When it comes to hard money loans, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Whether you’re flipping houses, building a rental portfolio, or bridging a purchase while you refinance, the term length of your loan can make or break your deal.

At Lending Bee, we work with real estate investors and brokers across the country—and we’ve seen how choosing the right loan structure can maximize profits and minimize headaches.

So how do you know whether a short-term or long-term hard money loan is the better fit?

Let’s break it down.

Short-Term Hard Money Loans (6–18 Months)

Best For:

  • Fix-and-flip deals
  • Bridge loans
  • Quick close purchases
  • Cash-out while refinancing

Pros:

  • Lower total interest costs (shorter payoff period)
  • Quick funding and fast closings
  • Flexibility to exit early if your strategy moves fast

Watch Out For:

  • Short payoff window means you need a solid exit strategy
  • Might not work for long rehabs or slow markets

These are best for active investors who know their timeline and have a tight game plan.

Long-Term Hard Money Loans (18–36 Months)

Best For:

  • Buy-and-hold investors
  • BRRRR deals (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat)
  • Properties that need time to stabilize or season

Pros:

  • More breathing room
  • Ideal for rental strategies or delayed exits
  • Often structured with interest-only payments

Watch Out For:

  • Total interest paid may be higher over time
  • Some lenders penalize early payoff (we don’t)

Great for investors who want flexibility without pressure to flip fast.

How to Choose? Ask Yourself:

  • What’s my exit strategy? (Flip, refinance, rent?)
  • How long will it realistically take to execute?
  • Am I ready to close quickly, or do I need more runway?

The clearer your plan, the better the loan structure we can match you with.

How Lending Bee Helps

We work with brokers and investors to customize loan terms based on the project—not just a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re moving fast or need time to breathe, we:

  • Close quickly
  • Offer flexible structures
  • Walk you through every step

No guesswork. No stress. Just the right loan for the right deal.

The Right Term = More Profit, Less Pressure

Choosing the wrong loan term can eat into your returns or force you into a corner. At Lending Bee, we help you match loan terms with deal timelines—so your financing actually works for your strategy.

Not sure which structure is right for your next project? Let’s talk—we’ll help you get it right from day one.