Securing the right financing is crucial. Whether buying an owner-occupied building, expanding a multifamily portfolio, or funding new construction, your lender choice matters. The market has many options, from large banks to online lenders, each with pros and cons. Finding the best fit is a challenge.
This guide simplifies your search. We've listed the 7 best commercial real estate lenders for U.S. businesses. We analyze major players like Chase and Bank of America alongside specialists like Live Oak Bank. Each profile breaks down their loans, rates, and ideal borrower. First, it helps to understand commercial real estate lending.
This article offers a direct comparison to help you decide. It provides specific details, links, and screenshots for each lender. Our goal is to give you the information needed to pick a financial partner that fits your project, timeline, and budget, helping you secure capital for your next investment.
1. JPMorgan Chase Bank (Chase for Business)
For small and mid-sized businesses, Chase is a strong, nationwide option. Chase is great for companies that want to purchase, build, or refinance their owner-occupied properties. Its large branch network gives you direct access to business bankers.
Chase compares conventional and SBA loans in-house. This helps you see which program offers the best terms without applying to multiple lenders. An SBA loan might provide a higher loan-to-value (LTV) or a longer amortization.
Loan Programs & Key Features
- Loan Types: Conventional CRE, SBA 7(a) and 504, construction loans.
- Terms: Up to 25 years on conventional and SBA products.
- Financing: LTVs up to 90% via SBA programs.
- Rate Options: Fixed-rate or variable-rate options.
- Construction: Interest-only payments during the construction phase.
Expert Insight: Chase offers the stability of a major bank with the benefits of SBA financing, all managed through one contact.
Pros & Cons
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Nationwide branches for in-person support. | Slower timelines than non-bank lenders. |
| Offers both conventional and SBA loans. | Best rates may require an existing banking relationship. |
| Good for owner-occupied properties. | Focuses on owner-occupied, not investment properties. |
Chase is one of the best commercial real estate lenders for established businesses. If speed isn't your main concern, Chase is reliable. To learn more, get a detailed overview of commercial real estate loans.
Website: Chase for Business Commercial Real Estate
2. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank is a great choice for both owner-occupied and investment properties. It offers a stable, traditional banking process with clear program details. It’s ideal for those who prefer a predictable lending experience.
U.S. Bank is transparent, outlining its terms and LTV maximums online. This gives borrowers a clear baseline. Like other large banks, it offers SBA loans, funding deals up to 90% LTV for qualified owner-occupied properties. This makes U.S. Bank a top choice for weighing conventional and government-backed options.
Loan Programs & Key Features
- Loan Types: Conventional CRE, SBA 7(a) and 504, refinancing.
- Terms: 5, 10, or 15-year maturities; amortization up to 25 years.
- Financing: Up to 80% LTV, or 90% with an SBA enhancement.
- Rate Options: Fixed-rate and variable-rate choices.
- Diversity Lending: A program for businesses owned by women, people of color, or veterans.
Expert Insight: U.S. Bank's strength is its clarity. They tell you their standard terms upfront. The Diversity Lending Program is also a great feature.
Pros & Cons
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Transparent term and LTV guidelines. | Slower than non-bank lenders. |
| Strong SBA program integration. | Has minimum credit and revenue requirements. |
| Diversity Lending Program for targeted support. | Less focus on complex investment deals. |
U.S. Bank is a top choice for established businesses seeking a reliable partner. For investment properties, lenders review the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR).
Website: U.S. Bank Commercial Real Estate
3. Bank of America
Bank of America is a strong choice for small businesses wanting SBA loan solutions. The bank excels with owner-occupied commercial real estate purchases, refinances, and construction. As an SBA Preferred Lender (PLP), it can speed up decisions on government-backed loans.
Bank of America is transparent about qualifications. Its website has online tools and clear minimums for revenue and time in business. This helps owners self-assess eligibility. The Preferred Rewards for Business program can offer rate discounts for existing clients.
