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

Selling your old home while looking for a new one in Dallas can be difficult, especially when juggling the complex timing and limited finances. This can be even more difficult in a market like Dallas, where inventory is scarce and prices are soaring.

However, there’s a solution that you may not have considered: a bridge loan. A bridge loan is a short-term financial tool designed to “bridge the gap,” enabling you to purchase a new home before you’ve sold your current residence.

DISCLAIMER: As a friendly reminder, this post is intended for educational purposes, not financial advice. If you need assistance navigating the use of a bridge loan in Dallas, HomeLight encourages you to reach out to your own advisor.

What is a bridge loan, in simple words?

A bridge is a short-term loan crafted to assist you during the delicate period of purchasing a new home while you sell your existing one. Bridge loans rely on equity in your current home. This equity is utilized to provide the necessary funds for a down payment and to cover closing costs on your new property.

Though they generally come with higher costs than traditional mortgages, bridge loans offer speed and convenience in exchange for a more expensive rate.

How does a bridge loan work in Dallas?

A typical situation where you might consider a bridge loan is when you’re eager to secure your new dream home before your current one has found a buyer. This is where the equity from your old home plays a crucial role, helping to cover the down payment and closing costs for your new purchase.

The same lender handling your new mortgage in Dallas will often manage your bridge loan. They usually require that your existing home be actively listed for sale, offering the bridge loan for six months up to a year.

One important factor that lenders will factor in is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This calculation considers the payments on your current home, the mortgage for your new home, and any interest-only payments on the bridge loan. However, if your old home is already under contract with a buyer who has secured their loan, your lender might only factor in your new home’s mortgage.

This is so the lender can ensure that you can comfortably handle the payments for both properties, providing a safety net in case your current home doesn’t sell immediately.

What are the benefits of a bridge loan in Dallas?

Bridge loans offer several advantages that can make your home-buying experience in Dallas less stressful.

You can make a non-contingent offer on your new home
Only one move is necessary, saving time and resources
Opportunity to prepare your old home for sale after moving, including staging
Some lenders may not require payments during the loan period
You can act quickly on a desirable property, regardless of your current home’s sale status

What are the drawbacks of a bridge loan?

While a bridge loan can be a convenient solution during your home buying and selling process, it’s important to consider its potential drawbacks:

Additional costs, such as underwriting and origination fees
Increased financial pressure from simultaneous payments on two mortgages and a bridge loan
Stricter qualifying criteria compared to traditional mortgage loans
Potential for a slower underwriting process than expected

Lenders will assess your current home’s equity and monthly income to determine your borrowing eligibility. If your home’s debt exceeds 80% of its value, you might face challenges in qualifying for a bridge loan.

When is a bridge loan a good solution?

A bridge loan isn’t always the perfect choice for every real estate situation, but it can significantly ease the transition from your old home to a new one in certain scenarios.

Needed equity from your current home to fund the down payment for a new one
Avoiding the cost and hassle of a double move and interim housing
Acting fast on a dream home that just came on the market
Overcoming the obstacle of a home sale contingency in your offer
Selling a staged home which is often more appealing and profitable

If you cannot prepare or stage your current home for sale while still living in it, a bridge loan offers the financial leeway to move out, allowing for strong staging that could enhance your home’s market appeal and potentially increase its sale value.