Hard Money & Bridge Loans · My Mortgage Company
Hard Money & Bridge Loans in Bakersfield, CA
Speed is your edge. Close investment property deals in 7–14 days with asset-based lending — no income verification, no W-2s, minimal documentation. For serious real estate investors who cannot wait.
Investor Advantages
Why Hard Money Works for Investors
Close in 7–14 Days
Hard money loans are underwritten on the asset, not the borrower. Minimal documentation means lightning-fast closings — often 7 to 14 business days.
Asset-Based Qualification
Credit and income requirements are minimal. The loan is secured primarily by the real estate asset — making qualification far more accessible than traditional financing.
Bridge Financing
Bridge the gap between buying and selling, between renovation and refinance, or between an opportunity and long-term financing. Short-term loans, 6–24 months.
Competitive for Investors
Win deals that conventional borrowers cannot. Cash-equivalent speed lets you compete against all-cash buyers on distressed, off-market, and auction properties.
Program Details
Hard Money Loan Terms
Hard money is priced for speed, not the lowest rate. These are short-term bridge tools — not long-term financing. Know your exit before you enter.
- Property-based underwriting — residential (1–4 units) and small commercial
- Loan-to-value (LTV): typically 65–75% of current appraised value (or purchase price)
- Minimum credit score varies by program (some programs: no minimum)
- Loan terms: 6–24 months (interest-only payments typical)
- Interest rates: 9–13% depending on LTV, property, and borrower experience
- Origination fee: 1–3 points
- Exit strategy required: sale, refinance, or permanent financing after stabilization
- Property appraisal or BPO required
Common Questions
Hard Money Loan FAQ
What is a hard money loan and how does it work?
A hard money loan is a short-term, asset-based loan secured by real estate. Unlike conventional mortgages that evaluate your income and credit extensively, hard money lenders focus primarily on the value of the collateral property. The loan is funded quickly (often in 7–14 days) and typically carries higher rates (9–13%) and shorter terms (6–24 months). Investors use hard money to acquire properties fast, then refinance into long-term financing once the property is stabilized or renovated.
What is the difference between a hard money loan and a bridge loan?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but "bridge loan" generally implies a slightly lower-risk scenario — bridging the gap while waiting for permanent financing, selling a property, or stabilizing a recently renovated rental. "Hard money" is the broader term for asset-based short-term lending. Both share the same core mechanics: fast close, short term, higher rate, asset as primary collateral.
What types of properties qualify for hard money loans?
Most hard money programs cover residential investment properties (single-family, 2–4 units), small multifamily (5–10 units), and light commercial. Owner-occupied primary residences are generally excluded due to consumer protection regulations. Properties in distress (foreclosure, fire-damaged, deferred maintenance) often qualify where conventional lenders will not go.
How do I exit a hard money loan?
Your exit strategy is one of the first questions a hard money lender will ask. Common exits include: (1) Sell the property at or after completion of improvements. (2) Refinance into a long-term DSCR or conventional investment loan once the property is leased and stabilized. (3) Refinance into a bank statement loan if the borrower is self-employed. Having a clear, realistic exit before you close is essential.
Need to Close Fast?
Omar connects Kern County investors with the right hard money programs for their deal — and helps plan the exit before you close.
My Mortgage Company, Inc. · CA DRE #02168831 · NMLS #2269164 · Broker: Omar L. Ortiz, NMLS #951384, DRE #02056548. Hard money and bridge loans are Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) products and are not federally backed. These are short-term investment property loans — not suitable for owner-occupied primary residences. Rates and terms subject to change. Loans subject to credit and property approval. All figures, rates, fee ranges, and examples shown on this page are for informational purposes only and are not a guarantee of rates, fees, loan terms, or qualification. This is not a commitment to lend.