The 504 refi is a trusted, strategic debt restructuring solution for commercial real estate and heavy equipment. In the current high interest rate environment, the 504 refi offers small businesses fixed below-market rate financing with the option of accessing cash-out for eligible operating expenses. Both conventional and SBA 7a loans, which are tied to the increasing prime rate, are eligible to be refinanced with the 504 program.
To help lenders and their small business clients take advantage of this financing tool, here are SomerCor’s five FAQ’s about the SBA 504 refi:
What are the key features of the SBA 504 refi without expansion structure?
- Maximum 90% LTV with no cash-out, or
- Maximum 85% LTV with cash-out for eligible operating expenses (cash-out ranges up to 20% of the appraised value of the property)
- Bank has first mortgage on the project property
What debt is eligible for the SBA 504 refi without expansion?
On July 29, 2021 the Small Business Administration published Interim Final Rule 021-15975, outlining enhancements to the SBA 504 REFI program:
- Loan incurred at least 6 months prior to 504 REFI application date
- Loan secured by eligible fixed assets for at least 6 months
- At least 85% of loan proceeds were used toward 504 eligible asset acquisition, construction or improvement – i.e. land, buildings, machinery, and equipment
- Borrower payment history on loan is reviewed during CDC credit analysis process and payment transcripts for the prior 12 months must be submitted with application
- May include debt subject to a federal guarantee, such as an SBA 7(a) or 504 loan – learn more about refinancing government guaranteed debt by downloading SomerCor’s webinar on the enhancements to the REFI program
What are the borrower benefits of the SBA 504 refi?
- Fixed 20 or 25 year below-market interest rate
- Lower monthly mortgage payments – required to be a “substantial benefit” to the borrower, defined as a minimum of 10% savings
- Payment predictability
- The option to leverage built-up equity and take cash-out for eligible expenses
What expenses are eligible uses for cash-out funds?
- Salaries (non-owners)
- Rent
- Utilities
- Inventory
- Business line of credit or business credit card debt
- Capital expenditures, personal expenses and acquiring a new business or business partnership buyout are ineligible
What type of business is eligible to participate in the SBA 504 refi program?
- For-profit business located in the United States
- Under $15 million in tangible net worth
- Prior 2 years average after tax net income under $5 million
This debt restructuring tool is a good fit for all these industries and more:
- manufacturing
- warehouse/logistics
- health care
- professional services
- hospitality
- retail
- franchises
- senior care facilities
- education & child care
Download the program flyer and connect with a member of SomerCor’s loan origination team today to learn more!
Margaret Griffin Eric Bacon Darin Gehrke Elisabeth Williams Brian Comiskey
EVP, Chief Loan Officer SVP, Loan Officer SVP, Loan Officer SVP, Loan Officer EVP, Chief Credit Officer
mgriffin@somercor.com ebacon@somercor.com dgehrke@somercor.com ewilliams@somercor.com bcomiskey@somercor.com
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