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Piedmont sits in Alameda County, where the median household income of $126,240 supports homes well above the regional average. The restaurant scene is expanding — Filipino, burger, and Nicaraguan spots just opened across the East Bay.
Bridge financing works best when you have equity in your current home and need to move fast. You borrow against that equity to fund the purchase, then repay the bridge when your old home sells.
6 to 12 months
Typical Bridge Term
680 FICO
Minimum Credit Score
20% of current home value
Minimum Equity Required
7 to 14 days
Closing Timeline
0.5% to 1.5% higher
Rate Premium vs. Conventional
Bridge Loans in Piedmont
Bridge loans require solid credit — typically 680 FICO or higher — and meaningful equity in your current home. Most lenders want at least 20% equity available to borrow against.
Debt-to-income limits run tighter on bridges than conventional loans because the lender carries two mortgages temporarily. Plan on 43% to 50% DTI maximum.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect bridge loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Piedmont.
Piedmont sits in Alameda County, where the median household income of $126,240 supports homes well above the regional average. The restaurant scene is expanding — Filipino, burger, and Nicaraguan spots just opened across the East Bay.
Bridge financing works best when you have equity in your current home and need to move fast. You borrow against that equity to fund the purchase, then repay the bridge when your old home sells.
Bridge loans require solid credit — typically 680 FICO or higher — and meaningful equity in your current home. Most lenders want at least 20% equity available to borrow against.
Bridge loans are a specialty product. Most retail banks don't offer them — you'll find them through mortgage brokers, portfolio lenders, and private lending shops.
Lenders typically require a current appraisal on your existing home and a purchase contract on the new one. Closing happens fast — often within 7 to 14 days.
Bridge loans make sense in Piedmont when you have real equity and a tight closing window. If you're selling a home worth $1,200,000 with $300,000 equity, a bridge lets you buy now instead of waiting. Without it, you lose the offer.
They don't pencil out if your current home is underwater or if you're not confident it will sell within 12 months. The interest cost adds up fast — a six-month bridge at 8% on $400,000 costs roughly $16,000 in interest alone.
A conventional loan with a contingency offer lets you buy without a bridge, but sellers often reject contingent offers in Piedmont's market. You lose negotiating power. A bridge removes the contingency and lets you compete with all-cash buyers.
The tradeoff: bridge interest runs higher and you carry two mortgages briefly. But you close faster and win the deal. In a market where homes move quickly, that speed often justifies the cost.
Piedmont's schools and neighborhoods attract buyers who move decisively. The recent restaurant openings — Filipino, burger, and Nicaraguan cuisine — signal neighborhood investment and appeal to younger families relocating to the area.
Alameda County's affordable housing initiatives, including the $15 million Measure W allocation, show long-term community commitment. Buyers who move fast secure homes in neighborhoods with strong fundamentals.
Yes — that's the whole point. You borrow against your current home's equity to fund the new purchase. When your old home sells, you repay the bridge from those proceeds.
Most bridge loans run 6 to 12 months. If your home hasn't sold by then, you'll need to refinance the bridge into a conventional loan or extend the bridge. Discuss exit strategy with your lender upfront. Longer timelines increase risk and cost.
Bridge rates run 0.5% to 1.5% higher than conventional because the lender carries two mortgages. On a $400,000 bridge for six months, expect roughly $16,000 in interest. Add appraisal and underwriting fees.
Yes — most lenders require 20% equity in your current home to borrow against. Some will go lower if you have strong income and credit, but 20% is the standard floor. The equity is what secures the bridge.
Yes, if you own a home with equity where you currently live. The lender will appraise your current home and lend against that equity. You'll need proof of sale — a listing, appraisal, or recent comparable sales.