Private Money Hawaii

How Fast Can a Hard Money Loan Close in Hawai‘i? (3–7 Days)

When you’re buying real estate in Hawai‘i, timing is everything. With low inventory, high demand, and competitive offers, buyers often need to move fast — sometimes within days, not weeks. Whether you’re buying a flip, securing land, purchasing a condotel, or competing with cash buyers, hard money loans offer the fastest closings in Hawai‘i, often in 3–7 days.

As a local Hawaii hard money lender, I fund deals statewide with same-week approval. This guide explains how fast these loans really close, what determines speed, and how you can be ready to move immediately.

Why Hard Money Loans Close Faster Than Any Other Loan Type

Hard money loans close fast because they don’t require the layers of red tape that banks and national lenders impose. If you’ve tried using a bank before, you know how long the process takes.

You’ve likely heard:

• “We need your last two years of tax returns.”
• “We can’t approve the property condition.”
• “Your DTI ratios don’t qualify under our guidelines.”
• “We need a full appraisal and condo approval.”
• “We can’t fund homes in this lava zone.”

Banks take 30–45 days — and sometimes longer.

Hard money lenders?
They care about the deal, not your W-2s or tax returns.

In Hawai‘i, the need for speed is amplified by:

Hyper-competitive markets

Homes in Honolulu, Kihei, and Kona can receive offers within hours.

Non-contingent offers

Sellers want buyers who can close fast with no financing delays.

Unique Hawaii property types

Condotels, ohana units, CPR properties, and lava zones confuse mainland lenders.

Auction and off-market deals

These require immediate funding.

Limited inventory

If you don’t move fast, someone else will.

This is why hard money lenders play a critical role in Hawaii real estate.

Typical Hard Money Closing Timeline in Hawai‘i

For most investors I work with, the timeline looks like this:

Day 1 — Pre-Approval (Same Day)

• You provide property address or TMK
• Purchase contract (if available)
• Photos or listing link
• Rehab budget (if flipping)

Approval is usually within **1–3 hours**, same day.

Day 2 — Valuation & Underwriting

• Broker Price Opinion (BPO)
• Local comp analysis
• Interior photos reviewed
• Borrower experience evaluated

This replaces slow full appraisals used by banks.

Day 3–4 — Title & Insurance Coordination

• Title order
• Escrow instructions
• Hazard/hurricane insurance setup

Day 5–7 — Loan Docs & Closing

• Loan docs issued
• Signed with escrow
• Funds wired

Total Time: 3–7 Days

This can be faster or longer depending on the situation.

How to Close a Hard Money Loan in 3 Days

For a same-week closing, here’s what helps:

Have your documents ready

• Purchase contract
• LLC documents (if using an LLC)
• Project budget
• ID and basic borrower info

Choose a responsive insurance agent

Insurance delays are one of the biggest slowdowns.

Provide interior photos ASAP

Lenders need to assess property condition immediately.

Have your down payment liquid

Funds need to be accessible.

Use a local lender

Mainland lenders almost never close in under 2 weeks.

With the above ready, 3-day closings are absolutely possible.