.png)
What Is a Bridge Loan (and How It Helps Washington Homebuyers)
A bridge loan lets you tap into the equity of your current home to buy a new one before you sell.
It’s short-term financing that “bridges” the gap between buying and selling — giving you peace of mind and a competitive edge when making offers.
In competitive markets like Seattle, Everett, and Bellevue, where homes move quickly, a bridge loan can make your offer stronger — often allowing you to make a non-contingent, cash-style offer.
Without a bridge loan
With a bridge loan
You may miss out on your dream home while waiting to sell.
You can buy now and sell later — on your terms.
You’re stuck making contingent offers.
You can make a stronger, non-contingent offer.
Your equity is tied up.
You can access equity right away for your next purchase.
Local Bridge Loan Options for Washington Homeowners
We offer several bridge loan programs that help homeowners throughout Snohomish County and King County move seamlessly from one home to the next.
NAF Cash (Conventional or VA Only)
Best for: Homebuyers with at least 30% equity who want to make a strong cash offer in competitive markets like Seattle, Lynnwood, or Bothell.
Program Highlights:
-
Service Fee (WA): 2.8% of purchase price
-
Property type: 1-unit primary residences (SFR, condo, townhome)
-
Minimum credit score: 620
-
Max DTI: 50% (per agency or VA guidelines)
-
Max purchase: $2,000,000 | Min purchase: $150,000
-
Earnest money: 5–10% liquid, non-refundable
-
Requires home inspection (paid by borrower)
-
Minimum 30% equity in departing residence
Rent-Back Option:
-
Lease agreement required before move-in
-
After 60 days, rent due monthly with 10% increase per extension
To Qualify:
-
Borrower must be fully pre-underwritten confirming liquid funds
-
Agent provides CMA + Estimated Net Seller Proceeds
-
Submit to NAF Cash for final approval
NAF Cash Advance
Best for: Homeowners with strong equity who want to leverage assets before selling.
Program Highlights:
-
Service Fee (WA): 4.8% of purchase price
-
Property type: 1-unit primary residences (SFR, condo, townhome)
-
Minimum credit score: 700
-
Earnest money: 20% liquid, non-refundable
-
Gifts acceptable for EMD (must be deposited before offer)
-
Must have sufficient equity and assets to cover purchase, closing costs, rent back, and potential appraisal gap
To Qualify:
-
Borrower pre-underwritten confirming EMD funds
-
Agent provides CMA + Net Seller Proceeds
-
Submit to NAF Cash for final approval
NAF Bridge Loan
Best for: Snohomish and King County homeowners who’ve owned their property 3+ years and want short-term financing with no monthly payments.
Program Highlights:
-
Term: 12 months (no monthly payments, balloon at end)
-
Minimum credit score: 700 (soft pull)
-
Max LTV: 80%
-
Max DTI: 50% (includes both homes)
-
Interest rate: 10% interest-only
-
Must have owned departing property 36+ months
-
NAF must finance the new primary purchase
-
Property must be listed for sale with a licensed agent
Brokered Bridge Loan (AXOS)
Best for: High-value properties across cities like Seattle, Bellevue, or Woodinville with complex financial needs.
Program Highlights:
-
Minimum credit score: 680
-
Max LTV: 60%
-
Minimum loan size: $1 million
-
Term: 12-month, interest-only balloon
-
Fee: 1 point
-
No max DTI ratio
-
Property should be listed (exceptions possible for simultaneous purchases)
Additional Info: Bridge-to-sale is a cash-out refinance loan on a listed (or soon-to-be listed) property. If more funds are needed, a simultaneous purchase loan can be completed — qualifying only for the new home’s payment.
Compare Bridge Loan Programs
Program
Min Credit
Max LTV
Fees
Term
Ideal For
NAF Cash
620
Per agency
2.8%
—
Cash style offers in Everett or Marysville
NAF Cash Advance
700
Per agency
4.8%
—
Equity-rich buyers in Kirkland or Mukilteo
NAF Bridge Loan
700
80%
—
12 mo
No-payment short-term bridge loans
Brokered Bridge (AXOS)
680
60%
1 pt
12 mo
High-value Seattle/Bellevue homes
How It Works: Bridge Loans Step-by-Step
01
Apply & Get Pre-Approved
Work with our local Snohomish and King County lending team to confirm your home equity and qualification details.
02
Choose Your Bridge Loan Program
We’ll guide you to the best fit based on your location, timeline, and goals.
03
Access Equity From Your Current Home
Use the funds to make a competitive offer on your next property.
04
Close on Your New Home First
Move in without worrying about contingencies or double moves.
05
Sell Your Current Home & Pay Off the Bridge Loan
Once your home sells, you’ll repay the bridge loan and settle into your new home — stress-free.
Who Bridge Loans Are Perfect For
Bridge loans are ideal if you:
-
Need to buy before selling
-
Have strong equity in your current home
-
Want to make a cash or non-contingent offer
-
Are relocating or moving up in value
Tip: Not sure if a bridge loan is the right fit? Explore our [Home Equity Options] or [Temporary Buydown Programs].
FAQ's
Q: What is a bridge loan?
A: A short-term loan that uses the equity in your current home to help you buy your next home before selling.
Q: How long does a bridge loan last?
A: Typically up to 12 months, with a balloon payment at the end.
Q: Do I have to make payments during the bridge loan?
A: Some programs (like NAF Bridge) require no monthly payments — interest accrues until the sale closes.
Q: Can I use a bridge loan with a VA or Conventional loan?
A: Yes — NAF Cash programs allow VA and Conventional financing.
Q: What credit score do I need?
A: Depending on the program, a 620–700+ credit score is required.