Transaction Overview
George Smith Partners arranged $5,500,000 in acquisition proceeds on a 15,122 square foot Los Angeles office building. Floating at Prime + 0.5%, the 3 year loan is interest only for 18 months before amortizing over 25 years for the balance of the term. Sized to 65% of the purchase price, there is no prepayment penalty for this loan.
Challenges: Despite the prime location, the subject had somewhat aged interiors and exteriors and was just 70% occupied when our Sponsor executed the purchase contract. The income was below break-even debt coverage on the proposed loan. Most of the in-place tenants were paying well below market rent. One tenant was under a month to month lease and several others were facing lease roll in the next six months. On-site property management was charging an above market rate. Actual historical cash flow was well below potential.
Solution: GSP researched comparable rent and competitive operating data that proved out our Sponsor’s pro forma rents and business plan. Our Sponsor’s considerable success adding value to similar office properties over the past several years supported the business plan for the loan request. An aggressive lease campaign was initiated during due diligence, securing letters of intent from multiple tenants that would bring occupancy to 95%. A small debt service reserve was structured until the tenants took occupancy to cover all operating loss and mortgage expenses in the short interim.
