Qualification guide

Commercial Loan Requirements

Wondering whether you qualify for a commercial loan? Below is what lenders actually look at — and remember that guidelines are a starting point, not a wall. As a broker, CDL Mortgage works with lenders whose overlays differ, so a “no” from one bank is often a “yes” somewhere else.

Commercial real estate financing in California, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Idaho for multifamily, mixed-use, retail, office, and owner-occupied business properties. CDL Mortgage connects investors and business owners with competitive commercial lending programs.

What lenders look at for a commercial loan

  • Credit score — each program has a minimum score, and stronger credit improves both approval odds and pricing.

  • Income & employment — lenders verify stable, documentable income; self-employed borrowers have flexible-doc options.

  • Down payment / equity — requirements vary by program, from 0% down (VA, USDA) up to 20–25% for investor loans.

  • Debt-to-income ratio — your total monthly debts vs. gross income; most programs want this under roughly 43–50%.

  • Property standards — the home must meet the commercial loan program’s appraisal and condition guidelines.

  • Reserves — some programs want a few months of payments in savings after closing, especially for larger loans.

Requirements

Commercial Loans requirements at a glance

Property type
Multifamily, retail, office, industrial, mixed-use
DSCR
Generally 1.20+
Down payment
Commonly 20–35%
Terms
Often 5–10 year terms with longer amortization

General guidelines — final qualification depends on the lender, property, and your full financial profile.

Questions

Commercial Loans FAQs

What property types qualify for commercial loans?

Multifamily (5+ units), mixed-use, retail, office, industrial, self-storage, and owner-occupied business properties. We’ll match your property type with the right lender program.

What down payment do commercial loans require?

Typically 20-30% down depending on property type, cash flow, and borrower strength. Owner-occupied commercial properties may qualify for lower down payments through SBA-adjacent programs.

How are commercial loans qualified?

Primarily on the property’s net operating income and debt service coverage, plus borrower credit and experience. Full personal income documentation is often not the deciding factor.

What terms are available on commercial mortgages?

Common structures include 5-, 7-, and 10-year fixed periods with 25-30 year amortization, plus bridge and interest-only options for value-add projects.

About Us

Who is CDL Mortgage?

CDL Mortgage Services Inc. is an independent, full-service mortgage company. Instead of pushing one bank’s products, we shop multiple wholesale lenders to secure the best loan at the best rate for every borrower.

Full-Service Mortgage Company

Purchase, refinance, and home equity — all under one roof, focused on the best loans at the best rates.

Headquartered in Rocklin, CA

Based at 6524 Lonetree Blvd, Rocklin, CA 95765 and licensed in California, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma & Idaho.

Real Loan Officers, Not Call Centers

Every file is handled start-to-finish by a licensed loan officer who knows your name and your goals.

NMLS #132263 · Equal Housing Lender

Fully licensed and regulated, with award-winning lender partnerships and 35+ years serving borrowers.