Bridge loans are designed to provide short-term capital for investors who need to close quickly on a commercial property. Instead of waiting for traditional financing, which can take several months to arrange, bridge loans are designed to provide a quick source of capital that can be used for the purchase or refinance of a commercial property. These loans usually have higher interest rates than traditional financing, but they also offer investors with the flexibility to access capital quickly.

Bridge Loan Terms

Bridge loan terms vary depending on the lender, but most of these loans are short-term (1–3 years) and often come with higher interest rates than traditional financing. Additionally, bridge lenders typically require a larger down payment than traditional lenders, so investors should be prepared to provide a sizable down payment when applying for a bridge loan.

The Advantages of Bridge Loans

In terms of advantages, bridge loans are usually easier to qualify for than traditional financing because there is less paperwork involved. Additionally, since these loans are short-term and come with higher interest rates, they can be used as a way to purchase commercial real estate that would not otherwise be able to access traditional financing. Lastly, bridge loans make it easier for investors to close quickly on a property without having to wait for traditional financing to become available.

Considerations

The main disadvantage of bridge loans is that they come with higher interest rates and shorter terms than traditional financing, which can eat into the investor’s profits in the long run. Additionally, since bridge lenders typically require a larger down payment, investors need to be prepared to provide this capital to qualify for the loan. Finally, since bridge loans are short-term, investors need to have an exit strategy in place before taking out the loan and should be prepared for the possibility that they may not be able to refinance after the term of their loan has expired.

Bridge loans can be an effective tool for investors who are looking to quickly access capital to purchase or refinance a commercial property. While these loans have higher interest rates and shorter terms than traditional financing, they also offer investors the flexibility of accessing capital quickly and easily. However, it is important for investors to understand the risks associated with bridge loans and to have a plan in place for how they will be able to pay them off. By understanding these risks and having an exit strategy, investors can make more informed decisions about whether or not bridge loan financing is right for their investment goals. Contact Leading Edge Commercial Capital today to get a bridge loan for your next commercial real estate transaction or project.