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SBA 7(a) vs Conventional Loan

Low down and long amortization, or fewer strings and faster.

For owner-occupied commercial real estate or a business acquisition, the trade-off is leverage versus speed. An SBA 7(a) loan is government-backed, so it allows a low down payment and a long amortization, but it asks for more paperwork and takes longer. A conventional commercial loan is faster and simpler, but usually wants a larger down payment and comes with a shorter term or a balloon. USAM arranges and places SBA financing through partner lenders.

SBA 7(a)
Government-backed, low down
Conventional CRE
Faster, fewer strings
Down payment
Often around 10%
Typically 20% to 30%
Use of funds
Owner-occupied RE, acquisition, working capital
General commercial financing
Amortization
Up to 25 years
Often 5 to 10 years, may balloon
Backing
SBA-guaranteed portion
Bank holds the full risk
Process
More documentation, longer
Faster, more straightforward
Best for
Cash-preserving owner-occupiers
Strong files wanting speed
Bottom line

If preserving cash with a low down payment and a long amortization matters most, an SBA 7(a) loan is hard to beat for owner-occupied property. If you have the down payment and want a faster, simpler close, a conventional commercial loan may fit better.

Rates and terms shown are typical figures, subject to underwriting and market conditions. Not a commitment to lend.

Free calculatorSBA Loan CalculatorEstimate the payment on government-backed terms.Open

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