Hard Money Lenders Near Me in Denver, CO

Denver's real estate market continues to show resilience in 2025. As of June, the median home sale price in Denver County was approximately $583,000, reflecting a modest 2.6% year-over-year decline. Inventory remains tight, and well-priced homes still attract strong investor interest. For real estate investors planning to flip properties or secure short-term financing, finding the right hard money lender in Denver is critical to staying competitive.

Whether you're targeting established neighborhoods like Cherry Creek or up-and-coming areas like RiNo, fast access to funding can make the difference between winning or missing a deal. 

This guide explains how to find reliable local hard money lenders, what to expect in the current market, and how to secure financing that matches your investment strategy.

Why Local Hard Money Matters in Denver's 2025 Market

Denver's housing sector is characterized by strong demand, limited supply, and ongoing growth supported by the city's thriving tech industry, aerospace employers, and quality of life. Key trends shaping the market in 2025 include:

• Elevated home prices with steady appreciation
• Low inventory driving multiple-offer scenarios
• Tighter lending criteria from traditional banks
• Strong competition from cash or near-cash buyers

Local hard money lenders help investors compete by offering:

• Pre-approval letters that build credibility
• Faster closings than traditional financing
• Local expertise in property conditions and permitting

Typical renovation timelines vary across the metro area:

• Downtown Denver: 3 to 6 months, depending on permit complexity
• Suburban areas like Littleton and Arvada: 2 to 4 months
• Mountain communities: 4 to 8 months, often impacted by weather
• Historic neighborhoods like LoDo and Capitol Hill: timelines can be extended due to preservation rules

What to Look for in a Denver Lender

Local ARV expertise represents the most important factor when evaluating hard money lenders. Denver's neighborhood markets vary dramatically in pricing, making regional knowledge essential:

• Cherry Creek: $439 per square foot; median sale price around $1.58 million
• LoHi (Highlands): Approximately $469 per square foot; median sale price around $826,000
• RiNo: Around $372 per square foot; median list price approximately $295,000 (typical unit size ~790 sq ft)
• Lakewood and Thornton: Upwards of $300 per square foot, median sale price around $575,000
• Mountain properties: Generally carry a 15% to 30% premium over comparable city homes

Closing timeframes distinguish strong lenders from the rest:

• Elite lenders: Around two weeks for standard deals, potentially faster based on investor experience
• Average performers: 2 to 3 weeks
• Slower lenders: May require 4+ weeks due to various factors

What Types of Hard Money Loans Are Available in Denver?

Real estate investors in Denver need lenders who offer a range of loan options that align with different project goals. The right hard money lender should provide flexible solutions based on your strategy, timeline, and exit plan.

Fix and Flip Loans

• Short-term funding for buying, renovating, and reselling properties
• Covers both the purchase price and rehab budget
• Ideal for improving properties and turning them around quickly

Bridge Loans

• Fast capital for time-sensitive purchases or refinances
• Useful for transitioning between acquisitions and long-term financing
• Helps secure deals when bank loans would be too slow

Rental Property Loans (DSCR-Based)

• Underwritten based on the property's income instead of your personal income
• Best for long-term investors focused on rental cash flow
• Commonly used to build or refinance rental portfolios

New Construction Loans

• Structured for ground-up builds or significant additions
• Funds released in stages as milestones are completed
• Helpful for infill development or expansion projects

Groundfloor Lending offers all four of these loan types, giving Denver investors flexibility as their portfolios grow. Whether you're flipping in Arvada, refinancing a rental in Capitol Hill, or building new construction in Stapleton, we help you match the right loan to your project. Loan-to-Cost ratios typically go up to 90%, though select programs may offer up to 100% LTC for highly qualified borrowers. We also simplify the hard money loan application process to make funding faster and more accessible.

Rate and Fee Benchmarks for 2025

Pricing and fee structures help investors compare options effectively. In 2025, Groundfloor Lending offers:

Rate Structure

• Starting rates: Approximately 10% annually for qualified borrowers
• Loan terms: 12 or 18 months
• Loan amounts: $75,000 to $2.5 million
• LTV (loan-to-value ratio): Up to 70% of After Repair Value (ARV)
• LTC: Typically up to 90%, with potential for 100% based on borrower qualifications

Standard Fees

• Origination points: 2.75% to 4%
• Application fee: Under $500
• Closing costs: Around $1,250

Featured Hard Money Lender Serving Denver

At Groundfloor Lending, we fund real estate investments in as little as two weeks, depending on the complexity of the deal and your experience level. We don’t require tax returns or hard credit pulls, and we streamline the hard money loan application process for a faster close. None of our loans include monthly payments.

