Bridge Loans: An Interim Solution

Let's say you have decided to move to a newloan origination fee, to name a few), it may also require
neighborhood. You have placed your current home incross-collateralization and a decreased loan-to-value.
the market and presently in the final stages of closingBased on appraised value, LTV ratios generally do not
the sale with a buyer. You intend to use the proceedsgo beyond 65% for commercial properties and not
of this sale to purchase your new home.more than 80% for residential properties. On the
Then, an irresistible offer presents itself. You've foundupside, however, there is the undeniable factor of
your dream home in the new location. Unfortunately,speedy processing and lowered documentation
the property is hot in the market and if you do notrequirements.
settle down payments now, you run the big risk ofWhere can you avail of bridge loans? Unfortunately,
losing the bid. Your income from your home sale is stillnot from a bank. From the point of view of a banking
due to close by the end of the month. What do youinstitution, risks are too great for this type of loan and
do?may encounter complication in dealing with their
Apply for a Bridge Loan.investors and legal advisers as well. Investment pools,
A bridge loan is a short-term financing option whileindividuals and companies who specialize in
waiting for the realization of a more permanent orhigh-interest loans are source options for bridge loans.
next stage financing can be achieved. Bridge loans areLet's go back to our example above. When buying a
usually repaid through conventional financing once thehome through the benefits of bridge loans, there are
latter is approved and released. Meaning, the amountsome pros and cons that need to be considered.
borrowed conventionally covers both the bridge loanThrough bridge loans, the home-buyer can place a
amount and the originally required capital.home in the market right away without limitations.
Just like in the above example, individuals or businessesSince bridge loans may not necessitate monthly
turn to bridge loans in situations such as saving apayments during the initial months within the term, the
property from foreclosure, taking advantage of ahome-buyer's cash requirement is eased to focus on
special limited-time offer or closing a property deal inthe real estate transaction at hand.
the shortest possible time.On the negative, however, is the element of higher
Because of its convenient nature, bridge loans arecost, plus the standard requirement of the bridge loan
naturally more expensive than traditional financing. Notlender that the buyer must possess two homes to
only does it require higher interest rates (about 12-15%),qualify. Assuming this requirement is met, it is needless
points (2-4 points) and other miscellaneous coststo say that mortgage payments for two homes,
(administration fees, appraisal fees, escrow, title policy,coupled with the accrued interest on bridge loans will
notary fee, recording fee, wire / courier / drawing fee,be highly stressful. So, think before you leap.