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Hard Money Basics

How Do Hard Money Loans Work?

No jargon and no sales pitch. This is how we explain it at the Averlend desk, with the math that matters.

Hard Money Basics

The short version, then the substance.

Key Takeaways

  • Step one: the asset gets underwritten
  • Step two: terms, documents, close
  • Step three: the term and the exit

Step one: the asset gets underwritten. You submit the collateral, the numbers, and your exit plan. The lender values the asset, confirms the lien position is clean, and sizes the loan as a percentage of value. At Averlend that can run up to 90% of the deal.

Step two: terms, documents, close. You get a term sheet with the rate, points, term, and structure. Sign, the lien gets recorded, and the wire goes out. On a clean file this whole arc takes days.

Step three: the term and the exit. Most hard money runs 12 months, interest-only, with the principal retired by your exit: a sale, a refinance, or stabilized cash flow. The loan is a tool with a built-in clock, and good borrowers plan the exit before they take the money.

The South Texas angle. Averlend underwrites this every week in Corpus Christi and across Nueces County. If you are working a deal in downtown or anywhere else in the metro, the theory above comes with a local desk attached: see our Corpus Christi lending page or send the deal directly.

Keep learning

Related reading and next steps.

How the Averlend Close works

Our four-step process from application to wire.

Read more

San Antonio lending

Our home-market desk for Bexar County deals.

Read more

Corpus Christi lending

Coastal Bend deals, underwritten by locals.

Read more

Questions

Quick answers from the Averlend desk.

Yes. Everything in this guide reflects how we actually underwrite: asset-first, up to 90% of value, 12 month terms, funded in days across San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and South Texas.
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Send the collateral, the numbers, and the exit. An Averlend rep will reach out ASAP, same business day.