We support Denver investors through an efficient, technology-driven process that eliminates much of the paperwork that slows traditional lenders. Our escrow-managed draw system ensures that rehab funds are delivered quickly as work is completed.

We offer loans from $75,000 to $2.5 million, with 12- or 18-month terms. Interest rates start around 10%, aligning with current hard money rates, with pricing based on borrower experience and deal structure. We lend up to 70% of ARV and typically up to 90% of project costs, with the potential for 100% LTC for qualified borrowers.

Key Advantages for Denver Investors

• Local market knowledge and experience with Denver permitting
• Fast closings to compete with cash buyers
• Underwriting based on property value, not just credit score
• No monthly payments; interest deferred until payoff
• Dedicated support for both new and experienced investors

Tips for a Smooth Closing

To streamline your loan approval, prepare these materials in advance:

Required Documentation

• Detailed contractor bids with itemized materials
• A realistic project timeline with key milestones
• Before and after photos or renderings
• Comparable property sales to support ARV

Denver-Specific Considerations

• Historic areas often require extended review and permitting
• Properties built before 1978 may need certified lead-safe contractors
• Certain upgrades must meet Denver's energy efficiency codes

Colorado lending regulations also include:

Borrower Protections

• Three-day right of rescission for certain loans
• Disclosure requirements for all fees and terms
• Oversight of licensed lenders by Colorado regulators

Start your title search early to identify potential issues like easements, shared driveways, or unclear boundaries. While most searches take about two weeks, complex situations can take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Denver Hard Money Lenders

What are typical interest rates for hard money loans in Denver?

Hard money loan interest rates in Denver range from 9% to 14% annually in 2025, with rates starting around 10% for qualified borrowers. Lenders usually charge 2% to 4% in origination points.

How quickly can I close on a hard money loan in Denver?

Top lenders can close in as little as 5 to 10 days. Most others close within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the deal. Some lenders offer expedited options for additional fees.

What loan-to-value and loan-to-cost ratios can I expect?

Most Denver lenders offer up to 70% of After Repair Value (ARV) and 90% of project costs. Some programs may allow up to 100% LTC for experienced investors.

Do I need excellent credit to qualify for a hard money loan?

No. Groundfloor Lending and many other hard money lenders focus on the asset, not your credit score. We require a minimum credit score of 640.

What documentation is required?

You'll need a signed purchase agreement, scope of work, contractor estimates, and proof of funds. Tax returns and income statements are generally not required.

Are there prepayment penalties?

Groundfloor Lending requires three months of minimum interest if the loan is paid off early within the first three months. After that, there are no prepayment penalties.

What types of properties are eligible?

We finance non-owner-occupied single-family homes, condos, 2-4 unit properties, and some commercial real estate.

How do draw schedules work?

Renovation funds are released in phases. After each inspection, funds are disbursed for completed work.

Ready to Fund Your Denver Project?

Denver’s growing real estate market rewards investors who move quickly with the right financing partner. At Groundfloor Lending, we provide the best hard money lending experience you need to compete in a fast-moving environment where timing can make or break a deal. When traditional banks can't keep up, we offer a smarter, faster alternative.

Success in this market means working with a lender who understands Denver’s neighborhoods, project types, and timeline expectations. We understand that every real estate investor has different goals and needs. We help you align the right loan product with your investment strategy, whether you're flipping a home, building new construction, refinancing, or holding for rental income.

We encourage every investor to research potential lenders, check track records, and build relationships before the next opportunity arises. At Groundfloor Lending, one of Denver's best hard money lenders, we work best with borrowers who are prepared, professional, and ready to execute.

When you're ready to take your Denver real estate investments to the next level, we're here to help. Our competitive rates, fast approvals, and local expertise make us a reliable partner for serious investors. Let us help you move faster, close with confidence, and turn your next project into a success.

Looking for more insights? Read another Denver real estate investment blog or visit our  Denver homepage to learn more.