Category Archives: Hospitality

Creative Financing for Purchase of Fairfield Inn

Our clients had their eyes on a North Texas Fairfield Inn. The sellers no longer wanted to operate this property as they had moved on to other ventures. They were insistent on a very tight timeline to sell.

The clients came to GRP Capital with good information on the property, very strong prior ownership and management experience, but with this tight timeline. They looked to GRP Capital to match them with a lender and to close before the sellers’ deadline.

Our GRP Capital team worked quickly to find a solution. We investigated all types of loan structures from conventional to SBA. Ultimately, the clients and GRP Capital settled on a two part pari passu loan, consisting of partial SBA financing. This loan met the needs of the clients’ leverage and fit into their business plan. A pari passu loan has components of the debt and each part is on equal footing to the other. That means that no loan is subordinate to one another.

Rick Patel, President of GRP Capital remarked, “I was very happy to see our clients take possession of this Fairfield Inn. It took some extra hard work and creativity to structure this loan. As a result, both the clients and the lender are satisfied with the outcome. The new loan has an SBA guaranteed component. And most importantly, we were able to close the loan pretty fast, keeping both the buyers and the sellers satisfied. We are still very confident in the abilities of our experienced hospitality owners to successfully manage newly acquired properties. That being said, we often have to provide guidance to lenders, helping them to see our client’s vision and to collaborate on a loan structure that will be approved by the leadership of the lender.”

Having a large lender network allowed GRP Capital to find an appropriate lender and close the loan as quickly as possible.

What Do you Need to Close a Loan Quickly?

The right type of project. Refinancing loans can typically close more quickly than construction loans. Purchasing an existing business with a track record makes underwriting easier and hopefully faster. This loan was for the purchase of an existing hotel with clear, reliable statistics about previous performance. Thus, a fast closing was a doable proposition. 

Type of loan matters, too. A fast closing can be possible for a bridge loan. However, SBA loans can sometimes take longer to underwrite. Understand that lenders and agencies’ timelines may lead the process. 

Good Lines of Communication with a Seller, if applicable. When you are purchasing commercial real estate and the business, the lender will need documents and information from the seller. In some cases, the buyers and sellers are a good match and communicate honestly. Sometimes brokers can be the best point of contact. GRP Capital works and communicates with whomever the borrowers determine can get the information, so we can close.

Current guarantor documents. Be prepared to furnish tax returns. If you have other businesses, make sure you have up-to-date financial statements. Gather business debt schedules. Compile two months worth of personal and business bank statements, especially if you will be making an equity injection. Know your personal debt, like car payments and residential mortgages.

Accurate and thoughtful business plans and projections.Spend some time at the beginning of the loan process creating a strong business plan. This should include not only your projections for future income and expenses. It should also include your ideas for operating and managing the business, including marketing, personnel, financial management and maintenance. 

Engage competent professionals right away. Engage an attorney, even before signing a purchase-sale agreement. Tell your accountant of your loan process, and that you may need more recent financials. If you have had a good experience with a title company in the past, make plans to use them again. If you need a survey, get right on that, as these can take some time.

Need more information on creating a strong business plan?

Why Choose GRP Capital?

Our GRP Capital team specializes in crafting financing solutions tailored to each client’s unique goals.

Whether you’re purchasing, refinancing, or building from the ground up, our extensive network of lenders ensures you’ll find funding that aligns with your goals and cash flow needs.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • We save you time by researching and identifying the best funding options for your project.
  • Our expertise spans various loan products—including non-recourse loans, SBA loans, bridge loans, and conventional financing—so you can navigate even the most complex transactions confidently.
  • Beyond lending, we provide strategic guidance on operational decisions that drive long-term business success.

Cash out for refinance

1031 Exchange for New Florida Hotel Owner

Our Florida client came to us with a 1031 exchange.

The client was getting ready to sell a Georgia property. They were using the proceeds to purchase a new hotel in central Florida. To minimize their tax exposure, they were utilizing a 1031 exchange.

A 1031 exchange, also known as a like-kind exchange, is a real estate investing tool. It allows investors to swap out one investment property for another, deferring certain capital gains taxes. 

Our entire team worked closely with our client, always mindful of the 1031 exchange deadline.  He is now the proud owner of his hotel. He is very skilled at increasing profitability and is ready to take on the challenges of his new property. Our client was appreciative of the availability of the entire GRP Capital team, even exclaiming, “You always are there for me. I appreciate what you are doing.”

