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Martinez sits in Contra Costa County, where the median household income of $125,727 supports homes in the $800,000 to $1,100,000 range.
Bridge loans solve a real problem: you've found your next home but haven't sold the current one yet. Instead of losing the deal or carrying two mortgages, a bridge loan funds the new purchase immediately. You repay it when your old house closes.
7–14 days
Typical Closing Timeline
20%
Minimum Equity Required
0.5–1.5%
Rate Range Above Prime
2–3% of loan
Closing Costs
680+
Minimum Credit Score
Bridge Loans in Martinez
Bridge loans require strong equity in your current home—typically 20% or more. Lenders want proof you'll have cash to repay when the sale closes. Credit scores of 680+ are standard, though 700+ opens better terms.
Down payment on the new home ranges from 10% to 25%, depending on your equity cushion and the lender's appetite. The bridge amount is capped by your home's equity, not by a fixed loan limit.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect bridge loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Martinez.
Martinez sits in Contra Costa County, where the median household income of $125,727 supports homes in the $800,000 to $1,100,000 range.
Bridge loans solve a real problem: you've found your next home but haven't sold the current one yet. Instead of losing the deal or carrying two mortgages, a bridge loan funds the new purchase immediately. You repay it when your old house closes.
Bridge loans require strong equity in your current home—typically 20% or more. Lenders want proof you'll have cash to repay when the sale closes. Credit scores of 680+ are standard, though 700+ opens better terms.
Bridge lending in California is dominated by private lenders and portfolio banks, not the big retail mortgage shops. These lenders move fast because speed is the product—they close in days, not weeks.
Most bridge lenders require a purchase contract on the new home and proof of listing on the old one. They'll order a quick valuation (not a full appraisal) on your current property to confirm equity.
Bridge loans make sense in Martinez when you're competing in a market where contingencies kill offers. If you've found a home worth $950,000 and your current house is worth $850,000 with $200,000 equity, a bridge loan removes the sale contingency.
They don't make sense if your current home is already listed and moving. If you're confident of closing within 90 days, a contingent offer costs less and avoids bridge interest.
A contingent offer on your new home costs nothing upfront but risks losing the deal if your sale stalls. A bridge loan costs 2–3% in fees plus interest but removes that risk entirely. In Martinez's market, that certainty often justifies the cost.
Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are cheaper but slower to access and require your current lender's approval. Bridge loans skip that approval step. If you need funds in days, not weeks, bridge is the only real option.
Contra Costa County is investing in infrastructure—the new East County Service Center in Brentwood signals county-level commitment to the region.
Parks across the county are getting upgrades too. Richmond's multi-million-dollar park improvements—new soccer fields, lighting, restrooms—show the county is serious about quality of life. Buyers moving to Martinez benefit from that momentum.
A bridge loan closes in days and requires no approval from your current lender. A HELOC is cheaper but takes weeks and needs lender sign-off. Bridge is for speed; HELOC is for cost.
Most lenders require 20% equity minimum in your current home. If your home is worth $500,000 and you owe $350,000, you have $150,000 equity—enough to bridge. The lender will order a valuation to confirm.
Yes, but the lender will want proof you plan to list soon. They'll require a timeline and may ask for a pre-listing inspection. The faster you can show a path to sale, the easier approval becomes.
Most bridge loans have a 6- to 12-month term. If your house hasn't sold, you'll need to refinance the bridge into a conventional loan or extend it. Plan your sale timeline carefully before borrowing.
Bridge rates typically float and adjust monthly. They're tied to prime or SOFR plus a margin. Lock-in options exist but cost more. Confirm the rate structure with your lender before closing.