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Is a Commercial Real Estate Bridge Loan the Right Type of Loan for You?  

There are a lot of different options when it comes to getting a commercial real estate loan. Fixed rate loans, construction loans, and mezzanine loans come with different terms and have different benefits depending on your situation and what you are looking for. One such loan is a bridge loan. Bridge lending is just like the name implies; it is meant to “bridge the gap” until long-term financing can be secured for the commercial property. 

In some cases, the lender making the long-term loan will also make the bridge loan on the property or development. Most bridge loans come with very short terms, typically six months to two three years, and many are not amortized (interest only payments with a balloon payment at the end). Interest rates on bridge loans are generally higher than the going market rate. 

A bridge loan can be used for all asset classes, including multifamily housing, office buildings, retail centers, industrial buildings, or land development. 

Fast Commercial Real Estate Bridge Loans – Do You Need Speed? 

Whether or not a bridge loan is going to be the right choice for you will depend on why you need a loan. Here are a few situations in which a bridge loan could be beneficial: 

  • If an asset or a borrower can’t qualify for permanent financing, bridge loans can be used to solve issues that let the borrower qualify for permanent financing at the conclusion of the project. 
  • Bridge loans can be used when a borrower wants to stabilize the asset, rebuild a structure, renovate existing properties, or build from the ground up. 
  • Bridge loans can be used when ownership interests aren’t complete.

If you are simply trying to sell quickly, you’re looking for an investment property, a bridge loan may be the best option for you.  

Like we discussed previously, bridge loans aren’t for everyone. Here are some pros and cons of using a bridge loan: 

Pros: 

  • Used when properties are not stabilized.  
  • Typically, quicker closings. 
  • A bridge loan can be somewhat of a failsafe in case you sell your old property or development before purchasing a new one. 
  • Bridge loans come with short terms, between six months and three years. 
  • Bridge loans are often interest only, providing a certain amount of flexibility. 
  • Bridge loans are a creative way to finance; typically, there is an interest reserve account for when a property is not performing. 

Cons: 

  • More expensive with higher interest rates + points.  
  • If you can refinance during the duration of the loan or you can’t refi, you could be put in a difficult situation. 
  • In the long run, a bridge loan could cost you more but if your proforma can absorb the higher cost. 

There are pros and cons to any loan type, so it’s important to do your homework and talk to experts who can walk you through the bridge lending process.  

Lincoln James Capital can help you find and secure CRE financing with the best terms 

If you have commercial real estate investment opportunities, Lincoln James Capital can help get your deal done. We have extensive market knowledge and can help you make confident decisions. We have a large database of lenders with a wide range of possible terms. Keep in mind, we don’t make more money from higher rates. We get paid to get our clients the loans they need with the best terms (which is not always the best rate) so they can close their deals and continue to build their business and increase wealth. 

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Brigitte Grava

Financial Analyst

Brigitte Grava, an accomplished scholar from the University of Tampa, holds both a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Master’s of Science Degree in Entrepreneurship from her alma mater. Brigitte’s dedication to academic excellence is shown in her performance as an undergraduate student as she was invited to the Adam Smith Economic Honor Society in addition to graduating from her Master’s program at the top her class in 2022. With over 5 years of industry experience, including a specialized focus on mergers and acquisitions during her 3-year tenure at a boutique investment bank, Ms. Grava brings a wealth of financial expertise to her endeavors. Her exceptional execution of economic and financial analyses, coupled with her strategic insight, empowers her to provide invaluable recommendations for business growth and corporate development. Brigitte is skilled at navigating intricate M&A transactions, consistently delivering optimal outcomes for her clientele. Her track record speaks volumes about her ability to handle every facet of these transactions with finesse, resulting in remarkable results for her clients.

Alyssa Beatrice

Director of Marketing

Alyssa Beatrice is the Marketing Director of Lincoln James Capital, leveraging over 7 years of expertise in both B2B and B2C domains. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing, Alyssa’s career is driven by innovation, determination, and data-driven results. Her impressive track record showcases numerous successful online and offline marketing campaigns, reflecting her inventive spirit and collaborative team approach. Alyssa’s unwavering passion for achieving exceptional outcomes has made her an invaluable asset to our team at Lincoln James Capital.

Andrew Millis

Commercial Loan Originator

Armed with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in Personal Finance from the University of Wisconsin Stout, Andrew possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the Commercial Finance industry. With a solid background in community banking spanning 3  years and an additional year as a commercial credit analyst at Bankers Healthcare Group, he has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the financial domain. Notably, Andrew has also successfully ventured into the real estate sector, establishing three thriving businesses in recent years.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Andrew cherishes quality time with family, friends, and his two beloved dogs. He finds solace in exploring new destinations through travel and engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, golf, pickleball, and hockey. A true sports aficionado, he ardently supports the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago Blackhawks.

Alex Cheng

Senior Vice President

After receiving his Bachelor degree in 1978, Alex started his professional career with a reginal CPA firm in New Orleans as Auditor. In 1980 he moved to Los Angeles to join ABPA, a national employee benefit administration firm.  He was promoted to Accounting Manager when he left the firm in 1988 when he was recruited by Dallas TX based Caltex petroleum Corporation, a JV of Chevron USA and Texaco Oil Company.  Alex served as Director of Finance in various countries, including the Philippines, Greater China (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) and Australia.  Alex left Caltex in 1995 to start his own accounting firm in Burlington North Carolina.  By 2006 his firm has grown to a regional presence with offices in Cary, Burlington, Greensboro, Charlotte and Rock Hill, SC.  Alex sold his successful practice in December 2006 just before the latest financial meltdown.  Since 2007, operating under the firm name Alliance Consulting Group, Alex has been a financial and management consultant advising clients on complicated fiscal matters and improve overall efficiency in management and operation.  In 2015, Alliance Consulting added digital marketing to its service area to meet the changing landscape of business.  Currently his firm manages private equity funds of Family Offices and other high net worth individuals, with focus on multi-family apartments and purpose-built Student Housing apartments near major universities throughout the country.