Category Archives: Hospitality

Adjacent Hotels: A Great Business Plan

Our south Texas client recently purchased adjacent hotels.

One hotel was a small, independent property. And on the adjacent property was a Best Western.

GRP Capital worked closely with the buyers, the sellers and the lender on two separate loans that closed on the same day.

Senior Associate Ryan Dumas shared his clients’ vision for the adjacent hotels. “My clients were poised to take ownership of these nearby properties. They will be able to continue to have excellent market penetration on the San Antonio to Houston corridor. They have solid business plans; having two adjacent hotels will make certain aspects of hotel ownership easier for them.”

The Benefits of Owning Adjacent Hotels:

• Reaching More Customers . When one business owner owns two adjacent properties, they have double the opportunities to attract guests. The two hotels can have different rate structures and different amenities (pet friendly or not?). In reservation aggregator websites and the websites for the two hotels, the business owner can differentiate and reach out to a greater variety of customers.

• Staffing Issues:  Many hotels are still struggling with finding and retaining employees. In addition, hotels that have a high and low season are sometimes unable to offer stable employment. However, owners of adjacent hotels can utilize one group of staff members to do the same work in two places, which guarantees more work and therefore greater job stability. The owner can shift employee responsibilities between the two properties as needed.

• Same system; different address. Experienced business owners quickly establish efficient business practices. Setting up employee protocols, cleaning regimens, checkin and checkout procedures for two properties is not appreciably more difficult than setting these up for just one location.

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, 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.

What about your EIDL Loan?

If you have an EIDL loan (Economic Injury Disaster Loans offered by the Small Business Association), what do you need to know about future loan transactions?

  • What about buying a new business?
  • What about refinancing a current business?
  • What about selling my business?

Many of our clients have an EIDL loan. We encouraged our clients to obtain these during the most restrictive part of the COVID pandemic. These low interest loans gave needed relief to some of the hardest hit industries, including hospitality.

Selling a Business with an EIDL Loan:

• EIDL Loans Mostly Have to Be Paid off poor to sale: Any lender who is funding the purchase of a business with real estate will require that buyers own the property “free and clear”. This means that there cannot be any liens (claims from lenders) on the property or the business. So, sellers must pay off previous EIDL loans prior to or at closing.

• Perhaps One Exception:  Sellers may have multiple businesses or properties. Some sellers, especially larger corporate sellers, may have an EIDL for the parent company but not the smaller component business being sold. If the EIDL is for the parent business, the new lender may find a way to make an exception.

Paying off an EIDL at or before closing:  Be aware that the SBA does not accept payoff via wire. At closing the title or escrow company will have to make out a physical check for the balance of the EIDL. The borrower can find the balance on their SBA portal. The SBA website also has clear instructions for paying off the loan via mail.

I Have an EIDL and I want to Refinance

• Size matters!  If your EIDL loan is small, then the lender may agree to pay it off. They will roll the remainder of the EIDL into the total loan value. If the loan is larger, there are a few possibilities.

• Paying off an EIDL: You may be holding on to the proceeds of the loan (and therefore have cash on hand). But new lenders will not consider the proceeds of the EIDL as an asset without also considering your EIDL loan as a liability. Therefore, a large EIDL may negatively impact your debt to income ratio. The lender may consider that you have too much debt and require you to pay off or pay down the loan.

• Subordinating an EIDL: Often lenders will agree to subordinate an EIDL. This means that they will request permission from the SBA to delay receiving payments for the EIDL until the mortgage has been paid off. Borrowers have to officially request subordination and the SBA has to grant it. This process is not automatic. In addition, requesting subordination can take some time. We have found that subordination happens most easily when we work with our network of SBA preferred lending partners.

I Have Other Businesses with EIDL loans and I’m Getting a New Loan:

The lender will underwrite your entire file and look at your affiliate businesses. If your other businesses are cash flowing and covering your debts, there are no issues with other EIDL loans. We are happy to help you do a self-evaluation of your cash position for all of your businesses. This will help you if you need to make your portfolio stronger prior to looking for financing.

If you are considering a loan for purchase or refinance and would like to discuss your plans,  feel free to contact our team.  We have a network of lenders and can find the best match for your funding needs, saving you time and money, so you can focus on running your business.

EIDL Loans: What to know if you are buying, selling or refinancing

EIDL Loans (Economic Injury Disaster Loans offered by the Small Business Association) have helped many small business owners during the COVID pandemic. These low interest loans gave needed relief to some of the hardest hit industries, including hospitality.

