A bridge loan is a short-term financing tool that helps you “bridge” the gap between old and new mortgages when you move from one home to another. You may be taking possession of your new home a week or two in advance of closing on your current home, either because of how your closing dates worked out or because you want to do some renovating on your new home before you move in. Whatever the reason, bridge financing is going to be your best friend for a few weeks: making it possible to easily transition from the old to the new.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. It’s for a specific amount, which is your home’s selling price minus your current mortgage and costs (realtor/legal).
2. It’s for a short period of time i.e. 1 to 30 days, and your lender will want to see a firm sale agreement for your existing place, with conditions waived.
3. Not all lenders offer bridge loans, although there are private lenders that meet this need. Since you are working with a mortgage broker, you are in good hands: I can put together a combination of a new mortgage and bridge loan even if it’s not with the same lender.
4. Expect to pay more. Your bridge is going to be at a higher rate than your mortgage and will include administration fees, even when the bridge loan is with the same lender. Bridge loans from private lenders will likely have higher rates and fees, although they may offer more flexible terms.
5. Plan in advance just in case. Together we’ll discuss your ability to carry two mortgages in the event that a rare worst-case scenario plays out. Your lawyer will pay out your bridge loan from the sale proceeds of your home. If for any reason the sale falls through, your lawyer will register the bridge loan as a charge on the property. And if you require a longer bridge i.e over 30 days, or for an amount over the lender’s maximum, your lender may register a charge against the property and your costs will increase.

Bridge Financing