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San Diego County just completed its biggest year of low-income housing construction, signaling renewed investment in neighborhoods like National City. Bridge loans let you close on a new home before selling your current one.
At the current rate environment, bridge financing carries costs that vary by lender and loan structure. Most bridge loans run 6–12 months, giving you time to sell without pressure.
7–14 days
Typical Close Time
680+ FICO
Minimum Credit Score
20%+ in current home
Equity Required
1–3% higher
Rate Premium vs. Conventional
Bridge Loans in National City
Bridge loans require solid equity in your current home—typically 20% or more. Lenders look at your current home's value and the equity available, not just credit score alone.
San Diego County's median household income is $102,285. Most bridge borrowers earn $150,000+ annually. Credit scores of 680+ are standard, though some lenders accept 660+.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect bridge loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in National City.
San Diego County just completed its biggest year of low-income housing construction, signaling renewed investment in neighborhoods like National City. Bridge loans let you close on a new home before selling your current one.
At the current rate environment, bridge financing carries costs that vary by lender and loan structure. Most bridge loans run 6–12 months, giving you time to sell without pressure.
Bridge loans require solid equity in your current home—typically 20% or more. Lenders look at your current home's value and the equity available, not just credit score alone.
Bridge lending in California is a specialized market. Most lenders are portfolio-based (they hold loans, not sell them), so rates and terms vary significantly between shops.
Retail banks rarely offer bridge loans. Brokers and private lenders dominate this space. Expect 7–14 day closes and higher rates than conventional mortgages—you're paying for speed and flexibility.
Bridge loans make sense in National City when you have strong equity and a tight timeline. If you're buying before you sell, a bridge avoids contingencies that kill deals in competitive markets.
Bridge loans don't make sense if you have weak equity or unstable income. The higher rate and short term mean you're paying for convenience—use it only when the math works.
A bridge loan closes in days; a conventional loan takes 30–45 days. But conventional rates run 1–3% lower. Bridge makes sense only if you need to close fast or can't wait to sell.
Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are cheaper but slower to access and require good credit. Bridge loans are faster but cost more. Pick based on your timeline and equity position.
The team behind Galū Cafe is opening a sister location in City Heights this fall. That kind of retail investment signals neighborhood momentum—important context when you're buying in National City and planning to hold.
San Diego is working through new state housing laws that require high-rises near transit. That means more density and transit-oriented development coming to the region, which can affect long-term home values.
Yes. Bridge loans let you close on a new purchase while your current home is still on the market. You repay the bridge when your old home sells, typically within 6–12 months.
Most lenders require 680+ FICO. Some portfolio lenders accept 660+. The bigger factor is equity in your current home—20%+ is standard.
Bridge rates typically run 1–3% higher than conventional. You also pay origination fees and may carry two mortgages briefly. The premium covers speed and flexibility.
Bridge loans typically close in 7–14 days. Some lenders close in 5 days with complete documentation. Speed is the main advantage over conventional mortgages.
Most bridge loans include extension options or a conversion to a conventional loan. Discuss exit strategies with your lender before closing.