Loan Programs & Key Features
- Loan Types: Conventional CRE, SBA 7(a), and SBA 504 loans.
- Terms: Long-term amortization up to 25 years.
- Financing: As little as 10% down with SBA 504 loans.
- Rate Options: Fixed and variable rates are available.
- SBA PLP Status: Faster SBA loan approvals.
Expert Insight: Bank of America's strength is its structured SBA process. The PLP status is a real advantage, cutting through bureaucracy. It's great for business owners who want the benefits of an SBA loan without the long wait.
Pros & Cons
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Clear minimums and online tools. | Standard bank documentation required. |
| PLP status for faster SBA decisions. | Construction deals can be slow. |
| Rate discounts via Preferred Rewards program. | Less focus on investment properties. |
Bank of America is one of the best commercial real estate lenders for businesses that fit SBA guidelines. If you need to buy or refinance your facility and like the security of a large bank, it's a reliable choice.
Website: Bank of America Commercial Real Estate Loans
4. Live Oak Bank
For small business owners wanting high leverage and good long-term financing, Live Oak Bank is a leader. As the top SBA 7(a) lender by volume, its model is built on SBA-guaranteed loans. This makes it one of the best commercial real estate lenders for borrowers who can benefit from high LTVs and cash-flow-based underwriting.
Live Oak's advantage is its industry specialization and SBA Preferred Lender (PLP) status. Borrowers work with teams who have expertise in sectors like healthcare and self-storage. This allows for smarter underwriting. The PLP status means faster approvals.
Loan Programs & Key Features
- Loan Types: SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans.
- Terms: Amortization up to 25 years.
- Financing: Often requires as little as 10% down.
- Industry Specialization: Lending teams for over 30 specific industries.
- SBA Structuring: Can include funds for working capital or equipment.
Expert Insight: Live Oak's strength is its SBA-first approach and industry focus. A vet buying a clinic will work with a team that understands their cash flow. This specialization increases the certainty of closing.
Pros & Cons
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Top SBA lender with high execution certainty. | Not ideal for conventional financing. |
| Cash-flow underwriting suits owner-operators. | Borrowers must meet SBA rules and pay fees. |
| Industry-specific lending teams. | SBA loans often have variable rates. |
Live Oak Bank is a great choice for any small business owner using an SBA loan to buy, build, or refinance their building. If you're in one of their specialized industries, Live Oak offers an efficient path to financing.
Website: Live Oak Bank Commercial Real Estate Loans
5. Huntington National Bank
For business owners who see SBA loans as their best path, Huntington National Bank is a leader. As the #1 SBA 7(a) lender by volume, Huntington has an efficient process for these loans. This makes it a great choice for businesses buying, constructing, or refinancing owner-occupied properties.
Huntington’s advantage is its deep experience in the SBA ecosystem. As a Preferred Lender Program (PLP) participant, the bank can make final credit decisions quickly, speeding up the approval timeline. This expertise provides a clear path through a complex process.
Loan Programs & Key Features
- Loan Types: Primarily SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for owner-occupied CRE.
- Terms: Amortization periods up to 25 years.
- Financing: High LTV financing, often requiring just 10% down.
- Rate Options: Fixed and variable interest rates are available.
- SBA Specialization: The entire process is built around proven SBA throughput.
Expert Insight: Choose Huntington for its scale and maturity in SBA lending. While other banks treat SBA as a secondary product, Huntington focuses on it. This reduces delays and increases closing certainty.
Pros & Cons
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Top-ranked SBA 7(a) lender by volume. | SBA structure requires fees and documentation. |
| PLP status allows for faster approvals. | May not be ideal for non-SBA deals. |
| Strong regional support with national capability. | Tighter underwriting in competitive markets. |
Huntington is one of the best commercial real estate lenders for businesses that are a good fit for SBA financing. If you want a lender with a proven track record, Huntington offers a reliable solution.
