In short, commercial bridge loans are a “gap funding” many borrowers choose to get between a short-term loan and a more permanent mortgage. Provided by a number of lenders, these loans tend to have shorter terms (a few months to a few years) and they require some sort of collateral.
Unlike traditional bank loans, which call for heaps of documents proving your credit and ability to pay back the mortgage, many non-bank commercial bridge lenders offer loan programs that forgo this lengthy process and instead rely more on the value of the commercial property that will serve as collateral for the loan. In that case, a borrower may receive a percentage of what the lender deems the commercial space is worth, which will provide the borrower with the funds to purchase or revamp a property and leave them to pay the remaining amount.
Keep in mind, bridge loans often have higher interest rates due to the borrower’s easier access to funds and higher lender risk!
Which Type of Borrowers Benefit?
These loans are geared towards investors who are ultimately looking to find a more permanent loan. Take for example, a small business owner who wants to make a purchase, but the property is currently subpar for the bank to provide a loan.
The borrower can use a bridge loan (with higher interest rates) to make repairs and eventually refinance to apply and qualify for a long-term loan with a bank or commercial loan lender that will have better interest rates and terms.
Another type of borrower that could benefit from a commercial bridge loan is one that most people are familiar with if they tune into HGTV. People who “fix and flip” properties rely on these loans to purchase fixer-upper homes that will sell for a major profit once they rehab the property.
Are They for Everyone?
Not necessarily. Borrowers who have thriving businesses and don’t require substantial renovations and repairs don’t need to go through the trouble of applying for a commercial bridge loan. Additionally, a small business owner who qualifies for a long-term loan and has the option to spread out the payments over a long period of time can also choose to skip out on this type of financing.
Borrowers make up different colors in the loan spectrum and although it’s the right step for some investors to opt in for a commercial bridge loan, it’s not always the appropriate step for others considering the high interest rates and short-term payments.
Commercial Bridge to Commercial Mortgage
After refinancing a commercial bridge loan, the next steps are to look into a permanent and long-term mortgage to maintain your property. Traditional lenders like banks may offer low rates, but they will still require rigid rules to qualify for a mortgage. Non-bank lenders offer highly-coveted interest rates with more flexibility as well as faster transaction speed.
Ready to apply for a no-fuss commercial loan? Connect with Commercial Direct, a division of Silver Hill Funding, LLC, here and one of our loan officers will be in contact shortly with more information.
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