Income, Equity, and Credit: The Basics of Bridge Loan Requirements

Bridge loan requirements example

Here is an example of a typical bridge loan scenario:

• Current home value: $400,000
• Remaining mortgage balance: $250,000
• Available equity: $150,000 (meets the 20%+ equity requirement)
• Credit score: 680 (falls in the 650–700 minimum range most lenders want)
• Debt-to-income ratio: 40% (within the 43%–50% range)
• Bridge loan amount: $60,000 to help fund the down payment on a new home

With this setup, you’d be carrying two mortgage payments temporarily, plus the bridge loan. Once your $400,000 home sells, the bridge loan is paid off in full. The more equity you have, the higher your bridge loan amount can be. It’s also important to consider the loan costs.

Common hurdles when applying for a bridge loan

Meeting the bridge loan requirements is the first step. Managing the loan and your home sale isn’t always simple. These are some of the challenges you may face:

• Higher costs: Bridge loans often come with higher interest rates and fees than traditional mortgages, which can quickly add up.
• Short repayment window: Most bridge loans need to be repaid within six to 12 months, so the timing of your home sale matters a lot.
• Two mortgages at once: Until your current home sells, you may be carrying two mortgage payments plus the bridge loan — a financial stretch for many homeowners.
• Risk if your home doesn’t sell: If you are selling in a slow market or your home sits longer than expected, you could be stuck with a loan that’s tough to repay.

Before you commit to a bridge loan, it’s important to explore all your options and have a solid plan in place. It’s wise to consult with a financial advisor or trusted real estate professional.

A modern alternative: HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program

If the strict requirements or risks of a bridge loan don’t feel like the right fit, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program offers a simpler path. Instead of juggling two mortgages or worrying about high fees, you can unlock your home’s equity to buy your next house first.

Here’s how Buy Before You Sell works:

• HomeLight helps you access the equity in your current home upfront.
• You can make a strong, non-contingent offer on your new home.
• Once you’ve moved in, you can sell your old home on the open market — possibly for a higher price than you’d get selling under pressure.

With Buy Before You Sell, you get the convenience of moving on your own timeline. It’s designed for homeowners who want the best of both worlds: flexibility and financial peace of mind. To get started or see FAQs about program costs and restrictions, visit homelight.com/buy-before-you-sell.

Key takeaways: Look beyond bridge loan requirements

Bridge loans can be a useful tool when you need to buy before you sell, but meeting the requirements can be tough — and the costs add up quickly. If you have strong equity, a solid credit score, and the income to handle two mortgages, a bridge loan may be worth considering.

But for many homeowners, there’s a better solution. With HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program, you can move into your next home first, then sell your old one with less stress and more control.

If you are unsure about your next move or you are just looking into your options, consult with a local real estate agent familiar with bridge loans and buy-before-you-sell programs.

HomeLight’s Agent Match platform can connect you with a top-rated agent in your market. Our free tool analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes, not financial advice. If you need assistance with a bridge loan, HomeLight encourages you to reach out to your own advisor.

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