Website: Huntington National Bank Business Loans
6. Ready Capital
For real estate investors and business owners needing speed or flexibility, Ready Capital is a leading non-bank lender. It excels where traditional banks can't, like with bridge financing for value-add projects or quick closings. Ready Capital offers multiple loan programs under one roof.
A key feature is its "bridge-to-agency" pathway. An investor can get a short-term bridge loan to buy and renovate a property. Once stabilized, Ready Capital can transition it to a long-term Freddie Mac loan. This integrated approach removes uncertainty.
Loan Programs & Key Features
- Loan Types: Bridge loans, Freddie Mac SBL, SBA 7(a), and construction financing.
- Terms: Bridge loans are 1-3 years; SBA and Freddie Mac loans up to 30 years.
- Financing: Bridge loans up to $75M; Freddie Mac SBL up to $7.5M.
- Flexibility: Can underwrite deals based on future value, offering more creativity.
- Path to Agency: Provides a clear path from bridge to permanent agency loans.
Expert Insight: Ready Capital shines where banks fall short. If you have a value-add deal with a tight deadline, their bridge loan program is ideal. The ability to transition to a permanent loan in-house is a huge advantage.
Pros & Cons
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Faster decisions and closings than banks. | Rates are typically higher than permanent bank loans. |
| Multiple products under one lender. | Some owner-occupied financing is limited to SBA. |
| Specializes in transitional and value-add assets. | Non-recourse options may have stricter terms. |
Ready Capital is a great choice for experienced investors whose needs go beyond conventional banking. If your project involves a renovation or quick purchase, Ready Capital provides a robust platform.
Website: Ready Capital Loan Programs
7. Silver Hill Funding
For investors and business owners who don't fit the rigid box of bank underwriting, Silver Hill Funding is a great alternative. As a non-bank, small-balance commercial lender, it offers flexible financing solutions. It's effective for buying or refinancing investment properties like multifamily, mixed-use, and retail.
Silver Hill's main feature is its diverse underwriting. Where banks rely on tax returns, Silver Hill has programs that focus on the property's income. Its DSCR programs and lite-doc options create funding paths for self-employed borrowers or those needing to close fast.
Loan Programs & Key Features
- Loan Types: Full-doc, lite-doc, and no-doc loans; DSCR investor loans.
- Loan Amounts: $100,000 to $2,500,000.
- Terms: Both 5-year ARMs and 30-year fixed-rate options.
- Rate Options: Fixed and variable rates; some products have interest-only periods.
- Documentation: From full-doc to programs with no personal tax returns needed.
Expert Insight: Silver Hill funds deals that banks can’t or won’t. For an investor needing to close in 30 days, a DSCR loan from Silver Hill is often the only option. The higher rate is a trade-off for speed and certainty.
Pros & Cons
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Flexible documentation for diverse borrowers. | Rates are higher than bank or agency loans. |
| Faster closing timelines than banks. | Geographic and property limits may apply. |
| DSCR programs focus on property performance. | Not the best fit for prime borrowers. |
Silver Hill Funding is an excellent choice for borrowers who prioritize speed and flexibility over the lowest interest rate. It's a key resource for investors who need an agile financing partner.
