Leverage commercial real estate to fund business expansion, equipment purchases, or working capital with asset-based lending solutions.
Small business owners in Arizona face unique challenges when financing commercial real estate. Whether you're looking to purchase your first owner-occupied building, acquire an investment property to diversify your holdings, or need capital for business expansion, traditional financing often moves too slowly or imposes requirements that don't align with how your business actually operates.
At Hard Money Lenders of Phoenix, we provide commercial real estate financing specifically designed for small business owners who need quick access to capital without the bureaucratic delays of conventional lending. Our asset-based approach focuses on the property value and your business potential rather than rigid credit score requirements or years of tax returns.
From retail storefronts in Phoenix's bustling commercial corridors to industrial warehouses in Mesa and office spaces in Scottsdale, we help business owners secure the real estate they need to grow. Our lending team understands that business opportunities don't wait for bank committees to meet, and we've structured our process to deliver approvals and funding in days, not months.
Service Applications
Small business owners utilize hard money commercial financing in several strategic ways that support growth, stability, and wealth building.
Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate
Purchasing the building your business occupies can be one of the smartest long-term investments a business owner makes. Instead of paying rent to a landlord, you build equity while potentially generating additional income from tenant spaces. Our owner-occupied commercial loans help businesses transition from leasing to owning with terms that accommodate the unique cash flow patterns of growing companies.
Business Expansion Capital
When growth opportunities arise, whether it's expanding to a second location, renovating existing space to accommodate more customers, or consolidating operations into a larger facility, timing is everything. Traditional SBA loans can take 60-90 days or longer, causing businesses to miss critical expansion windows. Our fast commercial financing lets you seize opportunities when they present themselves.
Investment Property Acquisition
Savvy business owners often diversify their holdings by acquiring commercial investment properties. These assets provide passive income streams that complement operating business revenue and create long-term wealth. Our investment property loans for business owners feature flexible qualification criteria that recognize your business experience as valuable lending collateral.
Equipment and Working Capital Bridge
While primarily a real estate lender, we understand that business owners sometimes need short-term liquidity for equipment purchases, inventory expansion, or seasonal working capital needs. Cash-out refinancing of existing commercial properties can provide this capital quickly without disrupting operations or waiting for traditional business loan approvals.
Distressed Property Acquisition
Business owners with renovation expertise can acquire undervalued commercial properties at significant discounts. These value-add opportunities often require fast closings and flexible financing that traditional lenders can't provide. Our hard money approach accommodates these strategies with terms that align with renovation timelines and exit planning.
Challenges We Solve
Small business owners seeking commercial real estate financing encounter specific obstacles that make traditional lending relationships frustrating and often unproductive.
Documentation Burden: Traditional commercial lenders require extensive financial documentation including multiple years of tax returns, detailed business financials, personal financial statements, and projections. For newer businesses or those with complex tax situations, this creates significant barriers to approval.
Slow Approval Processes: Conventional commercial loans often take 45-90 days from application to closing. In competitive commercial real estate markets, sellers simply won't wait this long, putting business owners at a severe disadvantage compared to cash buyers.
Personal Credit Dependency: Many small business owners have invested everything into their businesses, which can impact personal credit scores despite thriving operations. Traditional lenders often can't look past credit scores to see the business's actual health and potential.
Rigid Property Requirements: Banks frequently decline loans for properties needing repairs or renovation, even when those improvements would dramatically increase value. This eliminates opportunities for business owners willing to invest sweat equity into improving their commercial real estate.
Our Approach
Our approach to lending to small business owners recognizes that your business success and real estate investment success are interconnected. We structure financing that supports both objectives.
Business-Friendly Qualification: Instead of relying solely on personal credit scores and tax returns, we evaluate your business's actual cash flow, your experience in your industry, and the property's income potential. This holistic approach helps strong businesses secure financing even when traditional metrics suggest otherwise.
Speed as a Priority: We understand that business opportunities have expiration dates. Our streamlined approval process typically delivers decisions within 24-48 hours, allowing you to make competitive offers and close deals that require fast action.
Flexible Property Criteria: We lend on properties that traditional lenders won't touch, including those needing renovation, mixed-use buildings, and unique commercial spaces. If the numbers work and you have a solid plan, we can structure financing that makes the deal happen.
SBA Loan Alternative: While SBA loans offer attractive rates, they come with lengthy processes, extensive paperwork, and strict qualification criteria. Our hard money loans provide an alternative when speed matters more than marginal rate differences, or when SBA requirements exclude your business.
Phoenix Market
The Phoenix metropolitan area offers exceptional opportunities for small business owners seeking commercial real estate. As one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, the Valley continues to attract businesses across industries from technology and healthcare to manufacturing and retail.
Commercial real estate in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, and surrounding communities provides business owners with options ranging from affordable industrial space to high-end retail locations. The region's business-friendly environment, reasonable cost of living, and growing population create favorable conditions for commercial property investment. Whether you're establishing your first location or expanding an existing business throughout our service area, our lending team understands the local commercial landscape and can help you evaluate opportunities.
How does hard money differ from an SBA loan for commercial real estate?
SBA loans offer lower interest rates but require extensive documentation, take 60-90+ days to close, and have strict qualification requirements. Hard money loans close in 7-14 days with minimal documentation, making them ideal when speed matters or when SBA requirements disqualify your business. Many business owners use hard money for acquisition, then refinance into SBA loans once they have time to complete that process.
What types of commercial properties do you finance for business owners?
We finance retail stores, office buildings, industrial warehouses, mixed-use properties, restaurants, automotive properties, and specialty commercial buildings. We work with both stabilized properties and those needing renovation, provided the business plan and numbers support the investment.
Can I get a loan if my business is relatively new?
Yes, we work with newer businesses, though terms may vary based on your experience in the industry and the strength of your business plan. If you"ve previously owned similar businesses or have extensive industry experience, we're often able to structure financing even for startups. The property itself and your demonstrated expertise carry significant weight in our underwriting.
How much down payment is required for commercial property?
We typically finance up to 70-75% of the property value or purchase price, meaning you'll need 25-30% down plus closing costs. For owner-occupied properties with strong business cash flow, we may be able to offer slightly better terms. For investment properties or those needing significant renovation, expect to contribute 30-35% of total project costs.
Can I use hard money to renovate a property for my business?
Absolutely. We regularly finance renovation projects for business owners improving properties for their own use. These loans can cover both acquisition and renovation costs, with funds released in draws as work is completed. This allows you to transform outdated spaces into modern facilities that serve your business needs.
Financing solutions for Small Business Owners.
Share your goals and timeline. We will help map a financing route with clear decision points.