Bridge loans can be helpful financial tools in specific situations. But with their short-term nature and specific requirements, it’s natural to have questions. This FAQ aims to answer some of the most common inquiries about Bridge loans.
A Bridge loan is a short-term loan designed to "bridge" the gap between your current financial situation and a future event, typically the sale of an asset. It provides temporary funding until you receive the money you need from the sale.
Bridge loans are commonly used in real estate transactions. For example, you might need a Bridge loan if you're buying a new home before you've sold your existing one. They can also be used for other purposes, such as funding a renovation project or covering unexpected expenses.
The amount you can borrow with a Bridge loan typically depends on the value of the collateral you're using to secure the loan (often the property you're buying or selling) and your overall financial strength. Lenders may be willing to lend up to 70-75% of the collateral's value.
Qualifying for a Bridge loan typically requires a good credit history, a strong debt-to-income ratio, and sufficient equity in the collateral you're using to secure the loan. The lender will also consider your exit strategy, which is the plan for repaying the Bridge loan.
Bridge loans come with higher interest rates compared to traditional loans due to their short-term nature and the risk involved for the lender. There can also be additional fees associated with origination, appraisal, and other closing costs.