Transaction Description:

George Smith Partners secured financing for twelve acres of raw land located in the Western U.S. Our Sponsor plans to get a variance for this land to build out five, forty-unit multi-family buildings, with shared open air common areas and a pad for a restaurant. This financing was especially challenging due to the land being unentitled, without water, the location, low loan amount, and lenders being more restricted due to COVID.

Due to GSP’s vast networks and strong relationships, we were able to secure attractive financing for this Project. GSP arranged a 55% loan to purchase at 9.25% interest only, with a 24-month term and 12-month extension option. GSP’s ability to secure this financing in just 10 business days allowed the Sponsor to renegotiate the purchase price and get a hefty discount.

Most land lenders are restricted to 40%-50% leverage. This high-leverage financing structure allows our Sponsor to start pre-development, including entitlements and pulling permits. The extension option gives flexibility to the Sponsor should they face delays in getting to entitlement due to COVID effects. There’s additional flexibility because there is no prepayment penalty. Per our long-standing relationship with the capital provider, we were able to close this transaction in 14 days from receiving the request.

Blended Rate: 8%
Term: 24-month, plus a one 12-month extension option
Loan-to-purchase: 55%
Prepayment Penalty: 6 months minimum interest