Commercial mortgages: What are they & how can you qualify?

by Angie Morales-Link 10/21/2024

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

Angie Morales-Link

Military wife and mother of 2, Angie is a proud real estate agent in Clarksville, TN. She moved to Clarksville in 2016 when her husband's orders took them to Fort Campbell after completing nine years in Savannah, GA. She wanted to take her love for serving her community and renovating homes to a new level, so she decided to dive in head first into real estate. In the past six years, she has become an expert in VA home loans to help other military families, new construction homes and first time home buyers. She also invests in properties, flips, renovates, and runs Airbnb homes. She is ALL-IN when it comes to real estate and knows first hand the best approaches ensure your family makes a smart investment AND falls in love with Clarksville.