7 Critical Facts About Bridge Loans You Didn’t Know

1. Bridge loans provide short-term financing to help you purchase a new home before your old one has sold. The loan is secured by the equity in your existing home and allows you to use the proceeds of that sale as down payment on your next home.

2. Bridge loans typically have higher interest rates than traditional mortgages because they are considered to be riskier investments for lenders. They also usually require larger down payments, often up to 30% of the purchase price of the new home.

3. It is important to be aware that bridge loans are not for everyone, and you must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for them. To determine if a bridge loan is right for you, consider factors such as your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and how quickly you need the money.

4. Bridge loans are often used as a financial tool by real estate investors. Investors can use bridge loans to purchase multiple properties at once or to finance quick renovations in order to make them more marketable.

5. Bridge loans may be set up as either open or closed bridging arrangements, depending on your needs and desired repayment schedule. Open bridging allows you to make payments over time while closed bridging requires that all debts must be paid off within a certain time frame - usually within 12 months of securing the loan.

6. Many lenders offer bridge loan products with flexible terms and conditions so it is important to shop around to get the best deal. Make sure to read the fine print of any loan you are considering and weigh up all your options before making a decision.

7. Finally, remember that bridge loans should be viewed as temporary solutions and not long-term financing plans. Bridge loans can help you purchase your dream home sooner, but it is important to understand the risks before taking out one and make sure that you have an exit plan in place once the loan has been paid off.

How To Choose A Bridge Loan

• Consider The Loan's Purpose: A bridge loan is often used to purchase a new home before selling an existing one. If this describes your situation, make sure that you have a solid plan in place to ensure the sale of your current property and make sure the timing works for both purchases.

• Calculate How Much You Can Afford: Bridge loans involve higher interest rates than more traditional mortgage loans, so it’s important to calculate how much you can realistically afford each month before taking out a loan.

• Understand The Length Of Repayment: Most bridge loans are short-term loans with repayment periods lasting anywhere from 6 months up to 3 years depending on your unique situation and lender terms. Make sure that you understand exactly when your loan will be paid off before you take out the loan.

• Understand The Fees: Bridge loans often involve higher origination and closing fees than more traditional mortgages, so make sure that you understand what fees are involved before signing up for a bridge loan.

• Shop Around For Lenders: Different lenders offer different terms and rates, so it’s important to shop around to find the best deal available to you. Compare multiple lenders and speak with each of them to get an understanding of their terms and interest rates before making a decision.

Now that you know a little more about bridge loans, it's time to determine if one is right for your situation. If you need financial assistance to help close the gap between the sale of your current home and the purchase of your new home, a bridge loan may be a good option for you. Be sure to work with a reputable lender and do your research to make sure that a bridge loan is the best choice for you.