A bridge loan is basically a short term loan — usually repaid in less than a year. The reason for a bridge loan, or bridging finance, is to cover the expenses of the borrower until a more long term loan or funding is secured. Bridge loans provide immediate cash flow for borrowers as payment for various abrupt financial obligations while waiting for the approval of standing deals or contracts.
You can expect your bridge loan to carry a high rate of interest, and you will need to secure it with collateral. Bridge loans work by bridging the gap between the time a borrower meets his immediate financial obligations until such time he can avail of a more permanent and long term loan. People use bridge loans in numerous financial situations.
Business owners may acquire bridge loans to finance the needed working capital of their business while awaiting equity financing deals which could only be completed after several months.
Bridge loans are often used when selling real estate. This can be useful when the real estate market is slow or a particular house is not selling fast enough. Homeowners who want to sell their homes and buy a new one utilize bridge loans to finance their various obligations such as utility bills and food bills, while their old home is still on the market. Also, they may use the bridging finance as “chain breaking”, meaning they use the loaned amount to purchase a new house while they are still on the process of dealing their current house to prospective buyers.
Bridge loans are often used to protect or improve one’s credit record. A borrower may apply for a bridge loan to finance payment of an outstanding debt, thus making a good credit standing and allowing one to apply for other loans that are more permanent and larger in amount. While they are still moving from one job to another, or waiting to be hired, people may find bridge loans indispensable. Likewise, people can also use of these types of loans to cover cost of relocation demanded by a new job.
Often, you can receive a bridge finance in just 24 hours, since the need for extensive background checks and risk consideration are minimized by the high interest rate, short duration, and collateral backing required.