Financing Maryland Real Estate Since 2022
"*" indicates required fields
Speed
Funded In As Little As 5 Days
Transparency
No Surprises
Dependability
We Deliver Every Time
Best Hard Money Lenders In Maryland
★ Built By Investors For Investors | Apply Online in Minutes ★
Getting fast funding from a bank is basically impossible. You find the perfect investment property, submit your loan application, and then weeks go by and nothing happens. Meanwhile, three other investors are already eyeing your deal.
Sound familiar? That’s why smart real estate investors avoid banks and work with hard money lenders instead. Free State Capital is one of those lenders and we’re based right here in Maryland! We focus on the property and whether your numbers make sense, not your credit score from five years ago. Waiting around for bank approval just isn’t an option when you need to close fast. Get Funded Now!
What Is A Hard Money Loan?
A hard money loan is a short-term loan backed by real estate. Unlike conventional loans, where banks obsess over your credit history, Free State Capital, led by Alexander Cruz, focuses on the property you are buying. What matters to us is what the property is worth now and what it will be worth after you fix it up.
These loans are temporary (usually 6 to 12 months), which is perfect if you’re flipping a house or planning to refinance once the property is renovated. And speed is the whole point. Banks take weeks, while hard money lenders like us can close in days.
It’s asset-based lending, which means the real estate is the collateral. We aren’t worried about your W-2s or debt-to-income ratio. We’re focused on whether the deal makes sense and whether you can pay back the loan when you sell or refinance.
Alexander Cruz is an experienced real estate investor with a proven track record across acquisitions, renovations, rentals, flips, and investment property sales. He specializes in turnkey properties, wholesale deals, short sales, and foreclosures. He is a graduate of Calvert Hall College and West Virginia University.
Why Investors Use Hard Money Lenders In Maryland
Maryland‘s real estate market moves fast. You’re competing with other investors who know how to move quickly. A lot of the best deals come from auctions, foreclosure sales, or off-market opportunities. These aren’t situations where you can wait three weeks for a bank to review your loan application. You need financing lined up now or someone else gets the property.
The state also has strong fix-and-flip opportunities across different markets. You’ve got older residential properties in Maryland that need renovation, suburban homes with solid after-repair values, and investment properties throughout the state.
Traditional banks want perfect credit and extensive documentation. Private money lenders like Free State Capital focus on the deal itself. If the numbers work and you’ve got a realistic exit strategy, you’re getting funded from one of the top money lenders.
What Makes a Hard Money Lender the “Best” In MD?
When you’re choosing a hard money lender, speed is everything. But so does reliability. You need a lender who can actually close in a week when the deal requires it, not someone who promises fast funding but drags their feet when it’s time to deliver. The best lenders are upfront about their terms from day one. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying in points and interest rates before you move forward.
Local expertise is also everything in real estate lending. Working with a Maryland-based lender means you’re dealing with people who understand property values in Maryland, and the suburban counties. We’ve seen deals like yours before and know what works in these markets. See what our clients have to say.
When your lender is also an active real estate investor, they bring firsthand experience to every approval. That’s the kind of partnership that helps you close more deals and scale your business faster!
Why Free State Capital Is One Of The Best Hard Money Lenders In MD
Free State Capital was built by real estate investors who’ve been in your shoes. We’ve flipped properties and managed rental portfolios. We’ve also closed hundreds of deals across Maryland. Here’s what sets us apart as one of the top hard money lenders in Maryland:
Direct Lender
Not A Broker
Work directly with decision-makers who can issue a loan contract and funding agreement without middleman delays.
Maryland-Based And Locally Focused
Deep understanding of property values in Maryland, suburban areas and counties, and across the state.
Experience With Fix-And-Flip And Rental Projects
We’ve funded hundreds of real estate investment deals and know how to navigate them efficiently.
Fast Approvals And Closings
Get your approval letter and close in days when your deal requires it.
Investor-Friendly Underwriting
We focus on the deal and the loan example you bring us, not your credit history
Transparent Terms
Clear pricing upfront with simple loan payoff terms and no surprise fees at closing.
Get Pre-Approved in 24 Hours | Call Now : (410) 205-1710
Real Stories From Satisfied Maryland Customers
We take pride in our unwavering commitment to integrity and dependable service. Over the years, we’ve earned numerous five-star reviews from satisfied clients who return to us with confidence and trust. If you’re looking to get funded without delays, Free State Capital delivers a simple, transparent, and efficient experience designed around your timeline.
Types of Hard Money Loans Offered In Maryland
Free State Capital has financing solutions designed for every real estate investor in Maryland.
