Hard money is known for speed—but how fast is fast, really?
If you’re new to private lending, or you’ve only worked with traditional banks, the hard money loan process can feel almost too good to be true. No pay stubs? No tax returns? Funding in a week?
Yes. But only if the deal—and the paperwork—are ready.
At Lending Bee, we regularly close loans in 5 to 7 days. But behind that speed is a clear, repeatable system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full timeline—from application to funding—so you know exactly how long a hard money loan takes, what to expect, and how to keep things moving.
Why the Hard Money Timeline Matters
Whether you’re an investor trying to lock down a deal or a broker managing multiple clients, time is your most valuable currency. Missed deadlines mean:
- Losing a property to a faster buyer
- Blowing a contingency window
- Facing higher holding costs or penalties
Knowing what happens on Day 1 vs. Day 5 helps you stay in control—and close on time.
The Hard Money Loan Process: Step-by-Step Timeline
Here’s what a typical Lending Bee timeline looks like for deals within California.
Day 0: You Submit the Deal
It starts with a short online form or direct email to our team. We ask for:
- Basic property address and type
- Estimated loan amount
- Purchase price or current value
- Rehab budget (if applicable)
- Borrower contact and entity info (LLC, S-Corp, etc.)
Tip for brokers: Submitting a clean file from the start is the #1 way to speed things up.
⏱️ Turnaround: Same day. If your file is clean, you’ll hear back in a few hours.
Day 1: We Issue a Term Sheet
Once we review the deal, we send a preliminary term sheet outlining:
- Loan amount and rate
- Points and fees
- Estimated closing date
- Required docs
This term sheet is non-binding but sets the tone for both sides. If the borrower accepts, we move into underwriting.
⏱️ Turnaround: Typically within 24 hours of file submission.
Day 2–3: Underwriting and File Review
Our underwriting process is fast because it’s focused. We don’t need your borrower’s tax returns or W-2s. Instead, we look at:
- Property value (through desktop valuation, BPO, or appraisal)
- Rehab scope and experience (if applicable)
- Title and insurance information
- Entity documents and ID
We also review the exit strategy—whether it’s resale, refinance, or long-term hold. Our team may request a few follow-up docs (like a construction budget or rent roll), but we aim to keep this minimal.
⏱️ Turnaround: 24–48 hours with a responsive borrower and broker.
Day 4: Docs Go to Escrow
Once underwriting signs off, we send loan docs to your chosen escrow or title company. This includes:
- Loan agreement
- Deed of trust
- Closing statement
- Disclosures
We coordinate with your closing agent to prep for final signing. If everything’s in place, this step can happen the same day.
Note: If you’re doing a refinance or need a payoff from a prior lender, add 1 extra day for coordination.
⏱️ Turnaround: Same day if escrow responds quickly.
Day 5–7: Signing and Funding
The borrower signs all docs, the lender wires funds, and escrow disburses according to instructions.
If title is clean, insurance is confirmed, and all signatures are in—we fund the same day.
That’s it. You’re closed.
⏱️ Total Timeline: 5–7 business days
What Can Delay a Hard Money Loan?
While Lending Bee moves fast, delays often come from outside the lending process. Here’s what tends to slow things down—and how to avoid it.
❌ Incomplete Submissions
Missing entity docs, unclear rehab budgets, or unsigned purchase agreements = instant stall.
✅ Fix: Use a submission checklist (we’ll send you one on request).
❌ Slow Title or Escrow Teams
Some closing agents aren’t used to moving quickly—especially those used to 45-day bank deals.
✅ Fix: Work with investor-friendly title companies who understand private lending timelines.
❌ Borrower Hesitation or MIA
If the borrower is unreachable or unsure, signing delays can snowball.
✅ Fix: Set expectations early. Let them know they’ll need to sign within 24–48 hours of doc release.
❌ Last-Minute Surprises
Liens, back taxes, or insurance issues discovered late in the game can derail fast closings.
✅ Fix: Run a quick title check early. Confirm insurance coverage up front.
What About Appraisals?
This is one of the top questions we get when people ask how long a hard money loan takes.
Good news:
We don’t always require a full appraisal. In many cases, we can use:
- Broker Price Opinions (BPOs)
- Drive-by inspections
- In-house evaluations
When an appraisal is needed, we work with partners who can turn it around fast—often in 2–3 days.
Still, the best way to avoid delays? Submit strong comps or photos upfront and let us know your timeline.
Timeline Breakdown: Visual Summary
| Day | Action | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Deal submitted | Broker or borrower |
| 1 | Term sheet issued | Lending Bee |
| 2–3 | Underwriting, docs review | Lending Bee + borrower |
| 4 | Docs sent to escrow | Lending Bee |
| 5–7 | Signing + funding | Escrow + Lending Bee |
What Makes a Fast Close Possible?
Hard money isn’t magic—it’s streamlined. At Lending Bee, we’re able to move this fast because:
- We lend only in California (so we know the markets)
- We fund with private capital—no committees or bank delays
- We’ve built our team around fast decision-making and clear processes
- We value brokers and work collaboratively to avoid bottlenecks
If you’re asking, “How long does a hard money loan take?” — the answer depends on your team, your documents, and your responsiveness. But with Lending Bee, it’s usually under a week.
Set the Pace—Close with Confidence
Whether you’re flipping your first house or juggling multiple investor clients as a broker, understanding the hard money loan process gives you a real edge.
No guessing. No hoping. Just a clear, fast path from application to funding.
Want to see if your deal qualifies for fast funding?
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