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Background
Guardrail Finance is both a financial intermediary for multifamily and commercial real estate loans and a Sponsor of real estate equity syndications.
Interest Rates
Bridge vs. Permanent Loans: How to Choose the Right Option for Your Situation
As an investor with significant real estate holdings, you are likely thinking about transitioning ownership to the next generation, and that comes with both opportunities and challenges.
And one of the most pressing concerns?
The approaching maturities of your multifamily or commercial real estate loans.
With rates increasing and likely remaining higher for longer, and with lenders tightening their underwriting requirements, it's critical to evaluate whether a bridge loan or a permanent loan is the best fit for your situation.
Here's how to decide:
Bridge Loans: Flexibility for Uncertain Times
A bridge loan is a short-term financing solution, typically lasting 6 months to 3 years. It allows you to:
- Refinance an impending loan maturity quickly while waiting for better permanent financing conditions.
- Fund capital improvements that increase property value before locking into a long-term commitment.
- Transition ownership without triggering a forced sale due to loan deadlines.
Bridge loans are best for: Investors who need flexibility, short-term liquidity, or time to stabilize an asset before refinancing.
Permanent Loans: Locking in Stability
Permanent loans offer long-term financing with fixed or variable interest rates, often with 5-, 7-, 10-year loan terms (or longer) with amortization periods of 25- or 30-years. They are ideal when:
- The property is fully stabilized with strong financials.
- You want to lock in a predictable debt service costs for estate planning purposes or just for stability.
- You prefer to avoid the uncertainty of future rate environments.
Best for: Owners seeking stability, cash flow predictability, and a long-term strategy to pass down assets to heirs.
Making the Right Call
Your choice between bridge and permanent financing depends on your unique situation, investment horizon, the condition of your portfolio, and your transition timeline.
Working with an experienced financial intermediary and lender can help you navigate today’s lending environment while ensuring a smooth transition for your heirs.
We specialize in guiding real estate investors through financing strategies that align with their legacy goals.
If you're facing an upcoming loan maturity, let’s schedule a call to discuss your best options.
📧 Email me today to discuss how we can finance your acquisition or upcoming refinance.
Best regards,
Robert Newstead
Navigating the Market with Guardrail Finance
At Guardrail Finance, we specialize in arranging financing on behalf of clients and in syndicating real estate investments on behalf of investors to help you capitalize on opportunities in multifamily, affordable housing, medical office, and industrial properties.
Contact Guardrail Finance to assist with arranging your Multifamily & CRE Financing
Partner with Guardrail Finance to unlock opportunities in workforce housing, medical office, NNN, and industrial real estate
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Recent Posts From Guardrail Finance
Click the following link to go to our article on LinkedIn called Why passive real estate diversification is crucial for high net worth individuals (HNWIs)
Click the following link to go to our article on Medium called Spread your wings - why diversification is key in passive real estate