Bridge Loans for Time-Sensitive Real Estate Transactions

Real estate bridge loans provide temporary financing when an investor needs to act before a sale, refinance, renovation or permanent loan is completed.

Bridge financing may help qualified investors acquire a property, replace maturing debt, access property equity or carry a transaction through a transitional period.

When a Bridge Loan May Make Sense

Real estate transactions do not always align with traditional bank timelines. A buyer may need to close before another property sells. An existing loan may mature before permanent financing is ready. A property may require leasing, renovation or stabilization before qualifying for a long-term loan.

A bridge loan is designed to cover that temporary financing gap.

Common Uses for Bridge Financing

Bridge financing may be considered for:

  • Purchasing a property before another asset is sold
  • Closing a time-sensitive acquisition
  • Refinancing a maturing real estate loan
  • Stabilizing occupancy or rental income
  • Completing repairs before permanent refinancing
  • Releasing equity for another business-purpose transaction
  • Resolving certain title, estate or partnership situations
  • Financing a property that does not yet meet bank requirements

What Supports a Bridge Loan Request?

A bridge request should include a clear explanation of the current situation and how the loan will be repaid. Review factors may include:

  • Property value and condition
  • Existing debt
  • Requested loan amount
  • Borrower equity
  • Transaction timeline
  • Property income
  • Planned improvements
  • Pending sale or refinance
  • Borrower liquidity
  • Exit strategy

Bridge financing is temporary, so a credible and documented exit is especially important.

Possible Exit Strategies

Depending on the transaction, repayment may come from:

  • Sale of the financed property
  • Sale of another property
  • Permanent bank financing
  • DSCR or rental-property refinancing
  • Completion and sale of a renovation project
  • Business-purpose proceeds from another documented transaction

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a bridge loan different from a conventional mortgage?

A bridge loan is generally shorter term and designed for transitional or time-sensitive situations. Conventional mortgages are typically intended as long-term financing for stabilized properties.

Can a bridge loan be used for a purchase?

Yes. Bridge financing may be used to acquire investment real estate when the transaction requires a faster or more flexible structure than a traditional bank can provide.

Can I refinance an existing loan?

Bridge financing may be available to replace an existing mortgage or maturing loan, subject to property value, equity and the proposed exit strategy.

Is income documentation required?

Requirements vary by program and transaction. Property income, business financial information, bank statements or other documentation may be requested.

Are bridge loans available for commercial properties?

Bridge financing may be considered for residential investment, multifamily, mixed-use and commercial properties.

How long does approval take?

An initial review may be completed quickly when the property and transaction details are complete. Final approval and closing depend on valuation, title, insurance and due diligence.

Discuss Your Bridge Financing Need

Tell us about the property, the existing debt, the timeline you are working against and how the loan is expected to be repaid. We will review the situation and respond with options.
Applications are accepted online 24/7. In-person meetings are available by appointment.
Beverly Hills, California
468 N Camden Dr, Suite 214A
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Miami and Brickell, Florida
829 SW 1st Ave, Suite 68
Miami, FL 33130