How to Finance Commercial Real Estate
A step-by-step overview of the commercial real estate financing process — from defining your transaction to closing the right capital solution.
Securing financing for a commercial property is rarely as simple as walking into a bank and applying for a loan. The commercial real estate finance market is fragmented across dozens of lender types — each with its own risk appetite, pricing model, and underwriting requirements. Navigating this landscape efficiently requires a structured approach and access to the right relationships.
At Shulem Capital, we act as your capital advisor and advocate throughout the entire financing process. Our role is to understand your transaction, match it with the most competitive capital sources, and manage the deal from initial engagement through closing. The guide below outlines how that process works and what to expect at each stage.
Define Your Transaction
Start by identifying your capital need — acquisition, refinance, construction, or bridge. The clearer your transaction parameters (property type, loan amount, hold period, current NOI), the more precisely we can target the right lenders.
Analyze the Market
We evaluate current market conditions — rate environment, lender appetite by asset class, and spread trends — to determine which capital sources are most competitive for your specific transaction at this moment in the cycle.
Structure the Financing
Based on your objectives, we design a financing strategy: fixed vs. floating, leverage level, term, amortization, prepayment structure, and whether a single loan or a layered capital stack is most appropriate.
Source and Close
We present your transaction to multiple lenders simultaneously, negotiate terms, and manage the process from term sheet through closing — coordinating due diligence, appraisal, legal, and underwriting to keep your deal on time.
Common Questions from Borrowers
What types of properties can Shulem Capital finance?
We arrange financing across all major commercial property types — including multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, and specialty assets such as self-storage, medical office, and affordable housing. We also have particular expertise in complex mixed-use and specialty facilities — properties where a community facility, religious institution, or nonprofit component sits in tandem with residential or commercial space. Where traditional banks see underwriting hurdles, we see a clear structural path.
What loan sizes does Shulem Capital typically handle?
We structure loans ranging from $3 million to $150 million and beyond. Our lender relationships span community banks, agency lenders (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac), CMBS conduits, life insurance companies, debt funds, and private capital sources — giving us access to capital across the entire loan-size spectrum.
How long does the financing process take?
Timeline depends on the loan type and complexity. Bridge loans can close in 30 to 45 days, agency and CMBS loans typically take 60 to 90 days, and HUD/FHA loans require 120 to 180 days. We provide a detailed timeline at the outset and manage every milestone.
Does Shulem Capital charge upfront fees?
We do not charge application or engagement fees. Our compensation is success-based — we are paid at closing when your financing is successfully placed. This ensures our interests are fully aligned with yours.
YOUR NEXT TRANSACTION DESERVES INSTITUTIONAL EXECUTION.
Whether you're acquiring, constructing, refinancing, or restructuring — we're ready to engineer the capital solution your deal requires.
Contact Shulem Capital
