Buy Your Next Home Before You Sell — Without the Stress
A bridge loan uses the equity you’ve already built to fund your next move now. No contingent offers. No rushed sales. No moving twice. Stacy handles both sides — REALTOR® and Mortgage Broker, under one roof.
What Is a Bridge Loan — and Why Do Florida Buyers Use One?
A bridge loan — also called a swing loan or gap loan — is short-term financing that covers the gap between buying a new home and selling your current one, using your existing home’s equity as collateral.
In a competitive market like Central Florida, contingent offers lose. When you need to sell before you can buy, you’re stuck making offers that say “I’ll buy your home — if someone buys mine first.” Sellers don’t love that.
A bridge loan changes the equation. You access the equity you’ve spent years building, use it to make a clean, non-contingent offer on your next home — and then sell your current home on your timeline, for what it’s actually worth.
Think of it as a temporary financial bridge: it holds you up while you move from one property to the next, without forcing you to choose between rushing a sale or losing your dream home.
See If I Qualify →How Does a Bridge Loan Work in Florida?
Here’s exactly what happens from application to closing — on both homes.
Assess Your Equity & Qualify
Stacy reviews your current home’s estimated value, your outstanding mortgage balance, and your overall financial picture. Most bridge loan programs require at least 20% equity in your current home and a combined loan-to-value (CLTV) at or below 80%. Approval can happen in as little as 24–48 hours.
▸ Stacy matches you to the right program: Buy Before You Sell or traditional bridgeReceive Your Bridge Funds
Once approved, you receive a lump-sum advance — typically up to 80% of your current home’s value minus your outstanding mortgage. These funds become your down payment (or sometimes the full purchase price) for your new home. The loan is secured by your existing property.
▸ Buy Before You Sell programs can also fund pre-listing prep on your current homeMake a Strong, Non-Contingent Offer
With funds in hand, you make an offer that looks like cash to the seller — no financing contingency, no “subject to sale.” In today’s Central Florida market, this is a massive competitive advantage. You’re no longer competing as a maybe; you’re competing as a buyer who’s ready to close.
▸ Your offer stands alongside investors and cash buyersMove Into Your New Home
Close on your new home, move in on your timeline, and get settled. No rushing. No storing furniture in a pod. No renting a temporary apartment between homes. Your new home is yours before your old one is even listed.
Sell Your Current Home — For What It’s Worth
Now that you’re out and the home is vacant, Stacy lists it properly: staged, prepped, professionally marketed. Vacant homes typically photograph better, show easier, and sell faster than occupied homes. You maximize your sale price because you’re not under pressure to accept the first offer.
▸ Stacy handles this listing as your REALTOR®Repay the Bridge Loan from Sale Proceeds
When your old home closes, you repay the bridge loan principal plus interest from the sale proceeds. Whatever equity remains after repayment is yours. The bridge loan is retired, and you’re fully transitioned into your new home — clean and clear.
▸ Bridge terms: typically 6–12 months; interest-only payments during the bridge periodBridge Loan Payment & Equity Calculator
See how much you can access and what the monthly carrying cost looks like — before you commit to anything.
Your Numbers
Adjust any field — results update instantly when you click Calculate.
Enter your home details
and click Calculate.
*This estimate is for educational purposes only. Actual loan amounts, rates, fees, and qualifications vary by lender and borrower profile. Not a commitment to lend. Contact Stacy for a personalized analysis.
Get a Real Quote from Stacy →Bridge Loan Benefits & Risks — Side by Side
This isn’t a product for everyone. Here’s the full picture so you can decide if it’s right for your situation.
✦ Benefits
- Make a non-contingent offer — compete directly with cash buyers and investors
- No double move — go straight from your current home to your new one
- Sell your current home vacant — better photos, easier showings, higher offers
- No timing pressure — you don’t have to rush a sale or accept a low offer
- Close your new home in as little as 14 days with the right program
- Tap existing equity without depleting savings or retirement funds
- Stacy manages both transactions — no miscommunication between agents and lenders
⚑ Risks to Understand
- Higher interest rates than conventional loans — typically 8–13% annually
- Carrying two housing payments if your old home takes longer to sell
- Origination fees (1–3%) and closing costs reduce your net proceeds
- If your home appraises lower than expected, your bridge amount may be reduced
- Short loan terms (6–12 months) create urgency to list and sell promptly
- Market downturns could compress the sale price of your departing home
- Not all lenders offer bridge products — availability varies by credit, equity, and property type
Still unsure if a bridge loan is right for you? Let’s talk it through — no commitment required →
What Are the Fees Associated with a Bridge Loan?
