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Millbrae's competitive real estate market often requires quick action when properties become available. Bridge loans provide the short-term capital needed to purchase a new home before selling your current property, eliminating the pressure of contingent offers.
This financing tool proves particularly valuable in San Mateo County's fast-paced market. Sellers frequently prefer non-contingent offers, and bridge loans give buyers the advantage of competing with all-cash purchasers while their existing home goes through the sales process.
Bridge Loans in Millbrae
Bridge loan approval focuses on equity in your existing property rather than traditional income documentation. Most lenders require at least 20-30% equity in the property you're selling, plus demonstrated ability to carry both mortgages temporarily.
Credit requirements remain flexible compared to conventional financing. While you'll need sufficient equity and proof of your existing home's listing or pending sale, the qualification process moves faster than traditional mortgage applications.
These loans typically last 6-12 months and carry higher interest rates than permanent financing. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions, with costs reflecting the short-term nature and elevated risk of bridge financing.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect bridge loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Millbrae.
Millbrae's competitive real estate market often requires quick action when properties become available. Bridge loans provide the short-term capital needed to purchase a new home before selling your current property, eliminating the pressure of contingent offers.
This financing tool proves particularly valuable in San Mateo County's fast-paced market. Sellers frequently prefer non-contingent offers, and bridge loans give buyers the advantage of competing with all-cash purchasers while their existing home goes through the sales process.
Bridge loan approval focuses on equity in your existing property rather than traditional income documentation. Most lenders require at least 20-30% equity in the property you're selling, plus demonstrated ability to carry both mortgages temporarily.
Bridge loans come from specialized lenders and some portfolio lenders rather than traditional banks. The private lending market offers more flexible underwriting, focusing on your property's value and equity position instead of strict debt-to-income ratios.
Working with a broker provides access to multiple bridge loan sources simultaneously. Different lenders offer varying terms, repayment structures, and fee arrangements, making comparison shopping essential for securing favorable terms.
Some bridge loans require interest-only payments during the term, while others defer all payments until your existing property sells. Understanding these structural differences helps you choose the right financing match for your timeline and budget.
The most successful bridge loan transactions happen when borrowers list their existing property before or immediately after securing the loan. Lenders view active marketing of your current home as evidence of your commitment to repayment within the loan term.
Calculate total carrying costs carefully before proceeding. You'll temporarily manage two mortgage payments plus bridge loan interest, property taxes, and insurance on both properties. Conservative budgeting prevents financial strain during the transition period.
Exit strategy matters as much as loan approval. Have backup plans if your property takes longer to sell than anticipated, whether that means rental income from the old property or refinancing options for the new one.
Bridge loans differ from hard money loans in purpose and structure. While hard money typically finances fix-and-flip projects or properties needing renovation, bridge loans serve homeowners in transition between primary residences with shorter approval timelines.
Home equity lines of credit offer an alternative for some buyers, though they require maintained payments on your existing mortgage. Bridge loans consolidate your borrowing and often provide higher loan amounts based on your new property's purchase price.
Interest-only loans serve long-term financing needs, while bridge loans explicitly address short-term gaps. The higher costs of bridge financing only make sense when you have a clear, time-bound need to own two properties simultaneously.
Millbrae's proximity to San Francisco International Airport makes it attractive to professionals who need quick transitions for job relocations. Bridge loans accommodate these accelerated timelines when coordinating property purchases across different markets.
San Mateo County's strong property values support bridge loan underwriting. The relative stability of Millbrae real estate gives lenders confidence in your collateral, potentially improving terms compared to more volatile markets.
Local market velocity affects bridge loan strategy. Understanding typical days-on-market for properties similar to yours helps determine appropriate loan terms and whether bridge financing aligns with realistic selling timelines in your neighborhood.
Loan amounts typically reach 80% of your existing property's value combined with the new purchase price, minus existing mortgage balances. The exact amount depends on your equity position and the lender's specific criteria.
Most lenders offer extension options for additional fees. You can also refinance into permanent financing on the new property or explore rental income options for your original home to maintain payments.
Interest on bridge loans may be tax deductible when secured by your property, but consult a tax professional for your specific situation. Deductibility depends on loan structure and how you use the funds.
Approval often happens within 5-10 business days for straightforward transactions. The simplified underwriting process moves faster than conventional mortgages since it focuses primarily on property equity and value.
Payment structures vary by lender. Some require monthly interest payments, while others defer all payments until your existing property sells or the loan matures, though deferred payments increase total costs.