Although the characteristics of the best commercial real estate (CRE) loan will be different for each business owner, many of the top CRE lenders offer financing options for multiple property typesCommon examples include apartment complexes, condominiums, apartments, retail stores, and office buildings. . I’ve researched multiple lenders and narrowed my top picks to the eight listed below. They have competitive rates, loan offerings, terms, and qualification requirements, so you should have no problem finding one that offers a suitable financing option for your needs.
Here are the best commercial real estate loans:
- Lendio: Best overall for multiple loan options
- RCN Capital: Best for flexible loan terms
- Clarify Capital: Best for long-term SBA 7(a) financing
- 1West: Best for low credit scores
- SBG Funding: Best for short-term SBA 7(a) funding
- Best commercial real estate loans at a glance
- Lendio: Best overall for multiple loan options
- RCN Capital: Best for flexible loan terms
- Clarify Capital: Best for long-term SBA 7(a) financing
- 1West: Best for low credit scores
- SBG Funding: Best for short-term SBA 7(a) funding
- How I chose the best commercial real estate lenders
- Choosing the best commercial real estate lender
- Alternatives to a commercial real estate loan
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Bottom line
Best commercial real estate loans at a glance
| Est. starting rates | Max. loan amount | Max. loan term | Rqd. time in business | Rqd. credit score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Varies• CRE loans: 6.25% • 10-year SBA 504 loans: 4.63% • 20-year SBA 504 loans: 4.51% • Variable-rate SBA 7(a) loans: 5.75% to 8.25% • SBA 7(a) loans: 8.5% to 11.5% fixed rate • SBA microloans: 6% to 9% | $5 million | 25 years• CRE loans: 10 to 25 years • SBA 504 loans: 10 to 25 years • SBA 7(a) loans: 5 to 10 years | 2 years | 650 |
| Visit Lendio | |||||
 | 6.50% | $20 million | 30 years | None | Varies650 to 680, depending on loan program |
| Visit RCN Capital | |||||
 | 5% to 10% | $5 million | 25 years | 6 months | 640+ |
| Visit Clarify Capital | |||||
 | 6% | $20 million | 5 years | 2 years | 500 |
| Visit 1West | |||||
 | Prime + 2.5% | $10 million | 10 years | 2 years | 650 |
| Visit SBG Funding | |||||
Lendio: Best overall for multiple loan options
| |
|---|---|
| Rates & terms | |
| Starting interest rate |
|
| Loan amount | Up to $5 million |
| Loan term |
|
| Maximum LTV | 90% |
| Estimated closing costs and fees | Varies based on the loan program |
| Time to fund |
|
| Qualifications | |
| Credit score | 650 |
| Time in business | 2 years |
| Annual revenue | $96,000 annually for SBA loans |
| Down payment | 1025% |
| Visit Lendio | |
Why I like Lendio
Lendio is a broker with a network of over 75 lenders. With a single application, you can be matched with a variety of lending partners, which allows you to have multiple chances for approval and compare lending products that offer the best rates and loan terms suitable for your business needs. For this reason, I chose it as the overall best CRE lender for multiple loan options.
However, you may not know Lendio’s exact qualification requirements until after you apply because its partners may each have varying eligibility criteria. While Lendio does list minimum qualification requirements for both its CRE and SBA loan programs, it seems to imply that there may be some flexibility as failing to meet any of the criteria could just make it more challenging to get approved.
You can apply online on the Lendio website. The application process can be completed in under 15 minutes, and it comes at no cost and will not negatively impact your credit score. You can also find Lendio’s contact information so you can speak with a representative about any questions you may have.
RCN Capital: Best for flexible loan terms
| |
|---|---|
| Rates & terms | |
| Starting interest rate | Varies depending on the loan program |
| Loan amount | $50,000 to $20 million |
| Loan term | Up to 30 years |
| Maximum LTV | 65% to 90% |
| Estimated closing costs and fees | 1% to 4% of the loan amount |
| Time to fund | 10 + days |
| Qualifications | |
| Credit score | 650 to 680, depending on the loan program |
| Time in business | None |
| Annual revenue | Varies |
| DSCR | As low as 1.20x, but may vary |
| Visit RCN Capital | |
Why I like RCN Capital
RCN Capital is a commercial lender that offers loans for business purposes. It provides some of the lowest starting rates and longest repayment terms in this guide, making it my recommendation for flexible loan terms. Loans must be backed by nonowner-occupied and commercial properties and be issued to a business entity.
