Fix & Flip Loans in California

Bottom Line Up Front

Fix and flip loans provide the capital to purchase distressed or value-add properties, fund renovations, and sell for a profit. These short-term loans are designed for experienced and aspiring real estate investors who need fast funding and flexible terms to execute renovation projects throughout California.

✓ Finance purchase + renovation costs✓ Fast approval and funding✓ Based on after-repair value (ARV)✓ Short-term 6-18 month terms✓ Multiple draw schedule for rehab funds

Overview

Who Qualifies?

Property value and after-repair value (ARV). Experience preferred but not always required. Down payment varies by LTV. Renovation budget and timeline plan.

Key Benefits

✓Finance purchase + renovation costs
✓Fast approval and funding
✓Based on after-repair value (ARV)
✓Short-term 6-18 month terms
✓Multiple draw schedule for rehab funds
✓No income verification in many programs

✅ Pros

Quick access to capital
ARV-based lending maximizes leverage
Renovation funds included
Scalable for repeat investors

⚠️ Considerations

Higher interest rates
Short repayment timeline
Requires solid exit strategy
Points and fees

California-Specific Information

California's high property values make fix-and-flip investing especially profitable. Markets like Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and the Inland Empire offer strong opportunities for renovation investors.

Rates & Pricing

Typically 9-12% depending on experience, LTV, and property type. Points range from 1-3%.

Why Work with Our Recommended Broker for Fix & Flip Loans?

Our recommended broker, Save Financial, Inc. (Sponsored by Save Financial, Inc. (NMLS #377740)), is a trusted California mortgage brokerage with 45 years of combined experience and relationships with 20+ wholesale lenders. They specialize in finding the best fix & flip loans rates and terms for California borrowers. Their $500 price guarantee means if they can't beat another lender's offer, you get $500. Our recommended broker serves 168+ California cities from offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey, and the team speaks English and Spanish.

Call (888) 703-1840 or get a free quote online — open 7 days a week, 9AM–8PM.

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Our Recommended Broker's $500 Price Match Guarantee

Our recommended broker, Save Financial, guarantees to beat any written offer for the same product, we pay you $500 cash.

Sponsored by Save Financial, Inc. (NMLS #377740) · DRE #01875766 · Call (888) 703-1840

Claim Guarantee →

Reviewed By

Mike Baasti, Licensed Mortgage Broker

Expert contributor to Mortgage Guide California. Licensed mortgage broker (Sponsored by Save Financial, Inc. (NMLS #377740), DRE #01875766) and founder of Save Financial, Inc. in Newport Beach, CA. 20+ years originating conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and specialty loans across California.

Verify Sponsored by Save Financial, Inc. (NMLS #377740) →LinkedIn →DRE #01875766

Fix-and-Flip Financing Structure

Fix-and-flip loans provide both the purchase price and renovation costs in a single loan, structured as short-term bridge financing with interest-only payments. The loan amount is based on the after-repair value (ARV) — typically 70-85% of ARV. For a California property with an ARV of $900,000, a 75% ARV loan provides $675,000 total: $500,000 for the purchase and $175,000 for renovations. The renovation funds are held in escrow and disbursed in stages as the contractor completes work — the lender inspects each phase before releasing the next draw. Terms range from 6-18 months, with interest rates of 9-13% and 1-3 origination points.

Experienced flippers with a track record of successful projects qualify for better terms — lower rates, higher leverage, and faster closings. First-time flippers may face higher down payment requirements (30-35% of purchase price) and lower ARV leverage. California's high property values create both opportunity and risk: the profit margins per flip are larger ($60,000-$150,000 on a typical coastal flip), but the capital at risk is also substantial. Before pursuing a fix-and-flip loan, analyze the deal using the 70% rule: maximum purchase price should be 70% of ARV minus renovation costs.

Last updated: July 2026. Sources: California Contractors State License Board renovation requirements. California Department of Real Estate licensing for fix-and-flip lending.

Frequently Asked Questions — Fix & Flip Loans

What is a fix & flip loans in California?

Fix & Flip Loans provide specialized financing for California homebuyers and investors. Contact our recommended broker for current rates, terms, and qualification requirements specific to your situation.

What credit score do I need for fix & flip loans?

Credit requirements vary by program and lender. Most programs require a minimum of 620-680. Higher scores unlock better rates and lower down payment options.

How much down payment do I need?

Down payment requirements range from 0% (VA) to 25%+ depending on the program, property type, and borrower profile. Your broker can calculate the exact requirement for your scenario.

How long does closing take?

Most California mortgage transactions close in 25-45 days from application. Some programs (hard money, VA IRRRL) can close faster. Complex transactions may take longer.

Can I use this program for an investment property?

Property type eligibility varies by program. Some are primary residence only, while others allow second homes and investment properties. Check with your broker for specific program rules.

Are rates higher for fix & flip loans?

Rates depend on the program type, your credit score, down payment, and current market conditions. Alternative documentation and specialty programs typically carry rates 0.5-1.5% above standard conventional.

Do I need to verify my income?

Income verification requirements vary by program. Full-doc loans require tax returns and pay stubs. Alternative programs use bank statements, asset verification, or property income instead.

Can I refinance later into a different program?

Yes. Many borrowers start with a specialty program and refinance into conventional financing once they build equity, improve their credit, or can document income traditionally.

What documents do I need to apply?

At minimum: government ID, credit authorization, and property information. Additional documents depend on the program — tax returns for full-doc, bank statements for bank statement programs, or just a credit report for DSCR.

How do I get started?

Contact our recommended broker at (888) 703-1840 for a free consultation. Pre-approval takes 1-3 business days and tells you exactly what programs you qualify for and at what terms.

Mortgage Guide California is an Independent Educational Publisher

This website provides free mortgage education for California homebuyers, homeowners, and investors. All content is written and reviewed by licensed mortgage professionals. We are not a lender or broker — we are an educational resource.

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Overview

Who Qualifies?

Key Benefits

✅ Pros

⚠️ Considerations

California-Specific Information

Rates & Pricing

Why Work with Our Recommended Broker for Fix & Flip Loans?

Get Your Free Quote

Fix-and-Flip Financing Structure

Frequently Asked Questions — Fix & Flip Loans

Related Loan Programs

Construction Loans

Bridge Loans

Hard Money Loans

Apply for Fix & Flip Loans Today

Mortgage Guide California is an Independent Educational Publisher