Top Commercial Mortgage Lenders for Easy Property Financing

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Posted Oct 19, 2024

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If you're looking to finance a commercial property, you're not alone - many businesses face this challenge. One of the top commercial mortgage lenders is Wells Fargo, offering a range of loan options and competitive rates.

Wells Fargo's commercial mortgage loans can be customized to fit your business needs, with loan amounts up to $500 million. They also offer flexible repayment terms and a streamlined application process.

Some commercial property owners have found success with Wells Fargo's commercial mortgage loans, citing the lender's strong reputation and reliable customer service.

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Best Lenders

The best commercial mortgage lenders can make all the difference in securing the funds you need for your commercial property. KeyBank, CBRE, and Walker & Dunlop are consistently ranked among the top lenders.

Here are the top 10 commercial mortgage lenders of 2021:

  • KeyBank
  • CBRE
  • Walker & Dunlop
  • Berkadia
  • Meridian Capital Group
  • Eastdil Secured
  • JLL
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Wells Fargo
  • Newmark

These lenders offer a faster and more lenient application process compared to traditional bank loans. However, be prepared for higher interest rates and upfront fees, which can range from 20% to 30% down payment, plus additional costs such as property appraisal, survey fees, legal costs, and loan origination.

Best Lenders 2021

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The best lenders in the commercial real estate industry can make all the difference in securing the right loan for your business. KeyBank, for example, was ranked as one of the top commercial real estate lenders of 2021.

CBRE and Walker & Dunlop also made the cut, along with Berkadia, Meridian Capital Group, Eastdil Secured, JLL, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Newmark. These lenders have a proven track record of providing competitive rates and terms to their clients.

It's worth noting that the most competitive rates for commercial real estate loans in 2021 will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of loan, the size of the loan, the borrower's credit score, and the current market conditions.

Here are the top 10 commercial real estate lenders of 2021:

  1. KeyBank
  2. CBRE
  3. Walker & Dunlop
  4. Berkadia
  5. Meridian Capital Group
  6. Eastdil Secured
  7. JLL
  8. JPMorgan Chase
  9. Wells Fargo
  10. Newmark

Interest rates on commercial loans can range between 5% and 30% depending on the type of commercial mortgage, the lender, the loan term, and the borrower's qualifications.

Big on Small Balances

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We're big on small balances, and for good reason. Commercial lenders like Velocity offer financing solutions specifically designed for small business owners and investors who want to acquire or refinance commercial properties.

Small balance commercial real estate loans are easier to approve and close, making them a great place to start for brokers who are new to commercial mortgage lending. In fact, most commercial real estate loans fall under $2 million in value, and these smaller loans are much more manageable.

One of the advantages of working with a commercial real estate lender is a faster and more lenient application process. However, the interest rates may be higher than those offered by banks. Your interest rate will depend on your loan-to-value ratio (LTV), type of business, credit score, and overall financial health and stability.

Some common upfront fees associated with commercial loans include property appraisal, survey fees, legal costs, and loan origination. These fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to factor them into your budget.

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Commercial loan brokers can help borrowers understand the loan and its guidelines, prepare a loan application, and represent the borrower's interests throughout the process. They can also increase your chances of success by preparing a loan application that meets the lender's requirements.

Here are some examples of commercial properties that are easier to finance:

  • Office Buildings
  • Retail Stores
  • Warehouses
  • Self-Storage Buildings
  • Automotive Repair Shops

These properties are considered lower-risk because they have a higher market demand from investors. In contrast, properties built for a specific purpose, such as a bowling alley or bank, may be more difficult to finance due to their higher risk profile.

Commercial Mortgage Lenders

Commercial mortgage lenders offer a range of financing options for commercial real estate borrowers. KeyBank, for example, closed $38.2 billion in commercial originations during the 2020 calendar year.

The largest commercial lenders include KeyBank, CBRE, and Newmark, which reported significant originations volume in 2020. CBRE, in particular, reported a 31.6 percent uptick in commercial loan closings from June to September 2021.

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Some commercial lenders specialize in specific types of financing, such as multifamily-backed debt. Meridian Capital Group, for instance, has originated over $121 billion in multifamily-backed debt alone in the past five years.

Here are some of the top commercial mortgage lenders:

  • KeyBank
  • CBRE
  • Newmark
  • Meridian Capital Group
  • Berkadia

These lenders offer a range of financing options and have reported significant originations volume in recent years.

Newmark

Newmark is a debt and structured finance group based in Midtown Manhattan. They offer a wide range of financing options to borrowers. Newmark reported $112 billion in capital markets and originations volume for the year ending in September, with debt placement increasing by 126 percent.

They provide debt placement services for virtually all commercial assets, from data centers to senior housing properties. This is a significant advantage for businesses looking for financing options.

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Construction

Commercial construction loans are specifically designed for new construction or renovations to existing properties. They can finance construction for owner use or for companies contracted to build properties for others.

