Homeowners in Connecticut sometimes search for hard money when a bank says no or a deadline is approaching. A short-term loan secured by the home you live in can put that home at risk, and it is treated as a consumer loan with ability-to-repay protections. Use this page to understand those protections, the warning signs that call for caution, and alternatives such as non-QM, renovation and bridge options from licensed lenders.
Call to talk with a licensed loan officer. Programs vary by borrower, property and investor.
Connecticut contractor licensing: Home Improvement Contractor. Home improvement contractors must hold an active DCP registration, and the HIC number should appear on the contract; homeowners can check it on eLicense (elicense.ct.gov). Guaranty Fund eligibility depends on the contractor being registered. Lenders funding renovation work often ask for the contractor's license and bid.
Where the numbers point in Connecticut
Counties with the most owner-occupied homes built before 1960:
| County | Owner-occupied homes built before 1960 |
|---|---|
| the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region | 51.9% |
| the South Central Connecticut Planning Region | 45.1% |
| the Northwest Hills Planning Region | 41.1% |
| the Capitol Planning Region | 40.8% |
| the Western Connecticut Planning Region | 37.0% |
| the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region | 35.9% |
| the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region | 34.9% |
| the Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region | 30.8% |
Start your application in a few minutes. A licensed loan officer reviews it and follows up with your options.
- Takes a few minutes
- Reviewed by a licensed loan officer
- No obligation to proceed
Prefer to talk first? Call (888) 865-8230. Applying is not a loan approval or commitment to lend; programs vary by borrower, property and investor. ClearPoint Mortgage Advisors, NMLS #173855. Properties in FL, NY, NJ, PA, CT and VA only.
Hard Money Loans for a Primary Residence by city in Connecticut
- Ansonia
- Branford Center
- Bridgeport
- Bristol
- Cheshire Village
- Conning Towers Nautilus Park
- Cos Cob
- Danbury
- Derby
- Glastonbury Center
- Hartford
- Jewett City
- Kensington
- Meriden
- Middletown
- Milford
- Milford city
- Naugatuck
- New Britain
- New Haven
- New London
- Norwalk
- Norwich
- Oakville
- Old Greenwich
- Pawcatuck
- Riverside
- Rockville
- Shelton
- Sherwood Manor
- Simsbury Center
- Southwood Acres
- Stafford Springs
- Stamford
- Storrs
- Terryville
- Thompsonville
- Torrington
- Wallingford Center
- Waterbury
- West Haven
- Willimantic
- Winsted
Common questions
How do I check whether a lender in Connecticut is legitimate?
Look up the company and the loan officer on NMLS Consumer Access, which shows licenses by state. You can also check with the Connecticut agency that regulates mortgage lenders. Be cautious with lenders who pressure you to sign quickly, ask for large upfront fees before reviewing your file, or will not put terms in writing.
Can I say the home is a rental to get a hard money loan?
No. Misrepresenting occupancy on a loan application is mortgage fraud with serious legal consequences. If you will live in the home, the loan must be made as an owner-occupied consumer loan. A lender or broker who suggests otherwise is putting you at legal and financial risk. Look for a licensed lender who will make the loan honestly or point you to another option.
What are the risks of a short-term loan secured by my home?
The biggest risk is losing your home. Short-term loans often end with a large balance due, and if you cannot sell or refinance in time you may face extension fees, default or foreclosure. Costs are also higher than on a standard mortgage. Review every charge, ask what happens if your plan is delayed, and get independent advice if you are unsure.
Other investor loans in Connecticut
DSCR loansDSCR requirementsDSCR down paymentAirbnb / STR loansHard money lendersFix and flip loansInvestor bridge loansPortfolio lendersBlanket mortgagesInvestment property loansHELOC on a rentalInvestor cash-out refiSecond home loansInterest-only investor loansPrivate money lenders
Related guides
- Hard Money vs DSCR Loan: Which Fits Your Investment Property?
- DSCR Loan vs Conventional Investment Property Loan
- What Is a DSCR Loan? Meaning, the Ratio, and How It Works
Hard Money Loans for a Primary Residence overview · Connecticut investor loan overview
- Census ACS 2020-2024, table B25036