Buy before you sell, moving now → bridge. Planned ahead, want cheaper → HELOC. Documented purchase, have time → conventional. Investor transitional → bridge / hard money, then DSCR for the hold.
The side-by-side
| Loan | Best for | Speed | Cost | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge | Buy before you sell / transitional | 7–30 days | Higher | Short |
| HELOC | Pre-planned equity access | Varies | Often lower | Revolving |
| Conventional | Documented long-term buy | 30–45 days | Lowest | Long |
| Hard Money | Investor flips / rehab | 5–14 days | Higher | Short |
| DSCR | Rental hold (the exit) | 21–30 days | Mid | Long |
Head-to-head matchups
Bridge vs HELOC
A HELOC is often cheaper but must usually be opened before you list — lenders resist opening one on a home you're selling. A bridge is built for the transition, arranged quickly. Planned ahead → HELOC; moving now → bridge.
Bridge vs Conventional
Conventional is far cheaper but slow and usually contingent on your sale. A bridge removes the contingency so you can buy first. The trade →
Bridge vs Hard Money
Heavy overlap for investors — bridge = purpose (span a gap), hard money = structure (asset-based). Often the same loan.
Bridge vs DSCR
Different jobs. Bridge = short-term acquisition/transition; DSCR = long-term rent-qualified hold. Bridge in, refi to DSCR.
The decision framework
Answer top to bottom — first match is usually your loan:
Investor buying a transitional/value-add property?
→ Bridge or hard money, then DSCR for the hold.
Homeowner who needs to buy before selling, moving now?
→ Bridge.
Homeowner who planned ahead and wants the cheapest option?
→ HELOC opened before listing.
Have time and can accept a sale contingency?
→ Conventional.
Bridge comparison FAQs
Bridge vs HELOC?
HELOC is cheaper but must usually be opened before listing; a bridge is built for the transition and arranged quickly.
Bridge vs conventional?
Conventional is cheaper but slow and contingent; a bridge lets you buy before you sell.
Bridge vs hard money?
Bridge = purpose (span a gap); hard money = structure (asset-based). Often the same loan for investors.
Bridge vs DSCR?
Bridge = short-term acquisition; DSCR = long-term hold. Bridge in, refi to DSCR.
How do I decide?
Match the loan to your situation and timeline — we'll confirm the cheapest fit.
Reviewed by the licensing team at Save Financial, a California-licensed mortgage brokerage (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766) founded in 2009 and serving all 58 counties from offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey.