SBA Commercial Real Estate Loan Guide

Do you need funding to purchase, renovate or improve real estate for your business? An SBA 504 loan or 7(a) loan backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration could work if you meet the qualification criteria. But keep in mind that the application process is relatively complex, so you’ll need lots of time and patience to reach the finish line. Otherwise, it may be worthwhile to explore other small business lending options through an online platform to get fast funding.

Types Of SBA Commercial Real Estate Loans

The SBA offers two types of loans you can use to buy commercial real estate:

• SBA 504 Loan Program: fixed-rate financing of up to $5 million to help cover the cost of major fixed assets that help expand businesses and create more job opportunities
• SBA 7(a) Loan Program: fixed-rate financing of up to $5 million for small businesses with unique needs, particularly when real estate is involved in the transaction

SBA 504 Loan

SBA 504 Loans commercial loans are offered by Certified Development Companies (CDCs) that are both regulated and certified by the SBA.

SBA 504 Loan Uses

SBA 504 loans can be used to purchase long-term machinery, equipment, land and buildings. You can also use the loan proceeds to construct new facilities or improve existing facilities, landscaping, utilities, parking lots and land.

However, small business owners are prohibited from using 504 Loans to invest in real estate, inventory or working capital. You’re also not allowed to repay, consolidate or refinance debt.

SBA 504 Loan Terms and Rates

You’ll get 10 or 20 years to repay the loan. The interest rate is above the current market rate for 5-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury issues. It accounts for around 3 percent of the loan.

SBA 504 Loan Qualifications

You may be eligible for a 504 Loan if you meet these eligibility criteria:

• Are a for-profit company operating in the United States
• Have a net worth below $15 million
• Have an average post-tax net income below $5 million for two years before you apply
• Have qualified management expertise, stellar character and a solid business plan
• Demonstrate that you have the means to repay the loan
• Meet the SBA size guidelines

SBA 504 Loan Application Process

Connect with a CDC in your local area to learn more about the application process, documentation requirements and how to move forward with applying for a 504 Loan.

SBA 7(a) Loan

These loans are offered by SBA-approved lenders.

SBA 7(a) Loan Uses

SBA 7(a) loans can be used in many ways, including purchasing machinery, fixtures, supplies, furniture, land, office buildings, inventory or new business. Some business owners also use the funds to refinance current business debt, purchase a new business, expand current operations, or renovate an existing building.

SBA 7(a) Loan Terms and Rates

Below are the rates for both fixed and variable rate 7(a) loans:

Fixed-rate:

• $25,000 or less: the prime rate from the first business day of the month plus 8.0% (800 basis points)
• $25,000 to $50,000: the prime rate from the first business day of the month plus 7.0% (700 basis points)
• $50,000 to $250,000: the prime rate from the first business day of the month plus 6.0% (600 basis points)
• $250,000 or more: the prime rate from the first business day of the month plus 5.0% (500 basis points)

Variable rate:

• $25,000 or less (repayment period under 7 years): base rate plus 4.25 percent
• $25,000 or less (repayment period greater than 7 years): base rate plus 4.75 percent
• $25,000 to $50,000 (repayment period under 7 years): base rate plus 3.25 percent
• $25,000 to $50,000 (repayment period greater than 7 years): base rate plus 3.75 percent
• $50,000 or more (repayment period under 7 years): base rate plus 2.25 percent
• $50,000 or more (repayment period greater than 7 years): base rate plus 2.75 percent

Loan terms are limited to 25 years for real estate or 10 years for inventory, working capital and equipment loans.

SBA 7(a) Loan Qualifications

SBA 7(a) loans are open to for-profit businesses operating in the United States that meet the following qualifications:

• Have an amount of invested equity that’s deemed reasonable by the SBA
• Not have any past-due debt obligations with the U.S. government
• Use personal assets and other financial resources before applying
• Have a viable business need and the ability to demonstrate how the funds will be used

SBA 7(a) Loan Application Process

Before formally applying, you’ll need to connect with a bank or credit union that is an SBA-approved lender. They will advise you on the documents required to prepare your loan package, which includes:

• SBA Form 1919 (Borrower Information Form)
• SBA Form 912 (Statement of Personal History)
• SBA Form 413 (Personal Financial Statement)
• Projected financial statements
• Profit and loss statement
• Signed business and personal tax returns for the past three years
• Business licenses and certificates
• Business lease agreement (if applicable)
• Resumes for each principal in the business
• A list of the names and addresses of entities your company is affiliated with
• A written history of the business, key challenges and funding needs

If you are planning to use a 7(a) loan to acquire another business, note you’ll also need financials for the entity and other documents.

SBA Loans Pros and Cons

SBA loans come with both benefits and drawbacks you should consider when deciding if they’re a good fit for your business.

SBA Loan Pros

• Competitive interest rates and flexible loan terms
• Extended repayment periods
• Generous maximum loan amounts

SBA Loan Cons

• Limitations on how the proceeds can be used
• Extensive documentation requirements
• Long wait periods to get a lending decision
• Prepayment penalties if you wish to pay the loan off early

SBA Real Estate Loan FAQs