Marquee Funding Group’s recently funded transactions show that hard money loans apply to a range of scenarios, providing financing for loans that others can’t.
A recent private money closing funded by Marquee Capital Fund 1 highlights the flexibility and structuring sophistication available in today’s alternative lending market. The transaction consisted of a $1,075,000 non-consumer purchase loan secured by properties in both San Francisco and Lafayette, structured in a combined 1st and 2nd trust deed position with an overall loan-to-value ratio of 55.78%.
Cross-collateralized loans require careful underwriting and valuation analysis, especially in high-value Bay Area markets. San Francisco and Lafayette both represent established, desirable locations with historically resilient property values. Maintaining leverage below 56% LTV across the combined assets provided a meaningful equity cushion and added structural strength to the deal.
The 1st and 2nd position structure further demonstrates the tailored approach taken to meet the borrower’s objectives. Complex transactions involving layered lien positions and multiple properties demand precision in documentation, exit planning, and risk assessment. In this case, the non-consumer designation also indicates the loan was structured for business or investment purposes, offering additional flexibility in terms and execution.
A high-balance private money closing was recently completed in Telluride, Colorado, featuring a $4,000,000 loan secured in a first trust deed position. Structured at a 50.31% loan-to-value ratio and priced at a 10% interest rate, the transaction reflects a strong blend of conservative leverage and attractive yield in one of the country’s most sought-after luxury mountain markets.
The loan proceeds were designated to finish remaining construction on the subject property. Construction completion financing continues to be one of the most common and valuable uses of private capital, particularly when borrowers need speed, certainty, and flexibility to push a project across the finish line. Traditional lenders often hesitate to fund projects mid-stream, making private money a critical solution for maintaining momentum and protecting overall property value.
Telluride remains a premier destination market with limited inventory, high buyer demand, and strong long-term real estate fundamentals. Luxury homes in this area can command significant values, and projects nearing completion are often positioned for strong resale or refinance opportunities once construction is finalized.
With the loan held just above 50% LTV in a first-lien position, the deal maintained meaningful equity protection while still providing the borrower with substantial capital. This structure supports a clean exit strategy, whether through sale, refinance, or longer-term financing after construction is completed.
A recent private money closing in Huntington Beach, California showcases an exceptionally low-leverage investment property acquisition backed by strong collateral. The transaction involved an $800,000 loan funded in the first trust deed (1st TD) position at a remarkably conservative 28.07% loan-to-value ratio.
The loan proceeds were used toward the purchase of a new investment property in Huntington Beach one of Southern California’s most desirable coastal markets. Known for its strong rental demand, lifestyle appeal, and long-term property appreciation, Huntington Beach continues to attract both local and out-of-area investors seeking stable real estate assets.
First-position financing at low leverage not only enhances security for the lender but also provides flexibility for the borrower. With substantial equity in place from the outset, the borrower is well-positioned for a variety of exit strategies, including refinance, sale, or long-term hold depending on market conditions.
A high-balance refinance transaction by Ellis Yi was recently completed in Venice, California, featuring a $5,700,000 private money loan secured by a first trust deed blanket position. Structured at a 68.5% loan-to-value ratio and carrying an 11% interest rate, the deal reflects a strategic recapitalization in one of Southern California’s most dynamic coastal markets.
The loan proceeds were used for a cash-out refinance, paying off an existing lender while also extending note maturity. Transactions of this nature are often time-sensitive, particularly when borrowers are approaching maturity deadlines and need to restructure debt efficiently. Private capital plays a crucial role in these scenarios by providing speed, flexibility, and customized structuring that traditional lenders may not offer.
Venice remains a highly desirable coastal submarket with strong long-term real estate fundamentals, limited supply, and sustained buyer demand. Even at 68.5% LTV, the first-lien positioning and asset quality contribute to a balanced risk profile for a transaction of this size.