Tips for Handling a 1031 Exchange Deadline:

• Secure specialized help. Be sure your attorney has experience with 1031 purchases and sales. In addition, be careful when choosing a title company for the sale of your property. Be sure they have the ability to hold the proceeds in escrow as you wait for the purchase to go through.

• Know your deadline. Many business owners have their eye on purchasing a new property. Sometimes, they plan to sell another asset for their equity injection. That is a great plan. However, make sure the loan is feasible, and that a lender can close the loan to meet your 1031 exchange deadline. The SBA (Small Business Administration) is still a great resource for hotel loans, but be aware that SBA loans take a bit longer to close, especially 504 loans.

• Get all of your own financial documents ready:  Lenders will require taxes to be filed (or extensions), as well as financials that are less than 90 days old. Work with your accountant and other professionals and let them know your 1031 exchange deadline.

• Make it legal:  Work with your attorney so that your borrowing entity has an operating agreement or bylaws, is registered in the correct state and can be licensed correctly. 

Our GRP Capital team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and money, as we research the best choices for their funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to find funding that is project-appropriate and will allow for sufficient cash flow. Whether you are looking to refinance or purchase or engage in construction, we would love to discuss your business plans with you. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

New Mexico Native American art

New Mexico Hotel Refi Offers Low Rates

GRP Capital New Mexico hotel owners secured financing that offered market-best low rates.

Ryan Dumas and the GRP Capital team worked very diligently with this client group. The partners really had one overarching goal: securing lower rates. Their current note had a high interest rate. Therefore, their new loan needed to show significant savings. An SBA 504 loan was the best choice for them. It offered stable, low rates. More importantly, the SBA guarantee made the loan more attractive to lenders.

Senior Associate Ryan Dumas reflected on the path to get the loan closed. “Our clients are experienced in this marketplace. However, New Mexico is a smaller market. We needed the SBA to help support this loan in order to entice a lender. I was thrilled that this new loan is a full 3 points lower than the clients’ previous mortgage. They will be saving serious money, which they can use personally or professionally. They will continue to be a significant employer and business in their small town.”

Using an SBA 504 to Access Low Rates

  • GRP Capital has connections with multiple CDC’s across the nation and the lenders who are interested in 504 loans.
  • The 504 program requires utilizing a Certified Development Company (CDC). The CDC is SBA’s community-based nonprofit partners who promote economic development within their communities. CDCs are certified and regulated by SBA.
  • The SBA 504 structure guarantees loans, so that lenders face lower risks.
  • We are very careful to ensure sufficient SBA eligibility prior to choosing a loan vehicle. If you have any questions about what this means, please contact us.
  • In many marketplaces, the SBA guaranteed loans are competitive with conventional loans.
  • SBA loans may often be the best bet for achieving lower interest rates.

Contact Ryan if you are considering SBA funding, 504 Loans, Green Loans or any other loan products.

Our GRP Capital team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and money, as we research the best choices for their funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to find funding that is project-appropriate and will allow for sufficient cash flow. Whether you are looking to refinance, purchase or engage in construction, we would love to discuss your business plans with you. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

Third Beach Hotel Buy

Ryan Dumas and the GRP Capital team are very happy to have closed another Carolina beach hotel loan. Our clients decided to embark on an SBA 504 loan, utilizing the Green program. They will be adding solar panels to their hotel, reducing electric consumption and bills.

Senior Associate Ryan Dumas and our entire team collaborated with our very motivated clients to get this somewhat complex loan closed.

Ryan, who has now closed three loans with this client, stated:

I really value this client group and was so happy that they came to me for a third time to find financing. The lead borrower has a lot of knowledge about this resort community. Of course, he is an excellent hotelier. It was critical to place this loan with the SBA 504 Green Program. When you use the Green program, it preserves eligibility. Since the partners have other SBA loans, they didn’t max out with this loan. And now they are installing solar panels, which are ideal for sunny climates. Even more importantly, this kept the loan affordable, as the partners have other future business deals in mind.