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These loans are usually structured under a draw schedule, where you receive disbursements as certain milestones of the project are completed. This approach helps ensure that funds are tied to project progress.

Speculative construction loans are a type of commercial construction loan that involves financing new construction without having upfront buyers or tenants. Speculative construction can provide good investment opportunities if you buy land at a low price and sell or rent at a high price.

However, speculative construction is riskier due to the lack of guaranteed tenants or purchasers, and many lenders won't fund those projects.

Rates

Rates play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of a commercial real estate loan. Interest rates can range between 5% and 30% depending on the type of commercial mortgage, the lender, the loan term, and your business's qualifications.

The current average rates for bank loans for commercial real estate are just under 7% for a five-year term. This can vary significantly depending on the lender and the specific loan product.

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SBA loans, such as the SBA 7(a) and SBA 504, offer relatively lower interest rates, ranging from 5% to 15%. Other lenders, like TAB Bank and Funding Circle, may offer rates as high as 35.99% and 45%, respectively.

Here are some examples of interest rates offered by various lenders:

Keep in mind that interest rates are just one factor to consider when evaluating commercial mortgage lenders. Be sure to also review fees, repayment terms, and the purpose of the loan when making your decision.

Financing Options

Commercial mortgage lenders offer financing options that cater to the unique needs of small business owners and investors. Their asset-based commercial loans provide the velocity needed to acquire or refinance properties quickly and easily.

These loans are designed to be uncomplicated, with less paperwork and flexible terms. This allows lenders to look beyond a borrower's personal income, offering funding options beyond what's traditionally available.

For instance, the FlexTerm Loan has many benefits, including interest-only payments up to 10 years and the flexibility to remain in the loan for up to 30 years with no balloon payment. This can lead to lower monthly payments than a hard money loan.

Here are some key features of the FlexTerm Loan:

  • A simple financing solution on a purchase or cash-out refinance.
  • Interest-only payments up to 10 years.
  • The flexibility to remain in the loan for up to 30 years with no balloon payment.
  • Lower monthly payments than a hard money loan.

Easy Property Financing

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You don't need to be a seasoned business owner to secure financing for your commercial real estate venture. Our asset-based commercial loans are designed to help small business owners and investors acquire or refinance properties quickly and easily.

With less paperwork and flexible terms, we offer investors funding options beyond what's traditionally available to them. Whether you need a loan for a new property or a cash-out refinance, our commercial loans terms will make it simple to qualify.

Our FlexTerm Loan has many benefits for commercial real estate investors and small business owners, including interest-only payments up to 10 years and the flexibility to remain in the loan for up to 30 years with no balloon payment.

Commercial real estate loans can be ideal for financing many different kinds of investment properties, but it's essential to understand the rules. The investment property must be capable of generating income, and the strength of the sponsor/owner will likely be relied upon for evaluating the loan.

Here are some examples of commercial properties that are easier to finance:

  • Office Buildings
  • Retail Stores
  • Warehouses
  • Self-Storage Buildings
  • Automotive Repair Shops

These properties have an inherently lower risk due to a higher market demand from investors, making them easier to finance.

Interest Rates and Fees

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Interest rates on commercial loans can range between 5% and 30% depending on the type of commercial mortgage, the lender, the loan term, and your business's qualifications.

The current average rates for bank loans for commercial real estate are just under 7% for a five-year term. This can vary significantly depending on the lender and the loan terms.

Fees associated with commercial real estate loans can add to the overall cost of the loan. These fees can include appraisal, legal, loan application, loan origination, and/or survey fees.

A $1 million loan, for example, might require a 1% loan origination fee equal to $10,000 to be paid upfront, with a 0.25% fee of $2,500 paid annually (in addition to interest).

Here are some examples of interest rates and fees for different types of commercial loans:

Types of Properties

Commercial mortgage lenders offer financing options for a wide range of property types, but not all are created equal when it comes to investment properties. Investment properties are considered riskier to finance than owner-occupied properties, making them more difficult to qualify for and more expensive.

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Commercial investment loans can be used to finance properties that generate income through leasing to commercial or residential clients. The strength of the sponsor or owner is often relied upon for evaluating the loan, and the property's ability to produce positive cash flow is a key determining factor in the lender's decision.

Commercial loan rates vary depending on the property type and anticipated income, and commercial buyers may need to provide a larger down payment due to lower loan-to-value ratios.

Intriguing read: Commercial Property

Owner-Occupied

Owner-Occupied commercial real estate loans are specifically designed for business owners who plan to occupy and use the property themselves.

Lenders often have different loan products for owner-occupied real estate and investment properties, which can impact the loan terms and requirements.

Some lenders require borrowers to occupy at least 51% of the property, although others may go as low as 30% owner occupied.

This is because owner-occupied commercial real estate is considered less risky than investment real estate, as the space has a guaranteed tenant in the business owner.

Types of

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Commercial real estate loans come in many varieties, and understanding the different types is crucial for making informed investment decisions.

Commercial investment loans are riskier than owner-occupied properties, making them more difficult to qualify for and more expensive.

