Bridge loans. Acquisition to perm.
Short-term bridge loans sourced from 19 pre-vetted direct bridge lenders on Ask Speedy. 7–14 day close, 8–11% rate, 70–80% LTV. For pre-stabilization acquisition, value-add repositioning, partner buyouts, and refinance gap funding. Both residential 1–4 unit and commercial 5+ unit covered.
Defined
What is a bridge loan?
A bridge loan is short-term real estate financing used to bridge the gap between an acquisition and a longer-term outcome — typically a refinance to permanent financing (agency, life co, DSCR) or a sale. Term is 6 to 36 months, interest-only payments common.
Bridge is broader than hard money. All hard money is bridge; not all bridge is hard money. Bridge lenders on Ask Speedy include both pure asset-based hard money operators and institutional value-add focused lenders with slightly more documentation and slightly better rates (8-10% vs 11-13% for pure hard money).
For ISOs, bridge fills three primary use cases: pre-stabilization acquisition (the property isn't ready for agency yet), value-add repositioning (rehab, retenant, reposition), and partner buyouts and recapitalizations.
Bridge at a glance
Terms across direct bridge lenders.
| Direct lenders on platform | 19 |
| Loan range | $100,000 – $100M+ |
| Rate range | 8–11% (median 9-10%) |
| Max LTV | 70–80% stabilized; 75% on value-add LTC |
| FICO floor | 600-680 typical; some asset-based have no floor |
| Term | 6–36 months, interest-only |
| Prepayment penalty | Usually none or 1-2 month min interest |
| Time to close | 7–14 days typical |
| Documentation | Low doc — entity, asset, exit strategy, sponsor experience |
| Exit strategy required | Yes — refinance to perm, sale, or recap plan |
Common scenarios
Where bridge wins.
Pre-stabilization acquisition
Property not yet stabilized for agency / perm. Bridge funds the buy; refinance to perm after stabilization.
Value-add repositioning
Renovate older multifamily to push rents. Retenant struggling office or retail. 12-36 month execution; refinance to perm.
Partner buyout
Refinance to pay out exiting partner. Bridge to long-term takeout. Direct bridge lenders specialize.
Recapitalization / cash-out bridge
Pull equity out of stabilized property mid-cycle. Return capital to LPs. Refinance to perm later.
Construction takeout
Construction loan matures before lease-up complete. Bridge funds the gap until agency / perm closes.
Cross-collateralized bridge
Multiple properties securing one bridge. Common in value-add portfolios.
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