A guide to commercial mortgages

by Teri Bruinsma 02/19/2024

What is a commercial mortgage featured image

As your business expands and becomes more profitable, you may find yourself on the hunt for a commercial property. Acquiring a commercial mortgage can give you more leeway as a business owner to find a building or complex best suiting your trade. 

Understanding commercial mortgages

A commercial mortgage, also known as a business mortgage, is a loan used to purchase property for the operation of a business. 

A business property is often used to store inventory, as office space for retail operations and more. You can also use a commercial mortgage to refinance a commercial property you already own to make loan terms more agreeable. 

Residential loans versus commercial real estate loans

A commercial loan is usually awarded to corporations, trusts and developers and terms usually fall between 5 and 20 years. 

Residential mortgages are awarded to individual borrowers, often who are seeking residential properties (such as a house to live in), with a 30-year term being the most popular option. 

How do I qualify for a commercial mortgage?

To qualify for a commercial mortgage loan, the property being purchased or refinances should be occupied by no less than 51 percent of your business venture. After this is disclosed, lenders consider the location, profit, credit history and other financial factors to determine if giving you a loan is a good investment. 

A residential mortgage is often associated with higher interest rates and fees, so it pays to shop around as a business owner. Working with a commercial mortgage lender, you can hunt down the best loan plans offering interest rates and terms to your liking.



About the Author
Author

Teri Bruinsma

Real Estate is my PASSION! Let me be your personal assistant to help you buy or sell your next home. 

Having 35+ years in sales I know what it takes to be successful in purchasing your new home. TIMING is a HUGE factor. If you are a first-time home buyer and are unsure of what it takes to buy a home, give me a call and I'd be happy to meet with you in person and walk you through the buying process. 

Do you want TOP DOLLAR for your home sale?! I will help you stage your home to appeal to the most amount of Buyers. Thus, generating multiple offers and getting you a higher price for your home. Many Realtors offer this service, however, they charge to have a stager help you. I AM the stager, and this service is included when you work with me. On average, a STAGED home sells for 6-8% more than a vacant or unstaged home.