Unlocking Quick Cash: Demystifying Bridge Loans and Their Power in Real Estate!

Learn about the benefits and risks of bridge loans, how to use them, and what to consider before applying for one in this guide.

As the name suggests, a bridge loan is a loan that helps you cross an interim financial difficulty.

It is a short-term loan that comes into play when you need money to buy something expensive in the near future but can’t do so because of a lack of cash at hand, or because your personal finances are not in order.

Because of all these reasons and more, it might be difficult for you to get financing from your bank when you need it the most. It is one way to help you get over this turbulent period until you’re able to secure financing for your long-term plans again.

But before applying for one, there are a few things that you should know first…

What is a Bridge Loan?

A bridge loan is a short-term financing solution that businesses use to meet cash flow or funding gaps until they receive another loan or complete an upcoming capital campaign.

It can be used to purchase real estate, cover expenses until the planned financing round is completed, pay for renovations or other projects, or fund working capital needs.

These are secured small business loans that have shorter repayment terms than traditional financing. They also have higher interest rates because of their riskier nature as well as the shorter length of time until repayment begins.

Bridge loans typically use fixed payments rather than variable ones, thus maximizing cash flow but minimizing risk to the lender or borrower by minimizing loss in equity or collateral since these are fixed payment

If you’re facing a temporary funding gap, you might be wondering if it could help you stay afloat in the meantime. Read on to learn more about what bridge loans are and, whether they might be right for your business.

How Does a Bridge Loan Work?

To understand how it works, consider the following scenario:

You have a property to be fixed up. You want to build an affordable house on your property. But, you don't have enough money in hand to pay the interest on this house loan.

Your current situation: You need to borrow $100,000 for a bridge loan ($100,000 + interest rate). You would have to pay back your debt at the end of the term of your loan.

Your desired scenario: You can use this bridge loan as collateral for up to 24 months and, repay through easy Interest only monthly payments.

Why You Should Apply for a Bridge Loan?

First of all, it is meant to bridge the gap between two parties. For example, if you had an outstanding mortgage on your house and the bank decides to foreclose on it. It would be a painful situation when you are unable to pay the mortgage without any other options as this could hurt your credit history.

When it comes to buying an investment property, this is the best loan to close the deal fast, refinance your property after 6 months, and pay off your bridge loan. The purpose of this type of loan is to give you enough money to complete ultimate goals such as rehabbing your property or paying off your existing debts.

This is a form of financial assistance, which can be used to repay a debt or to make a purchase. For example, people who need money for real estate investments or to buy inventory for their business may apply for it.

The loan will help them save money in the future and pay their debts in full. In order to apply, you have to have an active business and a business bank account.

Things to be aware of when applying for a bridge loan

The main objective of bridge loans is to solve urgent financial needs. Here are some things to be aware of while applying for a bridge loan:

1. The borrower's status and the reason for the loan (How much money do you need)
2. The amount and the terms of the loan (How much will you repay in month-to-month payments)
3. The type of loan and your potential repayment rate (SGL, ex-loan, no interest, etc.)
4. If you have any other queries about this, feel free to get in touch with us at any time!

Bridge loan variations are frequently caused by the vast range of terms that lenders offer depending on the borrower's credit and financial requirements. Therefore, even if bridge loans aren't always categorized into specific sorts, they frequently differ in terms of interest rate, manner of repayment, and loan period.

There are various ways to handle interest repayment on bridge loans. Others may prefer lump-sum interest payments that are made at the end of the loan period or are deducted from the total loan amount at closing, although some lenders demand borrowers make monthly installments.

There are some alternatives to bridge loans – Heloc, Home Equity Loans, 80-10-10 Loan, and Business Lines of Credit. However, Bear in mind, though, that getting a business line of credit from a traditional bank can be quite challenging, and the lenders charge higher interest rates.

The main difference between them lies in how long they will last (fixed versus floating).

Bridge Loans vs. Traditional Loans

Bridge loans are short-term loans that are used to bridge the gap between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an existing property. They are typically secured by the borrower's current property and have higher interest rates than traditional loans. They also have a shorter repayment period, often a few months to a year.

Traditional loans, on the other hand, are loans that are used for a variety of purposes, such as buying a home, paying for a renovation, or consolidating debt. These loans are typically unsecured, meaning they are not backed by collateral. They have lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, often 15 to 30 years.

Bridge loans are mainly used for short-term financing of property purchases and traditional loans are used for long-term financing of various purposes.

Here are some key takeaways to consider when thinking about a bridge loan:

1. They are short-term loans that are used to bridge the gap between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an existing property.

2. They are typically secured by the borrower's current property, meaning that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can take possession of the current property.

3. Bridge loans have higher interest rates than traditional loans, because they are considered to be higher risk.

4. They have a shorter repayment period, often a few months to a year, so it's important for the borrower to have a plan in place to pay off the loan in a timely manner.

5. Bridge loans are a useful option for people who need to move quickly and don't want to wait for their current property to sell before buying a new one.

6. Borrowers should be aware that bridge loan financing may only be available for a small percentage of the total cost of the new property, so it's necessary to have cash reserves or other financing options in place.

7. They are not suitable for all the borrowers, borrowers should evaluate their financial situation and make sure they can repay the loan before applying for a bridge loan.

Final Words

A bridge Loan is a loan process for businesses. When you apply for a Bridge Loan, you will receive a loan approval based on the collateral towards your investment property.

The Bridge Loans provide short-term liquidity for businesses that want to invest in real estate. They are suited for those with limited capital.

The interest rate on this type of loan starts from 9% depending on your choice of the market value of the property you are intending to buy or make improvements on.

In addition to paying interest on the bridge loan, borrowers must pay closing costs and additional legal and administrative fees. Closing costs and fees for a bridge loan typically range from 1.5% to 3% of the total loan amount and may include:

• Appraisal fee
• Administration fee
• Escrow fee
• Title policy costs
• Notary fee
• Loan origination fee

Also Read: 6 Tips For Getting The Best Consolidation Loans For Bad Credit