There are many different types of commercial real estate loans, including conventional commercial real estate loans, commercial bridge loans, SBA 7(a) loans, SBA 504 loans, CMBS or conduit loans, hard money loans, and USDA CRE loans.

Conventional commercial real estate loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders, with terms ranging from five to 30 years, interest rates as low as 3 percent, and a minimum down payment of up to 20 percent.

Commercial bridge loans are offered by various banks and lenders as a means to bridge the financing gap until longer-term financing is found, with terms usually spanning six months to three years and a down payment of only 10 to 20 percent.

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SBA 7(a) loans are provided by lenders who partner with the Small Business Administration (SBA), offering borrowers up to $5 million over a maximum term of 25 years, with a down payment requirement of 10 to 20 percent.

SBA 504 loans consist of a Certified Development Company (CDC) loan portion and a bank loan, with a collective maximum balance of $5.5 million, terms ranging from 10 to 25 years, and down payment requirements as low as 10 percent.

CMBS or conduit loans are part of a pool of commercial real estate loans sold on the secondary market, with terms usually spanning five to 10 years and an amortization of 30 years, requiring a down payment of 25 to 30 percent.

Hard money loans work like bridge loans, but are typically offered by private lenders.

USDA CRE loans are designed to support the development and improvement of commercial properties in rural areas, offered by approved lenders in partnership with the USDA, with terms that can vary up to 30 years and a minimum down payment of 10 percent.

Different asset classes, such as apartment buildings, office spaces, medical facilities, and industrial properties, are evaluated differently by lenders, with the value of the asset determined by the appraisal required.

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Here are some common commercial real estate loan types:

Lender Comparison

KeyBank, CBRE, Walker & Dunlop, and Berkadia are among the top commercial real estate lenders of 2021, with KeyBank boasting $38.2 billion in originations.

These lenders offer a range of loan options, including commercial real estate loans used to purchase, construct, rehabilitate, or refinance commercial properties.

Some of the top commercial real estate lenders of 2021 include KeyBank, CBRE, Walker & Dunlop, Berkadia, Meridian Capital Group, Eastdil Secured, JLL, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Newmark.

Here are some key takeaways about commercial real estate loans:

  • Commercial real estate loans are used to purchase, construct, rehabilitate or refinance commercial properties.
  • They might also be used to buy and develop land for residential homes to be built and sold.
  • The borrower's credit and income are less important than the property's potential income.

Lender Advantages and Disadvantages

Working with a commercial real estate lender can have its advantages and disadvantages. The application process is often faster and more lenient than traditional bank loans.

One of the key advantages is the higher interest rates offered by commercial lenders. This can be beneficial for borrowers who need to secure a large loan amount.

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However, borrowers should be aware that the interest rates may be higher than those offered by banks. This can impact the overall cost of the loan.

In addition to the interest rate, borrowers will also need to pay upfront fees, such as property appraisal, survey fees, legal costs, and loan origination. These fees can add up quickly.

Here are some of the typical upfront fees associated with commercial real estate loans:

  • Property appraisal
  • Survey fees
  • Legal Costs
  • Loan origination

A commercial loan broker can help borrowers navigate the loan process and increase their chances of success. They can also represent the borrower's interests throughout the process.

Key Takeaways

Commercial real estate lenders consider the loan's collateral, the creditworthiness of the entity, and financial ratios when evaluating commercial real estate loans.

A commercial real estate loan's collateral is typically the property itself, which must have a strong potential for income generation.

The creditworthiness of the entity, including three to five years of financial statements and income tax returns, is also a key factor in determining loan approval.

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Financial ratios, such as the loan-to-value ratio and the debt-service coverage ratio, are also used to evaluate the risk of the loan.

Here are some of the top commercial real estate lenders of 2021:

Commercial real estate loans are typically used to purchase, construct, rehabilitate, or refinance commercial properties, as opposed to residential ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do you need for a commercial mortgage?

To qualify for a commercial mortgage, you'll typically need a credit score of 660 or higher. A higher credit score can help you secure better loan terms and lower interest rates.

What is the most common commercial mortgage?

The most common commercial mortgage is a Permanent Loan, which offers long-term financing for commercial properties with stable income streams. This type of loan is often sought after by investors and business owners looking for predictable monthly payments.

Who is the biggest commercial real estate lender?

According to 2023 rankings, Newmark is the largest commercial real estate lender, originating $58.2 billion in commercial loans.

What are the best commercial mortgage rates?

Commercial mortgage rates typically range from 2.25% to 6.5%, with lower rates available for owner-occupied properties and higher rates for investment properties with higher risk. To find the best rate for your business, consider factors like risk level and loan terms.

Caroline Cruickshank

Senior Writer

Caroline Cruickshank is a skilled writer with a diverse portfolio of articles across various categories. Her expertise spans topics such as living individuals, business leaders, and notable figures in the venture capital industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Caroline crafts engaging and informative content that captivates her readers.