Cape Cod Private Money Lenders

Massachusetts Private Money Interest Rates

According to the private money loan documents software company, Lightning Docs, the average interest rate for Massachusetts private money loans in the 3rd quarter of 2025 was 10.33%. The average loan amount was $1,113,459. These stats are the average of 215 short-term loans (including bridge, rehab, and ground-up construction) funded for investment properties in Massachusetts between July 1, 2025 and September 30, 2025 by multiple private lending companies that use Lightning Docs as their preferred software provider to prepare loan documents.

According to private lending data provider, Analytics Logics, the average interest rate for Massachusetts private money loans in the 3rd quarter of 2025 was 11.39%. Lenders charged an average of 2.3% points (origination fee). The average LTV (loan-to-value) for private money loans in Massachusetts was 58%, and the average loan amount was $1,200,000. These stats are the average of all the loans which were funded between July 1, 2025 and September 30, 2025 by the many private lenders who use Liquid Logics’ loan origination software to manage their lending operations.

Massachusetts Private Money Insights from a Local Lender

Massachusetts presents a dynamic and diverse landscape for real estate investment, with each region offering unique characteristics and opportunities. Cardinal Capital Group is actively lending across Massachusetts, leveraging deep local knowledge to serve investors beyond the traditional Boston market. While many lenders focus exclusively on the metro area, Cardinal recognizes the untapped potential in regions like Worcester, Springfield, and the Berkshires—offering flexible private financing solutions for rehab and ground-up development projects throughout the state. Below is a excerpt from our interview with Briana Hildt, CEO of Cardinal Capital Group.

The Boston Metro area continues to be a primary focus for many lenders across the country, and for good reason — it’s a dense, high-demand urban market with a proven track record of return. However, beyond Boston, there are other areas of the state that are increasingly drawing the attention of forward-thinking real estate investors and lenders.

Western Massachusetts, which includes cities like Worcester and Springfield, is often overlooked by lenders who restrict their activity to Greater Boston. This bias, while common, is increasingly outdated. The interviewee, who grew up near Springfield and spent time working in California, shared their own initial hesitation to lend in these areas. But upon returning to Massachusetts, they observed firsthand how much these regions had evolved.

In Springfield, for example, the introduction of the MGM Grand Casino served as a major catalyst for economic growth. This investment brought an influx of travelers, business activity, and hospitality demand, contributing to a broader revitalization of the city. New developments and infrastructure projects have followed, creating a more attractive environment for both residents and real estate developers. As a result, surrounding towns and suburbs have also benefited from increased investment and demand for housing.

Worcester has similarly seen a surge in development and real estate interest. While it may not always carry the same prestige as Boston, its affordability, central location, and growing economy make it a viable target for fix-and-flip projects and smaller residential investments. These submarkets offer numerous opportunities in the $250,000 to $400,000 price range — ideal for local investors and developers who are often underserved by larger financial institutions.

Lastly, the Berkshires offer a completely different value proposition. This region, known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions, resembles a vacation or lifestyle market more than an urban or suburban one. With picturesque landscapes and a growing appeal for remote work lifestyles, the Berkshires have become increasingly desirable for residential projects, second homes, and niche development.

Cape Cod and the Islands, including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, represent specialized but active pockets within Massachusetts for real estate investment. Cardinal has funded a significant number of deals in these areas, especially on the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard, with some activity in Nantucket as well. These markets are approached on a deal-by-deal, case-by-case basis, recognizing the unique property values and seasonal dynamics that shape lending decisions there. The Cape, in particular, is described as “easier” and “more neutral,” with typical opportunities including $800,000 single-family fix-and-flip projects that are relatively straightforward to underwrite. While more selective, lending in these areas remains very much on the table when the deal structure makes sense.

The key takeaway is that understanding these local dynamics, rather than relying on outdated assumptions, is essential to making smart real estate lending decisions in Massachusetts.

How Cardinal Became a Leading Private Lender in Boston

In this clip, Briana Hildt shares the origin story behind Cardinal Capital Group’s rapid ascent in the Boston private money lending space. Despite launching around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cardinal has grown into a high-volume lender with over $450 million in loan originations and more than 200 deals in 2024 alone — with 85% of those loans concentrated in the Boston metro area.

Hildt attributes much of this success to her local roots. Growing up in Massachusetts gave her an immediate edge in a state known for its strong local loyalty. “It’s such a patriot state — you’re either from here, or you’re not,” she notes, emphasizing how simply having a Massachusetts phone number made people more willing to pick up the phone. The market’s relationship-driven nature also worked in her favor; borrowers prioritize trust and execution over marginal rate differences, making reputation and reliability far more valuable than pricing gimmicks.

Cardinal’s growth has largely come through repeat business and referrals. As clients had positive experiences — impressed by the company’s speed, creativity, and structuring ability — they introduced new borrowers, creating a referral flywheel that drove sustained momentum. Hildt and her team leaned into that feedback loop, scaling by identifying what clients loved most and doubling down on those strengths.

Now, with a dedicated marketing team and additional sales staff in place, Cardinal is looking to expand beyond its referral-driven base and enter new markets more strategically. But at the core of it all, Hildt affirms, is the company’s commitment to relationships and client satisfaction — foundational values that have powered their rise to becoming one of Boston’s leading private lenders.

Cardinal Capital Group (CCG) has collectively facilitated over $900 million in funded loans and is one of the top private money lenders in New England. They offer a number of different loan products to serve the financing needs of real estate investors who focus on residential and multifamily properties: refinance bridge loans, fix & flip, rehab-to-rent, ground-up construction. Visit their profile to watch more short video clips, or watch the complete interview with Briana Hildt.

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