Many business owners have EIDL Loans on the books. What do you need to know? What do you need to do? An EIDL has an impact on selling, buying and refinancing.

I’m Buying or Selling a Business with an EIDL Loan:

• All liens have to be released: Any lender who is funding the purchase of a business with real estate will require that buyers own the property “free and clear”. This means that there cannot be any liens (claims from lenders) on the property or the business. So, sellers must pay off previous EIDL loans be paid off prior to or at closing. Also, previous PPP (Paycheck Protection Program loans) will need to be have been forgiven.

• Perhaps One Exception:  Sellers may have multiple businesses or properties. If the EIDL is for the parent business, the new lender may find a way to make an exception.

Paying off an EIDL:  Be aware that the SBA does not accept payoff via wire. At closing the title or escrow company will have to make out a check for the balance of the EIDL. The borrower can find the balance on their SBA portal. The SBA website also has instructions for paying off the loan via mail.

I Have an EIDL and I want to Refinance

• Size matters!  If your EIDL loan is small, then the lender may agree to pay it off. They will roll the remainder of the EIDL into the total loan value. If the loan is larger, there are a few possibilities.

• Paying off an EIDL: You may be holding on to the proceeds of the loan (and therefore have cash on hand). However, a large EIDL may negatively impact your debt to income ratio. The lender may consider that you have too much debt and require you to pay off or pay down the loan.

• Subordinating an EIDL: Often lenders will agree to subordinate an EIDL. This means that they will request permission from the SBA to delay receiving payments for the EIDL until the mortgage has been paid off. Borrowers have to officially request subordination and the SBA has to grant it. This process is not automatic. In addition, requesting subordination can take some time. We have found that subordination happens most easily when we work with our network of SBA preferred lending partners.

I Have Other Businesses with EIDL loans:

The lender will underwrite your entire file and look at your affiliate businesses. If your businesses are cash flowing and covering your debts, there are no issues with other EIDL loans.

If you are considering a loan for purchase or refinance and would like to discuss your plans,  feel free to contact our team.  We have a network of lenders and can find the best match for your funding needs, saving you time and money, so you can focus on running your business.

Independent Texas Hotel Loan Closes

Our clients were ready to purchase a small, but profitable independent Texas hotel. It was adjacent to another franchised hotel, which they were also in the process of purchasing.

GRP Capital worked closely with the buyers and sellers. We paid particular attention to the specialization required to obtain loans for independent properties.

Senior Associate Ryan Dumas was pleased to close the loan. He remarked, “This independent Texas hotel is perfect for creating two market price points for my clients. The loan is affordable and stable and will allow them to continue the profitability of the current hotel.”

Special considerations regarding Independent Hotels:

• Hotel statistics . Franchised hotels utilize reservation and check-in systems that generate hotel statistics. These statistics include occupancy, ADR (average daily rate) and RevPAR (Revenue per available room). Independent hotel operators may or may not utilize sophisticated programs. Thus, generating this important information (needed by both lenders and appraisers) can be a challenge.

• Sales and Occupancy Tax Records Required:  Most independent hotels do not participate in STR reporting. In addition, they are not using franchise check-in software. As a result, it can can be difficult to ascertain their revenues and profitability. Lenders and appraisers will accept two different third party reports: either business bank statements or sales tax receipts that show the revenue basis of monthly occupancy taxes. Sellers of independent hotels should be prepared to provide one of these sets of documents.

• Financials. It’s our job at GRP Capital to comb through seller financials. We want to make sure they match up with the hotel statistics and the taxes. Then we can provide a very clear picture to lenders and appraisers. We want all of the stakeholders to understand the current profitability of a property and its potential.

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, 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.

Fast closing to meet a 1031 Exchange Deadline

GRP Capital was happy to help our Florida client purchase a new hotel, using his proceeds from a previous sale. But even more importantly, our client had an imminent 1031 exchange deadline, so he had to use the proceeds quickly. 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.

GRP Capital President Rick Patel and our entire team worked closely with our client, under the added pressure of the 1031 exchange deadline.  

The biggest hurdles were shepherding the loan through the underwriting process, quickly obtaining a survey and working with the franchise team. It was hard work! Rick Patel remarked, “We utilized a third party consulting team to work with the franchise. We had to do this to overcome the mandatory 14 day cooling off period to meet the borrower’s 1031 exchange deadline. In-house, we worked diligently to submit all the required documents quickly and correctly. Timing was absolutely critical for this loan. It was an all hands on deck effort, which we were happy to do for this client.”

