Economy in Review

Knoxville, Tennessee has a diverse economy with a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and education industries. The city has experienced steady job growth over the past few years, with the unemployment rate remaining below the national average. The cost of living in Knoxville is also lower than the national average, making it an attractive location for businesses and residents alike.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employers in Knoxville are in the healthcare and education sectors. The University of Tennessee and Covenant Health are among the top employers in the city. Additionally, Knoxville has a growing technology sector with companies such as Scripps Networks Interactive and Radio Systems Corporation headquartered in the area.

Multifamily Market

The multifamily market in Knoxville has remained strong over the past few years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the vacancy rate for rental units in Knoxville is below the national average. The demand for rental units has been driven by a growing population and job market. Developers have responded to this demand by building new apartment complexes throughout the city.

Office Market

The office market in Knoxville has also experienced growth in recent years. The city has seen an increase in demand for office space from both local and national businesses. According to a report by CBRE, the vacancy rate for office space in Knoxville is below the national average. This has led to an increase in new construction projects, particularly in downtown Knoxville.

Industrial Market

The industrial market in Knoxville is driven by manufacturing and distribution industries. The city has a strong transportation infrastructure with access to major highways and rail lines. This has made Knoxville an attractive location for companies looking to distribute their products throughout the Southeast region. According to a report by Cushman & Wakefield, the vacancy rate for industrial space in Knoxville is below the national average.

Retail Market

The retail market in Knoxville has remained stable over the past few years. The city has a mix of national and local retailers, with shopping centers located throughout the area. According to a report by Colliers International, the vacancy rate for retail space in Knoxville is slightly above the national average. However, the city has seen an increase in new construction projects, particularly in the West Knoxville area.

Self-Storage Market

The self-storage market in Knoxville has experienced growth in recent years. The demand for storage units has been driven by a growing population and an increase in new construction projects. According to a report by Marcus & Millichap, the vacancy rate for self-storage units in Knoxville is below the national average. Developers have responded to this demand by building new storage facilities throughout the city.

Hospitality Market

The hospitality market in Knoxville is driven by tourism and business travel. The city has a mix of national and local hotels, with many located near popular attractions such as the University of Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. According to a report by STR, the occupancy rate for hotels in Knoxville is above the national average. This has led to an increase in new hotel construction projects throughout the city.

Commercial Real Estate Loans by Purpose

There are many types of loans available for commercial properties in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville

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 Knoxville. 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 Knoxville

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 Knoxville. Click to get a free insurance quote for your property — no obligation.