Bridging Loan Basics


A Bridging Loan is a short-term loan used as a way to provide funding for the purchase of a new property while the borrower awaits the sale of an existing property. Unless all the stars are in perfect alignment, it's tricky to coordinate the sale of one property and the purchase of another property in such a way that the transactions occur simultaneously.

A Bridging Loan or "Bridging Finance" as it is also commonly known, makes such transactions possible. They keep the borrower from getting stuck in a rough financial corner, which typically means being forced to pay two mortgages at the same time. Bridging Loans can be used either for commercial or personal reasons.

Short term in nature, the application process for a Bridging Loan is similar to that of a standard loan. Most importantly, it's advisable to work with a lender that is experienced with this type of loan. Plus, as the need for a Bridging Loan often arises with little advance notice, being pre-approved for such a loan is a smart move.

Bridging Loans are usually interest only meaning that the borrower pays only the interest on the loan each month. The borrower continues with this repayment plan until the property the loan is being used for is sold. When the sale finally does occur, the proceeds of that sale are used to repay the principal. The principal payment typically is in the form of a one-time, lump-sum payment.

The lender need not be too concerned about default because the borrower is required to put up collateral to secure the loan. This is typically in the form of another piece of property. But rest assured the lender will still thoroughly review the credit history of the applicant, the business and any partners or others with an ownership interest to assess the level of risk it is undertaking. Poor credit however need not be an obstacle.

The interest rate on a Bridging Loan is based on several key factors: the potential risk associated with the loan, the current interest rates and a premium added by the lender. As Bridging Loans are short-term, generally not longer than two years, and in most cases only a metter of months, the lender has only a short time to make a profit on the deal. The profit is derived from the interest rate.

Expect to pay a higher rate of interest for a Bridging Loan. And remember, the monthly payments are generally interest only. You should also expect to pay off the Bridging Loan in full, usually as a one time payment, as soon as the property is sold.

In the off chance that the property is not sold before the Bridging Loan matures, it can usually be converted to a conventional loan without a payment penalty. But as ever you should not assume this is the case and be sure to check with your lender that this is an option if circumstances call for it.

About the Author
Need a Bridging Loan Fast? Commercial Lifeline, Commercial Bridging Loan and Commercial Mortgage specialists can help.

This article comes with reprint rights. Feel free to reprint and distribute as you like. All that we ask is that you do not make any changes, that this resource text is include, and that the link above is intact.







Related News



Mortgage Rate Drop Causing Local Residents To Refinance - WIFR

Mortgage Rate Drop Causing Local Residents To Refinance
WIFR, IL -4 hours ago
Ron Balsam says the recent plunge in mortgage rates is a good start to reviving the local housing market. "the percentage of refinancing applications has ...

The Truth About Mortgage Refinancing Revealed By California ... - SBWire (press release)

The Truth About Mortgage Refinancing Revealed By California ...
SBWire (press release), WI -8 hours ago
Bakersfield, California based Mortgage Broker Adolph Gonzales reveals mortgage refinancing secrets at a new web site that is full of free reports, ...

FDIC's Bair warns investors fighting loan changes - The Associated Press

CEP News

FDIC's Bair warns investors fighting loan changes
The Associated Press -10 hours ago
"Getting mortgage rates down is ... positive, but it doesn't help people that currently have unaffordable mortgages because it doesn't help them refinance," ...
US Mortgage Continues to Assist Homeowners During Mortgage CrisesWebWire (press release)
all 66 news articles

Mortgage plan shows increased gov't role - Washington Post

Mortgage plan shows increased gov't role
Washington Post, United States -4 hours ago
But other observers say the government has few options to keep money flowing to consumers who want to buy or refinance a home. "We don't have a choice," ...

Banks see surge in mortgage refinancing - WTHR

WNCT

Banks see surge in mortgage refinancing
WTHR, IN -5 hours ago
A record number of people are rushing to refinance their homes. The stock market rose slightly on Wednesday thanks to a boost in home mortgage applications ...
A Rush Into Refinancing as Mortgage Rates FallNew York Times
Lower mortgage rates aren't the answerCNNMoney.com
MBS Markets Skeptical of Mortgage PlansWall Street Journal
New York Times - CNNMoney.com
all 797 news articles

US MBA’s Mortgage Applications More Than Doubled Last Week - Bloomberg

Yahoo

US MBA’s Mortgage Applications More Than Doubled Last Week
Bloomberg -Dec 3, 2008
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s index of applications to purchase a home or refinance a loan jumped 112 percent to 857.7, the highest level since March, ...
Mortgage applications more than doubleCNNMoney.com
Mortgage Apps On Rise As Rates DropCBS News
FINANCIAL STOCKS Bulls outlast bears in Wednesday grudge matchMarketWatch
USA Today - Reuters
all 147 news articles

VA Specialty Lender Offers 100% Mortgage Refinancing - PR Web (press release)

VA Specialty Lender Offers 100% Mortgage Refinancing
PR Web (press release), WA -12 hours ago
Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) December 3, 2008 -- iFreedom Direct Corporation, a Salt Lake based mortgage company, is now offering 100% VA refinance"cash ...

Mortgage Refinance Applications Soar As Rates Fall - EasyBourse.com

Emirates Business 24/7

Mortgage Refinance Applications Soar As Rates Fall
EasyBourse.com, France -Dec 3, 2008
The Mortgage Bankers Association's index of refinance applications posted a record 203.3% increase over the previous week. Additionally, the US Treasury ...
Mortgage rates fall, but many borrowers will have trouble qualifyingLos Angeles Times
US move cuts mortgages to lowest rate since FebruaryBaltimore Sun
Last Call for Smart HomeownersMotley Fool
AHN - World Socialist Web Site
all 503 news articles


Bernanke Says US Must Step Up Foreclosure Efforts (Update1) - Bloomberg

BBC News

Bernanke Says US Must Step Up Foreclosure Efforts (Update1)
Bloomberg -11 hours ago
... been prodding private mortgage servicers and bond investors to cooperate with government efforts to modify or refinance loans for troubled borrowers. ...
Op-Ed: Fed Throws Refinancing Party; No One Shows UpMinyanville.com
Treasurys gain as jobs outlook appears sourMarketWatch
Bernanke calls for measures to stem foreclosuresInternational Herald Tribune
The Australian - Seeking Alpha
all 1,312 news articles

Home equity loan avoids fees of refinancing mortgage - ABC15.com (KNXV-TV)

Home equity loan avoids fees of refinancing mortgage
ABC15.com (KNXV-TV), AZ -8 hours ago
By Jeff Brown Q. I would like to refinance my adjustable-rate mortgage to lock in one of today's low rates. But I don't want to pay a lot of fees for a new ...
ARM with a long fixed-rate term gives homeowner time to planMarketWatch
all 13 news articles