Fix and Flip Loans
Turn distressed properties into profitable sales with our fix and flip loans Maryland. We fund both the purchase and renovation costs through a construction escrow, so you’re not tying up all your cash. Typical terms run 6 to 12 months with interest-only payments.
Rental Property Loans
If you’re acquiring a rental property that needs work before it can generate cash flow, we got you covered! We provide short-term financing to help you buy and renovate, then refinance into a conventional mortgage once the property is stabilized. This is perfect for buy-and-hold investors!
Purchase Loans
Speed wins deals. When you find an investment property at auction or through an off-market opportunity, you can’t afford to wait weeks for traditional bank approval. Our purchase loans give you the speed to compete with cash buyers while preserving your capital for other investments.
Refinance and Cash-Out Loans
Already own investment properties? Pull equity out to fund your next acquisition or cover renovation costs on other projects. Cash-out refinance loans let you use your existing portfolio without selling. It’s one of the smartest ways to scale your real estate business and keep deals flowing.
How Hard Money Loans Work In Maryland
Getting funded doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how the process works with Free State Capital:
Borrower Application
Tell us about the yourself and your experience. This data allows us to move forward quickly.
Submit Property Details
Tell us about the Maryland property. We’ll need basic information to get started.
Property Evaluation
We’ll assess the property’s current value and after-repair value to make sure the numbers work.
Term Sheet Issued
If the deal makes sense, we’ll send you a term sheet outlining the terms. Everything’s transparent.
Funding
Once due diligence is complete, we close and fund your loan. Many deals close within a week.
The whole process is built for speed. No endless paperwork or waiting months for approval. We guarantee financing that lets you move on to good deals. We believe in complete transparency. Here’s exactly what you can expect when you work with Free State Capital:
Our Loan Terms & Pricing
| What You Care About | Working With Free State Capital |
|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 12% to 13% annual (interest-only) |
| Term Length | 6 to 12 months |
| LTV | Up to 75% of After Repair Value (ARV) |
| Points | 2% to 3% origination |
| Prepayment Penalty | None |
| Rehab Escrows | Available for qualifying projects |
| Monthly Payments | Interest-only, no amortization |
Hard Money Loan Requirements
Hard money lenders focus on the property and the deal, not just your personal finances. Here’s what you’ll typically need to qualify:
Investment Property
The property must be non-owner-occupied. We fund fix-and-flip projects, rental properties, and other real estate investments.
After-Repair Value
We’ll evaluate what the property will be worth after renovations. Strong ARV supports a higher loan amount.
Down Payment Or Equity
You’ll need some skin in the game. This shows you’re committed to the project and protects both parties.
Clear Exit Strategy
How are you paying back the loan? Selling after the flip or refinancing into a conventional loan once stabilized? We need to know your plan.
Your credit score is usually less important than the deal itself. If you’ve got a great property and a clear plan, your credit won’t make or break the approval like it would with a bank.
Hard Money Loans vs. Traditional Bank Loans In Maryland
Choosing between hard money loans and traditional bank loans can make or break your real estate investment. Banks work great for some situations, but when you need speed and flexibility, hard money is the clear winner.
| Factor | Free State Capital Hard Money Loans | Traditional Bank Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Approval Speed | Close in 7 days or less | 30 to 60+ days for approval |
| Flexibility | Deal-specific underwriting, creative financing solutions | Rigid guidelines, limited flexibility |
| What Matters Most | Property value, after-repair value, exit strategy | Credit score, income verification, employment history |
| Down Payment | Typically 20% to 30% | Often 20% to 25% or more |
| Interest Rate | Higher short-term rates (12% to 13%) | Lower long-term rates (6% to 8%) |
| Best For | Fix-and-flip projects, rental property acquisitions, bridge loans, auction purchases, investors who need fast cash | Owner-occupied homes, long-term buy-and-hold with stable income, borrowers with perfect credit |
If you’re a real estate investor competing for properties at foreclosure sales, flipping houses, or repositioning rental properties, hard money loans give you the speed to close deals before someone else does. Traditional banks can’t compete when timing matters.
Is a Hard Money Loan Right for Your Investment In Maryland?
Hard money works when speed and flexibility matter more than getting the lowest interest rate. If you’re buying at auction, flipping houses, or competing with cash buyers, hard money gives you the edge to close fast. It’s also perfect for repositioning rental properties before refinancing into a conventional loan.
