Commercial property loans have different interest rates than residential loans. Before you start investing in commercial real estate (CRE), you need to know what CRE loans are available, what commercial property loan rates are currently accessible, and how to secure a commercial loan approval.
Learn about the many kinds of commercial real estate loans, what most banks and lenders look for, and how to apply for a CRE loan in the sections below.
Loan conditions for commercial real estate
The majority of residential loans, including FHA, VA, and conventional loans, have a fixed interest rate and are amortized over 15 to 30 years. Commercial loans operate in a different way. Despite the fact that each sort of business loan is structured differently, they all employ a similar set of terms:
Term of the loan
The loan duration refers to the amount of time you have to repay the loan. This is often referred to as the "amortization stage." Commercial loans may last anywhere between 15 and 30 years. The most common amortization periods are 15, 20, and 25 years.
Balloon Payments
A balloon payment is a kind of commercial loan in which the loan is amortized over a certain length of time, such as 25 years, but the unpaid amount is payable in full on a specific day. This is usually done after one, two, five, or ten years on the loan.
Rates of interest
Commercial loans will have higher interest rates than household loans. They're usually in the 5% to 10% range, although they might be more depending on the sort of loan.
Some CRE loans have fixed rates, which means the interest rate remains the same throughout the loan's term. However, many commercial real estate loans have variable interest rates.
An adjustable interest rate is linked to a market index that swings. The interest rate reset date is specified in the mortgage note. It may be done on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis.
The interest rate, for example, may be prime + 1.5 percent. The interest rate would be 6.5 percent if the prime rate was now 5%. After a year, if the prime rate falls to 6%, the interest rate will change to 7.5 percent. In most cases, the rate is capped.
Fees for loans
Commercial real estate loans have higher origination costs, which may go into the tens of thousands of dollars. The loan costs may usually be included into the loan. Fees for certain loan kinds are greater than for others.
Penalty for early payment
If any extra principal is paid within a set time period, most commercial real estate loans contain a prepayment penalty that the borrower must pay. This period normally lasts one to three years from the loan's inception.
A lockout period may apply to the loan, making it impossible to pay it off early. This usually lasts between two and five years.
Loan with a repayment plan
Most commercial loans are recourse loans, which means that if the borrower defaults, the lender has the right to pursue additional assets held by the borrower. In certain circ*mstances, the loaned asset is sold, but it may not be enough to pay off the remaining debt. Other assets owned by the borrower may be sold if this is the case.
Extra collateral, such as a main house, additional assets, or even a life insurance policy, may be required by certain lenders.
Commercial real estate loans come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
CRE loans are divided into six categories. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Comparing the various sorts of loans will help you choose which choice is best for you.
Here, we’ll talk about the most common:
Traditional Commercial Mortgage
The most prevalent sort of business financing is a typical commercial mortgage. Traditional loans have low fixed rates and are paid off over a lengthy period of time, such as 20 or 30 years.
The following are typical conditions for conventional commercial loans:
A down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price is required by the borrower.
The loan amount cannot exceed 80% of the property's value.
Additional charges will not be included in the loan. The loan cannot be used to obtain operating capital for construction or renovation. Conventional finance is seldom accepted for underperforming properties that require rent increases, vacancies filled, or physical renovations.
Some conventional loans feature a covenant that allows the bank to call the loan even though it is not in default, depending on the bank or lender. This signifies that the loan's whole outstanding sum is due within 90 or 180 days.
During the Great Recession, it was popular to call loans, which forced many commercial investors to sell property while the market was down in order to repay the debt. Few banks now call loans if borrowers keep up with their payments. However, it is possible that another recession will occur. Check your loan covenants to see whether and when your lender may call the loan.
It might be tough to qualify for traditional commercial loans. Banks have stringent underwriting criteria that include solid credit ratings, proven cash flow, and sound balance sheets.
The Benefits of Banking Relationships
It cannot be overstated the benefit of having an established relationship with your lender. While shopping for rates and terms is always advisable, it is most often the lender that you deal with on a regular basis that is going to be the best source for your loan. Your current bank or credit union has updated knowledge of your financials. You may already have a credit history with this lender. These factors can not only allow your lender to present favorable loan terms but can greatly reduce the need for documentation regarding applying for your loan. A Commercial Real Estate Brokerage firm like Pillar Real Estate Advisors of the greater Philadelphia PA area, recommends connecting your lender with your commercial real estate agent. This can often expedite the information flow from and to your lender and allow for appraisals, inspections, environmental studies etc… to go much more smoothly.
