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The pros and cons of using an owner occupied commercial real estate loan to finance your business
01-2023
A commercial owner-occupied real estate loan, also referred to as a mortgage, can be a great way to fund your company. But as with any financial choice, it’s crucial to consider both the advantages and disadvantages. The advantages and disadvantages of using an owner-occupied commercial real estate loan to finance your business will be discussed in this blog post.
Pros:
- Benefits related to taxes: One of the main advantages of using an owner-occupied commercial real estate loan is the potential tax benefits. Because the loan’s interest is tax deductible, it may be possible to pay less in taxes overall.
- Stability over the long term: Another benefit of using an owner-occupied commercial real estate loan is the stability it can give your company. Owning your own property gives you a fixed place to run your business, which can give you and your clients a feeling of security and continuity.
- Possibility of appreciation: If the property’s value rises over time, you might be able to sell it for more money. Additional financial advantages for your company may result from this.
- Control over the property: When you own the property, you have control over it, which is good for your business. Without having to worry about a landlord increasing the rent or not renewing your lease, you can make changes to the property as your company’s needs change.
- Possibility of rental income: If the building has extra space, you might rent it to other companies. This can bring in more money for your company and help pay back some of the loan’s costs.
- Equity construction: As you repay the loan, you will increase your ownership stake in the property. Long-term, this may bring your company more financial advantages.
Control over property upgrades: When you own the property, you can make any necessary upgrades or renovations to the space to meet the unique needs of your business. This can involve incorporating fresh features or improving existing ones, which can help draw in more clients and enhance the functionality of your company as a whole.
Cons:
- Interest rates are typically higher for owner-occupied commercial real estate loans than for conventional mortgages. This indicates that the total cost of the loan will increase.
- Default risk: You run the risk of losing the property if you can’t keep up with your loan payments. If you can’t quickly find a new location, this could pose a serious risk to your company.
- Over-leveraging risk: If you borrow too much money to purchase the property, it could be financially risky for your company. Make sure you have enough cash on hand to run your business while still being able to comfortably make the loan payments.
- Flexibility is limited because you are obligated to keep the property as long as the loan is outstanding once you have obtained an owner-occupied commercial real estate loan. You will have to either sell the property or refinance the loan if your company needs change and you need to relocate.
- You will be in charge of taking care of all upkeep and repairs as the property’s owner. Especially if the property needs repairs or is older, this could be a sizable expense for your company.
- Limited liquidity: After making an investment in commercial real estate, it may be challenging to withdraw your money quickly. This could be an issue if your company needs money quickly or if the property isn’t performing as you had hoped.
- Financing challenges: If you have poor credit or a short financial history, getting an owner-occupied commercial real estate loan can be challenging and time-consuming. If your company is new or if your credit score is low, getting financing may be even more difficult. It might also be challenging to find a loan that is affordable and reasonable due to the terms and interest rates that lenders offer.
An owner occupied commercial real estate loan can, in conclusion, be a great way to finance your company, but it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding. Although long-term stability, tax advantages, and control over property improvements can be very alluring, it’s also important to take into account the challenges associated with financing, the cost of maintenance and repairs, and the availability of liquidity. Before making any financial decisions, it is crucial to always seek advice from a financial advisor or real estate expert.
F2H Capital Group is a debt advisory firm specializing in negotiating the best terms for your commercial real estate projects. The company offers a range of financial products and services, including fixed loans, bridge loans, and construction loans across all asset types. Please contact us for any of your financing needs.