What is Private Money and Why is it Called Hard Money?

Have you ever come across the term “Hard Money loan”? It might sound a bit intimidating at first glance. However, Private Money Loans, also known as Hard Money loans, are specifically tailored for financing real estate transactions in unique situations.

So, why the term “Hard Money”? It’s not because these loans are difficult to obtain or repay, but rather because they involve cold, hard cash transactions.
When might one opt for Private Money or Hard Money financing? Typically, when dealing with properties or borrowers who don’t fit the mold of conventional lending criteria.

For instance, consider the case of a young woman I recently assisted. Referred to me by a real estate agent, she had inherited a property in disrepair and was entangled in a tumultuous divorce and custody battle. Juggling these challenges, she lacked the time and resources to address the property’s issues.

To alleviate her burden, I facilitated a Private Money loan, providing her with the necessary funds to renovate the property and list it at its highest potential value. The outcome? She successfully sold the property, using the proceeds to purchase a condo for herself and her daughter.

Here’s a Hard Money story with a happy ending.

I am Garrick Werdmuller, President, and CEO of Fresh Home Loan Inc.
I can lend Private Money all over California,
Whether you have a fix and flip project, deferred maintenance, or just some quick cash to buy another investment property, give me a call or visit Fresh Home Loan .com and you can get more information or schedule a meeting with me.

Now a questions I get asked a lot is “What are the uses for Private Money or Hard Money loans? “

Fix and Flip: Investors use private money to purchase distressed properties, renovate or improve them, and then sell them quickly for a profit. Private money loans cover acquisition costs, renovation expenses, and holding costs during the renovation process.

Rehabilitation: Properties in need of significant repairs or upgrades can benefit from private money loans to fund the rehabilitation process. Whether it’s addressing structural issues, updating outdated features, or modernizing the property, private money provides the necessary capital for improvements.

Additions: Private money can finance property additions or expansions, allowing investors to increase the value and appeal of their real estate assets. Whether it involves adding extra square footage, creating additional living spaces, or upgrading amenities, private money loans can fund these projects.

Construction: Private money lending supports new construction projects by financing land acquisition, construction costs, and development expenses. Investors undertaking ground-up construction rely on private money to fund the various stages of building, from site preparation to completion.

Bridge Financing: Private money loans serve as short-term bridge financing for real estate transactions where traditional financing is not immediately available. Investors can use private money to secure a property quickly or to bridge the gap between purchasing and securing long-term financing.

Cash-Out Refinancing: Real estate investors can leverage the equity in their properties through private money cash-out refinancing. This allows them to access cash for additional investments, debt consolidation, or other financial needs while retaining ownership of the property.

Distressed Property Acquisition: Private money loans enable investors to purchase distressed properties at foreclosure auctions, short sales, or bank-owned sales. These properties can be renovated or improved for resale or converted into income-producing assets.

Specialized Investments: Private money can fund specialized real estate investments such as commercial properties, multi-family residences, vacation rentals, or niche markets. Investors with unique investment strategies or property types can tailor private money loans to meet their specific needs and objectives.

Overall, private money lending offers flexibility, speed, and accessibility, making it a versatile financing option for various real estate investment opportunities and strategies.

For more information to to contact Garrick:
https://freshhomeloan.com/schedule-a-meeting/
Call or text: 510.282.5456
Email: Garick@freshhomeloan.com

Garrick Werdmuller

President CEO
Fresh Home Loan Inc
510.282.5456 call/text
NMLS 242952
www.FreshHomeLoan.com

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All loan approvals are conditional and not guaranteed and subject to lender review of all information. Loan is conditionally approved when lender has issued approval in writing, but until all conditions are met, loan cannot be funded. Specified rates and [products may not be available to all borrowers. Rates subject to change according to market conditions and agreed upon lock times set by borrower. Fresh Home Loan Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Mortgage Broker in California. This licensee is performing acts for which a real estate license is required. Fresh Home Loan, Inc. is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate #02137513 NMLS # 2124104

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Garrick Werdmuller

510-282-5456

garrick@freshhomeloan.com

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From Garage to ADU: How a 203(k) Loan Helped One Family Maximize Their Space

