Bridge loans for when the dates just won't line up.
Yes. I review bridge financing so you can buy a Florida home before your current home sells. The fit depends on your equity, qualification and sale timing.
Yes, I do bridge loans in Florida and in Maine. I review primary and second home financing in Maine and Florida.
Reviewed by Travis Penny, NMLS 1649161
Last reviewed October 13, 2026
How does a bridge loan work when buying in Florida?
A bridge loan lets you buy your Florida home before your current home sells, so you are not stuck timing two closings perfectly. It is short term financing that bridges the gap, often using the equity in your existing property, then gets paid off when that home sells or you refinance into permanent financing.
All loans are subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will qualify. Program terms and availability can change. This page is for general education and is not a loan offer or a commitment to make a loan. Travis Penny, NMLS ID #1649161, is a mortgage broker with Vision Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1286953. Equal Housing Opportunity.
One person, start to finish
You deal with me from the first call to the closing table, not a call center. I'm an independent broker, so I shop your file with multiple lenders instead of fitting you into one bank's menu. Call or text 207-615-7770.
Close on the new place
I review whether you can qualify before the current home sells.
Tap your existing equity
Use equity in your current home as part of the bridge.
Refinance out
Once the old home sells, refinance the bridge into a permanent loan.
When bridge loans actually make sense
You're certain the old home will sell. The Florida deal won't wait. The interim cost of carrying both is less painful than losing the new house. I review your sale plan and qualification before recommending it. I explain the Maine side in buying in Maine before you sell, and if a family member can help you qualify, read how a non occupant co borrower helped my client buy. Plenty of my bridge files close in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs.
How the equity works
A bridge loan borrows against the equity in your current home so you can use it toward the next one before you sell. When your current home sells, the bridge loan is paid off from the sale. A HELOC can do something similar if you open it before listing. Not everyone will qualify.
When they don't
If your old home has issues that might delay the sale, or your DTI can't comfortably carry both payments for a few months, I review other options first.
This page is about bridge financing for your own home. If you are buying a rental to renovate and refinance, see my BRRRR loan page, which is for investment property only.
The relocation use case
This is the classic Maine to Florida move scenario. Read the full relocation playbook here.
Frequently asked questions
When does a bridge loan actually make sense?
When you're certain the old home will sell, the Florida deal won't wait, and the interim cost of carrying both is less painful than losing the new house. I review your sale plan and qualification before recommending it.
When is a bridge loan the wrong tool?
If your old home has issues that might delay the sale, or your DTI can't comfortably carry both payments for a few months, I review other options first.
How does a bridge loan get paid off?
Once the old home sells, you refinance the bridge into a permanent loan, or pay it down from sale proceeds. I plan the exit before you ever sign the bridge.
Is bridge financing useful for Maine-to-Florida moves?
Yes, this is the classic Maine to Florida move scenario, where the Florida purchase and the Maine sale don't line up on the calendar.
Keep exploring
Not sure which loan fits?
Answer seven quick questions and I'll point you to the right program.
Discuss your Florida purchase timing
I'll lay out your options in plain English. No pressure, no scripts.
Average of my loans from submission to clear to close. Not a guarantee; individual timelines vary. Clear to close means underwriting is done. Closing is scheduled after that.