Rehab Financing for Your Fix and Flip
Compare construction loans, hard money, cash, and HELOCs. Which financing is right for your project?
Comparison: Financing Options
1. Construction Loans
What: Bank-issued loan with draw schedule. You pay for work as it's completed.
Cost: 7-8% interest, 1% origination fee
Approval: 2-3 weeks (slow)
Best for: Major renovations, new construction, when you have time to wait for approval
2. Hard Money Loans
What: Private lender loans. Fast approval, flexible terms. Interest-only during project.
Cost: 10-15% interest, 2-3 points origination fee
Approval: 3-7 days (fast)
Best for: Competitive markets, tight timelines, when you need approval fast
3. Cash
What: Pay out of pocket. No debt.
Cost: $0 interest, but capital is tied up
Approval: Immediate
Best for: Small projects, if you have surplus capital, or as proof of funds to negotiate better purchase price
4. HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)
What: Borrow against your home's equity. Flexible, revolving.
Cost: 7-9% variable, minimal fees
Approval: 1-2 weeks
Best for: If you own a home with equity, need flexible access to funds, lower rates than hard money
Which One Costs Less?
Construction loan: $100K project, 7 months = ~$4,000 interest + fees
Hard money: $100K project, 6 months = ~$7,500 interest + $3,000 fees = $10,500
HELOC: $100K project, 6 months = ~$3,500 interest (if you have home equity)
Winner: HELOC (if available), then construction loan
How to Choose
Time pressured deal? → Hard Money
Major renovation, no rush? → Construction Loan
Own a home with equity? → HELOC (cheapest)
Small flip, have capital? → Cash (simplest)
Need Rehab Financing?
Sean Bailey can get you funded fast. Hard money, construction loans, HELOCs—he has relationships with all the major lenders.
Email Sean