Kiavi Review 2026
Independently written. We earn a commission if you close a loan through our links — see our disclosure.
Kiavi is the biggest fix-and-flip lender in America, and for most 1–4 unit investors it's the first quote worth getting. It is not the right lender for every deal. Here's the honest breakdown.
The short version
Kiavi (formerly LendingHome) has funded $30B+ since 2013 and originated $5.5B in fix-and-flip loans in 2024 — more than three times the next-largest lender. It wins on three things: speed (closings in as little as 7–10 business days), paperwork (no W-2s, tax returns, or income verification on bridge loans), and leverage (up to 95% loan-to-cost and 80% of after-repair value). New customers who apply through a partner link also get $350 cash after their first closing.
Loan products
| Product | What it is | Typical terms |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge / fix-and-flip | Short-term loan to buy and rehab a property | 12–24 months, interest-only, ~7.75%–12%, up to 95% LTC / 80% ARV, ~$100K–$3M |
| DSCR rental | 30-year loan qualified on the property's rent, not your income | 30-year fixed and ARM options, roughly 6.4%–9.5% depending on DSCR, LTV, and credit |
| Rental portfolio | One loan across 5+ rental properties | Blanket structure, terms by portfolio |
| New construction | Ground-up financing for infill builds (launched 2025) | Experienced builders; terms by project |
What we like
- Pricing for experienced investors is among the best in hard money. Kiavi tiers pricing by your exit count in the last 24 months; 5+ exits unlocks its best rates.
- The process is genuinely online. Soft quote in minutes with no hard credit pull, document upload and draws handled in a dashboard, and interior appraisals are often replaced by Kiavi's own valuation model on bridge loans.
- Flip-to-rental is one ecosystem. Finish the rehab on a bridge loan, then refinance into Kiavi's 30-year DSCR loan without starting over at a new lender.
- Scale means predictability. A lender that securitizes billions a year doesn't improvise underwriting at the closing table.
What we don't
- No lending in Utah, and no 5+ unit multifamily, mixed-use, or rural property. See eligible states.
- ~$100K minimum loan rules out many low-cost-market deals. Sub-$100K, look at RCN Capital or Groundfloor — our comparison pages cover both.
- First-timers don't get the headline rates. New investors are eligible, but the advertised floor pricing assumes a track record.
- DSCR loans carry standard prepayment penalties (typically a step-down over the first 3–5 years). Normal for the product, but read the terms — details in our FAQ.
- Service is dashboard-first. If you want a loan officer who answers a cell phone on Saturday, a regional lender may fit better.
Is Kiavi legit?
Yes — this question mostly comes from the hard-money price tag, not the company. Kiavi is licensed (NMLS #1125207, California Finance Lender), institutionally backed, and has operated since 2013. Double-digit rates on bridge loans are the product category, not a scam signal. Full answer: Is Kiavi legit?
Who should use Kiavi
Use Kiavi if: you're flipping or BRRRR-ing 1–4 unit properties at $100K+ loan sizes, you value closing speed, and you want bridge and 30-year DSCR under one roof. Look elsewhere if: your deals are under $100K (RCN, Groundfloor), you're in Utah, or you're building 5+ unit multifamily (Lima One). Compare directly: Kiavi vs. the field.
Bottom line
Kiavi earns its market share: fast, predictable, well-priced for experienced investors, and honest about being a tech-first lender. Get the soft quote (it's free and doesn't touch your credit), compare it against one regional lender, and if Kiavi wins, make sure you start through the partner link so the $350 new-customer bonus attaches to your account.