The provider offers several different types of loans depending on your needs, including the following:
- Fix and flip loans
- Long-term rental loans
- Multifamily loans
- New construction loans
- Investor rental portfolio loans
Depending on the loan program you choose, options may also be available for purchases, rate and term refinances, and cash-out refinances. Rates, requirements, and terms will vary per loan program, so be sure to determine which loan type is best for you before proceeding with an application.
Businesses that work with RCN Capital will not typically have to pay any upfront fees during the preapproval or approval process. Some exceptions may apply, such as third-party fees for things like appraisals, environmental studies, or other project feasibility reports, which would need to be paid upfront by the borrower.
To apply, visit the RCN Capital website to complete an online application.
Clarify Capital: Best for long-term SBA 7(a) financing
| |
|---|---|
| Rates & terms | |
| Starting interest rate | 5% to 10% on average |
| Loan amount | Up to $5 million |
| Loan term | Up to 25 years |
| Maximum LTV | 90% |
| Estimated closing costs and fees | Not stated |
| Time to fund | 3 weeks |
| Qualifications | |
| Credit score | 640+ |
| Time in business | 6 months |
| Annual revenue | $120,000 |
| DSCR | 1.25x recommended |
| Visit Clarify Capital | |
Why I like Clarify Capital
Clarify Capital offers SBA 7(a) funding for up to 25 years if used for real estate. A 7(a) loan is backed by the government, and because of this, it can offer some of the most competitive rates available. One of the downsides of this type of financing, however, is that it can take a long time to fund and involves a large amount of paperwork to get approved and funded.
If you choose to work with Clarify Capital, you’ll have a dedicated advisor to walk you through the process and even assist with the paperwork. As a broker with over 75 different lenders in its network, you’ll also get assistance with being matched to a lender that can offer the most competitive rates and terms you’re eligible for.
The process can be started by visiting the Clarify Capital website. There, you can complete an online application in under two minutes, after which a dedicated advisor will contact you to discuss the next steps. Submitting a loan application will not impact your credit score and carries no fees or obligation to accept a loan offer.
1West: Best for low credit scores
| |
|---|---|
| Rates & terms | |
| Starting interest rate | 6% |
| Loan amount | $100,000 to $20 million |
| Loan term | 6 months to 5 years |
| Maximum LTV | 80% |
| Estimated closing costs and fees | not stated |
| Time to fund | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Qualifications | |
| Credit score | 500 |
| Time in business | 2 years |
| Annual revenue | Varies |
| DSCR | Not stated |
| Visit 1West | |
Why I like 1West
Similar to Lendio, 1West is a loan broker with over 50 lenders in its network. Although it has similar starting rates to RCN Capital, it has the lowest credit score requirements in this guide, making it a good option if you’re seeking financing and your business credit score is less than ideal.
Its CRE loans are available in all 50 states and can be used for the purchase, renovation, or expansion of a new or existing commercial property. It commonly deals with businesses that need funding for offices, retail spaces, hotels, and apartments. CRE loans can be made to several business entities, including partnerships, developers, trusts, corporations, and real estate investment trusts (REITs).
With 1West, you also have the option to get funding with no minimum gross sale requirement. Loans can also be issued in either a 1st or 2nd lien position and interest-only options are available if you want to have lower monthly payments.
To learn more or to submit a loan application, visit the 1West website.
SBG Funding: Best for short-term SBA 7(a) funding
 | |
|---|---|
| Rates & terms | |
| Starting interest rate | Prime + 2.5% |
| Loan amount | Up to $10 million |
| Loan term | 2 to 10 years |
| Maximum LTV | 90% |
| Estimated closing costs and fees | Not stated |
| Time to fund | Up to 3 months |
| Qualifications | |
| Credit score | 680 |
| Time in business | 2 years |
| Annual revenue | $250,000 |
| DSCR | Not stated |
| Visit SBG Funding | |
Why I Like SBG Funding
Many SBA 7(a) lenders only offer $5 million as a maximum loan amount. SBG Funding, however, offers up to $10 million, making it a good option if you need large financing amounts. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about prepayment penalties, which gives you the option to refinance or otherwise pay off the loan earlier without incurring additional costs.
