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Hayward's real estate market is moving. The East Bay restaurant scene is exploding with new Filipino, burger, and Mexican spots opening across the region, signaling confidence in the area's growth.
Bridge loans are short-term financing—typically 6 to 12 months—that let you buy now and repay when your old house sells. They're structured loans, not lines of credit.
5–10 business days
Closing Timeline
0.5–1.5% above 30-year fixed
Interest Rate Range
20–30% in current home
Typical Equity Required
680 FICO
Minimum Credit Score
$1,249,125
Conforming Limit (2026)
Bridge Loans in Hayward
Bridge loans require solid credit—usually 680 FICO minimum, though 700+ is preferred. Lenders want to see equity in your current home (at least 20–30%) and proof that your old house will sell.
Alameda County's median household income is $126,240, which comfortably supports homes in the $800,000 to $1,000,000 range. Bridge lenders care less about income and more about equity and sale certainty.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect bridge loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Hayward.
Hayward's real estate market is moving. The East Bay restaurant scene is exploding with new Filipino, burger, and Mexican spots opening across the region, signaling confidence in the area's growth.
Bridge loans are short-term financing—typically 6 to 12 months—that let you buy now and repay when your old house sells. They're structured loans, not lines of credit.
Bridge loans require solid credit—usually 680 FICO minimum, though 700+ is preferred. Lenders want to see equity in your current home (at least 20–30%) and proof that your old house will sell.
Bridge lending in California is dominated by private lenders and mortgage banks, not traditional retail banks. Brokers access these lenders through wholesale channels.
Closing happens in 5 to 10 business days. Lenders typically charge 1 to 2 points upfront plus interest at a rate 0.5 to 1.5% above the 30-year fixed. Some lenders offer no-appraisal bridges if your new purchase has a recent appraisal.
Bridge loans make sense in Hayward when you've found the right home but your current house hasn't sold yet. If you have solid equity and a realistic sale timeline, the bridge cost is worth the certainty.
Bridge loans don't pencil when your current home is underwater or when the sale is uncertain. If you're relying on a sale that might take 12+ months, the interest stacks up fast.
Bridge loans versus contingent offers: a contingent offer lets you make an offer on a new home subject to selling your current one. No bridge cost, no extra interest. But sellers often reject contingent offers in competitive markets.
Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are cheaper if you qualify—typically 0.25 to 0.5% above prime. But HELOCs take 2 to 3 weeks to close and require a full appraisal of your current home. Bridge loans close in days and don't require an appraisal.
Dublin City Council just approved a 113-unit senior affordable housing project on Regional Street. That kind of development signals long-term stability in the East Bay.
The restaurant boom—Filipino, burger, Mexican, and Nicaraguan spots opening across the region—reflects a growing, younger demographic moving into the East Bay. That's good for resale appeal.
Bridge loans typically close in 5 to 10 business days. Underwriting is faster than conventional because the bridge is secured by two properties. You'll need a purchase contract on the new home and proof of equity in your current home.
Most bridge loans offer a 6-month extension option. If your home still hasn't sold, you can extend the bridge or refinance into a traditional mortgage. Plan for a realistic sale timeline before applying—lenders want confidence your home will sell.
Bridge loans charge 1 to 2 points upfront plus interest at 0.5 to 1.5% above the 30-year fixed rate. On a $600,000 bridge for 6 months, expect $4,500 to $9,000 in total cost. The exact rate depends on your equity, credit, and lender.
No appraisal is required on your current home. Lenders use a comparative market analysis from your real estate agent and your equity position. The new home will need an appraisal as part of the purchase mortgage.
Most lenders require 680 FICO minimum, but 700+ is preferred. Bridge lenders focus more on equity and sale certainty than income. A strong credit score helps you get better terms and faster approval.