Buy the next home before the current one sells.
A bridge loan taps the equity in the home you own to fund the down payment on the next one — so your offer isn’t contingent on a sale. Short-term by design.
What a bridge loan is
A short-term loan secured by your current home (and sometimes the new one too). It advances part of the equity you have built so you can close on the next house before the current one sells. When the old home sells, the bridge loan is paid off from the proceeds. Terms are short by design — your lender will spell out the exact length.
Why people use them
- To make a non-contingent offer in a competitive market
- To avoid moving twice or renting in between
- To buy at the right time when the sale timeline is uncertain
What to expect
Bridge loans cost more than a standard mortgage: higher rates, origination fees, and often interest-only payments during the term. Lenders typically want meaningful equity in the current home (a combined loan-to-value cap across both properties is common) and a clear exit — a listing agreement or a sale timeline.
Some lenders package the bridge with the new purchase loan; others offer a standalone second lien. Alternatives worth asking about include a HELOC on the current home (if you open it before listing) and "buy before you sell" programs from specialty lenders.
Where Quickie Mortgages fits
Not every lender offers bridge financing, which is exactly why matching matters. Tell us about both properties and your timeline; we connect you with licensed lenders in your state who do this, and they walk you through the structure and cost.
Questions people ask
How long does a bridge loan last?
Bridge loans are short-term by design — long enough for your current home to sell, with the proceeds retiring the loan. Your lender will state the exact term and any extension options in writing.
Do I make payments on a bridge loan?
Programs vary — many are interest-only during the term, and some defer payments until the sale. The lender will lay out the exact structure and total cost.
Is a bridge loan the same as a HELOC?
No. A HELOC is a revolving line, usually opened while you still occupy the home and before it is listed. A bridge loan is a purpose-built short-term loan for the buy-before-you-sell gap and is often easier to obtain once the home is on the market.
See what lenders will offer you — in about three minutes.
Answer a few questions about the home and your situation. Licensed lenders in our network reach out with real options; you compare and choose. No obligation, and no hard credit pull to get matched.