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$7,300,000 Acquisition Financing 5 Day Close of 48 Unit Apartment Building in the Koreatown Neighborhood of Los Angeles

Blended Rate: 8.24%
Term: 12 months
Amortization: Interest Only
LTV: 84%
Prepayment Penalty: None
Guarantee: Non-Recourse

George Smith Partners successfully arranged the acquisition financing of a 48 unit multifamily building located in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. The Borrower needed a quick close loan to win the acquisition and also needed as much leverage as possible. With numerous tenants paying severely under market rent, the borrower’s business plan was to buy these tenants out and release the units at market rent. GSP ultimately worked with a senior lender and a mezzanine lender to maximize proceeds, while still closing the loan in time for the acquisition. GSP was able to push proceeds on the deal to 84% of the purchase price. The non-recourse loan has a 12 month term and a fixed blended interest rate of 8.24%. GSP additionally worked with the Lender to remove any prepayment penalty, This gave the Borrower the flexibility to refinance with permanent financing should he execute his business plan early. This is increasingly important in a rising interest rate environment.

Related Financings

  • $3,925,000 Non-Recourse 21-Unit Multifamily Acquisition Financing; Los Angeles, CA

    January 18, 2022

    Transaction Description:

    George Smith Partners sourced a $3,925,000 loan for the acquisition of a 21-unit property in West Los Angeles. The loan provided 65% leverage and is fixed at a rate of 3.15% for 3 years. The Lender gave the Borrower full credit for newly signed leases and was able to underwrite to the most recent month’s income. Net operating income was underwritten at the actual note rate, which resulted in higher proceeds compared to other lenders. The Property had some deferred maintenance, but the Lender was willing to have the Borrowers complete it after closing. The 3-year declining prepay fit with the Borrower’s value-add business plan.

    Rate: 3.15%
    Term: 10 years
    Amortization: 3 years Interest Only followed by 30-year amortization
    Prepayment Penalty: 3,2,1,0%
    Guaranty: Non-Recourse

  • $10,900,000 Cash-Out, Acquisition, Reposition on a 50-Unit Multifamily Property; Los Angeles, CA

    February 12, 2020

    Transaction Description:

    George Smith Partners placed a $10,900,000 non-recourse loan for the refinance of an underperforming stabilized 50-unit multifamily community in Los Angeles. The Sponsor recently acquired the asset at approximately 50% below market from an affiliate party and GSP was able to facilitate approximately $3,000,000in cash out proceeds at closing. A portion of the loan proceeds will be used to renovate units as they become vacant in order to achieve current market rents. GSP identified a non-institutional lender who was comfortable with the cash out proceeds and who understood the history and dynamics of this non-arms-length acquisition. The non-recourse loan is fixed for 1.5 years with a 7.99% interest rate and 4.99% pay rate.

    Rate: 7.99% with 4.99% pay rate
    Term: 18 months
    LTV: 70%
    Recourse: Carve-Outs Only
    Fees: 1.0%
    Prepayment: None; no exit fee

  • High Leverage Custom Program for Quick Close Bridge Financing of Multi-Family Buildings; Los Angeles, CA

    November 6, 2019

    Transaction Description:

    George Smith Partners arranged acquisition bridge financing for a value-add, multi-family property in Los Angeles, California. One of our more experienced multi-family owner/operators has become experienced in sourcing opportunities to quickly close on troubled multi-family properties. His ability to act quickly often allows him to become the chosen Buyer, purchasing these Properties at a large discount.

    GSP worked with a local REIT to develop a program that includes a first and second mortgage of up to 85% of acquisition price. The loan is designed to provide the same surety of close as an all-cash buyer, with no appraisal needed and the ability to close as fast as 5 business days. The loan is non-recourse and has no prepayment penalty.

    These loans are cheaper and easier than equity partners and allow the Sponsor to take advantage of smaller opportunities using very little cash. With less than $400,000 of equity, the Sponsor was able to purchase a $2,015,000 building. At close the Subject Property was worth close to $2,500,000, allowing the Sponsor to quickly flip the Property. This is the third time GSP has used this custom created loan program to procure financing for our client.

