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Marin County moves fast. When a house hits the market in Novato, waiting around to sell your current home first is often not an option.
Bridge loans exist for exactly this situation. You tap your existing equity to fund the new purchase — then sell your current home on your timeline.
6 – 12 Months
Typical Loan Term
~20% of Home Value
Min. Equity Required
680+ Preferred
Credit Benchmark
Non-QM
Loan Type
Interest-Only
Payment Structure
Bridge Loans in Novato
Bridge loans are non-QM products. Lenders care more about your equity position than your debt-to-income ratio.
Most lenders want at least 20% equity in your departing home. Strong credit helps, but asset strength drives approval here.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect bridge loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Novato.
Marin County moves fast. When a house hits the market in Novato, waiting around to sell your current home first is often not an option.
Bridge loans exist for exactly this situation. You tap your existing equity to fund the new purchase — then sell your current home on your timeline.
Bridge loans are non-QM products. Lenders care more about your equity position than your debt-to-income ratio.
Most retail banks don't do bridge loans. This is a specialty product, and you need a lender who actually understands it.
At SRK CAPITAL, we access 200+ wholesale lenders. We find bridge programs built for Marin County price points — not generic national products.
The biggest mistake I see? Borrowers underestimate carry costs. You're paying two mortgages until your old home sells.
Know your worst-case timeline. If your home sits 90 days, can you handle that? Model it out before you commit.
Some buyers use a HELOC instead of a bridge loan. HELOCs are cheaper, but your bank may freeze them when you list your home.
Hard money loans are another option — faster to close, but higher rates. Bridge loans typically sit between HELOCs and hard money on cost and speed.
Novato sits at the northern edge of Marin. Prices here are more accessible than Sausalito or Mill Valley — but competition is still real.
Sellers in this market notice clean offers. A bridge loan lets you come in without a sale contingency, which is a serious advantage.
Most bridge loans run 6 to 12 months. That window gives you time to close on your new home and sell your current one.
Yes — you don't need an active listing. Lenders want to see a clear exit plan, not a signed contract.
Requirements vary by lender. Generally, 680+ helps, but equity and asset strength carry more weight than credit alone.
Most are. Interest-only payments keep your monthly burden down while you're carrying two properties.
Faster than conventional — sometimes in 10 to 15 business days. Speed depends on your documentation and lender.
Talk to your broker before this happens. Some lenders allow short extensions — but plan your exit strategy from day one.