Funds from an SBG Funding SBA 7(a) loan can be used for almost any business purpose. In addition to real estate needs such as purchasing a new building, you can use funds for working capital, refinancing debt, and acquiring additional inventory. Qualification requirements are somewhat flexible, but you’ll improve your approval odds if you can demonstrate low debt, good cash flow, and a history of being profitable.
To learn more or to apply, you can visit the SBG Funding website. There, you can complete an online application in under 10 minutes and contact one of its Relationship Managers if you have any questions throughout the process.
How I chose the best commercial real estate lenders
My selection of the best commercial real estate lenders was based on the following criteria:
- Interest rates (check out our guide on what impacts CRE rates)
- Loan terms and repayment options
- Maximum loan amount
- Qualification requirements
- Down payment requirements
- Ease of application
- Application, approval, and funding speed
- Customer reviews and ratings
Choosing the best commercial real estate lender
When choosing the best commercial real estate lender, you’ll want to consider a few factors to ensure you work with one that fits your budget and business needs. Keep the following in mind when shopping around for a lender:
- Consider your investment type. Depending on the needs of your real estate investment, be sure to consider what type of commercial real estate loan program is best suited to the property—whether it be a multifamily loan, a bridge loan, or other various commercial real estate loan types.
- Review lender qualification requirements. Lenders will have varying qualification criteria to be considered for approval. Generally, factors such as credit score, time in business, and annual revenue will be taken into account when evaluating an application. Before applying, ensure you meet the minimum qualifications for better odds of approval.
- Compare loan costs and terms. When shopping around for a lender, you’ll want to compare various loan offerings and what they provide in regard to rates and terms. Depending on your budget, you’ll want to work with a lender that meets your needs and review any associated costs, including the down payment and repayment expectations.
Alternatives to a commercial real estate loan
For borrowers unable to obtain a traditional CRE loan, there are other options to help finance a CRE investment. If you don’t meet the necessary criteria or are simply exploring all of your financing options, consider the following alternatives:
- Hard money loans: Hard money loans can provide short-term financing solutions that typically require repayment within two to three years. This can allow you to acquire a property now and give you time to improve your business finances or credit to replace it with a permanent source of financing in the future. Check out our guide on the best hard money lenders to learn more or find a provider.
- Loans from friends and family: For those with limited resources or credit history, borrowing funds from friends and family can be a good option for businesses wanting to be able to negotiate the terms of a loan in a less formal way. Read our article on how to raise money from friends and family to learn more about using this method to obtain funding.
- Rollover for business startups (ROBS): A ROBS isn’t a loan but instead a way to access your retirement accounts tax- and penalty-free. You’ll typically need a minimum investment of $50,000, and I recommend referencing our guide on the best ROBS providers to help you through the process to avoid compliance issues, fines, or penalties.
Before you apply for financing, see our guide on how to get a small business loan. It also includes tips on what to expect after applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Qualification requirements will vary by loan type and lender. CRE loans also usually require more documentation than other business loans. Expect lenders to review your credit history, business financials, tax returns, leases or a rent roll if applicable, liquidity, and the property’s income.
Rates can range from around 4% to 11%, depending on your financing needs. This will depend on the type of CRE loan you’re getting, the lender you decide to work with, as well as your own business qualifications.
Depending on the type of loan, most commercial real estate loans can range anywhere from a few months to many years. For short-term investments, this can range anywhere from 12 to 36 months. For long-term investments, repayment terms generally run 10 to 30 years.
Bottom line
The best commercial real estate lenders should provide loan offerings applicable to your real estate investment needs, inclusive of favorable rates and terms and flexible qualification requirements. The CRE lenders I’ve selected offer a wide range of loan types, so be sure to shop around and consider all of your financing options before making a decision.