What to do if you have a 1031 Exchange Deadline:

• 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 deadline.

• 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, If you know you will be applying for a loan with a tight deadline. Make sure you have your docs in a row.

• 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 team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and provide options, as we research different funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to choose the best loan for them. If you are considering a purchase or a refinance, let us know how our GRP Capital team can be of service.

Selling to the Next Generation

Sometimes in the business world, especially a family owned business, owners decide it is time for selling to the next generation.

The GRP Capital team worked hard with our clients to help them purchase this Florida hotel from their relatives. The price was very good, as is often the case in “arms length transactions”. Our clients are now ready to take over the full management of the property and reap all the revenues. The new owners are excited to do so, just in time for increased American travel.

Reasons for Selling to the Next Generation: 

• Current Owners wish to step back: The opportunity for selling to the next generation can be quite tempting. In doing so, the current owners can shed the responsibility of day-to-day management and operation. At the same, time, they also ensure that their younger family members have a path to accrue capital and credit.

• Younger Generation Exhibits Ability to Take Over Successfully: The younger generation is often quite adept at taking over the reins of leadership in their family businesses. Prior to the transfer, these younger owners need to accrue the required equity injection and develop a favorable credit rating. They need to be skilled, albeit young managers.

•  Selling to the next Generation Allows for Changes: Sometimes managers and owners need to make changes in order to increase revenue and hold down costs. These changes can be difficult for the older generation to take on. Examples of these innovations include updated software to track purchases and vendors, payroll systems, marketing campaigns and networking with the next generation.

Creating a Path Towards New Ownership:

Managing Partner Krishan Patel stated, “I was happy to help these clients transfer this hotel to the next generation. The younger family members are already highly skilled in accounting and hotel management. This property made it through COVID-19 and promises to provide good cash flow under their leadership.”

This loan took a bit of extra work to close. The loan process started before the pandemic and was paused by the lender. But there was a silver lining.  Due to the delay, our client was able to take advantage of the latest stimulus package. GRP Capital worked in tandem with the lender to see the loan through to closing, including underwriting the many other businesses owned by the client borrowers.

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. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

Setting goals to achieve results: new loan in California

Setting goals is an important part of of being a successful businessperson. For many of our clients, their objectives include adding new businesses to their portfolio, expanding or remodeling, or refinancing current loans to improve cash flow. Setting goals helps you see where you are heading. While you are are setting goals, GRP Capital can then help determine the steps you need to realize your dreams.

GRP Capital’s  Senior Associate Ryan Dumas and our entire team were able to close a California hotel loan. Our client came to Ryan a while ago and he wasn’t quite ready to take on a new loan, but he needed financing to replace a private loan he was currently paying off. Ryan and the entire GRP team worked closely with him to structure his loan and to help him improve his financial picture. By setting a goal of improving his books, our GRP team could find more willing lenders from our network. The client had in his favor a solid and profitable hotel in a busy market. He and his management team are hands-on with their property. And most importantly, everybody had their eyes on the prize: closing that loan.

On the day the loan closed, our client posted pictures of a celebratory outdoor dinner with friends and business partners. With smiling faces, he also tagged GRP Capital, praised Ryan and the rest of our team, saying “You Rock!” and “We highly recommend u!”

Ryan Dumas remarked, “This client is our bread and butter at GRP Capital. He knows his business, he is a small businessman who just needed guidance and personal attention. We even helped him with some legal and title issues when those threatened to slow down the loan process. I know he and his team will continue to be profitable at this property.”

Setting Goals for Your Business:

• Improving Cash Flow. Ryan and the rest of the team can help you truly understand the financial picture of your business. We can often suggest ways  ways to minimize or eliminate expenses? Are there actions you can be taking to increasing your revenue? GRP Capital can help you take advantage of tax laws to minimize your tax exposure while still demonstrating the health of your business.

• Comparing Loan Products: The right loan can often bring down your monthly payments. Loans can also provide more permanent, reliable financing, especially if you are facing a balloon payment. Our GRP Capital team can discuss the variety of loans out there and help you choose from various lenders to secure the loan that most closely matches your goals.

