A bridge loan spans the gap between an immediate capital need and the permanent financing or revenue event that will repay it. Whether you're waiting on a real estate closing, an SBA loan approval, a pending business sale, or a large contract payment, bridge loans provide the short-term liquidity to keep critical transactions moving. For many business deals, speed and flexibility define whether the transaction closes at all.
A bridge loan is a short-term financing product designed to provide immediate capital until a longer-term funding source becomes available or a specific repayment event occurs — such as a real estate closing, SBA loan approval, or large contract payment. Bridge loans are characterized by short terms (6-24 months), higher interest rates than permanent financing, and rapid deployment of capital — often closing in under two weeks.
In commercial real estate, bridge loans fund acquisitions while permanent financing is arranged, cover renovations until stabilized occupancy is achieved, or allow buyers to close before an existing property sells. In business operations, bridge loans fund working capital during capital raise processes, cover payroll during delayed receivables, or provide liquidity while waiting for specific payment events.
According to The Wall Street Journal, bridge lending demand has grown significantly as interest rate volatility extended conventional loan timelines, creating larger capital gaps that short-term bridge financing fills. Crestmont provides bridge solutions through our commercial financing division.
| Requirement | Typical Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Collateral | Real estate or business assets preferred | Most bridge loans are asset-secured |
| Time in Business | 1+ year preferred | Deal quality matters more than operating history |
| Personal Credit Score | 620+ preferred | Strong collateral can offset moderate credit |
| Exit Strategy | Documented and credible | The single most critical underwriting factor |
| Debt Service Coverage | 1.0x+ on projected exit | Must demonstrate ability to repay from exit source |
| Loan-to-Value | Up to 75% (real estate) | Higher LTV carries higher rate |
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Apply Now →| Cost Factor | Typical Range | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 8%-18% APR | Depends on LTV, credit, and deal structure |
| Term | 6-24 months | Extension options common for complex deals |
| Origination Fee | 1%-3% of loan | Typically deducted from loan proceeds at closing |
| Exit / Maturity Fee | 0%-1% | Charged at repayment on some structured products |
| Prepayment | Typically allowed | May have minimum interest period of 3-6 months |
| Loan Size | $50,000-$10,000,000+ | Larger transactions require more documentation |
Bridge loans close in 5-15 business days versus 60-90+ days for bank financing. In competitive markets or time-sensitive transactions, this speed determines whether a deal closes at all.
Bridge lenders focus on collateral quality and exit strategy viability rather than rigid credit minimums. Strong deals with credible exits get funded even when borrowers don't meet conventional bank standards.
Most bridge loans carry interest-only monthly payments during the term, with full principal repaid at maturity from the exit event. This preserves operating cash flow during the bridging period.
Fund an acquisition today and replace with permanent financing at better rates once a property stabilizes, a business sale closes, or long-term approval comes through. This sequencing unlocks opportunities permanent financing timelines would miss.
No obligation. No hard credit pull to check your options. Apply today with Crestmont Capital.
Check My Options →A real estate investor finds a commercial property at 15% below market requiring a 10-day close. Conventional financing would take 60+ days. A $1.2M bridge loan closes in 8 days at 70% LTV. After 8 months of stabilization, the property refinances into a conventional commercial mortgage and the bridge is repaid at closing.
A business owner has a signed LOI for a $4M acquisition closing in 90 days. They need $800,000 to fund operations during due diligence. A bridge loan secured by business assets provides capital; sale proceeds repay it at closing.
A restaurant operator has SBA approval for $600,000 in build-out financing with a 90-day timeline. The landlord requires construction to begin in 30 days or the lease is forfeited. A bridge loan funds the first phase; SBA proceeds pay off the bridge and complete the project on schedule.
| Product | Approval Speed | Rate Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge Loan | 5-15 days | 8%-18% APR | Time-sensitive, clear exit strategy |
| SBA Loan | 60-90 days | 6-10% APR | Long-term, non-urgent, well-qualified |
| Conventional Commercial | 45-60 days | 6-12% APR | Stabilized assets, strong credit |
| Hard Money Loan | 3-7 days | 10%-18%+ | Distressed assets, credit-challenged |
| Business Term Loan | 1-5 days | 9%-40% | Working capital, no real estate required |
| Mezzanine Financing | 4-6 weeks | 10%-20%+ | Large deals, subordinate debt position |
Join thousands of businesses who chose Crestmont Capital for fast, transparent business funding.
Apply Today →Bridge financing requires deal-structuring expertise that generic lenders don't possess. Crestmont Capital's commercial team underwrites bridge loans on deal quality and exit credibility — not just standard credit metrics.
Related: construction loans, acquisition financing, and alternative lending.
Both are short-term, asset-secured products but differ in source and focus. Hard money lenders are primarily asset-based and often serve distressed situations. Bridge loans can also consider borrower creditworthiness, deal quality, and exit strategy — making them more broadly applicable.
Lenders accept: contracted property sale, committed permanent financing refinance, confirmed large contract payment, business sale completion, or capital raise payoff. The exit must be documented, credible, and expected before or at loan maturity.
Yes. Business bridge loans fund payroll, operations, inventory, or any working capital need while a financing event, business sale, or large payment clears. Bridge lending is not limited to real estate transactions.
Most bridge loans carry interest-only monthly payments during the term, with full principal repaid at maturity from the exit event. This preserves operating cash flow compared to fully amortizing loans.
Always negotiate an extension option when closing your bridge. A typical extension is 3-6 months at a slightly higher rate. Refinancing into a new bridge or converting to term financing are common solutions.
Yes, particularly for real estate bridge loans where collateral quality drives underwriting. Strong LTV and clear exit strategy often overcome moderate credit challenges in experienced bridge lenders' underwriting.
Fast decisions. Competitive terms. Dedicated funding advisors. Apply now with Crestmont Capital.
Get Funded Now →Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.