loans, providing more flexibility than conventional banks.
- Loan denial option: Lenders can deny the loan if the property doesn’t meet their criteria, ensuring they minimize risk.
- Higher interest rates: Rates range from 8% to 15%, reflecting the higher risk associated with these loans.
- Might require larger down payments: Down payments can be 20% to 30% of the property’s value, ensuring you have a significant stake in the project.
- More flexibility: Lenders can offer customized terms, such as interest-only payments, to suit your specific needs.
- Potential for interest-only payments: Some loans allow for lower initial payments by focusing only on interest, preserving cash flow for your project.
What are hard money loans used for?
Hard money loans serve various purposes in real estate investing. Here’s a look at five common uses:
- Flipping a house: These loans provide quick funds to purchase and renovate homes, helping you capitalize on market opportunities. (Learn more)
- Buying an investment rental property: Investors use hard money loans to acquire rental properties, leveraging the property’s future rental income for repayment. (Learn more)
- Purchasing commercial real estate: Quick financing can help secure commercial properties in competitive markets, where timing is crucial. (Learn more)
- Borrowers who can’t qualify for traditional loans: Those with credit issues can still access funds based on the property’s value rather than their financial history. (Learn more)
- Homeowners facing foreclosure: Hard money loans can offer a lifeline to prevent foreclosure, allowing homeowners to refinance or sell under better conditions. (Learn more)
How much do hard money loans cost?
Hard money loans generally cost more than traditional loans due to the increased risk and convenience of quick funding. Typical costs include:
Interest rates: These range from 8% to 15%, depending on the lender’s risk assessment.
Origination fees: Lenders charge 1% to 5% of the loan amount as a fee for processing the loan.
Closing costs: Additional fees at closing can include legal fees, appraisal fees, and other administrative costs. (Learn more)
Points: Lenders might charge points (a percentage of the loan amount) upfront, adding to the initial cost. (Learn more)
You can also use online calculators to estimate your hard money loan costs, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the financial commitment involved.
Alternatives to working with hard money lenders
If hard money loans don’t seem right for you, consider these alternatives:
Take out a second mortgage: A home equity loan or HELOC can provide needed funds at a lower interest rate.
Cash-out refinance: Refinance your existing property to pull out cash for your new investment, often at lower interest rates. (Learn more)
Borrow from family or friends: Personal loans from family or friends can offer flexible terms and potentially lower or no interest.
Use a government-backed loan program: FHA, VA, or USDA programs can help with lower down payments and reduced interest rates.
Peer-to-peer loan: These are typically individual investors found through lending platforms and offer loans with varying terms.
Specialized loan programs: Look into loans for fixer-uppers or investment property refinancing.
Request a seller financing option: Sellers may finance the purchase themselves, resulting in lower closing costs and less stringent eligibility requirements.
How to buy before you sell
Sometimes, the perfect listing pops up when you’re least expecting it. Maybe it’s a rare mid-century modern home or a two-bedroom condo within walking distance of your job.
If you’re a Virginia Beach homeowner wanting to buy a new home before selling your current one, HomeLight offers an innovative solution that streamlines the process.
The Buy Before You Sell (BBYS) program allows you to leverage the equity in your existing home to make a stronger, non-contingent offer on a new property. If your home qualifies, you can get your equity unlock amount approved in 24 hours or less, with no cost or commitment required. Once approved, you can confidently purchase your next home and then sell your current one vacant, avoiding the hassle of moving twice.
Here’s how HomeLight Buy Before You Sell works:
Although there’s a flat fee of 2.4% of your current home’s sold price, the potential savings in other areas might outweigh the cost.
For example, you might save on moving expenses, temporary housing, and even the final purchase price of your new home. On top of that, HomeLight’s BBYS fees are typically much lower than the interest rates on bridge loans, which currently range from 9.5% to 12%.
3 top hard money lenders in Virginia Beach
Traditional lenders might not be the solution for every real estate investment. If you’re looking to move quickly and capitalize on an opportunity, explore the hard money lending options available in Virginia Beach.
LendingDeck
Based in Richmond, LendingDeck caters to real estate investors by offering both short-term fix-and-flip loans and long-term rental financing. Their loans can be used to purchase or refinance non-owner-occupied residential properties, complete renovation projects, or finance long-term rentals.
The company’s loan programs are available in 42 states, including Virginia. Once all documentation has been submitted, fix-and-flip and rental loans typically close in 15–20 business days. Rates start at 9.99% for fix-and-flip loans and 7.00% for rental loans.
Lending clientele: Residential real estate investors
Loan criteria: Up to 90% LTV (fix-and-flip), up to 80% LTV (rental)
LendingDeck has a Google rating of 4.9 stars based on more than 30 reviews. They are also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and hold an A+ rating. Customers highlight their professionalism, responsiveness, and competitive rates.
800-547-9080
Washington Capital Partners
Founded in 2012, Washington Capital Partners is a hard money lender based in McLean. The company offers eight different loan programs, including acquisition-only, fix-and-flip, rental, cash-out refinancing, bridge financing, loan refinancing, transactional funding, and new construction.
They lend in 10 states, including Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Lending clientele: Real estate investors and developers
Loan criteria: Up to up to 70% LTV (fix-and-flip), up to 80% LTV (rental), up to 75% LTC (new construction)
Washington Capital Partners is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and has a Google rating of 4.6 stars based on more than 70 reviews. Customers praise their exceptional customer service, professionalism, and reliability.
703-348-0549
Friendly Rehab Funds
Friendly Rehab Funds, based in Virginia, offers hard money loans to real estate investors and property owners in the Greater Richmond Area, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg. Eligible properties include single-family residential, multi-family residential, and commercial.
They provide fast, flexible private financing to new and experienced investors and can close loans within five days. Loan terms are generally nine months, with a potential three-month extension for borrowers in good standing.
Lending clientele: Real estate investors
Loan criteria: Typically, 65%–70% ARV
Although Friendly Rehab Funds is not BBB-accredited, the company maintains an A+ rating. They also have a 3.5-star rating on Google based on a limited number of reviews. Positive reviews mention the team’s speed, low rates, and expert advice.
804-593-5100
Should I partner with a hard money lender in Virginia Beach?
The decision to use a hard money lender in Virginia Beach should be based on your individual situation and real estate investment goals.
Hard money loans are ideal for projects requiring quick turnaround or when traditional financing isn’t an option. If you’re ready to manage the higher costs and shorter repayment terms in exchange for fast, flexible funding, consider contacting a hard money lender in Virginia Beach for your next investment opportunity.
For homeowners looking to tap into their home’s equity, a program like HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell might be a better fit. Instead of taking on a sky-high interest rate, you’ll pay a small flat fee while benefitting from a more competitive offer and a simplified move.
As with any major financial decision, consider your long-term strategy and consult a financial advisor to ensure it aligns with your overall investment goals.
If you’re looking to connect with investor-friendly real estate agents in Virginia Beach who have access to trusted hard money lenders, let HomeLight introduce you to top professionals in your area who fit that criteria.
Header Image Source: (jomo333 / Depositphotos)
- "What is ARV and how is it calculated?," Rehab Financial Group (June 2023)
- "A Comprehensive Guide to Common Terms Used in Hard Money Lending," LinkedIn, Joseph Walker (September 2023)
- "What Are The Costs Involved In A Hard Money Loan?," NorthWest Private Lending (March 2024)
- "What Is Loan-to-Value and Why Does it Matter?," U.S. News, Ben Luthi & Rebecca Safier (March 2024)