Transaction Overview
George Smith Partners secured $65,410,000 in proceeds for the acquisition of a 232-unit multifamily property in San Bernardino County. The bridge loan is structured as $63,020,000 at close and $2,390,000 in future funding. The fully-funded proceeds represent 75% LTC. The loan floats at a rate of 30-Day SOFR + 3.20% with a 0.35% floor on SOFR.
GSP discussed the transaction with over 40 different capital providers and received a wide range of feedback. Many lenders declined due to the Property being constructed in the 1970s. Other lenders provided quotes but were limited to a maximum of 70% LTC ($60,800,000). Several quotes had pricing of SOFR + 4.0%.
GSP was able to source a lender that provided 75% LTC with pricing of SOFR + 3.20%, which is well below market. The Lender underwrote to an exit debt yield of only 6.0%, resulting in maximum proceeds. There was no required interest reserve or any type of cash management during the initial loan term. The spread of 3.20% over SOFR was maintained despite many other lenders widening their spreads while the loan was in app. The loan closed with no changes to the original term sheet.
Another challenge facing floating rate bridge loans is the requirement to purchase a cap. Until several months ago, the cost of a cap was negligible. However, the expense has become exorbitant due to the current volatility in interest rates. GSP was able to lower the up-front cap cost by reducing the period of the cap from 3 years down to 2 and increasing the rate at which the cap is triggered (strike price).
