| All content presented here and elsewhere is solely intended for informational purposes only. The reader is required to seek professional counsel before beginning any legal or financial endeavor. |
Office complexes, hotels, flats/ apartments, and retail centers, which generate income, is collectively known as Commercial Real Estate (CRE). Commercial Financing and Loans to cover acquisition, development, and construction of business properties, typically undertaken by lending companies in the form of a mortgage or lien on commercial as opposed to residential property.
Who Borrows Against CRE?
There is a difference between lenders and borrowers
Residential loans are made by independent mortgage lenders and banks to private individuals.
Commercial Real Estate, however, is a whole other animal and therefore attracts a different type of client ( a business enterprise). Capital loans for CRE come from specialized lending companies; private investors, pension funds, merchant banks.
The purpose of owning commercial real estate is to generate income, which makes it an extremely attractive and lucrative venture for both the lender and the borrower.
How is a Loan Structured?
A business without a financial track record or credit history will probably be asked to provide the lender with personal guarantees from the owners or principals.
The lender does not require a guarantee by company individuals; the property becomes the only asset leaned against the loan. Known as a non-recourse loan, it means that the lender has no recourse against any person or other property.
Loan Repayment
Loan Repayment Schedules vary between 5 years (sometimes less) and 20 years. The amortization period is often worked differently between finance house and borrower. For example, the commercial loan might be for seven years with an amortization period of 25 years: The investor repays the loan in seven years at a monthly premium based on the loan being paid over 25 years. After the seven year period, the investor will make a final “balloon” payment (the entire remaining balance).
There are many scenarios and deals that the investor can take, and they all depend on the type of Financial Lender.
The longer the loan repayment period, the higher the interest rate charged.
