Buying a new home while still owning your current one can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re relocating, upgrading, or simply found your dream home sooner than expected, there are strategic ways to make it happen without having to sell first.
At American Pacific Mortgage, we offer a range of Bridge to Buy solutions designed to give you more flexibility, stronger buying power, and greater peace of mind. Let’s explore the options that can help you make your home purchase—without the stress.
Buy Before You Sell Programs: Move with Confidence
Buy Before You Sell programs eliminate one of the biggest roadblocks in the buying process: the need to sell your current home before purchasing the next one.
These innovative solutions allow you to access up to 70% of your current home’s equity to use as a down payment—with no monthly payments required on the bridge loan in many cases.
That means:
– No juggling sale and purchase dates
– No home-sale contingency in your offer
– A stronger, cleaner offer in competitive markets
Whether you’re upsizing, relocating, or just ready for a change, Buy Before You Sell solutions help you move forward confidently and strategically.
Bridge Loans: Tap Into Equity Before You Sell
A bridge loan is a short-term loan option that lets you tap into the equity in your current home and use those funds toward the purchase of a new one. This can be a game-changer in competitive markets, allowing you to present a non-contingent offer and avoid the pressure of timing both transactions perfectly.
At APM, we offer bridge loan programs that can help in different scenarios:
– Close with confidence: Ideal if you already have a buyer under contract. This option may allow you to exclude your current mortgage from your debt-to-income ratio, helping you qualify more easily for your new home.
– Debt-inclusive option: Designed for homeowners who have listed their property but don’t yet have a buyer. This program takes into account all housing debt to help you move forward responsibly.
Both options provide access to up to $400,000 in funds, helping you stay flexible, reduce stress, and move on your own timeline—all without the need for a home-sale contingency.
HELOC: Home Equity on Demand
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) allows you to borrow against the equity in your current home and use those funds for the down payment or closing costs on your next home. Because it’s a revolving credit line, you can borrow what you need, when you need it—and repay on a flexible schedule. This is best for those considering keeping their current home as a rental.
Key benefits include:
– Interest-only payments during the draw period
– Lower rates than many other forms of credit
– Flexibility to access funds early in your buying journey
A HELOC is ideal if you’re planning ahead and want easy access to funds before your current home is sold.
Rent Out Your Current Home: Turn It into an Asset
If you’re not ready to let go of your existing home, consider converting it into a rental property. This approach allows you to generate income that can help offset the cost of your new mortgage—and in some cases, the rental income may help you qualify. In the case of keeping your home as a rental, you could consider tapping the equity with a HELOC, Second Mortgage or even a cash-out refi. Be sure to talk to your loan advisor and run the numbers to ensure it works for your financial situation and goals.
Why it makes sense:
– Create long-term investment income
– Offset costs of owning two homes
– Hold on to a property you believe will appreciate
Make sure to plan for the responsibilities of being a landlord, including tenant screening, lease management, and maintenance.
Make a Contingent Offer: A Safe, Traditional Route
A contingent offer allows you to purchase a new home only if your current home sells first. While it’s a safer financial move, especially if you’re on a tighter budget, it may be less competitive in hot markets where sellers prioritize non-contingent offers.
This strategy works best in balanced or slower markets where sellers are more open to flexible terms.
Departing Residence Guidelines: Increase Your Buying Power
At APM, we offer departing residence guidelines that may allow you to qualify for a new mortgage even before your current home sells. If your home is listed and you meet certain equity and credit score requirements, we may be able to exclude your current mortgage from your debt-to-income ratio.
This lesser-known solution can significantly boost your buying power and create more flexibility when planning your move.
Seller PreLock: Make Your Listing Stand Out
Higher interest rates can deter buyers—but the APM Seller PreLock program flips the script. This program allows you, the seller, to lock in an interest rate for your future buyer, making your listing more attractive in a competitive market.
Benefits include:
– Stand out with a built-in rate advantage
– Attract more qualified buyers
– Sell your home faster
– Refundable PreLock fee when you finance your next home with APM
This strategy helps smooth your transition from one home to the next—without having to reduce your sale price.
Which Bridge to Buy Strategy Is Right for You?
Choosing the right strategy starts with understanding your own financial profile and homeownership goals. Every situation is unique, and what works for one buyer might not be the best fit for another. Here’s a deeper look at the key factors to consider:
How much equity you have: Your available equity plays a central role in determining which Bridge to Buy solution you qualify for. If you’ve owned your home for a while—or purchased in a market that’s appreciated significantly, you may have more options available. The more equity you have, the more buying power you can unlock for your next move.
Your comfort with temporary financial overlap: Owning two homes simultaneously, even for a short period, can feel daunting. That’s why it’s important to choose a solution that aligns with your risk tolerance. Some buyers prefer the structure and predictability of a fixed payment through a home equity loan. Others appreciate the flexibility of a HELOC or the strategic timing of a bridge loan.
Local market conditions: Are homes in your area flying off the market—or lingering for weeks? In fast-paced markets, programs that allow you to buy before selling (like a bridge loan or Buy Before You Sell program) help you avoid missing out on your next home. In slower markets, contingent offers or cash-out refinances may be more acceptable to sellers.
Monthly cash flow: Consider how your current income and debts factor into your decision. APM offers solutions that can exclude your current mortgage from your debt-to-income ratio under certain guidelines, giving you more room to qualify for your next home.
Timing and urgency: If your next move is time-sensitive—say, due to a job relocation or school schedule—you may want to explore options that allow you to act fast without waiting for your current home to sell. Bridge loans, HELOCs, and home equity loans are all designed to give you that flexibility.
Buying and selling at the same time doesn’t have to be a balancing act. With the right Bridge to Buy solution, you can move on your own terms—with confidence and clarity.
Talk to an APM Loan Advisor today and let’s start building the bridge to your next home: Connect here.