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San Mateo's downtown is shifting with the Bespoke mixed-use project approved at the former Talbot's site. Bridge loans help buyers move fast in this evolving market without waiting for a home sale to close.
Bridge financing works best when you need to close on a new property before selling your current one. The county's median household income of $156,000 supports purchases across San Mateo County's range.
7-14 days
Typical Closing Time
680+
Minimum Credit Score
20% minimum
Typical Equity Required
0.5-1.5% higher
Rate vs. Conventional
Usually not
Appraisal Required
Bridge Loans in Colma
Bridge loans typically require 20% equity in your current home or strong liquid assets. Credit scores of 680+ are standard, though some lenders go lower with compensating factors.
Your current home's equity is the main qualification metric. Lenders want to see clear exit strategy—either a sale timeline or refinance plan within 6-12 months.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect bridge loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Colma.
San Mateo's downtown is shifting with the Bespoke mixed-use project approved at the former Talbot's site. Bridge loans help buyers move fast in this evolving market without waiting for a home sale to close.
Bridge financing works best when you need to close on a new property before selling your current one. The county's median household income of $156,000 supports purchases across San Mateo County's range.
Bridge loans typically require 20% equity in your current home or strong liquid assets. Credit scores of 680+ are standard, though some lenders go lower with compensating factors.
California bridge lenders range from specialty finance companies to portfolio lenders at larger banks. Most require proof of sale contract or strong equity position before approval.
Underwriting moves fast because bridge loans are short-term and backed by real estate. Rates typically run 0.5% to 1.5% above conventional 30-year fixed, reflecting the short duration and risk profile.
Bridge loans make sense in Colma when you have solid equity and a clear exit—either a home sale within 90 days or a refinance plan. They're expensive insurance, not a long-term solution.
If your sale timeline is uncertain or your equity is thin, a home equity line of credit or conventional cash-out refinance costs less. Bridge loans shine only when speed and certainty matter more than rate.
A home equity line of credit costs less in interest but takes 2-4 weeks to fund and requires a full appraisal. Bridge loans skip the appraisal and close in days, but the rate is higher.
Conventional cash-out refinance offers the lowest rate but locks you into a new 30-year mortgage. Bridge loans let you stay in your current loan and exit in months, making them ideal for transitional buyers.
San Mateo County school districts are seeking voter funding on the June ballot, signaling investment in education infrastructure. Buyers moving to Colma often prioritize school quality, and these bond measures show district commitment.
The Bespoke development downtown brings mixed-use space and affordable housing to San Mateo's core. This kind of infill project supports property values for buyers in nearby Colma.
Bridge loans typically close in 7-14 days. The speed comes from skipping appraisals and relying on equity verification instead of income-based underwriting.
Most lenders require 20% equity in your current home. Some will go lower with strong liquid assets and a clear exit strategy within 6-12 months.
Yes. Bridge loans are designed for this exact situation. You borrow against your current home's equity while waiting for a sale to close, then pay off the bridge with sale proceeds.
No. Bridge loans run 0.5% to 1.5% higher than conventional rates because they're short-term and carry more lender risk. A HELOC is usually cheaper if you have time to wait for funding.
Your exit strategy must include a refinance plan. If neither sale nor refi closes on time, you'll need to extend the bridge or face default. That's why a solid timeline matters.