How long does a bridge loan take to close?
A bridge loan typically closes in 2 to 4 weeks from a complete application, and some lenders can close in 7 to 10 days when title is clear and the valuation is quick. The appraisal and title work set the pace; the borrower's document speed and the property's condition decide whether you hit the short end or the long end.
The timeline
| Step | Typical days | What it depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Application and term sheet | 1 to 3 | Complete file at submission |
| Appraisal or valuation ordered and returned | 5 to 10 | Appraiser availability; desktop valuations are faster |
| Title and entity review | 3 to 7 | Clean title, LLC documents in order |
| Underwriting and approval | 2 to 5 | Scope, budget, exit support |
| Loan documents and signing | 1 to 3 | Notary and lender turn time |
| Funding | 1 | Wire cutoffs |
Total: about 14 to 28 days. A lender that uses a desktop or broker valuation instead of a full appraisal can trim a week.
What makes it fast
- A complete application: personal financial statement, bank statements, entity documents, purchase contract, scope of work, and exit support on day one.
- A property with clean title, no open permits, and normal condition.
- An LLC already formed with a bank account.
- Insurance quoted before approval so the binder is ready.
- A borrower who answers underwriting questions the same day.
What slows it down
- Title issues: liens, unreleased mortgages, probate, or a seller entity that cannot sign.
- A low appraisal that forces a restructure.
- Missing entity documents or an operating agreement that does not match the members.
- Renovation scopes that change after the budget review.
- Holidays and appraisal backlogs in busy markets.
Fast closes cost more
Most lenders charge a quarter to a half point for a ten-day close, and desktop valuations come with slightly lower leverage. When the contract gives you 21 days, the standard timeline usually works; when it gives you 10, plan on the premium.
Compared with other loans
Hard money can close in five to ten days. DSCR loans take three to four weeks. Bank and SBA loans take 45 to 90 days. A bridge loan sits in the middle, which is often the reason to use one.
How CommFi handles it
Our lending desk reads the file on day one and tells you which timeline is realistic. It funds direct when it fits. When the contract needs a lender that closes in ten days, the desk searches a database of 7,000+ lenders and the ones that can hit the date compete for it. Zero upfront fees.
Related reading
Related questions
- Can a bridge loan close in a week?
- Some lenders close in seven to ten days when title is clean, the valuation is a desktop, and the file is complete. Expect a fee for the speed.
- What takes the longest on a bridge loan?
- The appraisal, usually five to ten days, followed by title work.
- Do I need an appraisal for a bridge loan?
- Most lenders want one. Some accept a desktop or broker valuation for speed, usually at slightly lower leverage.
- How can I speed up my bridge loan?
- Submit a complete file on day one, have the LLC and insurance ready, and answer underwriting questions the same day.
- Is a bridge loan faster than a DSCR loan?
- Usually. Bridge closes in two to four weeks, DSCR in three to four, and hard money in five to ten days.
Property developer and licensed appraiser. 22+ years in real estate: TIC conversions, multi-unit redevelopments, mixed-use, fix and flips, commercial DSCR.