# How to Choose a Florida Hard Money Lender

> Compare Florida hard money proposals using proceeds, rates, fees, draw conditions, closing requirements and repayment plans. Includes a loan calculator.

Canonical page: https://hardmoneylendersflorida.net/choosing-a-florida-hard-money-lender

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Compare before you commit

## Choosing a Florida hard money lender.

The best financing fit depends on your property and plan. Use this checklist to compare written proposals and ask better questions before choosing a provider.

[Discuss your Florida deal](https://hardmoneylendersflorida.net/submit-your-deal) [Explore the numbers](https://hardmoneylendersflorida.net/#calculator)

Illustrative property photography

Proposal checklist

## Compare the same deal, line by line.

- **Initial proceeds:**  how much is available at closing after existing debt, fees and reserves?

- **Total commitment:**  how much is held for future work, and what releases it?

- **Interest:**  what balance accrues interest, and how are payments calculated?

- **Fees:**  which charges are lender, broker, servicing, draw or third-party costs?

- **Term and exit:**  does the maturity fit a realistic sale or refinance?

- **Prepayment and extensions:**  what written provisions apply?

- **Conditions:**  what must be satisfied before funding?

- **Communication:**  who handles underwriting, closing, servicing and draws?

Before choosing

## Turn broad promises into specific questions.

### “We can close fast.”

Ask which documents, valuation, title and insurance steps remain. Request a timeline tied to the actual transaction. A marketing target is not a commitment to fund by your contract deadline.

### “We offer high leverage.”

Ask which value is used and whether the percentage applies to purchase price, current value, after-repair value or total cost. Then request the initial advance, holdback and required cash contribution separately.

### “We have a low rate.”

Ask for the complete fee schedule and model the expected hold. A lower rate can be offset by points, minimum interest, draw charges or exit costs.

### “We understand investors.”

Ask how the process fits your project: first-time renovation, occupied rental, multi-unit rehab or construction. Seek relevant, verifiable examples instead of assuming one provider fits every strategy.

Decision worksheet

## Use a common comparison scenario.

Send each provider the same purchase price, work budget, funding request and expected timeline. Record the initial advance, cash needed, monthly carry and estimated payoff under each proposal. Run a delayed-exit scenario too.

Keep unconfirmed assumptions clearly marked. Ask the provider to reconcile differences between the early estimate and closing documents. Review material terms with your own qualified advisers before committing.

Plan your financing

## Move the sliders. See the numbers.

Explore an illustrative scenario. Change any assumption to see how it affects the estimate.

Interactive calculator: [read the calculation methods and assumptions](https://hardmoneylendersflorida.net/calculator-methodology.md), or [use the calculator](https://hardmoneylendersflorida.net/calculators). Outputs are illustrative estimates, not loan quotes.

Good questions

## Choosing a provider: common questions.

Know what to expect before you take the next step.

[Talk through your deal](https://hardmoneylendersflorida.net/submit-your-deal)

### Is this a ranking of the best Florida hard money lenders?

No. It is a comparison framework, not an independent ranking or endorsement of any provider.

### Should I compare a lender and a broker differently?

Confirm who is arranging the loan, who approves and funds it, and what compensation applies. Compare the complete transaction costs and responsibilities in either case.

Related resources

## Keep planning your next move.

[**First-time investor guide** Explore the guide →](https://hardmoneylendersflorida.net/florida-hard-money-loans-for-beginners) [**Private money explained** Explore the guide →](https://hardmoneylendersflorida.net/private-money-lenders-florida) [**Compare financing options** Explore the guide →](https://hardmoneylendersflorida.net/choosing-a-florida-hard-money-lender) [**Florida market directory** Explore the guide →](https://hardmoneylendersflorida.net/florida)

## Your next move starts here.

Tell us about the property. Let’s get clear on what comes next.

[Submit your deal](https://hardmoneylendersflorida.net/submit-your-deal)

## Site-wide context

Funding is subject to underwriting, approval, complete documentation and closing readiness. Availability and terms depend on the property, location and transaction. A 48-hour target is not a guaranteed funding commitment. Calculator figures and deal examples are illustrative, not offered terms or actual company closings. Property and people photography does not depict actual staff, borrowers or funded transactions.