Economy in Review

Fresno, California is a city with a diverse economy that has been steadily growing over the past few years. The city's economy is driven by agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Fresno was slightly higher than the national average at the end of 2020. However, the city has seen job growth in recent years and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on Fresno's economy, but the city has shown resilience and has been able to adapt to the changing circumstances. The city's economy is expected to recover as businesses reopen and people return to work.

Multifamily Market

The multifamily market in Fresno has been strong in recent years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the vacancy rate for rental units in Fresno was lower than the national average at the end of 2020. The demand for rental units has been driven by a growing population and an increase in job opportunities. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Fresno is slightly lower than the national average.

Office Market

The office market in Fresno has been stable in recent years. The city has seen some new office construction, but most of the office space is older and may require renovations or upgrades. The vacancy rate for office space in Fresno was slightly higher than the national average at the end of 2020. However, there are opportunities for businesses looking for affordable office space.

Industrial Market

The industrial market in Fresno has been strong in recent years. The city's location makes it an ideal location for distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. The vacancy rate for industrial space in Fresno was lower than the national average at the end of 2020. The demand for industrial space is expected to continue to grow as e-commerce continues to expand.

Retail Market

The retail market in Fresno has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many retailers have closed their doors, and the vacancy rate for retail space in Fresno was higher than the national average at the end of 2020. However, there are opportunities for businesses looking for affordable retail space. The city has a diverse retail market, with both large shopping centers and small local businesses.

Self-Storage Market

The self-storage market in Fresno has been strong in recent years. The demand for self-storage units has been driven by a growing population and an increase in job opportunities. The vacancy rate for self-storage units in Fresno was lower than the national average at the end of 2020. The average rent for a 10x10 unit in Fresno is slightly lower than the national average.

Hospitality Market

The hospitality market in Fresno has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city's hotels have seen a decrease in occupancy rates, and many have had to close their doors temporarily. However, there are opportunities for investors looking to purchase distressed hotel properties. The city's location makes it an ideal location for tourism, and the hospitality market is expected to recover as travel restrictions are lifted.

Commercial Real Estate Loans by Purpose

There are many types of loans available for commercial properties in Fresno, and the best fit for you depends on your investment strategy. Here are some broad categories of financing available.

Permanent Financing

Permanent financing is a type of loan that remains in place for an extended period of time. It's commonly used to finance the acquisition of commercial properties or to refinance existing debt. Types of permanent financing include bank loans, loans from government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, HUD loans, credit union loans, loans from life insurance companies, commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) loans, and other types of loans depending on the specifics of the commercial property.

Refinancing a Commercial Real Estate Property in Fresno

I wouldn't quite call this a separate type of loan, but I have to mention refinancing in here. These are typically permanent loans (but not always) used to pay down an existing, partially amortizing or interest-only loan.

Often you may be able to time a refinance to happen after an interest rate drop — an ideal solution — but if your loan is maturing during a period of higher rates, you shouldn't stress too much about this. We'll work with you to find the best loan terms for your commercial property by reaching out to potentially thousands of lenders. Just complete the form below, and we'll get to it.

Construction Financing

Construction financing, also known as interim financing, is used to finance the cost of construction for commercial properties. It is usually a short-term loan that covers the cost of land development and building construction. Once construction is completed, the borrower can typically convert this into a permanent loan or pay it off with a new loan.

Bridge Loans

Bridge loans are a type of short-term loan that can be used to cover costs in the interim period between the end of one loan and the beginning of another. They are typically used in commercial real estate to finance the transition between construction financing and permanent financing. Bridge loans generally have higher costs than most other financing options and are often interest-only and non-recourse.

Commercial Real Estate Loans by Type

Depending on the purpose of your loan, you will have several financing options available to meet your investment goals. Read below to learn more about specific loan types.

Bank Loans

Bank loans are a common financing option for commercial real estate in Fresno. They can offer competitive interest rates and flexible terms, but the specifics can vary greatly from bank to bank. While they may not always be the best fit for larger, more complex projects, they can be an excellent option for smaller, simpler properties.

Life Company Loans

Life company loans are typically used to finance high-quality assets in major markets. They generally have lower loan-to-value ratios than most other loan types but offer competitive interest rates and long terms. However, they may not be suitable for riskier projects or properties in less established markets.

Agency Loans

Agency loans, offered by government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are typically used for properties that are mostly multifamily. They offer attractive loan terms, low, fixed interest rates, and are non-recourse. However, there are restrictions on the amount of income that can come from other commercial uses.

HUD Loans

HUD multifamily loans are government-backed loans that are primarily used for the construction, substantial rehabilitation, purchase, and refinancing of multifamily properties. These loans offer long-term, non-recourse financing with competitive interest rates but have extensive requirements for qualification.

CMBS Loans

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) loans are a type of mortgage-backed security backed by commercial real estate loans. Lenders focus more on the strength of the property than the borrower's credit, making them a good option for properties with strong cash flow.

SBA Loans

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, such as the SBA 7(a) and SBA 504, offer attractive financing options for small businesses. However, the maximum amount for an SBA 7(a) loan is $5 million, while SBA 504 loans can go up to $20 million. They cannot be used for multifamily properties and are only available for properties that the business owner occupies.

Mezzanine Loans

Mezzanine financing is a hybrid form of financing that combines elements of debt financing and equity investment. It is typically used in commercial real estate to fill a funding gap between the primary loan and the total cost of a project.

Commercial Property Insurance in Fresno

This part isn't about loans, but it's just as important to your investment's success. Let's talk (quickly) about insurance.

Insurance premiums have skyrocketed in the past few years, as I'm sure you know. While multifamily gets a lot of the attention, rates for insuring anything from office buildings to shopping centers have jumped significantly.

Janover Insurance Group is dedicated to finding the best insurance solutions for your commercial real estate assets in Fresno. Click to get a free insurance quote for your property — no obligation.