How fast can I get a business loan?

With Slate Financial, many business loans fund in as little as 24 hours. MCAs and lines of credit can fund same-day. Term loans typically fund in 24-72 hours. Real estate loans range from 5 days to 4 weeks depending on the product.

Can I get a business loan with bad credit?

Yes. Products like MCAs, MCA Bailouts, and Lines of Credit are primarily based on your business revenue, not your personal credit score. If your business generates consistent monthly revenue ($10K+/month), you likely qualify for funding.

What types of business loans does Slate Financial offer?

Slate Financial offers 14 loan products including Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Merchant Cash Advances, MCA Bailout, 0% Interest Business Credit Cards, Equipment Financing, Purchase Order Factoring, Commercial Real Estate Loans, Residential Mortgages, DSCR Loans, Fix and Flip Loans, Ground-Up Construction Loans, Mergers & Acquisitions Financing, and Form 1003 Mortgage Applications.

Does applying for a business loan affect my credit score?

No. Slate Financial's initial application uses a soft inquiry that does NOT impact your credit score. A hard pull is only done after you've reviewed and accepted a specific offer from a lender.

A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan allows real estate investors to qualify based on the property's rental income rather than personal income. If the property's rent covers the mortgage payment, you can qualify without providing pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns.

How do I qualify for a commercial real estate loan?

Qualification for a commercial real estate loan depends on several factors: the property's net operating income and debt service coverage ratio, your down payment or existing equity, your personal credit history and financial strength, your experience with commercial real estate, and the property's condition and location. Lenders want to see that the property can comfortably cover the loan payments from its rental income, and that the borrower has the financial reserves and experience to manage the investment successfully.

What documents are needed for a commercial real estate loan?

Commercial real estate loans require extensive documentation. You will typically need the purchase agreement, property appraisal, environmental assessment, rent rolls, operating statements, tax returns (personal and business), entity documents, bank statements, property condition reports, surveys, title commitments, tenant estoppel certificates, and proof of insurance. The exact requirements vary by lender and loan program, but expect a thorough documentation process. Slate Financial guides you through every document needed.

How long does it take to close a commercial real estate loan?

Commercial real estate loan timelines vary depending on the loan type and complexity of the deal. Bridge loans can close in as little as two to four weeks. Conventional commercial mortgages typically take 45 to 90 days. SBA 504 loans and CMBS loans can take 60 to 120 days due to the additional parties and processes involved. Having your documentation prepared and organized from the start is the single biggest factor in speeding up the timeline.

Can I get a commercial real estate loan with no experience?

Yes, it is possible to get a commercial real estate loan without prior experience, though your options may be more limited. Some lenders require borrower experience, especially for larger or more complex properties. However, there are lenders who work with first-time commercial real estate investors, particularly for simpler property types like small multifamily or single-tenant retail. Having a strong personal financial profile, adequate down payment, and a clear business plan can offset limited experience. Slate Financial can connect you with lenders who work with newer investors.

Commercial Property Financing Experts

Commercial Real Estate Loans - Finance Any Property Type

From multifamily apartments to office buildings and retail centers, Slate Financial connects you with lenders who specialize in commercial real estate financing for every property class.

Apply for CRE Financing (843) 290-8928

All Property Types

Competitive Terms

Fast Closings

All Types

Property Classes

$500K+

Loan Amounts

Flexible

Repayment Terms

Cash Flow

Based Underwriting

Understanding CRE Financing

What Is a Commercial Real Estate Loan?

A commercial real estate loan is financing used to purchase, refinance, or renovate a property that generates income or serves a business purpose. Unlike residential mortgages for single-family homes, commercial loans are primarily underwritten based on the property's ability to produce income through rent or business operations.

Commercial real estate encompasses a wide range of property types including office buildings, retail shopping centers, multifamily apartment complexes with five or more units, industrial warehouses, mixed-use developments, self-storage facilities, and hospitality properties. Each property type has its own underwriting considerations and lending landscape.

The CRE lending market includes banks, credit unions, life insurance companies, CMBS lenders, private lenders, and government-backed programs like the SBA 504. Slate Financial works across all of these lending channels to find the right financing solution for your specific property and situation, saving you the time and effort of approaching each lender individually.

Loan Programs

Types of Commercial Real Estate Loans

Different CRE loan programs serve different needs. Here are the most common options available through Slate Financial.

Permanent Commercial Mortgages

Long-term financing for stabilized commercial properties with consistent occupancy and cash flow. These loans provide predictable payments over extended terms and are the foundation of most commercial real estate portfolios.