By Garrick Werdmuller • June 18, 2025

🛠️ From Garage to ADU: How a 203(k) Loan Helped One Family Maximize Their Space 🛠️ Buy It and Fix It With One Loan: The FHA 203(k) Limited A few years ago, I helped a couple purchase their home with just 5% down. It was a great fit for them at the time — solid neighborhood, the space they needed, and a bonus: a detached garage with potential. Fast forward to today — their teenage son was getting older and needed his own space. Naturally, they started exploring how to turn that detached garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) so he could move in and have a bit more independence. They gave me a call, hoping to tap into their home’s equity with a line of credit. But after running the numbers, it became clear that a traditional HELOC wouldn’t provide enough funds to cover the full conversion. That’s when I brought up a lesser-known option: the FHA 203(k) Limited loan . The FHA 203(k) Limited program snapshot outlines a renovation loan product allowing borrowers to finance both the purchase and rehabilitation of a property with a single mortgage , specifically for non-structural repairs or improvements. Here's a summarized overview for reference or communication: 🏡 What Is It? The FHA 203(k) Limited is designed for: Homebuyers purchasing a fixer-upper Homeowners refinancing and remodeling Primary residences only You can finance both the home and non-structural renovations—like kitchens, bathrooms, floors, HVAC systems, roofs, appliances, and more—with a single mortgage . 💡 Why Use a 203(k) Limited? ✅ Finance up to $75,000 in repairs and upgrades ✅ Only 3.5% down payment ✅ One loan, one closing ✅ No 203(k) Consultant required ✅ Ideal for non-structural repairs and cosmetic improvements ✅ Perfect for first-time buyers and FHA borrowers 🛑 What You Can’t Do With It This is for light remodeling only. You can’t use this loan for: Structural changes or additions Foundation work Landscaping (except for erosion prevention) Pools, hot tubs, or other luxury features (Bummer ! I know! 😒) 🧾 Borrower Submission Checklist Here’s what we’ll need to get started on your FHA 203(k) Limited loan: ✅ Basic Docs Loan Application (apply online or schedule an appointment) Government-issued ID Most recent 30 days of paystubs Last 2 years of W-2s or tax returns (for self-employed borrowers) Most recent 2 months of bank statements ✅ Property & Repair Info Signed Purchase Contract (if purchasing) Contractor’s Written Proposal with: Itemized list of repairs Cost breakdown (labor + materials) Statement that work is non-structural W-9 form from contractor Contractor license & insurance (if required by local jurisdiction) ✅ Appraisal & Renovation Docs Appraisal supporting As-Is and After-Improved Value Permit list (if applicable) Final Work Plan (signed off before close) 💬 Final Thoughts The FHA 203(k) Limited can turn a fixer into your dream home—or give your current space the refresh it deserves. With just one loan , you get flexibility , affordability , and peace of mind . Have a property in mind? Let's talk! 👉 Schedule a Free Consultation https://freshhomeloan.com/schedule-a-meeting/ 🏡 #FHA203k #203KLoan #RenovationLoan #FixerUpper #HomeRemodel #MortgageSolutions #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #HomeLoanHelp #RealEstateTips #MortgageBrokerLife #CaliforniaHomes #BayAreaRealEstate #CentralValleyHomes #DreamHomeGoals

A man is holding a card in front of a house.

