Expert Hard Money Second Mortgage Lenders in California and Beyond

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In California and beyond, hard money second mortgage lenders offer a unique financing option for investors and homeowners. This type of loan is designed for short-term use, typically 12-24 months.

Hard money second mortgage lenders often have more flexible underwriting guidelines than traditional lenders, making it easier for borrowers to qualify. They also offer faster closing times, usually within 7-10 days.

For example, a borrower may use a hard money second mortgage to cover renovation costs, then refinance with a traditional lender once the property is renovated. This strategy can help borrowers avoid paying interest on a traditional second mortgage while the property is being improved.

Hard money second mortgage lenders typically charge higher interest rates and fees than traditional lenders, but offer a more efficient and streamlined process.

What is a Hard Money Second Mortgage?

A hard money second mortgage is a type of second trust deed loan that's commonly used. It's a riskier loan for the lender, as they're in a junior position to the first mortgage.

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The lender's risk is higher because if the borrower stops making payments, the first mortgage lender can foreclose on the property, wiping out the second mortgage. This means the second mortgage lender could lose their entire investment.

To mitigate this risk, hard money second mortgage lenders often require a lower loan-to-value ratio, which means the borrower must keep a certain amount of equity in the property. This reduces the lender's risk.

Second mortgage lenders also typically have a sufficient amount of cash available to save their loan in the event of default.

California Hard Money Lenders

North Coast Financial has over 40 years of experience as a direct hard money lender in California, providing both business and consumer purpose hard money 2nd loans.

They offer quick approval and funding, competitive rates and fees, and excellent customer service, as seen in their reviews.

North Coast Financial can provide hard money second trust deeds in California up to a combined loan to value (CLTV) of 55-60%.

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2nd position hard money loan requests of $20,000 to $250,000 can be considered.

Hard money 2nds are available on investment property (2nd position commercial loans) and owner-occupied property for both business purpose and consumer purpose.

Expect interest rates for California 2nd trust deeds to be in the range of 10-13%.

Here are some key features of California hard money lenders:

San Jose Estate

San Jose Estate loans can be a great option for homeowners in need of quick access to cash. A recent deal in San Jose, California, highlights the possibilities of hard money second mortgages.

North Coast Financial provided a $40,000 2nd position estate loan in San Jose, California, specifically in Santa Clara County. This loan was a significant amount, demonstrating the potential for substantial funding through hard money second mortgages.

Orange Deal

North Coast Financial has experience funding hard money 2nd loans in Orange County, California.

They recently provided funding for a $50,000 hard money 2nd loan in Orange, California. This loan was a significant investment in the area, demonstrating the company's ability to support local real estate projects.

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North Coast Financial has also funded a $75,000 hard money 2nd loan in Irvine, California, which is also located in Orange County. This loan further highlights the company's expertise in hard money lending.

Their experience in Orange County suggests that they have a good understanding of the local real estate market and can provide valuable support to borrowers in the area.

Recommended read: Orange Money

Atlanta

In Atlanta, hard money second mortgages are a common financing option for property owners. A Second Mortgage Position is a 2nd Lien on the property, falling behind the 1st mortgage.

The structure of a second mortgage can be either a fixed amount to be paid off in a specific time, called a home equity term, or a credit card-like option where the borrower can make a payment less than the interest charged each month.

In Atlanta, 2nd mortgages are riskier for lenders, resulting in a higher interest rate compared to first mortgages. The loan structure is designed so that if the loan goes into default, the first mortgage gets paid off first before the second mortgage.

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Commercial loans in Atlanta can have multiple loans as long as the equity supports it. However, due to lender guidelines, it is rare for conventional loans to have a 3rd or 4th mortgage on a property.

On non-owner occupied properties in Atlanta, we offer stated income and stated assets hard money loans and subprime loans.

Alternative Mortgage Options

If you're struggling to secure a traditional mortgage, you may want to consider alternative mortgage options. Hard money second mortgages can be a viable solution for borrowers with less than perfect credit.

One of the benefits of hard money second mortgages is that lenders can overlook issues on a borrower's record such as bad credit, short sales, loan modifications, bankruptcies, and foreclosures. As long as the real estate serving as collateral has sufficient equity, the lender can still consider providing the loan.

Borrowers will need to prove their income and qualify based on their debt to income ratio if the 2nd loan would be considered consumer purpose. This is required due to current federal regulations.

