Bridge Loan in Orlando: How to Unlock Home Equity to Buy Before You Sell

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Selling your current home while trying to buy a new one in Orlando can feel like a logistical nightmare. You need the equity from your existing property to fund the next purchase, but pulling that off without disruption to your daily life isn’t easy.

With homes taking longer to sell, aligning the timing of your sale and next purchase becomes even more challenging. It might feel like your only option is to sell, move into a temporary rental, and house hunt under pressure.

A bridge loan could be the tool you need to help everything fall into place — giving you the flexibility to buy your next home without rushing to sell your current one first. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting a bridge loan in Orlando.

Yes, You Can Buy Before You Sell. Why Move Twice?

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.

What is a bridge loan, in simple words?

A bridge loan is a short-term loan that helps you buy a new home before your current one sells. It’s often used by homeowners who need access to their equity to make a down payment or cover closing costs on a new place — without having to wait for the sale of their old home.

This type of financing is usually more expensive than a traditional mortgage but can offer valuable flexibility when timing is tight.

Bridge loans are also sometimes called:

  • bridge financing
  • bridging loan
  • interim financing
  • gap financing
  • swing loans

How does a bridge loan work in Orlando?

A common situation where you might use a bridge loan in Orlando is when you’ve found your next home, but your current one hasn’t sold yet. Rather than miss out on your new purchase, you can tap into your existing home’s equity to cover the down payment and closing costs for your next property.

In many cases, the same lender providing your new mortgage can offer a bridge loan as part of the financing package. They typically require that your current home is already listed for sale and typically limit the bridge loan term to six months or one year.

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) also comes into play. Lenders may need to factor in your existing mortgage, your new mortgage, and the bridge loan’s interest payments.

However, if your current home is under contract and the buyer’s loan has final approval, your lender might only count the new mortgage in your DTI calculation. This helps lenders assess whether you’ll be able to manage both sets of payments if your home doesn’t sell right away.

What are the benefits of a bridge loan in Orlando?

Here are a few ways a bridge loan in Orlando can help make your move smoother:

  • You can make a non-contingent offer: Sellers typically prefer buyers without home sale contingencies.
  • You only have to move once: Save yourself the trouble and extra money associated with temporary housing or storage.
  • You can prepare your old home for sale: Move out first, then focus on preparing your home with staging and repairs.
  • Some lenders don’t require payments during the loan period: You may not owe anything until your previous home sells.
  • You can act fast on a new home: Make an offer without worrying about selling first.

What are the drawbacks of a bridge loan?

While a bridge loan can give you flexibility and alleviate some stress when it comes to selling your current home and purchasing a new one, there are some drawbacks:

  • Additional loan costs (underwriting fee, origination fees, etc.)
  • Added financial stress of paying two mortgages and a bridge loan at once
  • Qualifying may be more difficult than a traditional mortgage loan
  • Underwriting can be slower than expected

When is a bridge loan a good solution?

A bridge loan isn’t a blanket solution for all real estate transactions, but for some sellers, it can ease the stress of transitioning between an old home and a new one.

Some examples of when a bridge loan might be a fitting solution include:

  • You need the equity from your current home for a new home’s down payment.
  • You want to avoid a double move or temporary housing.
  • You’ve found your next home and need to act fast to secure it.
  • Your offer’s home sale contingency has held you back from competing with other buyers.
  • You’re unable to prepare or sell a staged home while still living in it, and want to move out first.

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