Thursday, 30 October 2014

Finding Out What Is A Commercial Bridge Loan Can Be Beneficial To Your Investment Plans

By Tom G. Honeycutt


Sometimes there is a gap between the closing date of a property and the date that long-term financing will be accessible. In such cases, the investor need not pass on these real estate purchases, because it is possible to take out a "bridge loan". Those who are wondering what is a commercial bridge loan, will find this guide to be of assistance.

This short-term lending arrangement is usually taken out for anywhere from two weeks to at most three years and acts as a monetary "bridge" until the finalization of the long-term financing, which will ultimately be used to pay back this initial amount borrowed once obtained. They typically have higher interest rates, shorter amortization periods, and lower loan-to-value ratio, but they can usually be arranged in a timely manner with minimal documentation needed.

The most common purpose for these loans is to enable timely investments that would otherwise not be possible due to timing or circumstances that are not in favor of obtaining traditional financing. The higher risk status of these clients is the main reason why the interest rate is higher.

The major financial institutions do not typically provide lending services for these high risk investors with limited documentation, and as a rule one will not find these short-term loans at a bank. Sources are mainly from private companies, investment pools, or individuals.

The maximum loan-to-value ratio for commercial properties is 65 percent, based on it appraisal value. The loans may be either closed, which only guarantees its availability for a specific time period, or open, without a fixed date by which it must be paid off, at least not for some time. Subsequent bridge financing may be available for a lower interest rate as the risk is less.

One scenario in which this form of lending is particularly useful is when the investor needs to wait for a permit to be approved. Once the permit is granted, the lender will be paid back from the long-term borrowing plan of the investor. Someone who wishes to secure equity on a property they currently own to purchase another can also benefit from bridging, and then pay it off with the sale of the property.

During changes in management of a business, it can also be helpful to acquire this sort of financing as it provides funding until a new investor is found. The purchase of auctioned-off properties, or quick-buy discount investments, is also enabled through bridging options that can make things happen more quickly than most traditional forms of lending.




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