Every lender is different, but here’s what you should expect to see — and budget for — before you commit.
| Fee Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Origination Fee | 1% – 3% of loan amount | The lender’s cost to process and underwrite the bridge loan. On a $200K bridge, expect $2,000–$6,000. |
| Interest Rate (Annual) | 8% – 13% APR | Charged on the outstanding bridge balance. Most programs are interest-only during the bridge period. Short term = lower total cost than it appears. |
| Appraisal Fee | $400 – $800 | Lender requires an appraisal of your current home to confirm its value and calculate your available equity. |
| Title & Closing Costs | $1,000 – $3,500+ | Title search, insurance, settlement fees, attorney fees. Varies by loan amount and county in Florida. |
| Buy Before You Sell Program Fee | Flat % of home value | Some programs charge a flat fee in lieu of traditional monthly interest — and may include funds for pre-listing repairs and prep. Ask Stacy which program structure fits your timeline and equity position. |
| Extension Fee | 0.5% – 1% per extension | If your old home hasn’t sold by the original term end, some lenders offer a 30–60 day extension for a fee. |
| Total cost varies widely by lender, loan amount, and market. Use the calculator above to estimate total interest, or reach out for a personalized fee sheet. | ||
Remember: when the alternative is losing your dream home to another buyer — or accepting a rushed, low offer on your current one — the cost of a bridge loan often looks very different.
One Agent. One Lender.™
Most people managing a move have four professionals in four different offices who’ve never spoken to each other. Stacy is the only person in the room who can see the full picture — and that changes everything about how your move goes.
Stacy Lists Your Home & Finds Your Next One
As your listing agent, Stacy prices your current home for maximum value — not a rushed sale — because she controls the financing timeline on the other side. As your buyer’s agent, she helps you find and win your next home with a clean, competitive offer backed by bridge financing she has already coordinated.
- ▸ Strategic pricing on your departing home — no pressure to discount
- ▸ Professional marketing: photos, staging guidance, MLS exposure
- ▸ Buyer representation with a non-contingent, bridge-backed offer
- ▸ Local Central Florida market knowledge — 24+ years
- ▸ Affiliated with Keller Williams Realty Winter Park
Stacy Structures & Coordinates Your Bridge Financing
As a licensed Mortgage Broker (NMLS #1933745), Stacy has access to multiple bridge loan programs — traditional equity-backed bridge loans and Buy Before You Sell programs — and matches you to the right structure based on your equity, timeline, and goals. She’s the one talking to the lender, not just passing your file along.
- ▸ Access to vetted bridge programs — traditional and Buy Before You Sell
- ▸ Loan amounts from $75K to $3M+ depending on program
- ▸ Close in as little as 10–21 business days
- ▸ Interest-only bridge terms: 6–12 months with extension options
- ▸ Licensed under Jhenesis Mortgage NMLS #2532705
When your agent and your lender are two different people, you’re coordinating a relay race where nobody has the baton at the same time. When they’re the same person, you’re just running.
— Stacy Ann Stephens, REALTOR® · Mortgage Broker · NMLS #1933745
What Are the Alternatives to a Bridge Loan?
A bridge loan is powerful — but it’s not the only path. Here are the real alternatives and when each one makes sense.
HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)
Borrow against your current home’s equity at a lower rate than a bridge loan. The catch: HELOCs are harder to get approved quickly, and many lenders freeze or reduce them once a home is listed for sale — which can leave you scrambling right when you need the funds most.
Lower rate, slower + riskier timingCash-Out Refinance
Refinance your current home for more than you owe and pocket the difference. This can be a viable strategy if you’re not in a rush — but it resets your mortgage, adds closing costs, and takes 30–45 days. Not practical if you need to move quickly.
Good if you have time; not for fast movesContingent Offer
Make an offer on your new home contingent on selling your current one. Legal, but increasingly uncompetitive in Central Florida. Many sellers simply won’t accept contingencies — especially in popular price points where multiple offers are common.
Low risk financially; high risk of losing the homeSell First, Rent Temporarily
Sell your current home, move into a short-term rental, then buy. Eliminates financial risk but comes with two moves, storage costs, lease commitments, and the stress of house-hunting while living out of boxes — in a market where rents are high.
Safe but stressful; expensive in the short termCash Offer on Your Current Home
Sell to a cash buyer (like KW Offers) for a quick, as-is sale that puts cash in your hands fast. You sacrifice some top-dollar value, but the certainty and speed can be worth it — especially if your departing home needs repairs. See the cash offer page →
Great if speed outweighs max price80-10-10 Piggyback Loan
Finance your new purchase with an 80% first mortgage + 10% second mortgage, and bring 10% cash down — avoiding PMI and reducing the down payment burden. Requires strong credit and qualifying income on two loans. Not technically a bridge loan but serves a similar gap-filling purpose.
Works for qualified buyers with enough cash
Vacant Homes Sell Faster — and Usually for More
One of the hidden advantages of a bridge loan isn’t just about buying your next home. It’s about how it lets you sell your current one.
When you’ve already moved into your new home before listing the old one, everything changes. The property is vacant, easier to show, and easier to stage. Buyers can walk in on any day at any time without 48-hour notice windows and lived-in furniture cluttering the listing photos.
