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Ukiah's real estate market moves at its own pace. Bridge loans solve a specific problem: you've found your next home but haven't sold the current one yet.
Bridge financing is short-term debt, typically 6 to 12 months. You'll repay it from the sale proceeds of your existing home. The interest rate and terms depend on your equity, credit, and the lender's appetite for the risk. Rates available on application.
7–14 days
Typical Close Time
20% of current home value
Minimum Equity Required
680, ideally 700+
Minimum Credit Score
1–3% above permanent financing
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Bridge Loans in Ukiah
Bridge lenders care most about equity in your current home. You'll need at least 20% equity—ideally 30% or more. Credit scores of 680+ are standard; 700+ is safer. Debt-to-income ratios run tighter than traditional mortgages because the loan is temporary.
Mendocino County's median household income is $64,688. A bridge loan doesn't replace your permanent mortgage; it's a stepping stone. Once your old house sells, you'll refinance into a conventional, FHA, or VA loan on the new property.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect bridge loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Ukiah.
Ukiah's real estate market moves at its own pace. Bridge loans solve a specific problem: you've found your next home but haven't sold the current one yet.
Bridge financing is short-term debt, typically 6 to 12 months. You'll repay it from the sale proceeds of your existing home. The interest rate and terms depend on your equity, credit, and the lender's appetite for the risk. Rates available on application.
Bridge lenders care most about equity in your current home. You'll need at least 20% equity—ideally 30% or more. Credit scores of 680+ are standard; 700+ is safer. Debt-to-income ratios run tighter than traditional mortgages because the loan is temporary.
Bridge lending in California is dominated by private lenders and specialty finance shops. Banks rarely offer them because the risk profile doesn't fit their model. Most bridge lenders are portfolio companies—they hold the loan, don't sell it.
Closing timelines run 7 to 14 days. Appraisals are often waived if your equity is strong. Interest rates float above prime; expect 1–3 points above your permanent mortgage rate.
Bridge loans make sense in Ukiah when you're certain your current home will sell. If you have strong equity—40% or more—and a solid buyer lined up, a bridge is the fastest path to your next purchase.
They don't work if your current home is underwater or if the market is slow. Ukiah's market is steady but not hot. If you're unsure your sale will close in six months, a bridge becomes a liability. A contingent offer on the new home is cheaper and safer.
A bridge loan versus a contingent offer: the bridge closes immediately, no conditions. A contingent offer lets you buy first but the seller can shop your offer if your sale falls through.
The bridge costs more upfront but removes seller risk. You pay for that certainty. If you can negotiate a contingency with the seller, you save the bridge fees and avoid carrying two mortgages.
Ukiah's market is driven by local employment and lifestyle. The city sits in wine country with a strong agricultural base. Homes here attract buyers who want small-town living with access to regional amenities.
If you're relocating for work or downsizing, a bridge loan bridges the gap while you wait for the right buyer. The Mendocino County market is patient; rushing into a bridge when a contingent offer would work is expensive.
7 to 14 days. Private lenders skip appraisals and move quickly. Traditional mortgages take 30–45 days. Speed is the whole point of a bridge.
You'll need to refinance the bridge into a permanent loan or extend the bridge term. Extensions are possible but costly. This is why equity and sale certainty matter so much.
No. The bridge covers the down payment if you have enough equity in your current home. You're borrowing against existing equity, not putting new cash down.
Rates available on application. Expect 1–3% above your permanent mortgage rate. The exact rate depends on your equity, credit, and the lender's risk appetite.
No. Bridge lenders require at least 20% equity. If you owe more than the home is worth, a bridge isn't an option. A contingent offer is your path forward.