Funding California real estate investors since 1997

California Hard Money Loan Program

UP TO 75% ARV · FUNDED IN 5–10 DAYS

One lending program built for California investors: fix and flip, bridge, new construction, and buy‑rehab‑hold loans underwritten on the property — not on tax returns. In‑house underwriting, draw funding that matches real job schedules, and straight answers before you apply.

(951) 780‑1000

A hard money program built around the deal

Banks underwrite borrowers. Our California hard money loan program underwrites real estate: what the property is worth today, what it will be worth after the work, how much equity is in the deal, and how the loan gets paid off. That is why investors use hard money to compete with cash offers, fund rehab budgets, and close on timelines a conventional lender cannot meet.

What the California hard money program covers

Fix & Flip Loan Program

Purchase plus rehab financing for California flippers. Rehab funds are released in draws as work is completed, so you are not carrying interest on money you have not used yet.

Up to 75% ARV

6–18 month term

Interest only

Bridge Loan Program

Short-term capital when timing matters more than the rate — buy before you sell, close on a trustee sale, or hold a property while you line up permanent financing.

Up to 70% LTV

6–24 month term

Fast close

New Construction Program

Ground-up funding for infill lots and small California builders, structured around your build schedule with inspections and draws tied to real progress.

Up to 70% of cost

12–24 month term

Draw funded

Buy, Rehab & Hold Program

Acquire and stabilize a California rental with hard money, then refinance into long-term debt once the property is renovated, leased, and seasoned.

Up to 70% LTV

12–36 month term

Refi exit

How the loan process works

From submission to wire, most California hard money loans in this program close in five to ten business days.

1. Submit the deal

Send the address, purchase price, rehab budget, after-repair value, and your exit plan. No tax returns or W-2s required — this is business-purpose lending underwritten on the property.

2. Term sheet and underwriting

You get loan amount, rate, points, and term in writing. We order valuation, review title and insurance, and confirm the scope of work and budget.

3. Docs and signing

Loan documents go to escrow. Most California hard money files sign within a few days of a complete package, with no broker chain and no last-minute repricing.

4. Fund and draw

Purchase funds wire at close, typically in five to ten business days. Rehab draws are inspected and released as you complete each phase of the project.

Program requirements

Non-owner-occupied, business-purpose California property.
25%–35% down payment or equity in the deal.
Realistic rehab budget and scope of work.
A clear exit: resale or a refinance you can qualify for.
Reserves for carrying costs through the loan term.
Entity or individual borrower — LLCs welcome.

What to send with your deal

Purchase contract or current payoff statement
Rehab budget and scope of work
Comparable sales or rent estimate supporting the exit
Proof of funds for down payment and reserves
Track record of prior projects, if you have one
Entity documents for LLC or corporate borrowers

Looking for pricing instead?

Program loans generally price from 9.5% interest with 2 to 4 origination points. See the full rate table, what moves your rate, and the markets we lend in.

California hard money loan rates

California hard money program FAQs

What is a hard money loan program?

A hard money loan program is a set of short-term, asset-based lending products for real estate investors. Instead of qualifying on income documentation, you qualify on the property's value, the equity in the deal, and a credible exit strategy. The Norris Group's California program covers fix and flip, bridge, new construction, and buy-rehab-hold financing.

Who qualifies for the California hard money program?

Real estate investors buying non-owner-occupied California property for a business purpose. That includes first-time flippers with a solid deal and reserves, experienced rehabbers, landlords building a rental portfolio, and small builders. Owner-occupied consumer home loans are not eligible.

How much can I borrow?

Most loans in the program go up to 75% of after-repair value on fix and flip deals, or up to 70% of value or cost on bridge and construction loans. Loan size depends on the property, market, and your experience, so the practical answer comes from the specific deal.

How fast can the program close a loan?

Clean California files typically fund in five to ten business days once valuation, title, and insurance are in place. A complete submission — contract, budget, comps, and proof of funds — is the single biggest factor in closing speed.

How do rehab draws work?

Rehab money is held back and released in draws as work is completed. You submit a draw request, an inspection confirms the work, and funds are wired. This keeps your interest cost tied to the money you have actually used.

Do I need to be in an LLC to borrow?

No, but entity borrowers are common and welcome. Many California investors hold projects in an LLC for liability and accounting reasons. Individual borrowers on business-purpose, non-owner-occupied property also qualify.

What credit score do I need?

There is no rigid cutoff. Credit is reviewed as one factor alongside equity, experience, and exit strategy. Recent foreclosures, open judgments, or unresolved liens can reduce leverage or require additional reserves.

What does the loan cost?

California hard money in this program generally prices from 9.5% interest with 2 to 4 origination points, depending on leverage, property type, term, and borrower experience. See the full breakdown on our California hard money loan rates page.