For commercial real estate agents, the dream of clients owning their own commercial buildings is now within reach, thanks to the remarkable benefits offered by the SBA 504 Loan Program. With low down payments and affordable terms, this program has revolutionized the landscape of commercial real estate ownership. Here, we delve into seven ways in which SBA 504 Loans can empower commercial real estate agents:
Facilitating Deals Beyond Conventional Financing: The SBA 504 Loan Program opens doors to potential transactions that may have faltered with traditional financing methods. It eliminates barriers, ensuring smoother and more successful transactions.
Preserving Cash with Low Down Payments: By requiring minimal down payments, SBA 504 Loans empower clients to preserve their cash reserves for other crucial business needs. This attractive feature entices more buyers to explore commercial real estate ownership.
Access to 25-Year Fixed Terms: With the allure of long-term fixed interest rates and repayment plans spanning up to 25 years, SBA 504 Loans entice a broader range of buyers. This accessibility expands the client base for commercial real estate agents, facilitating increased sales and opportunities.
Comprehensive Financing: The scope of SBA 504 Loans extends far beyond property acquisition. It covers a wide range of expenses such as parking lots, renovations, soft costs, fees, landscaping, FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), street improvements, and more. This versatility caters to the diverse needs of clients, making commercial real estate even more appealing.
Supporting Multi-Location Financing: For clients seeking to expand their business across multiple locations, the SBA 504 Loan Program is a valuable resource. It provides the necessary assistance to finance and manage such ventures, enabling clients to realize their expansion plans with ease.
Favoring Ownership Over Leasing: Clients are increasingly recognizing the enticing benefits of SBA 504 Loans, making purchasing commercial real estate a more attractive option than leasing. Commercial real estate agents can capitalize on this shift in preference, guiding clients towards ownership opportunities and solidifying their own success.
Invest in Your Future: Ambitious realtors can leverage the power of the SBA 504 Loan Program to acquire or construct their own office space. By establishing a permanent base for their operations, they not only secure their future but also gain a tangible asset that contributes to their long-term growth.
Typical Applications of SBA 504 Loans:
Land Purchase and Improvements: SBA 504 Loans can be utilized to finance land acquisition, including essential improvements such as grading, street enhancements, utilities, parking lots, and landscaping.
Construction of New Facilities: The program extends its support to cover the construction of brand-new commercial facilities, enabling clients to build spaces tailored to their specific requirements.
Modernization and Renovation: Existing facilities can be upgraded, renovated, or converted using SBA 504 Loans, allowing clients to revitalize their properties and adapt to changing business needs.
Machinery and Equipment Acquisition: SBA 504 Loans can be employed to finance the purchase of machinery and equipment, providing clients with the resources necessary to enhance their operational capabilities.
Refinancing of Qualified Debt: Clients can also use SBA 504 Loans to refinance existing qualified debt, helping them streamline their financial obligations and potentially reduce interest rates.
Determining Eligibility for SBA 504 Loans:
To assess if a commercial real estate project aligns with the requirements of the SBA 504 Loan Program, consider the following criteria:
Involvement in Commercial Real Estate (CRE): Does the project involve commercial real estate, such as purchasing land or acquiring/building commercial properties?
Owner-Occupancy: Will the client occupy at least 51% of the project property (or 60% in the case of new construction)? The SBA 504 Loan Program primarily caters to owner-occupied properties.
For-Profit Business: Is the client a for-profit business based in the United States? The program supports the growth and development of such enterprises.
Size Eligibility: Does the business have a tangible net worth of less than $15 million and a two-year average after-tax profit of less than $5 million? These size limits ensure that the program remains accessible to small and medium-sized businesses.
Overcoming Common Barriers in Commercial Real Estate Sales:
Addressing Liquidity Concerns: The SBA 504 Loan Program resolves liquidity challenges by offering low down payments, typically as low as 10% of the project cost. Furthermore, equity in land can be considered toward the down payment, providing additional flexibility.
Ensuring Payment Stability: Fixed monthly payments under SBA 504 Loans stabilize occupancy costs for clients, ensuring predictability and allowing them to plan for the long term. Compared to lease payments, mortgage payments are often more favorable, making ownership an attractive proposition.
Building Equity: Ownership through SBA 504 Loans enables clients to build equity in their commercial properties, a valuable asset that contributes to their long-term financial well-being.
Customization and Retrofitting: SBA 504 Loans cover the financing of building improvements, allowing clients to customize or retrofit the property to their specific needs. This flexibility enhances the value of the property and fosters client satisfaction.
Maximizing Income Potential: With SBA 504 Loans, clients have the option to rent out unused space within their commercial property, generating additional income streams and maximizing the return on investment.
Resolving Credit Concerns: Participating in the SBA 504 Loan Program enhances the creditworthiness of clients. The program reduces the bank's risk exposure to just 50% loan-to-value, while the bank retains the first lien position. Additionally, the SBA's involvement may assist the bank in fulfilling its Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) goals.
Unlock The Benefits of SBA 504 Loan Program
The SBA 504 Loan Program provides commercial real estate buyers with a compelling array of advantages:
Low Down Payments: Buyers can seize ownership opportunities with minimal down payments, typically around 10% of the total project cost.
Favorable, Fixed Interest Rates: The program offers low, fixed interest rates that are currently among the lowest in the program's history. This stability helps buyers plan for the long term and mitigates the risks associated with fluctuating interest rates.
Long Loan Terms: Buyers can enjoy extended loan terms ranging from 10 to 25 years, providing manageable and affordable repayment schedules.
Inclusion of FF&E: The SBA 504 Loan Program allows buyers to finance not only the property but also the essential furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) required for their business operations.
Refinancing Commercial Mortgage Debt: Clients can leverage SBA 504
Free Training for CRE Developers on the SBA 504 Program
If you're a commercial real estate agent or broker, in Utah, give Wasatch Business Finance a call. We can help you close more commercial real estate deals as a fully chartered CDC of The U.S. Small Business Administration. We offer CRE developers free SBA 504 consulting.
www.wasatchcdc.com / 385-799-6700
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