Kiavi Reviews: Is This Hard Money Lender Worth It for Real Estate Investors in 2025?

Let’s face it, reliable funding can make or break your next real estate deal. That’s why so many investors are searching for honest Kiavi reviews to decide whether this lender is actually worth using. Whether you're flipping houses or building a rental portfolio, choosing the right hard money lender is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Kiavi (formerly LendingHome) offers fast, asset-based financing for real estate investors looking to close quickly and scale confidently. But how does it stack up when it comes to pricing, service, flexibility, and real user experience?

In this review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Kiavi, including its loan products, terms, fees, and what actual investors are saying. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of whether it’s a good match for how you invest.

Before you go any further, grab our FREE resource: The Ultimate Guide To Start Real Estate Investing. It’s packed with tools and tips to help you find, fund, and close your first deal.

Now, let’s jump to the section that interests you the most in this Kiavi review:

• What Is Kiavi?
• How Kiavi Works (Step-by-Step)
• Kiavi Loan Products & Programs
• Kiavi Rates, Fees, and Terms
• Kiavi Reviews from Real Investors
• Pros and Cons of Kiavi
• Who Is Kiavi Best For?
• Kiavi vs Other Hard Money Lenders
• Our Verdict: Is Kiavi Worth It?
• FAQ: Kiavi Reviews

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What Is Kiavi?

Kiavi is a private lender that helps real estate investors fund fix-and-flip, rental, and bridge deals fast. If the name sounds new, it’s because the company rebranded from LendingHome to Kiavi to better reflect its mission: combining real estate with smarter technology. Kiavi isn’t your typical bank; it’s designed with real estate investors in mind and works in more than 40 states. The whole process, from applying to closing, happens online, which helps speed things up and cuts down on hassle. If you want access to investor-focused funding without jumping through the usual hoops, Kiavi could be a solid option.

What Makes Kiavi Stand Out?

What makes Kiavi different from most hard money lenders is how much it leans on technology to move things faster. With tools like instant property valuations and a simplified underwriting process, it’s built to save investors time. Here’s a look at the features that investors say make the biggest difference:

• Automated Property Valuation: Kiavi taps into nationwide data and its own valuation tools to estimate property value and ARV in just minutes—no need to wait around for a formal appraisal.
• Fast Pre-Approval Process: Many investors receive conditional approval the same day they apply, making it easier to move fast on competitive deals.
• In-House Underwriting: All underwriting is done by Kiavi’s internal team, ensuring faster review times and better deal alignment with investor needs.
• Investor-Friendly Portal: The borrower dashboard lets you track loan status, upload documents, and get updates without emailing back and forth.
• Nationwide Lending in 40+ States: Whether you’re flipping in Florida or building a rental portfolio in Arizona, Kiavi supports your growth with consistent access to capital.

New to Real Estate? Start Here First

Thinking about using Kiavi but haven’t done your first deal yet? Before diving into loans and leverage, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation. That’s why we created the Ultimate Investor Program—to help new investors learn how to source deals, run the numbers, and make smart offers. Once you’ve got that first win under your belt, lenders like Kiavi can help you scale faster. In the meantime, grab our FREE Ultimate Guide to Start Real Estate Investing and start learning the ropes the right way.

How Kiavi Works (Step-by-Step)

One of Kiavi’s biggest strengths is speed. Their tech-driven platform is designed to help real estate investors move quickly, from application to funding, without the usual friction of traditional banks.

1. Create an account and complete your profile: Getting started with Kiavi is easy. After creating an account, you'll enter basic info about your investing experience, preferred markets, and borrowing needs. This sets the stage for personalized loan offers.
2. Choose your loan type and input property details: Select the kind of loan you need (Fix & Flip, Rental, Bridge, or Refi), then plug in the address and details of your investment property. Kiavi’s system starts analyzing the deal immediately.
3. Automated valuation tools provide fast deal reviews: Kiavi utilizes proprietary technology and national data to estimate property value, ARV, and risk. You’ll get a preliminary quote quickly, often within minutes, so you can decide whether to move forward.
4. Upload documents for underwriting: Once you’re ready to proceed, you’ll upload supporting documents like contractor bids, insurance, or proof of funds (if required). Kiavi’s portal makes this part fast and straightforward.
5. Receive approval terms and sign: If the deal checks out, Kiavi will issue final terms for review. After signing, the legal docs are processed, and the deal is officially greenlit.
6. Close quickly (sometimes in under 10 days): Depending on your deal and how fast documents are submitted, closings can happen in as little as 7–10 days. The streamlined process means fewer delays and more control over your timeline.

