The Lowdown on Bridge Loans...

The Lowdown on Bridge Loans...

Short-Term Financing to Bridge the Gap Between Homes

A bridge loan is short-term financing that helps homeowners purchase a new home before selling their current property. Instead of making your new home purchase contingent on selling first - which can weaken your offer in competitive markets - a bridge loan provides the funds you need to buy now and sell later.

Bridge loans are typically structured for 6 to 12 months, giving you time to move into your new home, prepare your old home for sale, and sell without the pressure of simultaneous closings. Once your previous home sells, you use the proceeds to pay off the bridge loan.

For homeowners in competitive markets where contingent offers are often rejected, or those who need to relocate quickly for work, a bridge loan can be the difference between getting your dream home and losing it to another buyer.

Key Benefits:

  • Buy your new home before selling your current one
  • Make non-contingent offers that compete with cash buyers
  • Avoid the stress of coordinating two closings simultaneously
  • Move on your timeline without rushing your home sale
  • Short-term financing typically 6-12 months

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The Bridge Loan Process

Here's how the bridge loan process works:

  1. Apply for bridge financing based on equity in your current home
  2. Get approved and make a strong, non-contingent offer on your new home
  3. Close on your new home and move in at your convenience
  4. List and sell your previous home, then pay off the bridge loan with proceeds

Do I Qualify?

Bridge loan qualification focuses on the equity in your current home and your ability to carry both mortgages temporarily. You'll typically need significant equity in your current home (often 20% or more after accounting for the bridge loan), good credit (usually 680+), and demonstrated ability to make payments on both properties during the bridge period.

Lenders will evaluate your current home's market value, how quickly it's likely to sell, and your overall financial picture. Because bridge loans are short-term and carry more risk, interest rates are typically higher than traditional mortgages. You should have a clear plan for selling your current home within the loan term.

Bridge Loan Qualifier

Common Questions About Bridge Loans

Bridge loan amounts are typically based on your current home’s equity. Most lenders will lend up to 80% of your current home’s value minus your existing mortgage balance. For example, if your home is worth $500,000 and you owe $200,000, you might qualify for up to $200,000 in bridge financing.

Bridge loan rates are typically higher than traditional mortgage rates, often 2-4% above prime rate. This reflects the short-term nature and higher risk of these loans. However, because the loan term is short (6-12 months), the total interest paid is manageable. Some borrowers can make interest-only payments during the bridge period.

This is the key risk with bridge loans. If your home doesn’t sell within the loan term, you may need to extend the loan (often with additional fees), reduce your asking price to accelerate the sale, or explore other options. Work with your lender to understand extension options before closing.

Yes. Alternatives include home equity lines of credit (HELOC), making a contingent offer, negotiating a rent-back agreement with your buyer, or using an 80-10-10 loan structure. Some buyers also use cash-out refinancing on their current home. Each option has trade-offs depending on your situation.

Bridge loan interest may be tax-deductible as mortgage interest if the loan is secured by your home. However, tax laws are complex and subject to change. Consult with a tax professional about your specific situation.

Bridge loans can often be approved quickly - sometimes within 1-2 weeks - because they’re based primarily on your current home’s equity rather than extensive income documentation. This speed is one of their key advantages when you need to move fast on a new purchase.

Your Bridge Loan Could Be
Fully Funded 2 Weeks From Now

  • Buy Before You Sell

    Buy Before
    You Sell

  • Stronger Offers

    Stronger
    Offers

  • Move on Your Timeline

    Move on
    Your Timeline

  • Fast Approval

    Fast Approval

  • Flexible Terms

    Flexible Terms

  • One Move

    One Move

Bridge loans subject to credit approval. Short-term financing typically 6-12 months. Interest rates higher than traditional mortgages. Must have sufficient equity in current home. Risk of carrying two mortgages if current home doesn’t sell within loan term. Consult tax advisor regarding interest deductibility. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. This is not a commitment to lend.

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