Advantages of the Green Program for a Beach Hotel

  • There are certain limits to an SBA 504 loan. However, utilizing a Green Loan does not “count against” your eligibility.
  • Green Loans can be used to reduce energy costs and to utilize renewable energy. A sunny and/or windy location near a beach is perfectly situated.
  • We are very careful to ensure sufficient SBA eligibility prior to choosing a loan vehicle. If you have any questions about what this means, please contact us.
  • The 504 program requires utilizing a Certified Development Company (CDC). The CDC is SBA’s community-based nonprofit partners who promote economic development within their communities. CDCs are certified and regulated by SBA.
  • GRP Capital has connections with multiple CDC’s across the nation and the lenders who are interested in 504 loans.

Contact our team if you are considering SBA funding, 504 Loans, Green Loans or any other loan products. We can help you determine the right mix of loan types for all of your business financing needs.

Our GRP Capital team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and money, as we research the best choices for their funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to find funding that is project-appropriate and will allow for sufficient cash flow. Whether you are looking to refinance, purchase or engage in construction, we would love to discuss your business plans with you. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

Partner Group Buys New York Hotel

The New York hotel marketplace can be complex. Real estate taxes and procedures can be complicated with commercial real estate deals. But our clients were ready to purchase a New York hotel. They perceived that the state has largely bounced back from COVID, especially upstate.

Working closely with our entire team, they purchased the hotel and are ready to take advantage of summer high season. Our clients selected SBA financing for their loan. As a result, our team needed to be nimble, especially with changes in the SBA administration. Everybody was particularly mindful of the rules for SBA eligibility.

Senior Associate Ryan Dumas was excited to close this loan. He remarked:

My clients were ready to purchase this upstate New York hotel and have a good handle on this specific market. An SBA loan was the best loan vehicle for them. However, we were all aware of changes in the SBA. We had to make changes to the loan details a couple of times, but I was thrilled to get this across the finish line. I know my clients will own and manage this property in ways that maximize revenue, while keeping an eye on expenses.

Is an SBA Loan in Your Future?

  • The Small Business Association (SBA) has multiple loan programs and guarantees. They each have their own eligibility standards.
  • SBA loans may be the best choice for certain markets and for certain types of hospitality properties, especially hotels with external corridors.
  • Because of changes to SBA staffing and increased scrutiny of non citizen partners, borrowers should be aware that the SBA approval can take three to four weeks, in addition to lender underwriting and approval. (These can happen simultaneously.)
  • SBA also limits the amount of SBA debt each guarantor can have. This debt load does not include prior EIDL’s (Economic Injury Disaster Loans).

Contact our team if you are considering SBA funding or any other loan products. We can help you determine the right mix of loan types for all of your business financing needs.

Our GRP Capital team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and money, as we research the best choices for their funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to find funding that is project-appropriate and will allow for sufficient cash flow. Whether you are looking to refinance, purchase or engage in construction, we would love to discuss your business plans with you. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

Georgia hotel courtyard in Marietta

Georgia Hotel Owners Secure Triple Success!

Our clients, Georgia hotel owners of three independent properties, achieved an impressive trifecta by closing three loans all within 36 days of each other. Working closely with our entire team, they refinanced two loans and closed a new one, freeing up SBA eligibility, and unlocking new opportunities.

The outcome was impressive: two refinanced conventional loans and the successful purchase of a new Georgia hotel. Additionally, they were able to restructure their ownership simultaneously.

Senior Associate Ryan Dumas expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating:

My clients possess a deep knowledge of the Georgia hotel market. I’m thrilled that we matched them with a lender who shares their vision for independent hotels. The lender’s flexibility in incorporating all three properties into the deal was key. Because of this, the clients’ loans have extremely favorable rates and the most stable financing available.

What is SBA Eligibility and How Did it Affect These Georgia Hotels?

  • The Small Business Association (SBA) has multiple loan programs and guarantees. They each have their own eligibility standards.
  • This Georgia hotel took advantage of the SBA 7(a) program. There are also 504 loans and subsets of those which include Green loans.
  • SBA 7(a) loans have an upper limit, typically $5,000,000.
  • SBA also limits the amount of SBA debt each guarantor can have. In this instance, moving other loans out of the SBA program freed up eligibility. This debt load does not include prior EIDL’s (Economic Injury Disaster Loans).

Is your project a good fit for an SBA loan or combining an SBA loan with other loan types?

