California Hard Money Lenders

Direct Private Money Loans for California Real Estate

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Hard Money Loan Request

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California Direct Hard Money Lenders

North Coast Financial is one of most experienced direct hard money lenders in California. With over 45 years of hard money lending experience and over $1 billion in hard money loans funded, North Coast Financial has proven to be a trusted and reliable source of fast and flexible real estate funding. We provide hard money loans in California for real estate investors and property owners through asset-based lending for various real estate projects and transactions including single-family residential, multi-family residential and commercial.

California real estate investors and homeowners trust North Coast Financial for fast approvals and funding, competitive rates and fees, flexible lending criteria and excellent service. Hard money loans for investment property can be funded within 5 days. We provide both 1st and 2nd hard money loans and lend to numerous types of borrowers including individuals, entities (LLCs, partnerships, corporations), trusts and estates. Contact North Coast Financial now for a free consultation.

Experienced California Hard Money Lenders

North Coast Financial funds many different types of hard money loans including bridge loans, irrevocable trust loans, probate and estate loans, trust loans, investment and rental property loans, cash out and refinance loans, fix and flip / rehab loans, owner occupied hard money loans, commercial hard money loans, divorce buyout loans, partnership buyout loans and various other hard money loans secured by California real estate.

North Coast Financial is based in San Diego, California and provides fast hard money loans in Southern California, Northern California and Central California. We lend throughout the state of California and specialize in the areas of San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Orange County, Riverside, Ventura and Sacramento.

North Coast Financial has many repeat real estate investors who continue to come back for hard money loans. Our multiple, repeat, satisfied customers (North Coast Financial reviews) exhibit we are a professional and honest source for direct hard money loans and one of the best and most reputable California hard money lenders.

Hard Money Loan Request

We will contact you to review the loan scenario and provide a quote.


Google rating 5.0 Based on 74 reviews See all our reviews
5.0 Based on 74 Google reviews

  • Working with Jeff and Don for our Bridge Mortgage Loan at North Coast Financial was amazing. They were there for us every step of the way. I called Jeff many times and he was always very receptive to my needs and happily answered all questions I had, and there were a lot of them! If you want a company that works hard for you and gets the job done in a timely manner, I would recommend working with Jeff and Don at North Coast. Thank you guys for getting the loan done so quickly.
    Linda

    Linda Nagy September 2026

  • My experience with North Coast Financial has been exceptionally positive. Don and Jeff are very knowledgeable and they provided calm guidance and thorough communication every step of the way. I am grateful to them for the help they provided at a crucial time for me.

    Kelly Cline September 2026

  • I've worked with North Coast Financial several times on trust loans and bridge loans, and they've been great every time. Jeff Hensel and Don Hensel are both amazing to work with.
    Jeff is always very responsive and willing to look through different scenarios with me. They're quick, straightforward, and will let you know right away if they can help. Their turn times are also very fast, which makes a huge difference on these types of loans.
    Every client I've referred to them has been happy with the experience. They're dependable, trustworthy, easy to reach, and genuinely helpful. I highly recommend North Coast Financial.

    Katy Care July 2026

  • We had an excellent experience working with North Coast Financial, and especially with Jeff Hensel. Our situation involved a complicated trust loan, with a number of moving pieces and questions along the way. Jeff was consistently responsive, patient, and approachable. He took the time to explain the process clearly, answer our questions, and walk us through each step.
    What stood out most was his availability and calm professionalism. During what could have been a stressful and confusing process, Jeff helped make things understandable and manageable. We are grateful for his guidance and would gladly recommend North Coast Financial to others dealing with trust, estate, or specialized lending needs.

    Konstantin Kotopoulos July 2026

  • I normally don't leave reviews but the experience I just had dealing with Jeff was remarkable to say the least. The way business is supposed to be done. They funded and closed on an investment property I purchased in 7 days flat. No nonsense just got it done. I would highly recommend North Coast Financial and Jeff to anyone needing these type of services. Will be back very soon. Thank you Jeff.

    tom bolyard July 2026

  • Don at North Coast Financial is a phenomenal rock star at his trade! He took charge from day one, kept the entire process simple, and moved everything forward with speed and confidence. He never overwhelmed me or bombarded me with unnecessary details. He communicated clearly, only when it mattered, and always with total professionalism.
    He shoots from the hip in the best possible way! Direct, honest, and efficient. I trusted his credibility and workflow completely, and he delivered exactly what he promised. The entire experience was smooth, stress‑free, and genuinely impressive.
    Don made my dream home happen. I’ll absolutely work with him again and refer him to anyone who wants a lender who gets things done the right way. Thank you guys at NCF!

