Economy in Review

Little Rock, Arkansas has a diverse economy with a mix of industries including healthcare, education, government, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate in the city has remained stable over the past year, with a slight decrease in the most recent quarter. The median household income in Little Rock is slightly below the national average.

The city's economy is expected to continue growing at a steady pace, with job growth projected in several industries. The cost of living in Little Rock is lower than the national average, making it an attractive location for businesses and residents alike.

Multifamily Market

The multifamily market in Little Rock has remained strong over the past year, with steady demand for rental units. The vacancy rate has remained low, and rental rates have increased slightly. The city's population growth and stable economy are contributing factors to the strength of the multifamily market.

Office Market

The office market in Little Rock has seen some fluctuations over the past year, with a slight increase in vacancy rates. However, there are several new office developments underway that are expected to bring more space to the market. The healthcare and education industries are driving demand for office space in the city.

Industrial Market

The industrial market in Little Rock has remained stable over the past year, with a low vacancy rate and steady demand for space. The manufacturing industry is a key driver of demand for industrial space in the city. Several new industrial developments are also underway, which will bring more space to the market.

Retail Market

The retail market in Little Rock has seen some challenges over the past year, with several store closures and bankruptcies. However, there are several new retail developments underway that are expected to bring more space to the market. The city's growing population and stable economy are also contributing factors to the strength of the retail market.

Self-Storage Market

The self-storage market in Little Rock has remained strong over the past year, with steady demand for storage units. The city's growing population and stable economy are contributing factors to the strength of the self-storage market. Several new self-storage developments are also underway, which will bring more space to the market.

Hospitality Market

The hospitality market in Little Rock has seen some fluctuations over the past year, with a slight decrease in occupancy rates. However, there are several new hotel developments underway that are expected to bring more rooms to the market. The city's growing tourism industry is also driving demand for hotel rooms.

Commercial Real Estate Loans by Purpose

There are many types of loans available for commercial properties, and the best fit for you depends on your investment strategy. Here are three broad categories of financing available.

Permanent Financing

Permanent financing is a type of loan that remains in place for an extended period of time. It's commonly used to finance the acquisition of commercial properties or to refinance existing debt. Types of permanent financing include bank loans, loans from government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, HUD loans, credit union loans, loans from life insurance companies, Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) loans, and other types of loans depending on the specifics of the commercial property.

Construction Financing

Construction financing, also known as interim financing, is used to finance the cost of construction for commercial properties. It is usually a short-term loan that covers the cost of land development and building construction. Once construction is completed, the borrower can typically convert this into a permanent loan or pay it off with a new loan.

Bridge Loans

Bridge loans are a type of short-term loan that can be used to cover costs in the interim period between the end of one loan and the beginning of another. They are typically used in commercial real estate to finance the transition between construction financing and permanent financing. Bridge loans generally have higher costs than most other financing options and are often interest-only and non-recourse.

Commercial Real Estate Loans by Type

Depending on the purpose of your loan, you will have several financing options available to meet your investment goals. Read below to learn more about specific loan types.

Bank Loans

Bank loans are a common financing option for commercial real estate. They can offer competitive interest rates and flexible terms, but the specifics can vary greatly from bank to bank. While they may not always be the best fit for larger, more complex projects, they can be an excellent option for smaller, simpler properties.

Life Company Loans

Life company loans are typically used to finance high-quality assets in major markets. They generally have lower loan-to-value ratios than most other loan types but offer competitive interest rates and long terms. However, they may not be suitable for riskier projects or properties in less established markets.

Agency Loans

Agency loans, offered by government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are typically used for properties that are mostly multifamily. They offer attractive loan terms, low, fixed interest rates, and are non-recourse. However, there are restrictions on the amount of income that can come from other commercial uses.

HUD Loans

HUD multifamily loans are government-backed loans that are primarily used for the construction, substantial rehabilitation, purchase, and refinancing of multifamily properties. These loans offer long-term, non-recourse financing with competitive interest rates but have extensive requirements for qualification.

CMBS Loans

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) loans are a type of mortgage-backed security backed by commercial real estate loans. Lenders focus more on the strength of the property than the borrower's credit, making them a good option for properties with strong cash flow.

SBA Loans

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, such as the SBA 7(a) and SBA 504, offer attractive financing options for small businesses. However, the maximum amount for an SBA 7(a) loan is $5 million, while SBA 504 loans can go up to $20 million. They cannot be used for multifamily properties and are only available for properties that the business owner occupies.

Mezzanine Loans

Mezzanine financing is a hybrid form of financing that combines elements of debt financing and equity investment. It is typically used in commercial real estate to fill a funding gap between the primary loan and the total cost of a project.