A recent private money closing in Oakland, CA reflects the continued demand for renovation-focused financing in strong Bay Area markets. In this transaction, a $600,000 private money loan was funded in the second trust deed (2nd TD) position at a 63.5% loan-to-value ratio, offering a balanced combination of yield and collateral support.
The loan was priced at an 11.75% interest rate, consistent with current market conditions for short-term private lending particularly for second-position loans where lenders typically require a higher return to offset lien priority risk. Even so, the leverage on this deal remained disciplined, keeping the transaction below 65% LTV and preserving a meaningful equity cushion.
Renovation-driven loans are often time-sensitive, and private capital can provide the speed and flexibility traditional lenders may not. In this case, the borrower was able to secure funds in a junior lien position while maintaining conservative leverage, positioning the project for a potential refinance, sale, or long-term hold once improvements are completed.
A recent private money transaction in Lake Arrowhead highlights the strength of well-structured second-position lending when supported by significant equity. The $575,000 loan was funded in the second trust deed (2nd TD) position at a notably conservative 48.57% loan-to-value ratio, providing substantial collateral protection while delivering a strong yield profile for investors.
Lake Arrowhead, known for its desirable mountain properties and vacation-style residences, continues to attract both full-time homeowners and second-home buyers. Properties in this market can command strong values, but also require thoughtful structuring when layering additional financing especially in a second-position structure.
Second trust deed lending demands heightened attention to existing senior debt, borrower exit strategy, and property marketability. By maintaining leverage below 50% LTV, this transaction mitigates many of the typical risks associated with junior liens while still meeting the borrower’s capital needs.
A recent private money closing by Eric Baehr in San Jose demonstrates how alternative lending continues to support borrowers who need fast, reliable financing especially when timing is critical in competitive housing markets. In this transaction, a $550,000 loan was funded in the first trust deed (1st TD) position at a conservative 61.1% loan-to-value ratio, providing strong collateral coverage while still delivering meaningful leverage to the borrower.
According to the deal details, the loan proceeds were used toward the purchase of a new primary residence. This structure highlights one of the most common and valuable use cases for private money: helping borrowers secure a property quickly while preparing for a longer-term refinance, sale of another asset, or other exit strategy.
A recent private money closing by Max Stone in Los Angeles underscores the value of flexible lending solutions for borrowers navigating complex real estate and debt situations. In this transaction, a $535,000 private money loan was funded in the second trust deed (2nd TD) position at a 65.61% loan-to-value ratio, offering both strong yield potential and meaningful equity protection.
This type of refinance-and-cash-out structure is a common use case for private capital, especially when borrowers need to replace a maturing loan, improve terms, or consolidate a prior second-position obligation. By paying off the existing junior lien, the transaction also helped simplify the borrower’s debt stack and position the property more cleanly for future financing or a longer-term exit strategy.
Second-position lending requires careful underwriting and a disciplined approach to leverage. With the loan structured below 66% LTV, the deal maintained a responsible equity cushion while still meeting the borrower’s objectives. In a market like Los Angeles where property values can vary significantly by neighborhood maintaining conservative leverage is especially important.
A recent private money transaction highlights the continued demand for strategic bridge financing in competitive California markets. Marquee Capital Fund 1 funded a $415,000 bridge loan secured by an existing primary residence in Albany, CA. The loan was structured in the second position with a conservative loan-to-value ratio of 63.81%, providing a balanced risk profile for the lender while delivering critical liquidity to the borrower.
As a bridge loan on a primary residence, the financing was designed to provide interim capital likely supporting a time-sensitive need such as debt restructuring, property transition, equity extraction, or another short-term liquidity event. Second-position bridge loans require careful underwriting, particularly in high-cost markets like Northern California. By maintaining a sub-65% combined loan-to-value, the transaction demonstrates prudent leverage and downside protection.
The deal was originated by Alexandra Kurzweil, who structured the financing to align both borrower objectives and fund investment parameters. Transactions of this nature showcase the flexibility of private capital compared to traditional lending channels, especially when speed, structuring creativity, and responsiveness are essential.
