Last Updated on November 7, 2025 by Deborah Thomas
Hard Money Lending in Henderson: A Local Investor’s Guide
If you’re looking at a fixandflip in Green Valley or an investment property near the Lake Las Vegas area, you’ve probably heard about hard money loans. I’ve worked with real estate investors here in Henderson for over a decade, and these loans are a powerful tool, but they’re not a magic wand. Let’s break down how they really work in our market.
What Exactly is a Hard Money Loan?
Forget everything you know about traditional bank mortgages. A hard money loan is a shortterm, assetbased loan used primarily by real estate investors. The lender is focused on one thing: the value of the property you’re buying (the “hard” asset), not your credit score or tax returns.
Here’s the core concept: If you find a distressed property on Burkholder Boulevard for $300,000 that needs $50,000 in repairs, and the “After Repair Value” (ARV) is $400,000, a hard money lender will base the loan on that $400,000 exit value. Your plan and the property’s potential are what get you the loan.
When a Hard Money Loan Makes Sense in Henderson
These aren’t for buying your primary residence. They’re for business. You’d use one for:
- FixandFlips: The most common use. You get the capital fast to acquire and renovate a property, then pay off the loan when you sell it.
- Land Acquisition: Securing a lot for a new build before traditional financing is in place.
- Bridge Loans: You need to close on a new property before your current one sells.
- When Speed is Critical: In a competitive market, a hard money lender can fund in days, not months, making your cash offer stronger.
The Real Costs: Points, Interest, and Fees
This is where you need to pay attention. Hard money is expensive capital, and your profit margin depends on understanding the costs.
- Interest Rates: Typically between 10% and 15% annually here in Southern Nevada.
- Points: Origination fees, calculated as a percentage of the loan amount (e.g., 25 points). On a $300,000 loan, 3 points is a $9,000 fee.
- LoantoValue (LTV) Ratios: Lenders usually lend 6070% of the ARV. So for that $400,000 ARV property, the max loan might be $280,000. You’ll need the cash for the down payment and all renovation costs.
My insider tip: Always, always run the numbers with the total cost of capital included. A 12% interest rate plus 4 points adds up fast. Your rehab timeline is your biggest enemy—delays eat your profit.
Finding a Reputable Hard Money Lender in Henderson
This is the most important step. You’re entering a partnership, not just getting a check. The landscape changes, so you must do your homework.
Do this:
- Search the Nevada Division of Mortgage Lending to verify a lender’s license is active and in good standing.
- Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for Henderson and Las Vegasarea listings and reviews.
- Ask for references from other local investors. The best recommendations come from people who have successfully used the lender on a project similar to yours.
- Look for lenders who specialize in the Henderson market. They’ll understand local valuations on neighborhoods from MacDonald Ranch to Anthem better than an outofstate firm.
One provider I’ve seen active in the Nevada market is LendingOne — but verify their current license and terms before proceeding, as the lending environment is always shifting.
For other current providers, I’d recommend searching “Henderson hard money lender licensed” or connecting with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce for leads on established local financial services.
The Bottom Line for Henderson Investors
Hard money is a fantastic tool for the right project. It gives you the speed and flexibility to capitalize on deals that traditional financing would miss. But it’s not cheap. Your project needs a solid profit margin to absorb the costs.
If you have a clear plan, a realistic budget, and a trusted contractor, a hard money loan can be the rocket fuel for your Henderson real estate portfolio. If your numbers are fuzzy, it can be a very expensive lesson. Always get everything in writing, and when in doubt, consult with a local real estate attorney.