    Kim July 2026

  • Five-Star Review: Don Hensel Closed my $1.75M Loan in 5 Days!
    I am writing this to give my highest possible five-star recommendation to Don Hensel and the North Coast Financial team.
    I needed to close a $1.75 million loan purchase in just five days. After hearing my situation, Don stated he could make it happen and fund it in that timeframe—and he delivered exactly as promised.
    From our first conversation, Don proved to be an excellent listener who truly understood my unique needs. He was compassionate, helpful, and offered strategic suggestions that made all the difference. I provided him with the necessary information, and he along with his expert processing team handled the rest with remarkable efficiency and honesty.
    The level of professionalism was so high that my real estate agent, the seller’s agent, and several escrow officers all went out of their way to tell me how impressed they were with Don’s work. It is rare to find a lender who earns that kind of praise from every professional involved in a high-stakes transaction.
    If you are looking for a five-star private lender who combines deep expertise with genuine integrity and lightning speed, Don Hensel is the best in the business. Thank you to Don and his entire office for making this happen!
    Charles & Latonia

    Latonia Anderson April 2026

  • I had an excellent experience working with North Coast Financial, Inc. on a hard money loan for my mother’s trust. Jeff and Don Hensel were clear, responsive, and highly professional throughout the entire process. Documentation was handled quickly, communication was consistent, and—most importantly—funding was extremely fast. From start to finish, the process took approximately two weeks. I am very pleased with the experience and would confidently recommend them to anyone in need of hard money or trust-related loan services.

    Patrick Willette January 2026

  • I had a great experience working with North Coast Financial. Dan and Jeff were very responsive and made the loan process straightforward from start to finish. Jeff consistently followed up and kept me informed every step of the way through clear email communication, which I really appreciated. Everything has gone smoothly, and I only have positive things to say about the entire experience.

    Cecilia Escalon August 2025
Read all 74 reviews on Google

As Featured

North Coast Financial – Our Professionalism Sets Us Apart

Trusted

$1 billion in hard money loans funded.
45 years of lending experience. Recent Loans.

Professional

Our clients rave about our 5-star service.
Upfront, fair pricing. No surprise fees. Ever.

Fast

Most loans can be funded within 5 days.
Same-day loan approvals available. Contact now.

Various Hard Money Loan Types Provided

Bridge Loans

Bridge Loans

Trust Loans

Trust Loans

Probate Estate Loans

Probate & Estate Loans

Cash Out Refinance Loans

Cash Out Refinance

Investment Property Loans and Financing - Rental Property Loans

Investment Property Loans

Owner Occupied Hard Money Loans

Owner Occupied Loans

Commercial Business Hard Money Loans

Commercial Hard Money

Hard Money Loans for Real Estate

Additional Loan Types

Recently Funded Hard Money Loans

North Coast Financial – For all your Direct Hard Money Lending Needs

Fast Hard Money Loans – Flexible Funding for Real Estate Investments & Transactions

As a direct hard money lender (private money lender), North Coast Financial has multiple sources of capital to fund your hard money loan request. Private money sources allow for faster and more flexible funding options than traditional means of capital such as banks, credit unions and other institutional lenders. North Coast Financial is an asset-based hard money lender and primarily focuses on the value of the real estate being used as collateral and the down payment or equity of the borrower.

North Coast Financial can approve and fund a hard money loan for investment property within 5 days. A similar loan from a institutional lender can take 30-45 days or more. Owner occupied hard money loans are subject to the current federal regulations which push the funding timeline to a minimum of 2 weeks in most situations.

We provide private, short-term California direct hard money loans for real estate investors for various real estate transactions such as fix and flip/rehab loans, trustee sale refinances, distressed property loans (REO loans, short sale loans, foreclosure loans), hard money business loans, real estate auctions that allow financing, private party transactions, probate, estate and trust loans, residential construction loans, cash out and refinance loans, subprime loans, reverse mortgage refinance loans, bridge loans and other hard money loans with California real estate as collateral.

