Build & renovate
Bridge & Hard Money
A bridge loan provides temporary capital while you buy, repair, lease or reposition a property. Hard money describes a private, collateral-focused lending approach that can be used for the same kinds of short-term projects.
Who it fits
Business-purpose acquisitions, vacant buildings and near-term refinances with a specific, supportable exit.
Work through the numbers
A practical example
Illustration: a $600,000 bridge balance at an assumed 10% annual interest-only rate costs $5,000 per month before other charges. A three-month delay adds $15,000 of interest alone. This is a sensitivity example, not a quoted rate.
What to have ready
- Property details, purchase agreement or payoff
- Rent roll, operating statements and planned improvements
- Exit analysis and liquidity documentation
Questions, answered.
Start with the financing mechanics, then look at the details that can change your actual terms.
When does a bridge loan make sense?
It can fit when a viable property cannot yet qualify for long-term financing—for example because it is vacant, needs repairs or has a purchase deadline. The reason for the bridge should connect to a milestone that makes the exit more credible.
Is hard money the same as a bridge loan?
The terms overlap but describe different things. Bridge describes the temporary purpose; hard money describes a lending approach that emphasizes collateral and an exit. Compare the actual note, fees and underwriting rather than choosing by label.
How quickly can a bridge loan close?
Closing depends on title, valuation, insurance, ownership documents and the lender’s review. A clean file may move quickly, but complex collateral or lien issues can change the timeline. Obtain a written closing checklist before relying on a date.
Can I refinance without waiting for seasoning?
Some lenders offer short seasoning periods or exceptions, while others limit the value they will use until you have owned the property longer. Verify both the ownership period and the basis for value before relying on cash-out proceeds.
What makes an exit plan credible?
For a refinance, show projected rent, expenses, likely debt-service coverage and conservative takeout proceeds. For a sale, show comparable sales, a realistic marketing period and selling costs. Include a backup that remains workable if rates or values move.
What should I send CommFi to evaluate my scenario?
Start with the property or equipment details, transaction amount, intended use and timing. Include the documents listed above when available. CommFi can then assess the financing route and request scenario-specific terms. A pre-qualification is preliminary; appraisal, documentation and final lender approval can change the result.
Go a little deeper
Program references
Published references checked September 26, 2026. Third-party examples describe market programs and do not establish a CommFi lending relationship or guarantee availability.
Headline terms are illustrative best-case program features for qualified scenarios, not a loan offer or a confirmed CommFi lender commitment. Availability, proceeds and pricing depend on the lender, borrower, collateral and final underwriting. Maximum leverage, lowest pricing and fastest closing may not be available together.