  • What is the size of the loan or loans you are needing?
  • Who will be guaranteeing your loans?
  • Do the guarantors have other SBA debt? If so, how much?
  • What interest rates and terms do you have on loans you are wanting to finance?
  • What interest rates and terms match your budgeting needs and your business plans?

Contact our team if you are considering SBA funding or questioning your eligibility. We can help you figure out the right mix of loan types for all of your business financing needs.

Our GRP Capital team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and money, as we research the best choices for their funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to find funding that is project-appropriate and will allow for sufficient cash flow. Whether you are looking to refinance, purchase or engage in construction, we would love to discuss your business plans with you. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

Dallas skyline for Texas Hotel

Texas Hotel Owner Buys in Dallas Suburbs

Our client is a new owner of a Texas hotel, situated in a prosperous Dallas suburb.

Senior Associate Ryan Dumas and the rest of the GRP Capital Team helped get this loan over the finish line. Our Texas hotel owner was using 1033 exchange funds. As a result, there was a strict timeline. Ryan noted, “Hospitality acquisitions aren’t always easy these days. There are some specific components of hospitality loans that can slow things down. We worked hard to make sure nothing pushed us past the deadline. We were very aware of the tax savings for our client. We were particularly pleased that our lender was prepared to close in 32 days.”

Nearly every borrower wants their loan to close right away, and we try to accommodate. But exchanges like a 1031 or 1033 are special circumstances.

What Can You do to Close Your Loan More Quickly?

  • Start working on your insurance immediately. The economics of the insurance business are very tenuous right now. Particularly in flood and wind-prone areas (including a Texas hotel), nailing down insurance is critical. As soon as you are in the market for a loan, contact your trusted insurance agent. Obtain quotes.
  • Finalize your insurance decision. We understand wanting to save money. But getting your insurance finalized takes more than a day. When you have quotes, make a decision! Bind the insurance! Your loan papers cannot be signed without existing, bound coverage.
  • Communicate with your franchise if applicable. Find out when your agreement will be executed and released. Lenders require executed documents in escrow or on hand to close.
  • Survey? If the survey looks like it was handwritten by somebody in the 1970’s, the lender or title may likely require a new one. We have a network of third party vendors and can suggest a good surveying company to update or create a survey.
  • Hire an attorney. Commercial loans are a big undertaking. Attorneys can save you time and money.
  • Make sure your personal and business files are in good order and ready to submit. File your taxes, obtain updated financials, be able to produce business statistics.

Previous closing using 1031/1033 exchanges

Our GRP Capital team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and money, as we research the best choices for their funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to find funding that is project-appropriate and will allow for sufficient cash flow. Whether you are looking to refinance, purchase or engage in construction, we would love to discuss your business plans with you. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

Lake near North Carolina hotel properties

Carolina Hotel Partners Refinance and Buyout

Loan financing can often accomplish multiple things. In the case of our North Carolina hotel owners, their two loans refinanced existing debt and also bought out partners.

Our clients came to us with two Carolina hotel properties. The two hotels, situated in different markets, had been jointly owned by the partners. However, each partner was now ready to take on full solo ownership of each hotel. The GRP Capital Team worked closely with our lender network, finding a lender who would handle both loans. Not every lender is willing to fund both a refinance and partnership buyout.

Our team was very happy to close both loans in quick succession, which required a fair amount of coordination.

Krishan Patel, GRP Capital Managing Director noted, “Partnership buyouts occur for lots of reasons. We worked very hard to structure this loan. As a result, we found lenders who were interested in our clients and their business plans. The new loans are stable and competitively priced. More importantly, the partners’ ownership is now in line with their business and personal goals.”

Our team also encouraged specialized help for our clients as they prepared for the appraisal process. The hospitality appraisal consultant worked directly with the appraisers, to make the case for the highest valuation possible. Lenders and appraisers are cautious right now, especially in the hospitality arena. Therefore, it is particularly important to approach an appraisal with data that can support maximum valuation.

Considering a partnership buyout?

  • Determine what the new ownership structure should be.
  • Decide who will be required (or wishes to) guarantee the loan.
  • Think into the future. Will any of the partners be interested in future SBA financing? If so, be sure that those partners are aware of their eligibility for future loans.
  • Engage an attorney to review and revise corporate documents including bylaws and operating agreements. These documents will need to be revised to show the desired new ownership structure.