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. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

SpringHill Suites in Texas Loan closes

GRP Capital is pleased to announce the loan closing for a SpringHill Suites by Marriott in south Texas.  A SpringHill Suites property is classified as an upper midscale chain by Smith Travel Research (STR). GRP Capital Managing Director Krishan Patel as well as GRP Capital President Rick Patel worked closely with the multiple partners, part of a syndicate who purchased the Texas hotel.  

Challenges and Strengths of a Syndicate Purchase: 

• Lots of moving parts: A syndicate purchase has many owners, and their percentage of ownership can vary. All lenders require at least some information on the members of the syndicate. Our dedicated loan processing department takes care of these details.

•  Working with Key Players: Because the partnership group was large, it was important to designate key players. The key players for this Springhill Suites received all of the emails from GRP Capital and then coordinated with their other partners when necessary. This kept the lines of communication clear and as simple as possible. And it worked!

•  Spreading Risk:  Syndicate purchases allow the risk of new businesses to be borne by a larger group of people. Syndicates can also mix experienced owners with new investors.

Krishan Patel upon closing this loan stated, “Closing this loan was very important to our clients. They were ready to enter this Texas market and had experience in the upper midscale niche of the hospitality industry. The partnership group was large, but the key players were organized and motivated and we enjoyed getting to know them.”  

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. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

Fairfield Inn Refinance Closes

GRP Capital is pleased to announce the loan closing for a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Southwest Florida. A Fairfield Inn & Suites property is classified as an upper midscale chain by Smith Travel Research (STR). Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, lenders have shown greater interest in budget properties. Therefore, closing this loan indicates that the lending market is widening. GRP Capital Managing Director Krishan Patel as well as GRP Capital President Rick Patel worked closely with the multiple partners and the lender to secure this complex, high value loan for our clients. 

Challenges and Strengths of an Upper Midscale Property: 

• Finding the correct pricing: A property like a Fairfield Inn & Suites competes among a larger spread. They compete with both the top and bottom echelon of properties. They have to find a way to price themselves to achieve solid ADR and occupancy, which requires constant attention to rates.

•  Proving value to the customers: Upper midscale properties, including this Fairfield Inn & Suites, have had to make changes during the pandemic. Some areas that required changes? A serve yourself breakfast buffet, open coffee areas in the atrium and even daily housekeeping duties.

•  Solid Management Practices:  Hotels that are in the upper midscale range typically face higher maintenance expenses and also multiple potential revenue sources, like meetings and conferences. It is critical for hands-on management to monitor expenses and capitalize on revenue potential.

Krishan Patel upon closing this loan stated, “Closing this loan was very important to our clients. They had kept the hotel functioning during the hard times of 2020 and 2021, but needed permanent financing ahead of a loan maturity. The partnership group was large and was comprised of very experienced investors and hoteliers, all of whom had input into the decision. Our job was to help organize the process, while allowing all of the partners to feel included in the closing.” 

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. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

GRP Capital Team coming to AAHOAcon25

Our team is excited to attend the AAHOAcon25, to be held in New Orleans from April 15th through April 17th. We can’t wait to be in NoLa to network and celebrate with all of you.

What makes the AAHOA conference so important to us?

Making Connections with Clients

We love talking on the phone and emailing our clients and lending partners. We even learn from each other on Zoom and conference calls. But AAHOACon25 lets us see each other face to face. We have the opportunity to hang out with our clients, to hear about their successes and challenges and their dreams. We find the time to get to know our clients better and figure out how we can help these entrepreneurs realize their aspirations.

Building our Lender Network 

We also strengthen our connections with lenders. Lenders typically love our business model. What’s not to love? We partner with fabulous clients, pre-package their loans and do the bulk of the document collection during underwriting. Because we know the lenders’ wishlist for loans (size, geographic area, debt coverage, what types of hospitality properties, other industry loans), we only bring them what they are looking for. Adding to our lender network benefits everyone, providing more options for a variety of financing.

Learning Together

There is much to learn from many experts. We can take away a ton of knowledge from attending the huge variety of educational opportunities at the AAHOA conference. Even more important, our learning is enhanced by being surrounded by our peers and mentors, clients and lending partners, old friends and new acquaintances.

GRP Capital President Rick Patel notes, “Our team will again be at AAHOA Convention; it’s an important time in the hospitality industry and we want to make sure that we all meet and get to know the people who can use our assistance. It’s the highlight of our year in many ways.”

Are you wanting some one-on-one time or free business consulting during the conference? Make connections with our GRP Capital team members now and we can reserve time to explore your business concerns and future solutions.