North Coast Financial are primarily residential hard money lenders, but also fund commercial hard money loans. Hard money loan amounts available from North Coast Financial range from $20,000 on the low end to jumbo hard money mortgage loans in the millions of dollars. North Coast Financial is one of the few residential hard money mortgage lenders in California able to consider lending on owner occupied hard money loans (both consumer hard money loans and business purpose hard money loans). Hard money 2nd mortgages and trust deeds are also available in situations where the property owner has significant equity.

Related: How to get a hard money loan in California

California Hard Money Loans for Real Estate Investors & Property Owners

North Coast Financial provides direct hard money loans for real estate investors throughout Southern California, Central California and Northern California. We specialize in San Diego County including La Jolla, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, Mission Valley, Downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, El Cajon, La Mesa, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Santee, Alpine, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Penasquitos, Miramar, Mira Mesa, Clairemont, University City, Kearny Mesa, Sorrento Valley, City Heights, Hillcrest and Julian.

We provide hard money loans secured by real estate in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Imperial, San Francisco and the Bay Area and Sacramento as well as many other areas and counties in the State of California. Choose to work with North Coast Financial, one of the best hard money lenders in California.

California Hard Money Lenders: Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who are the best hard money lenders in California?
  2. What types of loans does North Coast Financial make, and where?
  3. How fast can a California hard money lender approve and fund a loan?
  4. What rates and fees does North Coast Financial charge?
  5. Will a California hard money lender finance 100% of the purchase price?
  6. Are hard money lenders licensed and regulated in California?
  7. Can I get a California hard money loan with bad credit, a foreclosure, or a bankruptcy?
  8. Can I take title in an LLC, trust, corporation, or nonprofit?
  9. Can self-employed borrowers get a hard money loan?
  10. Can I get a hard money loan if I already own several investment properties?
  11. Will a hard money lender finance a property a bank calls uninhabitable?
  12. Can I pull equity out of one property to buy another?
  13. Why do investors choose a hard money lender over a bank?
  14. When is a hard money loan a good idea, and when is it not?
  15. Is a hard money lender better than borrowing from friends or family?
  16. Is a hard money loan cheaper than taking on a partner?
  17. What is the difference between a private money lender and a hard money lender?

Who are the best hard money lenders in California?

The best California hard money lenders are direct lenders that fund their own loans, hold a California real estate license, provide all costs upfront, and can show a long funding record. North Coast Financial meets each test: we are a direct lender, we have funded more than $1 billion in private money loans over 45 years, and our clients give us 5.0 star reviews. Before you sign with any lender, ask who actually funds the loan, look up the license on the DRE website, and get every fee in writing. Read our client reviews.

What types of loans does North Coast Financial make, and where?

We make residential and commercial hard money loans anywhere in California: purchase and refinance loans for investors, fix and flip loans, cash-out refinances, residential bridge loans, probate and trust loans (including irrevocable trust loans), and estate and sibling buyout loans. We lend only in California, from San Diego and Los Angeles to Sacramento and the Bay Area. Call (760) 722-2991 for a free consultation.

How fast can a California hard money lender approve and fund a loan?

North Coast Financial offers same-day loan approvals and typically funds in about 7 days, in as few as 3 to 5 days when title and escrow are ready. Consumer purpose loans take 2 to 2.5 weeks due to the federal regulations. A bank takes 30 to 45 days to reach a loan decision, and some banks back out late in escrow over a detail they missed early on. That leaves the buyer too little time to qualify for a new bank loan. Our application process is short and because we lend on the property’s value and your equity, the documentation is a fraction of what a bank requires. That is how we save a deal from falling out of escrow.

What rates and fees does North Coast Financial charge?

Fixed rates currently start at 9.95%, points start at 1.5, and the typical loan term is 12 months (excluding consumer purpose loans). We charge no junk fees and typically no appraisal fee. No surprise fees. Ever. Your exact rate depends on the property, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, and the loan type, so call Jeff or Don at (760) 722-2991 for a free quote. For how pricing works across the industry, read how much do hard money lenders charge.

Will a California hard money lender finance 100% of the purchase price?

No. Hard money lenders lend against the property’s value, so you need significant equity or a down payment. North Coast Financial typically lends up to 65% to 70% of the property’s value, and sometimes up to 75%, depending on the property and the deal. That equity cushion is what lets us approve borrowers a bank turns down. Estimate your loan with our hard money loan calculator.

Are hard money lenders licensed and regulated in California?

