Frequently Asked Questions
Your Guide to Private Lending & Hard Money Loans in Florida
1. What is a hard money or private loan?
A hard money loan is a short-term, asset-based loan secured by real estate. Unlike traditional loans that rely heavily on credit scores and income, private lenders focus on the property’s value, making them ideal for real estate investors needing fast capital.
2. How is private lending different from bank financing?
Private loans offer faster approvals, flexible terms, and are asset-based. Banks typically have strict underwriting processes and may take weeks to approve — private lenders can act within days.
3. Who is Private Lending Florida ?
PrivateLendingFlorida.com acts as a Facilitator and Introducer between borrowers and a trusted network of direct private lenders across Florida. We are not a lender ourselves, instead we help match qualified borrowers with experienced lenders who are actively funding real estate projects. Our role is to streamline the introduction process and ensure your project reaches the right lending partners, hard money loans and private financing solutions efficiently.
4. What types of real estate can be financed?
We help connect borrowers to lenders for:
- Residential properties & condos
- Multi-family units
- Commercial buildings
- Land & construction projects
- Aviation & luxury asset-backed deals
5. Is PrivateLendingFlorida.com a direct lender?
No, we are not a direct lender. We work as an intermediary and introducer, connecting borrowers with qualified and experienced private lenders across Florida.
6. What are typical loan amounts you help facilitate?
We handle loan requests ranging from $1 million to over $100 million, with some smaller amounts considered case-by-case.
7. What are the interest rates and fees for private loans?
Rates vary depending on the lender, project type, and risk level. Typically, interest rates range between 8%–15%, with points and fees determined by the lender. Private loans often carry higher rates than bank loans in exchange for speed and flexibility.
8. How quickly can I get funding?
Private lenders can often respond within 48–72 business hours, and deals can close in as little as 7–14 days, depending on the complexity of the project.
9. Do I need good credit to qualify?
Not necessarily. Private lenders base decisions primarily on asset value, project viability, and exit strategy — not just your credit score.
10. Can foreign nationals apply for funding?
Yes. Many of our lenders work with *foreign nationals and non-U.S. residents who are investing in Florida real estate (*Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Sunny Isles).
11. How does the process work?
- Submit your application online
- We review and match you with lenders
- Interested lenders reach out directly
- You negotiate and close directly with the lender
12. What documents are required to start?
Initially, you’ll need to provide:
- Property details
- Loan amount & use of funds
- Business or investment background
- Exit strategy (sale, refinance, etc.)
Lenders may request additional documentation depending on the deal.
13. What are asset-based loans?
Asset-based loans are secured primarily by the value of the property (the “asset”). This approach allows for faster approvals and fewer personal financial requirements compared to traditional bank loans.
14. Can I use private lending for construction projects?
Yes. We work with lenders who finance ground-up construction, land acquisition, and development projects throughout Florida.
15. Do you offer loans in all Florida cities?
Yes. We connect borrowers with lenders active in major markets including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, and more. Click here to learn more.
16. What types of borrowers do you work with?
We work with:
- Real estate investors
- Developers
- High-net-worth individuals
- Foreign buyers
- Borrowers seeking capital for complex or non-traditional projects
17. Is there a cost to submit a loan request?
No, there is no upfront cost to submit your project through our platform. If a lender chooses to proceed, their terms and fees will be clearly outlined before closing.
18. Can I get pre-qualified or a term sheet?
Yes. Once a lender reviews your project and expresses interest, they may provide a soft quote or term sheet outlining proposed terms.
19. What are FHA and Fannie Mae loans, and how do they differ from private loans?
FHA loans are government-backed mortgages designed to help first-time homebuyers and those with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. Fannie Mae loans are conventional mortgages backed by a federal agency, offering competitive rates and low down payments. Both typically serve residential purchases under $1 million and follow strict underwriting guidelines. In contrast, private loans through our network are asset-based, faster to fund, and flexible, making them ideal for higher-value or complex real estate projects that may not qualify for traditional financing.
20. How do I contact Private Lending Florida.com?
Please use the Contact Us page and fill out the form if you have any questions about our website or services. Private lenders and accredited investors interested in joining our network are also encouraged to reach out via this form.
Note that our team members work remotely from Miami and Boca Raton, Florida, and we communicate only by email to ensure efficient and secure correspondence.
If you are a borrower, you will receive the full contact information of any lender who expresses interest in financing your submitted project once it has been reviewed and approved by that lender.
21. What happens if I submitted a loan application but didn’t receive any response from Private Lending Florida or a lender?
Private Lending Florida.com acts as a bridge to connect borrowers with verified private lending sources in our network. We do not provide loans directly and do not respond to every submission. If a lender in our network is interested in your real estate project or loan opportunity, they will contact you directly.
You will only receive a response if your project meets the investment criteria of a lender and is accepted for further review.
22. How do I get started and how can I submit my loan application?
Visit our Loan Application page and complete the secure form with details about your project. We’ll review and match you with top private lenders in our Florida network.
