Rate: 7.99%
Term: 1 Year with a 1 Year Extension
Amortization: Interest Only
Guaranty: Non-Recourse
Prepayment Penalty: None

Transaction Description:
George Smith Partners successfully placed a $13,740,000 acquisition bridge loan to acquire two land parcels and refinance three adjacent land parcels for a large mixed use hotel and condo development site in the heart of the Koreatown district of Los Angeles. With the final components of the land assemblage completed, the $200,000,000 mixed used development project is scheduled to break ground in March of 2018. Our Sponsor’s initial business plan was to build the mixed use project on three parcels of land previously held in his portfolio. The opportunity to acquire two adjacent parcels will allow him to double the total buildable square footage of the project. Fixed for 12 months, the non-recourse loan does not carry any prepayment penalty and closed in 5 days.

Challenges:
It was crucial to identify a lender who could close quickly, provide leverage, and waive any prepayment penalty. Due to the upcoming March 2018 groundbreaking, existing tenants on the current 3 parcel assemblage were all on short term leases with discounted rents. As a result, in place cash flow had been compressed and limited the ability for institutional lenders to get comfortable with the property and provide meaningful proceeds. Additionally, a fast close was necessary to take advantage of a seller discount.

Solution:
GSP identified an unconventional lender who focused on the future value of the five parcel assemblage and shovel ready development site rather than the current value based on in-place NOI. This capital provider closed the loan in 5 days, allowing the Sponsor to achieve a significant discount on the purchase price. The capital provider also waived all prepayment penalties, assuring the Sponsor would preserve significant capital once the subsequent construction loan is placed within the next few months.

Rate: 4.2%
Term: 10 year fixed rate loan
Amortization: 25 years
LTV: 69%
Prepayment: None
Guarantee: Recourse

Transaction Description:
George Smith Partners secured $9,730,000 acquisition financing for a 56,747 square foot shadow anchored retail center that was 70% occupied at the close of escrow. Shadow anchored by Home Depot and Fry’s Food & Drug, the 14-tenant shopping center is located in a Southwestern MSA. Fixed at 4.2% for ten years, the loan amortizes over 25 years and does not carry a prepayment penalty.

Challenges:
During due diligence, a tenant representing 27% of the net rentable area terminated their lease bringing occupancy to 70%. Our Sponsors required a permanent loan execution and would not consider a bridge to perm option.

Solutions:
GSP identified a lending source who was knowledgeable about the strength of this sub-market and comfortable with 30% vacancy. They identified the upside potential and rental opportunities in the local market. Our Sponsor’s considerable investment track record and financial strength further solidified the loan strength and allowed for a permanent loan instead of a bridge loan.