Hard Money Loan

Methodology authored by Zach Wade, Wade Intel — operator-led lender tech methodology firm. Definitions validated against production borrower-validation runs with working bridge lenders. · Last reviewed 2026-07-10

What is Hard Money Loan?

A type of bridge loan funded by private investors or non-bank lenders, secured primarily by the value of the real estate collateral rather than the borrower’s creditworthiness. Rates are typically 10-15% with 1-3 points origination.

Why it matters to bridge lenders

Hard money lending relies heavily on collateral value but borrower quality still matters. A borrower with multiple prior defaults, suspended entities, or pending litigation represents outsized risk even with strong collateral. PulseClose helps you evaluate borrower risk beyond just the property.