Hard money isn’t the right fit if you’re buying a primary residence or need long-term financing with low rates. It also won’t work if your property doesn’t have strong after-repair value or you don’t have a clear exit strategy. If you’re a real estate investor who needs to move quickly on investment properties in Maryland, hard money loans help you win deals that banks would make you lose.
💰Get Funded For Your Next Maryland Investment Today💰
Areas Free State Capital Serves In Maryland
Our statewide coverage means you’re not limited to one county or one market. If you’re looking for a hard money lender in Maryland, we can fund your deal.
📱Call Us Now at (410) 205-1710
Hard Money Lender Maryland
• Maryland
• Abingdon
• Annapolis
• Baltimore
• Bel Air
• Bowie
• Catonsville
• Columbia
• Dundalk
• Ellicott City
Fund My Loan Maryland
• Essex
• Frederick
• Gaithersburg
• Glen Burnie
• Havre de Grace
• Laurel
• Lutherville-Timonium
• Owings Mills
• Parkville
• Pasadena
Direct Hard Money Lender Maryland
• Pikesville
• Randallstown
• Reisterstown
• Rockville
• Severna Park
• Silver Spring
• Towson
• Upper Marlboro
• Waldorf
• Westminster
Close Deals Fast Maryland
• Anne Arundel County
• Baltimore County
• Calvert County
• Carroll County
Top Hard Money Lender Maryland
• Charles County
• Frederick County
• Harford County
Fund Your Deal Maryland
• Howard County
• Montgomery County
• Prince George’s County
• St. Mary’s County
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Funded In MD
What Is The Difference Between A Hard Money Lender And A Private Lender?
There’s a slight distinction. Hard money lenders are private lenders who specialize in asset-based real estate loans with short terms and faster approval. Private lenders can include individuals, private money lenders, or companies offering various types of financing. All hard money lenders are private lenders, but not all private lenders focus exclusively on hard money loans.
What Types Of Properties Qualify For Hard Money Loans?
Maryland hard money loans are designed for investment properties: single-family homes, multi-family properties, condos, townhomes, and even some commercial properties. The property must be non-owner-occupied. Most hard money lenders in Maryland won’t fund primary residences. The property should also have strong after-repair value potential to support the loan amount.
How Fast Can A Hard Money Loan Close In Maryland?
Most Maryland hard money loans close within 7 to 10 days. If you’ve got all your documentation ready and the property checks out during due diligence, some deals close even faster. You need to work with direct hard money lenders in Maryland who can make decisions quickly without waiting on a committee or corporate approval process. Hard money lenders in Maryland who are locally based can often move faster because they understand the local market and don’t need to send deals through multiple approval layers.
Can First-Time Investors Use Hard Money Loans?
Yes, but it depends on the lender and the deal. Some hard money mortgage lenders prefer working with experienced investors who have completed at least one flip or rental project. However, if you’ve got a strong deal, a solid renovation budget, and a clear exit strategy, many lenders will work with first-time investors. Having a detailed plan and demonstrating you understand the numbers goes a long way. Many first-time investors in Maryland successfully use what fix and flip loans Maryland lenders offer to launch their real estate investing careers.
Do Hard Money Lenders Check Credit?
Yes, but credit isn’t the deciding factor. Top hard money lenders for real estate will pull your credit to verify you’re a legitimate borrower with a track record, but they’re much more focused on the property value, after-repair value, and your exit strategy. If you’ve got a good investment property and a clear plan, your credit score won’t make or break the loan approval like it would with traditional banks. This is especially true for fix and flip loans Maryland investors use.
Are Hard Money Loans Legal In Maryland?
Yes. Hard money loans are completely legal in Maryland and widely used by real estate investors throughout the state. They’re a legitimate financing tool for investment properties, and reputable lenders follow all state and federal lending regulations. Both hard money lenders in Maryland and private money lender Maryland companies operate under the same legal framework and provide essential financing options for real estate investors.
Please contact Free State Capital if you don’t find your answer here.
Work With a Trusted Hard Money Lender In Maryland
Free State Capital was built by real estate investors who’ve been in the trenches. Those who are dealing with contractors who disappear, budgets that shift, and deals that need to close fast. We understand what investors actually need because we’ve been there ourselves.
When you work with us, you’re talking directly to the people making the lending decisions. No waiting on approvals from some regional office. We know Maryland property values and we understand what works in Maryland and the surrounding counties. We move fast on solid deals.
If you’ve got a flip, a rental repositioning project, or a time-sensitive deal, let’s talk about your financing. We’re here to help you close deals and keep your investment business moving forward.
"*" indicates required fields
Ready to Get Funded? Call (410) 205-1710
Email: loans@fscinvest.com