More Information on the Appraisal Process

Our GRP Capital team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and money, as we research the best choices for their funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to find funding that is project-appropriate and will allow for sufficient cash flow. Whether you are looking to refinance, purchase or engage in construction, we would love to discuss your business plans with you. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

Gulf Coast of Florida

Useful Advice for Gulf Coast Hotel Purchase

Working closely with the GRP Capital Team, our recurring client purchased a new Gulf Coast hotel.

This purchase did have a few roadblocks, which sometimes happens!

The buyers put down hard money when they signed a Purchase Sale Agreement (PSA). However, during the underwriting process, the appraised value came up short.

Rick Patel, GRP President, stated, “Lenders and appraisers are cautious right now, especially in the hospitality arena. It can be tricky to negotiate with a seller when an appraised value is below their expectations. They can have a fixed idea of what they think their property is worth. In this instance, we worked closely with the borrowers and the broker to bring the PSA in line with the market value. This had to be done in order to close the loan. Getting to closing required tact and finesse.”

Advice for When Appraisals Come in Low

• Prevention first! GRP Capital works closely with borrowers to make sure the loan is appraised to show the full value. This sometimes means working with accountants to recategorize expenses. It also means combing financials to find addbacks. Addbacks are current costs will not be borne by the new buyer. Finally, we work closely with the appraisers to make sure they have a clear picture of the revenue potential of the property.

•Renegotiate Purchase Price: Ultimately, lenders will not loan money which exceeds the value of the property. It is also unrealistic, costly and time consuming to try to find another lender and hope that they will raise the appraised value. So, once a buyer has received a lower appraised value, they need to return to the seller to discuss the issue. Hopefully, the seller will be reasonable. It’s critical that the seller understands that a new buyer is not going to repair this problem. Indeed, a new purchase price is the only fix.

• Make Sound Business Decisions: A lower appraised value should cause the buyer to consider the project in a new light. Why have market values come up short? Can the buyer manage the property more profitably or will they face the same issues as the seller? And if the seller refuses to budge on price, a strong business owner has to know when to walk away.

More Information on the Appraisal Process

Our GRP Capital team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and money, as we research the best choices for their funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to find funding that is project-appropriate and will allow for sufficient cash flow. Whether you are looking to refinance, purchase or engage in construction, we would love to discuss your business plans with you. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

Florida Refinance and Lower Payments

Our GRP Capital Team has closed a Florida hotel refinance, helping our client achieve more affordable, lower payments.

Originally, our client was paying over 11% interest on a previous loan. His new loan brought down the interest rate significantly. However, this was just one good part of the loan. Yes, this new loan includes more affordable monthly mortgage costs. But even better: GRP Capital was able to help structure the loan without our client incurring any fees, including SBA guaranty fees.

Finally, there was one other bonus to this loan. Like many of our hospitality clients, this hotel owner had an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). It was very important to our client to be able to retain this loan. The reason: the interest rates were so low and they were fixed. We worked with the lender and advocated on behalf of our client to retain and subordinate this EIDL. This meant that our client would continue making affordable monthly payments on the EIDL, without having to pay it down.

GRP Capital Managing Director Krishan Patel worked closely with the client’s family and our lender. Krishan states, “By closing on this loan, we lowered our client’s annual carrying cost. He is now better positioned for future growth plans. We hope to support him in his future endeavors. He’s setting achievable business goals. I expect him to continue to be profitable and to take on new projects in the near future.”

Refinancing for Lower Payments?

• Interest Rate: The interest rate is the most important component in monthly payments. An amortization schedule will clearly show what you can expect to pay.

•Costs of Refinancing: Knowing the true costs of refinancing is critical. Closing costs can add up. We will help you determine if they are affordable for you. It’s important to understand how long you need to hold a loan in order to make the refinance a good decision. How many months of lower payments will cover these possible costs?

• Handling Your EIDL: If you have an EIDL, this is a very affordable loan. We will advocate for our clients to be able to retain the EIDL per the loan agreement. Typically, we will arrange for our clients to subordinate the EIDL.

Our GRP Capital team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and money, as we research the best choices for their funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to find funding that is project-appropriate and will allow for sufficient cash flow. Whether you are looking to refinance, purchase or engage in construction, we would love to discuss your business plans with you. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.