Long-Term Stability for Growing Businesses

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If you operate your business from leased space, owning your building can be one of the strongest long-term financial moves you make.

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SBA 7(a) and 504 programs are designed specifically for business owners purchasing or refinancing owner-occupied commercial property. These programs can provide lower down payments, longer amortizations, and more flexible structures than many conventional bank options.

When conventional financing doesn’t pencil — SBA often does.

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At Broadview Lending powered by Barrett Financial, we help business owners structure SBA financing the right way, then guide the process from intake through closing.

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What Qualifies as Owner-Occupied?

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To qualify for SBA real estate financing, your business must typically occupy:

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• At least 51% of the building for purchases

• At least 51% of the space currently for refinance

• Or meet expansion occupancy guidelines

 

If you operate your business inside the property — office, medical, warehouse, retail, industrial, or specialty use — SBA may be a strong fit.

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SBA 7(a) vs. SBA 504 — What’s the Difference?

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SBA 7(a)

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• Flexible program structure

• Can include working capital or equipment

• Good for mixed-use or smaller projects

• Typically one loan through an SBA lender

 

SBA 504

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• Designed primarily for real estate acquisition or refinance

• Long-term fixed-rate component

• Structured as two loans (bank + CDC)

• Often strong for larger, stable owner-occupied properties

 

We’ll help determine which structure fits your business, cash flow, and long-term goals.

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Why SBA Can Be Powerful

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SBA programs often allow:

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• Lower down payments than conventional loans

• Longer amortizations (up to 25 years for real estate)

• Competitive long-term rates

• Fixed-rate stability (especially with 504)

• The ability to finance improvements or build-out

• Strong options when conventional banks tighten guidelines

 

For many business owners, SBA financing turns “not quite feasible” into “strategically possible.”

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Our Approach

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1️⃣ Evaluate Business + Property Together

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SBA underwriting looks at both business financials and the real estate. We review:

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• Business tax returns

• Cash flow and DSCR

• Industry profile

• