Transaction Overview
George Smith Partners arranged acquisition bridge financing for a value-add multifamily property in the West Adams submarket of Los Angeles. The 10 unit 1970s vintage property was being delivered vacant and with significant deferred maintenance. The Sponsor’s business plan was to optimize the unit mix by reconfiguring the mostly two-bedroom one-bathroom units into a majority two-bedroom two-bath units. This would maximize square footage by enclosing the tuck under parking, which also eliminates the need for a soft story retrofit. Sized to 70% of total project cost, the loan includes 100% of future funding for a full gut renovation of unit interiors and an exterior upgrade. The two year bridge loan is interest only and floats at Prime plus 0.5% (5.75% today) with no prepayment penalty. Interest is not charged on the holdback until funds are drawn. Although the Lender’s appraisal came in weak and could have resulted in lower loan proceeds, GSP was able to work with the Lender to demonstrate the strength of market sales and rent comps to preserve the loan amount agreed to in the term sheet. The Lender fee was negotiated down to 0.5%.