Yes. Companies that make or arrange real estate loans as a business in California are licensed, usually as real estate brokers through the Department of Real Estate (DRE) or as finance lenders through the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). North Coast Financial is DRE Broker #01870870, NMLS ID 323044. Loans made or arranged by a licensed California real estate broker are also exempt from the state’s usury limits, one more reason to borrow through a licensed lender instead of an informal private loan.

Can I get a California hard money loan with bad credit, a foreclosure, or a bankruptcy?

Yes, in many cases. Banks turn down borrowers with a recent foreclosure, short sale, bankruptcy, or low credit score for a set waiting period, whatever caused the problem. North Coast Financial is an asset-based lender, so the property’s value and your equity or down payment carry the most weight. We still review credit and your ability to make the monthly payments, but a credit event alone does not end the conversation. See hard money loan requirements.

Can I take title in an LLC, trust, corporation, or nonprofit?

Yes. Banks prefer to lend to an individual who is personally responsible for the loan, which makes entity financing hard to get and can cost investors the tax and asset protection they formed the entity for. We lend directly to LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, trusts, and estates, with an individual who assumes the loan or signs a personal guarantee. You do not need an LLC to get a hard money loan, but you can use one. For estates and trusts, see our probate and trust loans.

Can self-employed borrowers get a hard money loan?

Yes. Banks want a regular paycheck and at least 2 years in the same position, which shuts out many full-time investors and business owners. We lend on the property and your equity, and we look at whether you can make the monthly payments, not whether you receive a W-2. That includes owner occupied hard money loans on a primary residence. Once you have 2 years of history, you may be able to refinance into a conventional loan.

Can I get a hard money loan if I already own several investment properties?

Yes. Many banks stop lending to an investor after 4 financed properties, even when the next loan is strong in every other way. We do not limit how many properties you own or finance. We look at the property securing this loan and the equity in it.

Will a hard money lender finance a property a bank calls uninhabitable?

Yes. A house with failed plumbing, electrical, or structural systems will not qualify for a conventional mortgage, and that is often where investors find the best buys. A hard money loan lets you buy the property, make it habitable, and then sell it for a profit or refinance into a conventional loan. See our fix and flip loans.

Can I pull equity out of one property to buy another?

Yes. A hard money cash-out refinance lets you take equity from a property you own and put it into your next purchase, often within days, so you can act on an opportunity before it is gone. Learn more about cash-out refinance loans.

Why do investors choose a hard money lender over a bank?

Banks decide on credit, income history, and paperwork. Hard money lenders decide mainly on the property. Issues that stop a bank loan, such as low credit or a recent foreclosure, bankruptcy, loan modification, or short sale, can be worked around when you have a significant down payment and enough income to cover the loan payments, property taxes, insurance, and upkeep. The application is shorter, the documentation is lighter, and approval and funding take days instead of weeks.

When is a hard money loan a good idea, and when is it not?

A hard money loan makes sense when closing fast or financing an unusual deal is worth more than the extra interest: beating an escrow deadline, buying a property a bank will not finance, or borrowing through an estate, trust, or LLC. Rates and points are higher than a bank’s, so it is a poor fit if you need long-term financing, have little equity, or have no clear plan to sell or refinance within the loan term. Talk through your exit plan with Jeff or Don at (760) 722-2991 before you borrow.

Is a hard money lender better than borrowing from friends or family?

Usually, yes. Adding a loan to a family relationship or friendship can cause years of hard feelings if the investment does not turn out as planned. Loans between family and friends are also subject to California and federal lending rules, and guessing at the required documents and disclosures can create legal problems. If you do borrow from family, have a licensed broker prepare the loan documents.

Is a hard money loan cheaper than taking on a partner?

Often, yes. A financial partner may ask for as much as 50% of the profit when the property sells, plus a say in decisions. A hard money loan has a known cost, the interest and points, and you keep 100% of the profit and full control of the project.

What is the difference between a private money lender and a hard money lender?

In practice, very little, and the terms are used interchangeably. Both make loans secured by real estate using private capital instead of bank or credit union deposits. “Private money lender” often means an individual who invests personal funds in trust deeds, usually for business colleagues, friends, and family. “Hard money lender” usually means a lending company that finds borrowers, prepares the documents and disclosures, and funds loans for anyone who meets its requirements. North Coast Financial is both. Read more about private money lenders and private money loans.