Website: Silver Hill Funding
Top 7 Commercial Real Estate Lenders Comparison
| Provider | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements ⚡ | Expected Outcomes ⭐📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPMorgan Chase Bank (Chase for Business) | 🔄 Moderate — conventional + SBA underwriting, branch/in‑person process | ⚡ Medium — loans from $50k; relationship/deposit expectations possible | ⭐📊 Competitive pricing; up to ~90% LTV (SBA); up to 25y amortization | 💡 Small/mid‑size owner‑occupied CRE borrowers comparing conventional vs SBA | Broad nationwide footprint; compare conventional & SBA inside one bank |
| U.S. Bank | 🔄 Low–Moderate — straightforward bank workflow with clear term guidance | ⚡ Low–Medium — common maturities (5/10/15), owner‑occ up to 80% (90% SBA) | ⭐📊 Predictable outcomes with transparent LTV/term parameters | 💡 Borrowers wanting a clear, branch‑accessible bank process | Transparent online guidance; Diversity Lending program for eligible owners |
| Bank of America | 🔄 Moderate — bank processes plus SBA 7(a)/504/PLP workflows | ⚡ Medium — loans from $25k; SBA 7(a)/504 up to $5M with PLP benefits | ⭐📊 End‑to‑end SBA solutions; PLP speeds; up to 25y amortization | 💡 Small businesses seeking full SBA capabilities and online tools | PLP status, online calculators, Preferred Rewards discounts |
| Live Oak Bank | 🔄 Moderate — SBA‑centric underwriting with PLP decisioning | ⚡ Medium — SBA fees/eligibility apply; industry‑specialist teams | ⭐📊 High certainty on SBA execution; cash‑flow‑oriented amortization | 💡 Owner‑operators needing SBA leverage and sector‑specific underwriting | Market‑leading SBA volume; PLP authority; cash‑flow underwriting |
| Huntington National Bank | 🔄 Moderate — SBA 7(a) processes with regional branch support | ⚡ Medium — SBA documentation and guaranty fees; national reach | ⭐📊 Reliable SBA throughput and higher likelihood of on‑time close | 💡 Borrowers prioritizing proven SBA throughput and regional service | High SBA volume, dedicated SBA teams, regional + national capability |
| Ready Capital | 🔄 Low–Moderate — non‑bank flexibility and faster structuring | ⚡ High speed but often higher cost — bridge, SBL, SBA/USDA channels | ⭐📊 Faster decisions; flexible bridge‑to‑agency paths; transitional focus | 💡 Transitional or value‑add assets needing speed or non‑bank flexibility | Faster execution; multiple product channels under one lender |
| Silver Hill Funding | 🔄 Low — alternative/lite/no‑doc and DSCR loan workflows | ⚡ Low–Medium — small‑balance focus; quicker closes but higher rates | ⭐📊 Rapid closings and flexible credit overlays; higher spreads vs banks | 💡 Investors or small businesses needing reduced documentation or speed | Flexible documentation, DSCR/multifamily programs, quicker closings |
Making Your Final Decision: Partnering for Success
Selecting the right financial partner is a critical step. This article has detailed some of the best commercial real estate lenders, from giants like Chase to specialists like Live Oak Bank. Each serves different borrower profiles. The challenge is aligning their strengths with your needs. A mistake can mean bad terms or a rejection.
Key Takeaways for Your Lending Journey
Keep these principles in mind. The ideal lender is a partner in your success.
- Project-Lender Alignment is Crucial: Your project dictates your ideal lender. A stable, owner-occupied property fits a traditional bank like U.S. Bank. A value-add project needs a non-bank lender like Ready Capital.
- Specialty Lenders Offer Unique Advantages: An SBA loan from a Preferred Lender like Live Oak Bank can provide superior terms, like lower down payments.
- Preparation is Your Greatest Asset: Your documentation must be flawless. This includes financial statements, a business plan, and a clean credit history. A good loan package improves your approval odds.
Expert Insight: Don't apply to only one or two lenders. Limiting options loses you the competitive advantage of having multiple institutions compete for your business, which is how you get the best rates.
Actionable Next Steps: From Research to Results
- Define Your "Non-Negotiables": List your priorities. Is it the lowest rate, max LTV, or a fast closing? This helps you filter lenders.
- Organize Your Financial "Story": Assemble a loan package that tells a convincing story of why your project is a sound investment.
- Explore the Broker Advantage: A commercial finance broker can manage the application process with multiple lenders for you.
After securing financing, efficient property management is key. Consider using the best property management apps to manage your investment effectively.
Navigating commercial real estate financing is complex. FSE - Funding Solution Experts acts as your financing partner, leveraging a network of over 50 lenders to find the perfect solution for your project. Let our experts handle the complexities so you can focus on growing your business.