    Blended Rate: 8.00%
    Loan to Purchase Price: Up to 85% (83% on this transaction)
    Term: 12 Months
    Guaranty: Non-Recourse

  • $4,700,000, 75% LTC Loan-to-Cost Financing Fixed for the Acquisition/Reposition of a Rent Controlled Apartment Building in Los Angeles

    May 15, 2019

    George Smith Partners arranged the $4,700,000 non-recourse first mortgage for the acquisition and reposition of a value-add multifamily asset located within a rent controlled market of Los Angeles. The national balance sheet lender provided a non-recourse loan up to 75% of total project cost which includes $1,925,000 of capital expenditures for property improvements and 100% of the tenant buy-out expenses. Interest on future proceeds is not incurred until funds are drawn. A short spread maintenance schedule provides maximum flexibility to allow the Borrower to quickly execute its value-add strategy, prior to taking out financing with permanent debt or a sale. Cash flow is maximized as the loan is interest only during the initial three-year term and priced at 4.15% over 30-Day LIBOR. Due to low going-in cash flow, the Lender structured an interest reserve to cover debt service during the reposition period.

    Rate: L + 4.15%
    Term: 36 month initial term; Two 1- Year Extensions
    Amortization: Interest Only
    Max Loan to Cost: 75%
    Lender Fee: 1.0%
    Exit Fee: 1.0%
    Guaranty: Non-Recourse

  • $13,130,000 Acquisition and Reposition Financing with Low 3% Going-In Debt Yield on Two Multifamily Properties in the San Fernando Valley, California

    October 17, 2018

    Transaction Description:

    GSP arranged the $13,130,000 first mortgage on two 1960’s vintage multifamily assets in the San Fernando Valley. The National Balance Sheet Lender provided a non-recourse loan at 75% of total project cost including 100% of future CapEx funds to complete an extensive interior and exterior renovation of $45,500 per unit. Interest expense is not incurred on CapEx funds until drawn. The 30-Day LIBOR plus 3.20% coupon requires interest rate risk protection throughout the term, and in order to minimize associated sponsor cost the Lender structured the initial term as two years, with three, one-year extensions and no hurdles or fees for the first extension. Due to low going-in cash flow, the Lender structured an interest reserve to cover debt service during the peak reposition period.

    Rate: 30-Day LIBOR + 3.20%
    Term: Two years plus three 12-month extensions
    Amortization: 36 months interest only
    Max Loan to Cost: 75%
    Guarantee: Non-recourse
    Lender Fee: 1.00%

  • $28,700,000 Boise Bridge Non-Recourse Acquisition Loan to 73% of Cost @ LIBOR+300

    October 10, 2018

    Transaction Description:

    George Smith Partners secured $28,700,000 in proceeds for the acquisition of a 254-unit multifamily property in Boise, Idaho. While near full occupancy at close, the Property has dated interiors and common areas, as well as some deferred maintenance. A capital budget was drafted by our Sponsor for unit upgrades at lease-turn as well as common area improvements. Proceeds are structured with $25,500,000 for the initial funding plus an additional $3,200,000 for capital improvements. Floating at 30 day LIBOR plus 3.0%, the two-year term will be paid current, monthly out of cash flow and does not carry a pre-payment penalty. An earn-out for an additional $2,300,000 was structured once the Subject Property achieves an 8.5% debt yield.

    Challenges and Solutions:

    The Sponsor was in a 1031 exchange and needed to close quickly as their exchange provided a narrow window to close. While the going in cap rate provided meaningful yield Day 1, GSP focused their marketing efforts on the Sponsor’s proven track record to execute on their previous deals.

    Several capital providers passed on the deal due to the fact Boise is not a top MSA by population, even though it was recently named as America’s fastest growing city by Forbes Magazine. Certainty of execution was required for this short acquisition escrow, and the need to identify a capital provider knowledgeable with the Boise market was paramount in avoiding educational “ramp-up” delays so that escrow would fund timely.

    GSP vetted this location and confirmed market knowledge with loan decision makers prior to the issuance of an application. The loan closed within 40 days of GSP’s engagement on the deal.

    Rate: LIBOR +300
    Term: 24 months
    Amortization: Interest Only
    LTC: 73%
    Debt Yield at Close: 6.3%
    Origination Fees: 1.0%