Guía definitiva de préstamos ITIN – Tu paso hacia la compra de casa

By Smith Chung • June 18, 2025

¿Qué es un préstamo ITIN? Un préstamo ITIN es una hipoteca diseñada para personas que declaran impuestos usando un Número de Identificación de Contribuyente Individual (ITIN) en lugar de un número de Seguro Social (SSN). El ITIN lo otorga el IRS a quienes no son elegibles para un SSN pero aún así deben declarar impuestos en EE. UU. 💬 En resumen: ¿No tienes SSN? ¡No hay problema! Si has sido financieramente responsable y cuentas con documentación básica, ¡podrías calificar! 💪 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ¿Quién se beneficia de un préstamo ITIN? Los préstamos ITIN están diseñados para quienes persiguen el sueño americano — incluso sin documentación tradicional. Podrías beneficiarte si: 🌎 Eres inmigrante viviendo en EE. UU. sin green card ni SSN 🧾 Declaras impuestos usando un ITIN 💼 Tienes ingresos estables (W-2, por cuenta propia o incluso en efectivo con comprobantes) 💳 Pagas renta y servicios a tiempo y puedes demostrarlo 💥 Hemos ayudado a familias que pensaban que comprar casa era imposible — ¡y cerraron en solo 30–45 días! 🛠️ ¿Cómo funcionan los préstamos ITIN? Los préstamos ITIN generalmente son financiados por prestamistas no tradicionales (non-QM) o bancos especializados que operan fuera de los lineamientos de Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Aquí te explicamos cómo funcionan: 💰 Tipos de préstamo: Tasa fija o ajustable Compra, refinanciamiento o retiro de efectivo Propiedad principal, segunda vivienda y algunas propiedades de inversión 💵 Pago inicial: Generalmente del 10 % al 20 % A menudo se permiten fondos de regalo 📊 Crédito: En algunos casos no se requiere puntaje FICO Se puede usar historial de renta, servicios públicos o incluso crédito internacional 📉 Tasas y plazos: Ligeramente más altas que las convencionales Disponibles con tasa fija a 30 años o ARM de 5/7/10 años 📄 Documentación que necesitarás Para obtener una precalificación, debes demostrar estabilidad, ingresos y solvencia. La mayoría de los prestamistas solicitarán: 🆔 ITIN válido y vigente 📑 2 años de declaraciones de impuestos 💼 Comprobante de ingresos (W-2s, 1099s, o P&L si trabajas por cuenta propia) 🏦 2–3 meses de estados de cuenta bancarios 🌐 Identificación válida (pasaporte, matrícula consular, etc.) 🏘️ Historial de renta (comprobante bancario o carta del arrendador) 💡 Consejo extra: ¡Algunos prestamistas incluso aceptan ingresos o activos del extranjero! 🚫 Conceptos erróneos comunes sobre los préstamos ITIN ❌ Mito 1 : Los préstamos ITIN son ilegales. ✅ Falso. Son 100 % legales y cumplen con las regulaciones federales. ❌ Mito 2 : No calificas si eres trabajador independiente o te pagan en efectivo. ✅ No es cierto. Con declaraciones de impuestos o registros bancarios, definitivamente puedes calificar. ❌ Mito 3 : Te van a estafar o cobrar de más. ✅ ¡No con nosotros! Buscamos la mejor opción para tu préstamo y te explicamos todo con claridad. 🌱 ¿Por qué los préstamos ITIN son importantes para nuestras comunidades? 🏘️ Ser dueño de una casa crea riqueza generacional, estabiliza vecindarios y eleva a las familias. Para muchos inmigrantes, los préstamos ITIN son un puente hacia un futuro mejor — y nos enorgullece ser parte de ese proceso. ❤️ 🧑‍💼 Cómo pueden ayudar los agentes de bienes raíces Agentes inmobiliarios — ¡no dejen pasar esta oportunidad! Los compradores con ITIN son leales, motivados y, en muchos casos, están bien establecidos en sus comunidades. Aquí algunas formas de atenderlos mejor: 🤝 Haz equipo con prestamistas que conozcan las reglas de ITIN • 📆 Establece tiempos y expectativas realistas • 💗 Lidera con empatía y orientación 📣 ¿Quieres destacar? Dirige tu marketing a clientes con ITIN — ¡nosotros te respaldamos! 💼 El enfoque de Fresh Home Loan hacia los préstamos ITIN En Fresh Home Loan Inc., trabajamos con prestamistas confiables para ofrecer soluciones hipotecarias ITIN rápidas, justas y transparentes. Ya sea tu primera casa o una inversión, estamos contigo en cada paso. ✅ 🚀 ¿Listo para comenzar? ¿Conoces a alguien que pueda beneficiarse de un préstamo ITIN? Hagamos realidad el sueño de ser dueño de una casa — de la forma correcta, con apoyo y claridad desde el primer día. 🏠✨ “Llama hoy mismo para empezar tu precalificación — en Fresh Home Loan hablamos tu idioma y creemos en tu futuro.”