Bridge Loans in Arizona: How to Unlock Home Equity to Buy Before You Sell

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Navigating the world of home buying in Arizona can feel like piecing together a complex jigsaw puzzle, especially with tight inventory and soaring property values. If you are relying on the equity in your current home to make a down payment on the new one, it may seem the only way the puzzle fits together is to sell, move out, and find a third location to live while you shop for the new house.

Enter the bridge loan: a timely financial lifeline that lets you buy your new home before selling your old one.

If you’re trying to bridge the gap between buying and selling in Arizona, this guide is for you. We’ll delve into the mechanics, pros, cons, and alternatives to bridge loans, ensuring you have all the tools you need to make the best decision for your unique situation.

Find a Top Agent With Experience in Bridge Loans

Partner with a top agent who knows your local market and has experience with bridge loan programs. HomeLight can connect you with an experienced buyer’s agent who can help you navigate your entire homebuying journey.

What is a bridge loan, in simple words?

At its core, a bridge loan is a short-term financial solution designed to help you buy your next Arizona home before you’ve sold your current one. Think of it as a temporary bridge that supports you during the gap between selling and buying properties.

Often referred to as a swing or interim loan, a bridge loan is usually pricier than your regular mortgage. The reason? Lenders take on a higher risk by banking on your ability to sell your old home in a timely manner. Essentially, a bridge loan leverages the equity you’ve built in your current home, enabling you to secure your new property without the wait.

How does a bridge loan work in Arizona?

A frequent scenario arises in the Arizona real estate market: a homeowner finds their next dream property but hasn’t yet sold their current one. In this pinch, they turn to a bridge loan to utilize the equity from their existing home, covering the down payment and closing costs for the new purchase.

Often, the same lender who’s facilitating your new mortgage in Arizona will also provide the bridge loan. They usually mandate that your current residence is actively listed for sale. The duration of this bridge loan typically ranges between six months to a full year.

Your lender’s evaluation may involve crunching some numbers around your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This DTI calculation encompasses your existing mortgage payment, the forthcoming payment for the new home, and, if required, the interest-only payment on the bridge loan.

However, there’s a silver lining. If your current home is under a binding contract with a buyer who has secured final loan approval, some Arizona lenders might consider only your new mortgage payment in their calculations. This approach is taken to ensure you can manage payments for both properties, just in case your old home doesn’t find a buyer right away.

What are the benefits of a bridge loan in Arizona?

Bridge loans come with a set of advantages that can give homebuyers in Arizona an edge in the competitive real estate market.


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