HOW CAN THE SBA 504 LOAN PROGRAM HELP YOU SELL REAL ESTATE?
|
The SBA 504 loan program is a highly effective program and is used as one of the
primary sources of funding for owner/occupied real estate deals on the West Coast
and in South Florida. It is a tool and a resource for a commercial realtor to sell
and close more deals.
|
In Atlanta, most lenders do not specialize in SBA financing. Typically, when a client
ask the banker how much cash they would need for a down payment on a building, the
banker is going to quote him a minimum of 20% with a 15-20 year amortization. The
banking client does not realize they can request SBA financing for up to 90% of
the real estate purchase price and/or development cost.
|
The 504 program is geared towards the larger build to suit or real estate acquisitions.
There are occupancy requirements of 51% and economic development restrictions. However,
most of the requirements can be met if all avenues are investigated. The loan is
a combination of a 1st position conventional loan typically up to 50% of the project
with a 2nd position lien by the SBA for 40%. The borrower contributes 10% at a minimum
but start up and special use properties do require larger down payments.
|
The program is available to for profit companies and project size can range from
$600,000 up to $5 million. The rate can be a combination of fixed and/or variable
rates. However, the SBA portion always has a 20 year fixed rate which is generally
a low, below market rate. Again, fixed for 20 years with no calls or balloons and
the notes are assumable.
|
Personally, I have worked with the commercial real estate community for the past
18 years and have found that it is necessary to educate most Realtors and borrowers
on the benefits of the SBA loan program. Old myths still float around like the program
is for poor credit, turnarounds, or generally unbankable clients. This could not
be further from the truth. The typical client generally has a credit score in the
700’s but may be a younger growth company that does not have 2 years historical
cash flow on tax returns or an older company that due to the demands of their cash
position to perform on contracts or keep necessary inventory just can’t afford to
take a 20% hit on their working capital.
|
Thank you for taking the time to review this information. I hope you found the information
useful and interesting. Please let me know if I can answer any additional questions.
We may be reached at 770-932-9820.
|
|
DEALS CLOSED: |
|
Project #1:
|
|
Type of Property: 22,500 square foot industrial building |
|
Why SBA: The owner of the property decided to sell and the current tenant was the
best candidate for the purchase. However, the company's working capital position
did not lend itself to a 20% down payment. The borrower was very pleased to obtain
90% financing. |
|
Purchase Price: $1,185,000 |
|
1st Mortgage: $600,857 variable rate of P +1.75% for 25 year amortization |
|
2nd Mortgage: $501,000 fixed rate for 20 years at 6.4% |
|
Customer Down Payment: $129,030
|
|
Project #2: |
|
Type of Property: 46,000 Sq. Ft. Office/Warehouse |
|
Why SBA: The company was a fairly young company and was in a high growth mode. The
company needed to preserve working capital and allowed them to build a building
to meet their needs.
|
|
Build to Suit Price: $2,300,000 |
|
1st Mortgage: $1,102,000 variable rate of P + 1.25% for 25 year amortization |
|
2nd Mortgage: $604,000 fixed rate at 5.98% for 20 years |
|
Customer Down Payment: $246,100 |