Vacant homes typically sell in fewer days and with stronger offers — because the seller isn’t under pressure to accept the first one that comes in. That pricing confidence often more than offsets the bridge loan’s interest cost.
Ready to Explore Your Bridge Loan Options?
Tell Stacy a little about your situation and she’ll map out the right path — bridge loan, cash offer, or a different strategy altogether. No pressure. Just a real conversation with someone who knows both the market and the mortgage.
Your information is never sold or shared. Stacy or her team will reach out personally within 24 hours.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Stacy Ann Stephens, REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty Winter Park.
Bridge Loan FAQ — Straight Answers
The questions every Florida homeowner asks before deciding on a bridge loan — answered clearly, without the banking jargon.
A bridge loan — also called a swing loan or gap loan — is short-term financing that lets you borrow against your current home’s equity to purchase a new property before your existing home sells. It bridges the timing gap between buying and selling, so you never have to make a contingent offer or rush your sale to fund your next purchase. It uses your current house as collateral to bypass the need for a contingent offer entirely.
In Florida, the process is the same as nationally: a lender uses your existing home as collateral and advances you funds based on the equity you’ve built — typically up to 80% of your home’s value minus your mortgage balance. You use those funds toward the down payment or purchase of your next home. Once your current Florida home sells, you repay the bridge loan from the proceeds. The bridge term is typically 6–12 months, and payments are usually interest-only during that period.
Bridge loan interest rates in Florida typically range from 8% to 13% annually depending on the lender, your credit profile, loan-to-value ratio, and current market conditions. Because bridge loans are short-term (6–12 months), the total interest paid is often much lower than it sounds. For example, a $150,000 bridge loan at 10% for 6 months costs roughly $7,500 in interest — a manageable price for the competitive advantage of a non-contingent offer. Use the calculator above to model your specific scenario.
Most bridge loan programs require at least 20% equity in your current home after accounting for your outstanding mortgage balance. Lenders typically cap the bridge loan at 75–80% of your home’s appraised value combined with any existing mortgage (CLTV). If your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $240,000, you have $160,000 in equity — and could potentially access $80,000–$100,000 via a bridge loan depending on the program. The best way to confirm is a quick free equity check — reach out to Stacy and we’ll run the numbers together.
A Buy Before You Sell program provides an Equity Advance — a lump sum based on your home’s projected sale price — that you use to purchase your next home. These programs often include funds for pre-listing repairs and prep on your departing home, and charge a flat program fee rather than traditional monthly interest. A traditional bridge loan is straightforward short-term debt secured by your current property, with monthly interest-only payments and a lump-sum repayment when you sell. Buy Before You Sell programs tend to suit sellers who want full-service support and prep help; traditional bridge loans suit buyers who want speed, flexibility, and clean terms. Stacy works with both program types and matches you to the right structure based on your equity, timeline, and goals.
During the bridge period, you may temporarily have three payment obligations: your existing mortgage, your new home’s mortgage, and the bridge loan’s interest-only payment. This is the main risk of a bridge loan. However, many bridge programs are structured so that the interest is deferred or rolled into the loan payoff at closing, meaning you may not make any out-of-pocket payments until your old home sells. Stacy will help you understand exactly what your cash flow looks like during the bridge period before you commit.
Bridge loans can be approved in as little as 24–72 hours and funded within 10–21 days depending on the lender and how quickly an appraisal can be scheduled. This is significantly faster than a conventional mortgage, which averages 30–45 days to close. Speed is one of the key advantages — particularly in a competitive Central Florida market where attractive homes don’t stay available for long.
Generally, VA and FHA loans cannot directly combine with bridge loans in the same transaction — but the bridge loan can be used to purchase or fund the departing home payoff while you obtain a separate VA or FHA loan for the new property. The exact structure depends on your lender and loan program. Stacy is a licensed mortgage broker and can map out the exact financing structure for your specific scenario, including any VA entitlement considerations. Learn about VA loans →
Most bridge lenders offer an extension option — typically a 30–60 day extension for a small additional fee (0.5–1% of the loan balance). If the property remains unsold beyond that, you’ll need to work with your lender on a resolution, which may include refinancing the bridge into a longer-term product or adjusting your listing price. This is exactly why working with an experienced listing agent — someone who knows the Central Florida market and prices homes to sell — matters so much when you have a bridge loan running in the background.
Bridge loan interest may be deductible as mortgage interest if the loan is secured by your primary residence and you itemize deductions — but this depends on your specific tax situation, the loan structure, and current IRS rules. Stacy is a former IRS Enrolled Agent and brings unique tax awareness to real estate transactions. She can flag the right questions to discuss with your CPA before closing. This content is informational only and not tax advice.
You Found the Home. Don’t Lose It
Over a Timing Problem.
A bridge loan can be the difference between winning the home you want and watching someone else move into it. Let’s talk through your numbers — free, confidential, and zero obligation.
Stacy Ann Stephens · REALTOR® · Keller Williams Realty Winter Park · 147 W Lyman Ave, Winter Park FL 32789