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Private Money Hawaii

Hard Money Loan Requirements in Hawaii

A Straightforward Guide for Hawaii Real Estate Investors

When timing is critical in Hawaii’s competitive real estate market, a hard money loan can provide the speed and flexibility banks cannot. But what exactly are the requirements to qualify for a hard money loan in Hawaii? This guide breaks down borrower expectations, property eligibility, financial terms, and local nuances so you know what to prepare before applying.

Why Hard Money Loans Are Different from Bank Loans

Traditional mortgages in Hawaii can take 30–60 days to close and rely heavily on credit history and tax returns. In contrast, private money lenders in Honolulu and across Oʻahu focus on the asset—the property—and your exit strategy. That means fewer documents, faster approvals, and higher approval rates for investors who may not qualify at a bank.
Hard Money Lending Hawaii

Key Requirements for a Hard Money Loan in Hawaii

  • Down Payment / Equity: Most lenders require 25–30% down. Loan-to-Value (LTV) usually maxes out at 70%.
  • Property Type: Eligible properties include single-family homes, multi-family units, condos, land, and select commercial buildings. Leasehold properties in Hawaii may require additional review.
  • Proof of Funds: Recent bank statements or investment account balances to show liquidity for payments and renovations.
  • Exit Strategy: A documented plan to repay—such as a resale, refinance into a DSCR loan, or generating rental income.
  • Documentation: Basic ID, signed purchase contract, rehab budget, and LLC documents (if borrowing through an entity).
  • Experience: First-time investors can qualify, but seasoned flippers or developers often receive more favorable terms.

How Hard Money Lending Works in Hawaii

A Hawaii hard money lender evaluates your deal primarily by property value and project plan. Typical terms include:

  • Loan terms: 6–24 months
  • Interest rates: 9–12%
  • Payments: interest-only
  • Origination fees: 1–3 points
  • Closing timeline: 7–14 days

Because private lenders emphasize speed, investors use hard money loans to acquire distressed properties, fund fix-and-flip projects in Honolulu, or move quickly on competitive deals across Maui, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island.

Hard Money Loan Requirements in Hawaii

Local Factors to Consider in Hawaii

Hawaii’s real estate market has unique characteristics that influence hard money loan requirements:

  • Leasehold vs. Fee Simple: Some properties are leasehold, which can affect lender approval and resale value.
  • Zoning & Permits: Projects in Honolulu and other counties may need strict permitting, which lenders expect borrowers to account for.
  • High Land Values: Especially on Oʻahu, higher values mean larger down payments or additional collateral.
  • Title & Escrow: Hawaii uses both Land Court and Bureau of Conveyances, which can slightly impact closing timelines.

Best Places in Hawaii for Hard Money Investments

While Honolulu and Waikiki remain hotbeds for real estate, other promising markets include:

  • Kailua: Popular for single-family flips and vacation rentals.
  • Hilo: Affordable entry point with growth potential.
  • Lahaina (Maui): Opportunities in redevelopment and luxury homes.
  • Kona (Big Island): Increasing investor activity in residential and mixed-use properties.

FAQs: Hard Money Loan Requirements in Hawaii

Do I need tax returns?

Usually no. Most lenders focus on property value and exit strategy, not income history.

What’s the minimum credit score?

Credit is less important, but a score above 600 helps. Many lenders approve lower if the deal is strong.

Can foreign investors qualify?

Yes, but they may face additional documentation requirements.

How fast can I close?

With all documents ready, many loans close in 7–10 business days.

Final Thoughts

From Maui’s luxury homes to affordable housing in Hilo, understanding the requirements for Hawaii hard money loans helps you prepare the right documents and secure funding fast. By working with an experienced Hawaii hard money lender, investors can access flexible, asset-based financing to compete in one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the U.S.

Offering Rates Starts at 9%

At Private Money Hawaii, we are proud to fund commercial properties, multi-family residential, investment residential properties, fix and flip projects, land, and construction in Honolulu and across the Hawaii Islands.

Ready for a Honolulu Hard Money Loan? Fast, Flexible Financing Across Hawaii

Act Fast with a Trusted Local Partner

Secure funding in as little as 7–14 days. No bank delays—just Honolulu hard money loans designed for investors who need speed and certainty.

Tailored Loan Programs

From fix-and-flip loans in Oʻahu to bridge loans in Honolulu, DSCR rental financing, and construction loans across Hawaii, we customize terms around your project’s needs. With interest-only payment options, LTV up to 70%, and clear origination fees, you’ll have flexible funding that works for you.

Local Expertise You Can Trust

Led by veteran lender David Ige, with nearly 30 years of experience funding Hawaii investment property loans, we combine deep local insight with transparent terms to help investors succeed.

Private Money Hawaii

Address: 411 Hobron Ln #3912, Honolulu, HI 96815
Call: +1(808) 753-1204
Email: funding@privatemoneyhawaii.com

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Looking for a reliable private money lender in Hawaii for your next real estate investment loan?

PRIVATE MONEY HAWAII

helping borrowers obtain financial goals

Private Money Hawaii

411 Hobron Ln #3912, Honolulu, HI 96815

Phone: (808) 753-1204

Email: funding@privatemoneyhawaii.com