Kiavi Loan Products

If you're flipping houses or building up a rental portfolio, Kiavi has a few different loan options to match your approach. It's not just for seasoned investors, either. Whether it's your first deal or your fiftieth, they’ve got financing that fits. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main loan types Kiavi offers and how they’re used:

1. Fix & Flip Loans
2. Rental Loans (DSCR)
3. Bridge Loans
4. Cash-Out Refinance

Fix & Flip Loans
These are short-term loans built for buying, renovating, and reselling properties. Kiavi’s fix-and-flip loans typically offer up to 90% of the purchase price and up to 75% of the ARV (after-repair value). Terms range from 12 to 24 months, and funding is often available in just a few days.

Rental Loans (DSCR)
Designed for buy-and-hold investors, Kiavi’s DSCR (Debt-Service Coverage Ratio) rental loans let you finance single-family rentals and small multifamily properties. These loans are long-term (up to 30 years) and don’t rely on your personal income but rather the property’s cash flow. LTVs go up to 80% for qualified borrowers.

Bridge Loans
Need fast capital while transitioning between projects? Kiavi’s bridge loans can help cover gaps in financing, especially when timing is tight. These short-term loans can be funded quickly and are often used to compete with cash buyers or bridge the gap before long-term financing kicks in.

Cash-Out Refinance
Unlock equity in your existing investment properties with Kiavi’s cash-out refi options. You can use these funds to buy your next deal, cover renovations, or pay off higher-interest debt. LTVs and terms vary, but this can be a solid move for scaling without raising outside capital.

Loan terms vary depending on your investing experience, credit profile, and deal specifics. Kiavi is built for speed, but they still take underwriting seriously, so solid deals and a good track record go a long way.

Kiavi Rates and Fees

Kiavi keeps its pricing pretty simple, especially compared to some of the hoops you jump through with traditional lenders. Costs vary depending on the type of loan, your experience, and the deal itself, but overall, their rates are competitive. Fix and flip loans, as well as rental loans, are priced fairly, and there’s usually some wiggle room based on your credit, the property, and how many deals you’ve done before. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but a lot of investors feel the fast closings and smooth process justify the extra cost.

Compared to other private lenders, Kiavi’s pricing is competitive, especially when you factor in their tech-driven speed and no-nonsense approval process. For investors who value fast closings and consistent communication, the slightly higher rates are often a fair tradeoff.

Real Kiavi Reviews from Investors

Wondering, “Is Kiavi legit?” You’re definitely not the only one. Plenty of real estate investors have used Kiavi for funding, and the feedback reflects a mix of real-world praise and honest takes. Over on Trustpilot, many Kiavi user reviews talk about how quick and responsive the process is. One investor said they were “pleasantly surprised at how fast the loan moved from application to closing,” while another shared that their rep “walked them through every step.” That kind of one-on-one support isn’t something you see often with hard money lenders, and for newer investors, it can make a huge difference.

On BiggerPockets, most of the chatter around Kiavi leans positive, especially from investors who’ve been around the block. One person shared that “Kiavi helped close a deal in just 9 days,” while another pointed out how the automated property valuation tools made things feel a lot more efficient. A few folks did mention slower communication during underwriting, but overall, they felt Kiavi did what it said it would. For many, the streamlined, tech-forward process was the standout factor.

In Reddit threads and investor Facebook groups, you’ll find a healthy mix of opinions. A few people brought up that Kiavi’s loan terms aren’t always the lowest, especially for newer investors without a track record. That said, others emphasized that “what you pay in slightly higher fees, you get back in speed and convenience.” There were also mentions of deals falling through with local lenders, only to be rescued by Kiavi. For investors who value fast closings and solid customer support, the platform seems to earn high marks.

