Owner-Occupied CRE Financing
The Playbook for Financing Your Building
Practical, jargon-free guides to financing the building your business operates from, centered on the SBA 7(a) program. Built for business owners, not bankers.
$5M
Max Financing
25 Yr
Terms Up To
0-10%
Down Payment
The Basics
What Is Owner-Occupied CRE Financing?
When your business operates from a commercial property that you also own, that's owner-occupied commercial real estate. Financing these properties comes with unique advantages that standard investment loans simply don't offer.
Lower Down Payments
SBA programs can reduce your down payment to as little as 10%, sometimes even zero, compared to 20-30% on conventional commercial loans.
Longer Terms
Up to 25-year fully amortizing terms. Lower payments, no balloon surprises.
Government-Backed
SBA and USDA guarantees reduce lender risk, helping your business qualify.
Build Equity
Every payment builds ownership in a tangible asset rather than enriching a landlord.
Programs
Loan Programs Explained
Each financing program has unique strengths. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right fit for your project.
For rural locations
USDA B&I Loans
Government-guaranteed financing for businesses outside major metro areas. Generous terms and higher loan limits than most realize, if your property sits in an eligible rural area.
Not sure which fits?
Compare all three programs side-by-side in the table below.
| Feature | SBA 7(a) | SBA 504 | USDA B&I |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Loan Amount | $5 million | $5 million CDC debenture | $25 million |
| Down Payment | 0-10% (varies by scenario) | 10-20% | 10-20% |
| Interest Rate | Variable (Prime + spread) | Fixed (CDC portion) | Varies |
| Term | Up to 25 years | 20 or 25 years | Up to 30 years (RE) |
| Guarantee | 75-85% SBA guarantee | 40% CDC/SBA debenture | 60-80% USDA guarantee |
| Best For | Owner-occupied real estate, plus equipment and working capital | Large fixed-asset projects; lowest fixed rates | Rural locations; larger projects |
Who It's For
Built for People Like You
Whether you're buying your first commercial building or refinancing an existing one, we've got the resources to help.
Browse all guidesBusiness Owners Buying Their Building
Stop paying rent and build equity in your own commercial space.
Professionals Expanding
Dentists, veterinarians, attorneys, and medical practices growing into space they own.
Owners Refinancing Their Property
Replacing a balloon or a high-rate commercial mortgage on a building you already own.
Owners Building or Renovating
Constructing a new facility or improving an existing one for your own business to occupy.
Getting Started
How It Works
From first research to closing day, here is the path most business owners follow.
Learn
Explore our guides and calculators to understand which loan program fits your situation. No account or sign-up required.
Start hereApply
Work with a lender who specializes in owner-occupied financing. Know exactly what to expect in the application process.
Read the guideClose
Move into your building with confidence. Understand your terms, your payments, and your path forward.
Run the numbersMade for Business Owners, Not Bankers
FinanceCRE gives business owners clear, practical information to make confident decisions about financing the building they operate from, before they ever sit down with a lender.
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