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    Specialty

    Bridge Loans

    "Buy now. Sell later."

    Short-term financing to buy your new home before selling your current one. Use your existing equity to bridge the gap.

    3%

    Min Down

    680+

    Min Credit

    $766,550

    Max Loan

    Get StartedTalk to a Bridge Specialist
    Last reviewed: January 2026 · CMS Mortgage Editorial Team

    Is This Loan Right for You?

    This Loan is Perfect If You...

    • Found your new home but haven't sold current one yet
    • Have significant equity built up in your current property
    • Competing in a hot market where contingent offers lose
    • Confident your current home will sell within 6-12 months
    • Want to avoid the stress of coordinated buy/sell closings

    This Might NOT Be Right If...

    • Little or no equity in your current home
    • Current home may be difficult to sell (unique property, slow market)
    • Cannot afford two mortgage payments if sale is delayed
    • Looking for long-term financing solution
    • Not comfortable with higher short-term rates

    Bridge Loans Benefits

    Everything you need to know about your benefits

    No Need to Wait

    Buy your new home now without waiting for your current property to sell

    Leverage Existing Equity

    Use the equity you've built in your current home to fund your purchase

    Avoid Contingent Offers

    Make a stronger, non-contingent offer in competitive markets

    Stress-Free Transition

    Move on your timeline without the pressure of coordinated closings

    Sell at Full Value

    Take time to sell your current home at the right price, not a fire sale

    Flexible Repayment

    Repay when your home sells—no fixed monthly principal payments required

    How It Works

    Your path to homeownership in just a few simple steps

    1

    Find Your New Home

    You've found the perfect new home but haven't sold your current property yet.

    Tap Your Equity

    Bridge loan uses the equity in your current home as collateral for short-term financing.

    Close on New Home

    Use bridge funds for down payment and closing costs on your new property.

    Sell Current Home

    List and sell your current home at your own pace—typically within 6-12 months.

    1

    Find Your New Home

    You've found the perfect new home but haven't sold your current property yet.

    Tap Your Equity

    Bridge loan uses the equity in your current home as collateral for short-term financing.

    Close on New Home

    Use bridge funds for down payment and closing costs on your new property.

    Sell Current Home

    List and sell your current home at your own pace—typically within 6-12 months.

    5

    Repay from Proceeds

    When your current home sells, use the proceeds to pay off the bridge loan.

    Important to Know

    Things to Consider

    A reverse mortgage is a significant financial decision. Here's what you should understand before proceeding.

    Two Mortgage Payments

    During the bridge period, you'll carry payments on both properties. Ensure your budget can handle this if the sale takes longer than expected.

    Market-Dependent Exit

    Your repayment depends on selling your current home. You may need to reduce the price if the market shifts or your home takes longer to sell.

    Higher Interest Rates

    Bridge loans are short-term products with higher rates than permanent financing. This is expected—you're paying for flexibility and speed.

    Time Limit Pressure

    Most bridge loans have 6-12 month terms. If your home doesn't sell in time, you may need to refinance or extend the bridge loan.

    HUD-approved counseling is required to ensure you fully understand these factors before proceeding.

    Loan Details

    Documentation Required

    • Proof of current home ownership and equity
    • Current mortgage statement showing balance
    • Current home appraisal or market analysis
    • New home purchase agreement
    • Income documentation (may be flexible)

    Eligible Property Types

    • Primary residences
    • Single-family homes
    • Condos and townhomes
    • Some multi-family (case by case)

    Additional Info

    • Current home should be market-ready or listed
    • Combined LTV typically capped at 80%
    • Most programs require current home sale within 6-12 months
    • Interest-only payments common during bridge period

    Bridge Loan Example Scenario

    ItemAmount(This loan)
    Current Home Value$500,000
    Remaining Mortgage Balance$200,000
    Available Equity$300,000
    New Home Purchase Price$600,000
    Bridge Loan AmountUp to $240,000 (80% of equity)
    ResultBuy new home now, sell current later, repay from sale

    * Rates and terms subject to change. Contact us for current offers.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Bridge Loans

    Last updated: May 12, 2026

    How does a bridge loan work?

    A bridge loan is short-term financing that uses the equity in your current home to help you buy a new one. You close on the bridge loan and your new home purchase, then repay the bridge loan when your current home sells. It "bridges" the gap between buying and selling.

    What are the interest rates on bridge loans?

    Bridge loan rates are typically higher than traditional mortgages—usually 2-4% higher—because they're short-term, higher-risk products. However, you're paying for the flexibility to buy before you sell, which can be worth it in competitive markets.

    How much can I borrow with a bridge loan?

    Most bridge loans allow you to borrow up to 80% of your combined loan-to-value (current mortgage + bridge loan vs. current home value). For example, with $300K in equity, you might access up to $240K.

    If your home doesn't sell within the bridge loan term (typically 6-12 months), you may need to extend the loan, refinance, or reduce your asking price. We help you plan for this scenario upfront.
    Income requirements vary. Some bridge loan programs focus primarily on your equity and the marketability of your current home. We'll review your specific situation to find the right program.
    Yes—that's one of the biggest advantages. With bridge financing in place, you can make a non-contingent offer on your new home, making you more competitive against other buyers.
    Compare all loan types — Read our comprehensive mortgage guide
    Read the Compare GuideSee how Bridge Loans stacks up against other mortgage options
    Compare All Programs Side-by-SideDrop Bridge Loans next to up to 2 others and compare requirements line by line

    Get Rate Drop Alerts

    We'll notify you instantly when rates drop to your target.

    Get Started with Bridge Loans See Today's Rates
    Top 50 National Brokerage•NMLS #212405

    Ready to Buy Before You Sell?

    Let's structure a bridge loan that gives you flexibility

    Get StartedTalk to a Bridge Specialist

    Or call us directly: (757) 558-2603

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