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CRE Insights Blog
Last updated on Nov 25, 2022
4 min read
by Evelyn Jozsa

5 Tips for Shopping for a Commercial Real Estate Loan

Shopping around for a commercial real estate loan can help you save money down the road. Here’s what to consider to make sure you get the best possible deal on your loan.

Apply for a loan in minutes and get multiple quotes today → Get Quotes

In this article:
  1. Why Shop Around for a Commercial Real Estate Loan? 
  2. 1. Determine what you need and want in a commercial real estate loan. 
  3. 2. Compare interest rates and terms among different lenders. 
  4. 3. Ask about fees and other associated costs. 
  5. 4. Prepare for providing detailed information about your business. 
  6. 5. Don't hesitate to negotiate with your lender.
  7. Conclusion
  8. Related Questions
  9. Get Financing

When it comes to securing financing for your commercial real estate investments, it's necessary to shop around for a loan that best suits your needs. There are several factors to consider when comparing loans, such as interest rates, terms, associated fees, and the amount of money you need to borrow. In this blog post, we'll provide an overview of why shopping around for a commercial real estate loan is important and what are some of the major points to consider when choosing a lender. 

Why Shop Around for a Commercial Real Estate Loan? 

Shopping around for a commercial real estate loan is important because it can save you thousands of dollars in interest and fees over the life of your loan. It's also important to find a lender that offers terms that are tailored to your needs so that you can get the best possible deal on your loan. 

SEE ALSO: What You Need to Know Before Applying for a Commercial Real Estate Loan

Our advisors at Commercial Real Estate Loans can help you shop around and find the best financing options available for your deal. Fill out the form below to get a free quote from us today. Until then, keep reading to find out the most important factors to consider before signing a deal. 

1. Determine what you need and want in a commercial real estate loan. 

Before you start shopping around for a loan, it's important to have a clear idea of what you need and want. Are you interested in receiving a short-term or long-term loan? What are the interest rates that you are comfortable with? What is the maximum loan amount that you are willing to accept? Once you have a good understanding of your needs, you can start comparing loans from different lenders.

2. Compare interest rates and terms among different lenders. 

One of the main things that you will want to compare when shopping for a commercial real estate loan is the interest rate. However, it's important to remember that the interest rate is not the only thing that matters. You should also compare the terms of different loans, such as the length of the loan and any prepayment penalties. By comparing these factors, you can ensure that you are getting the best deal possible on your loan.

3. Ask about fees and other associated costs. 

When you are taking out a loan for your commercial real estate investment, there may be some fees associated with the loan. These fees can include origination fees, appraisal fees, and so on. Be sure to ask about all of these fees upfront so that there are no surprises later on down the road. In addition, be sure to ask about any other associated costs, such as closing costs or annual insurance premiums. 

4. Prepare for providing detailed information about your business. 

When you're ready to apply for a loan, be prepared to provide detailed information about your business, including financial statements and tax returns. This will give lenders a better idea of your business's overall financial picture and help them determine whether or not they're willing to lend to you. 

5. Don't hesitate to negotiate with your lender.

Finally, don't be reluctant to negotiate with your lender. If you feel like the interest rate or terms are not in your favor, don't be afraid to ask for a better deal. Remember, lenders are not mindreaders — it's up to you to get the best possible deal on your loan.

Conclusion

Shopping around for a commercial real estate loan is important because it allows you to find the best loan for your needs at a competitive rate. There are several factors to consider when comparing loans including interest rates, fees, and repayment terms. By taking the time to research your options, you can ensure that you find the best possible loan for your next commercial real estate investment. Negotiating with lenders is also encouraged as it could result in more favorable terms.

Related Questions

What are the different types of commercial real estate loans?

There are three main categories of commercial loans: bridge loans, permanent loans, and SBA loans. Bridge loans are short-term loans that are used to finance a property until a more permanent form of financing can be obtained. Permanent loans are long-term loans that are used to finance the purchase of a property. SBA loans are government-backed loans that are used to finance the purchase of a property. Additionally, there are many other types of commercial property loans, such as construction loans, mezzanine loans, and hard money loans. Each has unique upsides and downsides, and every investor should weigh all options available to make the best financing decision for their strategy.

