In Marin County, the hard part isn’t deciding to move. It’s that the right home may come on the market only once or twice a year. In towns like Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo and Tiburon, few homes are listed at any one time, and the good ones draw offers within days.
If you have to sell your current home before you can buy, you’re unlikely to be ready when that listing appears. A Buy Before You Sell bridge loan lets you prepare ahead of time, so you can act the week the home lists.
Why Preparation Matters More in Marin
Marin’s appeal is steady: open space, strong schools and a short trip to San Francisco. Supply is limited, and home prices run around $1.47 million, with many towns well above that. When a well-priced home appears, sellers often review offers within a week. A buyer who still needs to list, market and close on another home can’t meet that timeline.
How to Be Ready Before You Find the Home
1. Know your numbers first
Before you start touring, Seth can estimate how much your current equity supports. You’ll know your price range in advance.
2. Make a non-contingent offer
When the right home lists, you can offer without a sale contingency and close in as little as 7 to 10 days.
3. Sell after you move
Your current home can be prepared and listed once you’re settled, at a time of year that suits the market.
Loan Terms at a Glance
- Up to 70% combined loan-to-value across both homes
- Terms up to 11 months
- Monthly payments
- Minimum credit score of 600
- For primary residences
Example: San Rafael to Mill Valley
Say you own a home in San Rafael worth $1,300,000 with $350,000 left on the mortgage, and a $1,800,000 home comes up in Mill Valley.
- Combined value of both homes: $3,100,000
- 70% of that: $2,170,000 in maximum total borrowing
- Minus your existing mortgage: $1,820,000 available
That covers the $1,800,000 purchase price. You can make your offer right away, and sell the San Rafael home after you’ve moved.
Figures are illustrative only. Actual loan amounts depend on appraised values, existing liens and lender approval.
Estimate your own numbers with our loan calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get set up before I’ve found a home?
Yes, and in Marin that’s the best approach. Seth can review your equity and likely loan amount ahead of time, so you’re ready when a home lists.
Does this work for moves between Marin towns?
Yes. It works whether you’re moving within Marin, arriving from San Francisco or relocating from elsewhere in California.
What if my current home doesn’t sell right away?
Terms run up to 11 months. If you think you’ll need longer, raise it with Seth at the start.
Is this available for a second home?
This program is for primary residences. Call Seth to discuss other options for second homes or investment properties.
Work with a Bay Area Bridge Loan Specialist
Seth Swenson has worked in private money lending since 2003, including more than 25 years in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a licensed California broker with access to over 50 private lenders, he matches your situation with the lender whose terms fit it best.
For full loan terms and more detail, see our Buy Before You Sell bridge loan page. Coming from the city? See our San Francisco guide.
Ready for Your Next Home in Marin?
Call Seth at (415) 860-7384 or send a message with your current home’s value, what you owe and the price range you’re considering.