Hard Money Loans in Washington, D.C.

A D.C. hard money rehab usually means an older rowhouse that needs more than paint: roof and masonry repairs, new electrical and plumbing, a reworked kitchen and baths, often a basement brought up to rental standard. Apex funds up to 92.50% of total cost and up to 100% of the rehab budget, released in draws as work is inspected. First-time investors are welcome, with a 650 minimum FICO. In a historic district, apply for permits early. An empty house can be classed as a vacant building, though active renovation under a valid permit is an exemption.

Long-term rentals in D.C. draw on federal and contractor staff, students and hospital workers. Apex qualifies DSCR loans on the property's cash flow, not your personal income, with ratios as low as 0.75x, 30-year fixed and ARM options, loan amounts from $100K to $3M+ and cash-out refinancing up to 80% LTV. Reaching the full 80% takes a stronger DSCR and credit score than the program minimums, so leverage on each file is set by its DSCR and credit. Short-term rentals are eligible, but D.C. licenses them only to a natural person hosting at their own primary residence, so underwrite on a long-term lease. Check rent stabilization too: newer buildings are generally exempt, older ones covered unless an exemption applies.

In D.C., the gap a bridge loan covers is often a legal process. Tenants in an occupied multi-unit building must be offered the chance to buy before a sale, and in Georgetown, exterior work visible from public space needs Old Georgetown Board and Commission of Fine Arts approval before a permit issues. A hard money bridge loan lets you close once those steps clear, then carry the property through lease-up or light work until a sale or a DSCR refinance pays it off. Apex sets bridge terms deal by deal, for experienced and first-time sponsors alike.

D.C. has little vacant land, so a smaller builder's ground-up work is infill: a new rowhouse on an empty lot, a teardown replaced with a small apartment building, or a detached house where zoning allows. Apex funds up to 100% of the construction budget, released in stages against inspected progress, and lot acquisition can be included. Approved plans are required before closing, permits before the first draw, and a licensed general contractor is typically required. In a historic district, new construction and raze permits both get preservation review, so plan for it before buying the lot.