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Hard money loans in Seattle, WA
Fix and flip, rental and construction financing for investment property in every Seattle neighborhood, from Ballard to Rainier Beach.
Investing in Seattle real estate
Seattle’s older neighborhoods are full of Craftsman bungalows, foursquares and Tudors from the early 1900s, with mid-century homes further from the center. For investors that creates two common plays: renovating a dated single-family house to sell or hold, and replacing an older house with townhomes or several smaller homes on the same lot.
Prices are high and good properties move quickly, so the ability to close fast matters. A hard money loan is approved on the deal, which lets you make an offer without waiting on a bank’s income review.
Neighborhoods investors ask about
- Ballard, Greenwood and Phinney Ridge: Craftsman homes, with townhomes replacing older houses on many blocks
- Central District and Beacon Hill: older single-family homes close to downtown and light rail
- Rainier Valley and Columbia City: bungalows and small multi-families along the 1 Line
- West Seattle and Delridge: single-family flips across a wide range of prices
- University District, Wallingford and Fremont: rentals near the University of Washington
- Lake City and Northgate: mid-century homes on larger lots near the north-end light rail stations
What to plan for on a Seattle deal
- Building permits run through the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. Build review time into your schedule.
- Since 2025 Seattle has allowed at least four homes on most residential lots, and more near major transit. Check what a lot can hold before you price it as a single house.
- Rentals must be registered with the city under its Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance, and Seattle has its own tenant protections on top of state law.
- Seattle requires a short-term rental operator license and limits each operator to two units, so most rental deals are underwritten on long-term rent.
- Older homes often have a buried heating-oil tank, an aging side sewer or a foundation that was never bolted down. Order a sewer scope and budget for all three.
Loan programs for Seattle investors
| Program | What it funds | Maximum leverage |
|---|---|---|
| Fix and flip loans | Buying and renovating a property you plan to resell | Up to 90% of purchase and 100% of rehab, capped at 70 to 75% of after-repair value |
| DSCR rental loans | Buying or refinancing long-term and short-term rentals | Up to 85% loan-to-value on a purchase, up to 80% on a cash-out refinance |
| New construction loans | Ground-up builds, including the land | Up to 90% of cost for experienced builders, capped at 70 to 75% of completed value |
| Portfolio and commercial loans | Several rentals under one loan, plus multifamily and commercial property | Up to 80% on a portfolio purchase; commercial quoted deal by deal |
Seattle hard money loan questions
Yes. Seattle Fix and Flip Loans lends on investment property throughout Seattle, including fix and flip loans at up to 90% of purchase and 100% of rehab, DSCR rental loans at up to 85% loan-to-value, and new construction loans.
Yes. A new construction loan funds the build at up to 90% of cost for experienced builders, and up to 70% of the land cost can be included. The total loan stays within 70 to 75% of the completed value.
Seattle requires a short-term rental operator license and limits each operator to two units. If the property is a permitted short-term rental, we can qualify it on short-term income. Otherwise a Seattle rental is underwritten on long-term rent.
Fix and flip loans average up to 21 days and can close in about 7 days when title and insurance are complete. Rental and DSCR loans take about 30 days, including the appraisal.
Other Washington markets
Have a deal in Seattle?
Tell us the address, the purchase price and your plan for the property. We will come back with leverage and pricing for your scenario.