Bridge loans that cover the gap between transactions
When a purchase and a sale or refinance do not line up, a bridge loan can fill the gap. We compare bridge lenders for investors and, with select lenders, homeowners.
- Google rating4.9209 reviews
- Lenders compared100+on every loan
- Credit check1soft pull available
- BBB ratingA+Better Business Bureau
- Licensed inFL · GA · COFLNMLS #1781090
- Bilingual teamEN/ESEnglish & Español
Overview
A bridge loan is short-term financing that covers a timing gap. A homeowner may use one to buy the next home before the current one sells, drawing on the equity in the current property. An investor may use one to close quickly on a property and then refinance into long-term financing once it is leased, renovated or seasoned. Investor bridge loans are business-purpose loans, and homeowner programs are available with select lenders.
Because a bridge loan is meant to be temporary, every lender wants a clear exit plan, such as the sale of your current home, a refinance into a DSCR or conventional loan, or another source of repayment. The lender reviews the value and equity of the properties involved, your credit and your reserves. Bridge financing usually costs more than long-term financing, so it tends to work best when the gap is short and the exit is clear.
Bridge lenders vary on which properties and borrowers they accept, how they use the equity in your current property, and whether they finance primary residences at all. QMS compares bridge programs alongside alternatives such as a HELOC on your current home or a hard money loan, so you can see which path fits and what each one costs. Investor bridge loans are business-purpose loans only. All loans are subject to credit approval and lender guidelines.
Is it a good fit?
- Need to buy your next property before your current one sells
- Want to make an offer without a home sale contingency
- Are an investor who needs to close quickly and refinance later
- Have meaningful equity in a property you already own
- Are waiting on a renovation, lease-up or seasoning before a long-term loan
- Have a clear plan to sell or refinance
What you'll need
- Purchase contract for the property you are buying
- Listing agreement or sales contract for the property you are selling, if applicable
- Mortgage statements for properties you own
- Income documentation, for homeowner bridge programs
- Entity documents, if closing an investor loan in an LLC
- Bank statements showing closing costs and reserves
- Government-issued photo ID
How it works
How it works with QMS
Map the timeline
We review both transactions, your equity and your exit plan to see whether a bridge loan fits.
Compare the options
We compare bridge lenders with alternatives such as a HELOC or a hard money loan.
Close and exit
You close on the new property, then repay the bridge loan through the sale or refinance.
FAQ
Bridge Loan loan FAQs
Don't see yours? Call us or send a message. We answer the same business day.
305-425-1990Can I use a bridge loan to buy a new home before selling mine?
Yes, with select lenders. A homeowner bridge loan uses the equity in your current home to help fund the purchase of the next one, so you can make a stronger offer without a sale contingency. Lenders review your income, your credit and both properties, and they want to see that your current home is likely to sell. We compare these programs with your other options.
What is an exit plan for a bridge loan?
An exit plan is how you will repay the bridge loan, usually by selling a property or refinancing into long-term financing. For a homeowner, it is often the sale of the current home. For an investor, it may be a DSCR refinance once the property is leased or renovated. Lenders want to see that the plan is realistic before they approve the loan, and we help you document it.
Is a bridge loan the same as a hard money loan?
They overlap. Many investor bridge loans come from private or hard money lenders and are based mainly on the property. The difference is the purpose: a bridge loan covers a gap between two transactions, while hard money is often used for renovation or speed. Some banks and non-QM lenders also offer bridge programs. We compare all of them for your situation.
Is a HELOC a better option than a bridge loan?
Sometimes. If you already have a HELOC, or can open one before you list your home, it may cost less than a bridge loan. Many lenders will not open a HELOC on a home that is already listed for sale, so timing matters. We can price a HELOC and a bridge loan side by side to see which one works better for your plan.
Get started
Know your numbers before you make an offer.
Tell us about your scenario and we'll price it across our lenders the same business day.