Hard money loans carry interest rates even higher than traditional subprime loans. Since traditional lenders, such as banks, do not make hard money loans, hard loan lenders are sometimes private individuals that see value in this type of potentially risky venture. Hard money loans are used in turnaround situations, short-term financing, and by borrowers with poor credit but substantial equity in their property that wish to stave off foreclosure.
Investment dictionary. Academic. 2012.