Kiavi Reviews: Pros and Cons

Investors who've worked with Kiavi often highlight how quickly the funding comes through and how easy the tech-based application is to navigate. It's clear the platform was built with real estate investors in mind. That said, it’s not perfect—some say the fees can feel steep, and availability isn’t nationwide. Here’s a quick look at what people like and what they think could be better:

Who Is Kiavi Best For?

Kiavi is built with active real estate investors in mind, especially those who need fast, dependable funding for flips, rentals, or BRRRR deals. If you're shopping for a traditional home mortgage, this isn’t your lane. But if you’ve got a few deals under your belt and want a lending partner that moves quickly and keeps things simple, Kiavi could be a great fit. Its tech-driven process and investor-focused approach make it a solid option for people who want speed and flexibility without the usual red tape.

• Full-time fix & flip investors
• BRRRR investors using DSCR loan models
• Investors in need of fast closings
• Investors with at least some experience

Kiavi vs Other Hard Money Lenders

Picking the right hard money lender means weighing things like loan options, how flexible the terms are, and how fast they can actually fund your deal. Every lender brings something different to the table, so it really depends on what matters most for your strategy. To help make the decision easier, here’s a side-by-side comparison of Kiavi, Fund That Flip, and Lima One Capital:

If you want a fast, tech-driven lender with flexible fix-and-flip and rental loan options, Kiavi is a strong choice. Fund That Flip is best suited for new construction and short-term flips. Lima One Capital, meanwhile, is great for those building out rental portfolios and seeking slightly higher leverage. Pick based on your strategy, timeline, and the kind of deal you’re doing.

Our Verdict: Is Kiavi Worth It?

Kiavi stands out in the lending space by cutting through a lot of the red tape that slows traditional financing. For real estate investors who need speed and flexibility—especially those flipping houses or building rental portfolios—its tech-driven process can be a major advantage. The ability to get funded based on the strength of the deal, not just your income, is a big win for experienced operators.

That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. You’ll need solid credit, and availability depends on your location. But if you’ve got a few deals under your belt and want a lending partner that moves fast and stays out of your way, Kiavi deserves a serious look.

If you’re an active investor ready to grow your business with faster closings and investor-focused funding, Kiavi could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

FAQ: Kiavi Reviews

Here are some of the most common questions investors ask about Kiavi.

What credit score do I need to get approved by Kiavi?

Kiavi typically requires a minimum credit score of 660 for most loan products. However, stronger credit and prior real estate experience may help you qualify for better rates and terms.

Is Kiavi a direct lender or a broker?

Kiavi is a direct lender, not a broker. This means they originate and fund the loans themselves, which often speeds up the process and reduces third-party fees.

How fast can Kiavi fund a deal?

Kiavi can fund deals in as little as 7 to 10 days, depending on how quickly you complete your application and submit required documents. Their tech-driven process is built for speed.

Does Kiavi do DSCR loans for rental properties?

Yes, Kiavi offers DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans for rental properties. These loans are underwritten based on the property’s income potential, not your personal income.

Is Kiavi legit and safe to use?

Yes, Kiavi is a legitimate and well-reviewed direct lender with thousands of closed deals and positive investor feedback. They are known for their transparency, speed, and investor-friendly process.

Final Thoughts on Kiavi Reviews

After digging into Kiavi’s loan products, pricing model, and what real investors have to say, it’s easy to see why so many Kiavi reviews are positive. The platform makes it easier for experienced investors to move quickly, offering flexible financing and a streamlined application process that skips the usual delays.

If you’re flipping houses, refinancing a rental with a DSCR loan, or simply tired of the red tape from traditional lenders, Kiavi could be a smart option, especially if you're operating in one of the 40+ states they serve.

If you’re serious about doing your first real estate deal, don’t waste time guessing what works. Our FREE Training walks you through how to consistently find deals, flip houses, and build passive income—without expensive marketing or trial and error.

This FREE Training gives you the same system our students use to start fast and scale smart. Watch it today—so you can stop wondering and start closing.

*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.