Best for: Stabilized properties with strong occupancy and cash flow history

Bridge Loans for Commercial Property

Short-term financing designed to bridge the gap between acquisition and permanent financing. Ideal for properties that need repositioning, lease-up, or renovation before they qualify for conventional long-term financing.

Best for: Transitional properties, lease-up periods, and value-add opportunities

SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate Loans

Government-backed loans specifically designed for owner-occupied commercial real estate. The SBA 504 program provides favorable terms for businesses that occupy at least 51% of the property they are purchasing.

Best for: Owner-occupied commercial properties and small business owners

CMBS Loans (Conduit Loans)

Commercial mortgage-backed securities loans are pooled and sold on the secondary market. These loans offer competitive terms for larger commercial properties and are non-recourse in many cases, limiting personal liability for borrowers.

Best for: Larger stabilized assets, investors seeking non-recourse financing

Property Classes

Property Types We Finance

Slate Financial works with lenders who cover every major commercial property class across the country.

Office Buildings (Single-Tenant and Multi-Tenant)
Retail Centers and Shopping Plazas
Multifamily Apartment Complexes (5+ Units)
Industrial Warehouses and Distribution Centers
Mixed-Use Properties (Retail + Residential)
Medical Office Buildings and Healthcare Facilities
Self-Storage Facilities
Hospitality (Hotels and Motels)

Documentation

What Documents Are Needed for a CRE Loan?

Commercial real estate loans require thorough documentation. Here are the 31 documents lenders commonly request.

Purchase agreement or letter of intent
Property appraisal (ordered by lender)
Environmental Phase I assessment
Rent roll with current lease terms
Trailing 12-month operating statements
Historical property tax records
Property insurance documentation
Borrower personal financial statement
Two years of personal tax returns
Two years of business tax returns (if entity-owned)
Entity formation documents (LLC, Corp, Partnership)
Operating agreement or bylaws
Schedule of real estate owned
Bank statements (3-6 months)
Current mortgage statements (if refinancing)
Property condition report
Survey and title commitment
Zoning verification letter
Certificate of occupancy
Building plans or site plans
Tenant estoppel certificates
Subordination and non-disturbance agreements
Property management agreement
Capital expenditure budget
Marketing plan (for lease-up properties)
Borrower resume and experience summary
Proof of insurance (general liability and property)
Flood zone determination
ADA compliance documentation
Utility bills (12 months)
Any existing loan documents to be paid off

Eligibility

How to Qualify for a Commercial Real Estate Loan

CRE loan qualification focuses on both the property and the borrower. Here is what lenders evaluate.

Strong Property Cash Flow

Lenders evaluate whether the property generates sufficient net operating income to cover the debt payments. This is measured by the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR), which most lenders want above 1.20x.

Adequate Down Payment or Equity

Most commercial real estate loans require a down payment or existing equity in the property. The exact amount depends on the property type, loan program, and borrower experience.

Borrower Experience and Financial Strength

Lenders review the borrower's experience owning and managing commercial real estate, personal credit history, net worth, and liquidity to ensure the borrower can support the investment.

Property Condition and Location

The physical condition of the property, its location, market fundamentals, and tenant quality all factor into the lender's decision. Well-maintained properties in strong markets qualify more easily.

Clear Title and Legal Standing

The property must have a clear title, proper zoning, environmental clearance, and all required permits and certificates. Any legal issues must be resolved before closing.

How It Works

How to Apply for a Commercial Real Estate Loan

Slate Financial simplifies commercial real estate financing. Here is how to get started.

Submit Your Application

Complete our online application with details about the property, your experience, and your financing needs. This takes just minutes.

Property and Financial Review

Our team analyzes the property financials, your borrower profile, and the deal structure to identify the best lending options.

Lender Matching

We match your deal with lenders who specialize in your property type and loan size, ensuring you get the most competitive terms available.

Approval and Closing

Once approved, we coordinate the closing process including appraisal, title, environmental, and all documentation needed to fund your loan.

Explore other financing options:

SBA Loans DSCR Loans Construction Loans Fix and Flip Loans Business Loans Equipment Financing

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Real Estate Loans

Get answers to the most common questions about CRE financing, qualification, and the application process.

Ready to Finance Your Commercial Property?

Slate Financial connects you with CRE lenders who specialize in your property type. Apply online or call us to discuss your deal.

Apply Now (843) 290-8928