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Hard money second mortgages can also be used for debt consolidation, which can help expedite the repairing of a borrower's credit scores. By refinancing high-interest debt down to a more reasonable interest rate, borrowers can save money and improve their financial situation.

Interest rates for secured debt, such as a hard money second mortgage, are typically less expensive than unsecured debt, such as credit cards. This can be a significant advantage for borrowers who need to consolidate debt.

Business Purpose vs Consumer Purpose

The type of loan you need depends on how you plan to use the borrowed funds. If you're using the majority of the funds for business purposes, such as investing in or starting a business, or purchasing investment real estate properties, the loan will be considered business purpose.

North Coast Financial is one of the few lenders that can provide both business purpose and consumer purpose hard money loans. The majority of 2nd mortgage hard money lenders only provide business purpose loans.

Here's an interesting read: Hard Money Lenders Business Loans

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Whether the loan is business purpose or consumer purpose has nothing to do with the type of real estate used as collateral. A 2nd mortgage against a commercial property can be a consumer purpose loan if the funds are used to pay off personal credit cards.

A 2nd mortgage against a primary residence can be a business purpose loan if the funds are used to purchase equipment for a business. This highlights the importance of understanding the purpose of the loan when applying for a hard money second mortgage.

Hard Money Lenders and Programs

North Coast Financial is a California direct hard money lender with over 40 years of experience. They provide both business and consumer purpose hard money 2nd loans.

North Coast Financial can provide hard money second trust deeds up to a combined loan to value (CLTV) of 55-60%. This is available on investment property and owner-occupied property for both business and consumer purpose.

Their hard money 2nd loan program allows for same day approval and funding can be as quick as 3-5 days for investment properties. For owner-occupied properties, funding can take 2-3 weeks.

North Coast Financial Program

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The North Coast Financial Hard Money 2nd Mortgage Loan Program offers same day approval for loan applications.

Loan approval is quick, but the time to fund the loan varies depending on the investment type. If you're investing, it can take 3-5 days, while owner-occupied properties can take 2-3 weeks to fund.

This program is suitable for a range of property types, including residential (single family, multi-family), commercial, and industrial properties.

Loan amounts range from $20,000 to $250,000, and loan terms can last from 1 to 3 years.

The loan is a 2nd mortgage, and the loan to value ratio can be up to 55-60% of the combined loan to value.

You won't have to worry about appraisal fees or hidden fees with this program.

Here's a summary of the program's key features:

Trust Deed Rates

Trust Deed Rates are influenced by the lender's risk level. Hard money 2nd trust deed loans have higher interest rates due to the increased risk to the lender.

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Expect interest rates for California 2nd trust deeds to be in the range of 10-13%. This is because the lender of the 2nd position takes on more risk, as they may be wiped out if the borrower defaults on the 1st loan.

The lender's risk is higher in 2nd position because they are behind a large 1st loan. This extra risk is the reason for the higher interest rate.

The specific lender, borrower strength, CLTV, and property location are factors that can affect the interest rate.

Benefits and Locations

Hard money second mortgages can be a lifesaver for real estate investors in need of quick access to cash. They offer a fast and flexible financing solution, often with approval times as short as 7-10 days.

In the right locations, hard money second mortgages can be a highly profitable investment strategy. Properties in areas with high demand and limited supply, such as California or Florida, tend to perform well.

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Hard money lenders often require a 20-30% down payment, which can be a significant upfront cost. However, this can also be a good opportunity to negotiate a better interest rate or terms.

Real estate investors can use hard money second mortgages to fund renovations, pay off existing debt, or even purchase additional properties. This can help them scale their business and increase their cash flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is it to get a second mortgage?

Qualifying for a second mortgage is more challenging than a first mortgage, with a stricter debt-to-income ratio of usually 45%. You'll need to consider adding the second mortgage payment to your current housing costs to meet this threshold.

What is the downside to a second mortgage?

Using your home as collateral for a second mortgage means you risk losing your home to foreclosure if you miss payments. Foreclosure can have serious financial consequences, making it essential to carefully consider the risks before taking out a second mortgage

How much can you borrow for a 2nd mortgage?

You can typically borrow up to 85% of your home's value minus your current mortgage debts. This amount is based on your home's equity, which is usually 15-20% of its value.

Who qualifies for a hard money loan?

Hard money loans are typically suitable for individuals who don't qualify for traditional financing, such as house flippers and real estate investors

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg

Senior Writer

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the industry. His writing portfolio showcases a breadth of expertise, with a particular focus on the freight market trends.

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