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6 min read Feb 01, 2024

A Guide To Bridge Loan

A bridge loan is a short-term loan used to bridge the gap between two transactions. Typically, people use it to provide temporary financing until they can secure a more permanent financing solution.

Bridge loans are commonly used in purchasing a new property while waiting for the sale of a current property. Bridge loans tend to carry higher interest rates due to their short-term nature and increased risk.

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What Is a Bridge Loan?

Lenders design bridge loans as a type of short-term financing to “bridge” the gap between two transactions. Borrowers usually use them to obtain temporary financing until they can secure a more permanent financing solution.

Although bridge loans can serve multiple purposes, they find most common usage in real estate transactions.

How Does A Bridge Loan Work?

Lenders offer bridge loans as short-term financing to bridge the gap between two transactions. Here’s how they typically work:

  • Borrower applies for a bridge loan: The borrower applies for the loan and submits relevant documents. The document includes their credit history, income proof, and property details and n.
  • Lender evaluates the loan: The lender assesses the borrower’s financial situation, property value, and transaction terms to determine loan feasibility.
  • Bridge loan is approved: The lender issues a loan commitment to the borrower upon loan approval, outlining the loan terms and conditions.
  • Borrower receives funds: After signing the loan commitment, the lender disburses the funds from the bridge loan to the borrower. The borrower utilizes them to buy a new property or finance expenses during the transition period.
  • Repayment: Bridge loans are typically due within six to 12 months, depending on the terms of the loan. The borrower can repay the loan in full or opt for refinancing with a long-term loan after the transition period ends.

It’s important to note that bridge loans typically have higher interest rates and fees than traditional loans, due to the short-term nature of the loan and the higher risk associated with them.

Borrowers should carefully consider the terms and costs of a bridge loan mortgage before deciding if it’s the right option for their needs.

Common Home Bridge Loan Rates

Lenders can charge different interest rates for bridge loans based on various factors such as the borrower’s creditworthiness, the lender’s policies, the collateral property’s value, and the loan term duration.

However, generally speaking, bridge loan rates tend to be higher than traditional mortgage rates, due to the increased risk associated with this type of loan.

Pros And Cons Of Bridge Loans

While bridge loans can serve as a useful financing option in specific circumstances, they also pose potential risks and drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

  • Quick access to funds: Bridge loans can provide borrowers with quick access to funds, which can be useful in situations where a traditional loan would take too long to obtain.
  • Flexible repayment options: Bridge loans can offer flexible repayment options, such as interest-only payments or balloon payments, which can help borrowers manage their cash flow during the transition period.
  • No contingency clauses: Bridge loans can be helpful for homebuyers who are unable to secure financing with a contingency clause, such as a contingency on the sale of their current home.
  • Potential to avoid home selling delays: Bridge loans can help borrowers avoid delays in selling their current home, allowing them to move forward with purchasing a new property.

Cons:

  • Higher interest rates: Bridge loans typically come with higher interest rates than traditional loans, which can result in higher costs for the borrower.
  • Short repayment terms: Bridge loans are typically due within six to 12 months, which can be a challenge for borrowers who are unable to secure long-term financing within that timeframe.
  • Higher risk: Lenders perceive bridge loans as riskier than conventional loans because of the loan’s short-term nature and the borrower’s possibility of defaulting on the loan.
  • Limited availability: Bridge loans are not widely available, and borrowers may have difficulty finding a lender who offers this type of financing.

Bridge Loan Alternatives

While bridge loans can be a useful financing option in certain situations, they are not the only option available to borrowers. Here are some alternatives to consider:

  • Home equity line of credit (HELOC): Borrowers can secure a line of credit known as HELOC by using their home equity as collateral. It can provide borrowers with quick access to funds and may offer lower interest rates than bridge loans. However, borrowers should be aware that a HELOC comes with the risk of losing their home if they are unable to repay the loan.
  • Personal loan: A personal loan is a type of unsecured loan that borrowers can use for different purposes, such as bridging the gap between two transactions. Personal loans typically have lower interest rates than bridge loans, but may come with stricter eligibility requirements and a longer application process.
  • Cash-out refinance: Borrowers can obtain a larger mortgage loan through a cash-out refinance by refinancing their existing mortgage for an amount exceeding their current mortgage balance and use the extra funds to buy a new property. This option can provide borrowers with access to lower interest rates than bridge loans but may come with higher closing costs and a longer processing time.
  • Seller financing: In some cases, the seller of the new property may be willing to provide financing to the buyer, which can be used to bridge the gap between two transactions. This option can be helpful for borrowers who are unable to secure financing through traditional channels but may come with higher interest rates and stricter repayment terms.

Conclusion

A bridge loan is a type of short-term financing that can provide borrowers with quick access to funds to bridge the gap between two transactions, such as buying a new property while waiting for the sale of an existing one.

Bridge loans can serve as a useful financing option in specific circumstances, but they also carry potential risks and drawbacks, including higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms.

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