Fast, Flexible Transitional Financing with Certainty of Execution
A bridge loan is short-term financing (typically 12 to 36 months) designed for properties in transition—those that do not yet qualify for permanent financing due to vacancy, renovation needs, lease rollover, or other factors affecting current cash flow. Bridge loans "bridge the gap" between a property's current condition and its stabilized value, providing capital to execute business plans before refinancing into long-term debt.
George Smith Partners is one of the nation's leading arrangers of commercial bridge loans, having placed billions of dollars in short-term financing for acquisitions, repositioning projects, lease-up situations, and recapitalizations. Our bridge lending relationships span debt funds, private lenders, banks, and insurance companies nationwide, providing borrowers access to the full spectrum of transitional capital.
Acquiring properties requiring renovation, releasing, or repositioning before they qualify for permanent agency or CMBS financing. Bridge lenders underwrite to the property's potential, not just current income.
Financing newly constructed or recently renovated properties during lease-up when occupancy is below stabilized levels. Bridge loans provide time to achieve the occupancy and income levels required by permanent lenders.
Competitive acquisition situations requiring certainty of execution and rapid closing. Bridge loans can close in as little as 14 days, allowing borrowers to win deals where speed is decisive.
Refinancing to extract equity, buy out partners, or restructure ownership while a longer-term financing strategy is developed.
$5 million to $500+ million
Up to 90% of value
Up to 85-90% of total project cost (including renovation)
12 to 36 months with extension options
SOFR + 300-600 bps depending on leverage and risk profile
Non-recourse available for qualified sponsors
As fast as 14 days; typically 30-45 days
Nationwide
Our nearly 100-person team maintains active relationships with every significant bridge lender in the market—from the largest debt funds to regional banks to private capital sources. We know who is quoting, at what terms, and how to position your transaction for success.
When timing is critical, experience matters. George Smith Partners has closed numerous bridge loans in under three weeks. Our team knows how to assemble packages that move through lender approval quickly and how to navigate the closing process efficiently.
Not every bridge loan fits a standard box. We regularly structure transactions with earn-outs, future funding, mezzanine components, and other features designed to maximize proceeds or address unique situations.
Bridge loans can close in as little as 14 days for straightforward transactions with clean title and existing appraisals. More complex transactions typically close in 30 to 45 days, and our team has closed numerous bridge loans in under three weeks when speed was critical to winning a deal.
Bridge loan rates currently range from SOFR + 300 to SOFR + 600 basis points depending on leverage, property type, sponsor strength, and market conditions. Lower-leverage bank loans price at the tighter end, while higher-leverage debt fund loans price wider.
Yes, non-recourse bridge loans are available from many debt funds and institutional lenders for qualified sponsors. Typical requirements include net worth equal to the loan amount and liquidity of 10-15% of the loan amount, though these vary by lender.
Every bridge loan requires a clear exit strategy. Common exits include refinancing into permanent agency, CMBS, or bank debt once the property stabilizes, selling the property after renovation and lease-up, or refinancing with another bridge loan if the business plan requires additional time.
Yes, George Smith Partners arranges bridge loans nationwide. With offices in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Dallas, and Atlanta, we have relationships with bridge lenders active in every major market across the country.
Our team can help you identify the right bridge lender and structure for your transaction.
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