Use a responsive 180-day timeline to organize a hard-money or bridge-loan exit without assuming a guaranteed closing schedule.
180 days before maturity
Build the exit file
- Read the existing note and verify maturity, payoff, extension, and prepayment terms.
- Define the preferred exit and at least one practical backup path.
- List unresolved renovation, permit, lease, title, insurance, and entity items.
150 days before maturity
Measure property readiness
- Review condition, occupancy, rent documentation, income, and recurring expenses.
- Create a realistic completion plan for remaining work.
- Start collecting the documents a potential financing provider may request.
120 days before maturity
Compare possible paths
- Discuss refinance, sale, added equity, partnership, or extension paths as relevant.
- Ask providers how they evaluate this property type and transaction.
- Compare documentation, cost, timing, and property-condition considerations.
90 days before maturity
Resolve avoidable delays
- Address open title, permit, access, insurance, lease, or entity questions.
- Request payoff and extension information using the current lender’s process.
- Confirm the preferred path still fits the property and holding plan.
60 days before maturity
Track third-party items
- Monitor appraisal, title, insurance, payoff, and requested documentation.
- Respond promptly while keeping copies of material communications.
- Revisit the backup plan if a key assumption changes.
30 days before maturity
Escalate unresolved conditions
- Confirm outstanding conditions, responsible parties, and realistic decision dates.
- Review extension or alternative plans before the maturity date arrives.
- Seek legal, tax, accounting, or other professional advice where the situation requires it.
Maturity before maturity
Follow the documented plan
- Do not assume a refinance, sale, or extension has closed until it is complete.
- Stay in direct communication with the current lender and advisers.
- Keep records of payments, payoff, extensions, closing, or other resolution steps.
Use the timeline as a planning aid
The checkpoints create room to gather facts, compare paths, and surface avoidable delays. They are not a representation of how long a lender, appraisal, title review, sale, extension, or closing will take.
Adjust it to the actual loan
The note, lender process, property condition, location, ownership, renovation, title, insurance, and chosen exit may require earlier action. If maturity is already closer, compress the checklist and seek appropriate professional guidance now.
Frequently asked questions
Does this timeline guarantee enough time to refinance?
No. It is a planning framework only. Actual review and closing times vary, and a transaction may not be approved or completed.
What if maturity is fewer than 60 days away?
Verify the note and current lender process immediately, identify unresolved items, discuss realistic paths, and keep an extension or other backup under review where available.
Should I ask for an extension even if I plan to refinance?
It may be prudent to understand the option, but availability and terms depend on the current lender. An extension is not guaranteed and may not solve the underlying issue.
Is this legal, tax, accounting, or individualized financial advice?
No. Use the guide to organize questions, then consult qualified professionals about your documents, obligations, taxes, ownership, and investment decisions.
Property-specific questions