Your Bridge Loan Paperwork Checklist

Bridge lenders typically need documents about the property, the deal and your entity, not years of personal income records. The list is shorter than a bank's, but missing items are still the most common reason closings slip. Gather them before you apply.

The core checklist

About you and your entity

• Loan application
• Government-issued photo ID for each owner or guarantor
• LLC or corporate documents: articles of organization, operating agreement, EIN confirmation and, if needed, a resolution authorizing the loan
• Good standing certificate from the state, if requested

About the deal

• Executed purchase contract including every addendum, or a payoff statement if refinancing
• A short written exit plan: sell, refinance or other payoff, with timing
• Proof of funds for the down payment plus closing costs

About the property

• Access for an appraisal or broker price opinion (BPO)
• Insurance agent contact, then a binder naming the lender
• Leases and rent roll, if the property is occupied
• Title is usually ordered by the title company, but flag any known issues early

At RSC Private Lending, we typically ask for property details, the purchase agreement, a scope of work if there's rehab, proof of funds and borrower information. Loans go to an LLC, LP or corporation with a personal guarantee and are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.

What you usually won't need

Compared with a bank loan, bridge lenders often skip:

• W-2s, pay stubs or personal tax returns
• Employment verification
• A full debt-to-income calculation

That's why bridge financing works well for self-employed investors and those with complex income. Lenders still check credit and background, and may ask for bank statements to confirm liquidity.

When the list gets longer

Some deals need more:

• Light renovation: scope of work and contractor estimates
• Experienced investor pricing: a list of past projects with addresses and outcomes
• Title complications: estate, divorce or lien-release paperwork
• Multiple owners: documents and IDs for each guarantor

Build a ready folder

Example: An investor keeps one digital folder with current LLC documents, IDs, a one-page track record, a template exit plan and their insurance agent's contact. When a deal hits, they add the contract and send everything in one email. The lender can order valuation and title the same day, instead of waiting a week for paperwork.

What this means for you

You don't need much, but you need it complete and on time. Keep your entity documents current, write your exit plan in a few clear sentences and send everything together.

Ready to submit a bridge deal? Send your package to RSC Private Lending for a term sheet in 24 hours. Subject to underwriting.