For more information, please visit the following sources:

  • SBA 7a Loans Small Business Blog: Commercial Real Estate Loan
  • Commercial Real Estate Loans: How to Get a Commercial Real Estate Loan

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of loan?

The advantages and disadvantages of each type of loan depend on the type of loan you are looking for. Traditional lenders, like banks and credit unions, offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, but may require a higher credit score and more collateral than other loan types. Life companies offer long-term, fixed-rate loans with low interest rates, but may require a higher down payment and more stringent underwriting criteria. CMBS loans offer low interest rates and flexible repayment terms, but may have tough prepayment penalties and require a higher credit score.

For more information, please see the following sources:

  • 5 Considerations for Taking an Office Loan
  • Life Company Loans
  • CMBS Loans
  • Permanent Financing
  • CMBS Loans: Pros and Cons

What are the most important factors to consider when shopping for a commercial real estate loan?

When shopping for a commercial real estate loan, the most important factors to consider are interest rates, fees, and repayment terms. Interest rates will determine the amount of money you will have to pay back over the life of the loan. Fees can include origination fees, closing costs, and other miscellaneous fees. Repayment terms will determine how long you have to pay back the loan and what type of payment schedule you will have to adhere to. Negotiating with lenders is also encouraged as it could result in more favorable terms.

For more information, please see 5 Tips for Shopping for a Commercial Real Estate Loan.

What are the common terms and conditions of a commercial real estate loan?

Conventional bank loans are the most common type of financing for commercial real estate properties. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including the acquisition, development, or refinancing of an existing property. Loan terms usually vary from one lender to another, however, most banks offer competitive rates and don’t require the property to be owner-occupied. Nonetheless, conventional bank loans are typically harder to qualify for due to stricter underwriting requirements. Banks commonly finance mid-to-large-sized projects and require a credit score of at least 660 and a 20% downpayment. Bank loans also carry prepayment penalties, such as yield maintenance, step-down prepayment, or defeasance.

In order to apply for a commercial real estate loan, you will need to provide personal details (any name changes, previous addresses), a resume (may be required for a startup), last three (or more) years’ income tax returns (personal and business), and a business plan (should include balance sheet, cash flow statement and projected income statement). You will also need to provide a rent roll (for an apartment building or self-storage unit business) and a schedule of leases (for retail or office space). If you are planning to make upgrades to an existing building or are borrowing money for a new construction project, the lender will want details about the local vacancy rate and whether any tenants have pre-signed a lease.

What are the best ways to compare different commercial real estate loan options?

The best way to compare different commercial real estate loan options is to compare the interest rates, fees, and repayment terms. You should also take the time to research your options and negotiate with lenders to get the best possible terms.

When comparing loans, you should look at the interest rate https://www.commercialrealestate.loans/blog/commercial-mortgage-rates-today/. You should also compare the terms of different loans, such as the length of the loan and any prepayment penalties.

What are the most important questions to ask when applying for a commercial real estate loan?

When applying for a commercial real estate loan, it is important to consider the purpose of the loan, your income and expenses, and the terms of the loan. Lenders will want to see evidence that you have a solid plan in place for how you intend to use the property and generate income from it. They will also want to get an idea of your income and expenses, and may request tax returns and bank statements. Additionally, it is important to understand the terms of the loan, such as the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fees associated with the loan. Having a healthy cash flow is also crucial when qualifying for a commercial real estate loan.

In this article:
  1. Why Shop Around for a Commercial Real Estate Loan? 
  2. 1. Determine what you need and want in a commercial real estate loan. 
  3. 2. Compare interest rates and terms among different lenders. 
  4. 3. Ask about fees and other associated costs. 
  5. 4. Prepare for providing detailed information about your business. 
  6. 5. Don't hesitate to negotiate with your lender.
  7. Conclusion
  8. Related questions
  9. Get Financing

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Click below for a free, no obligation quote and to learn more about your loan options.

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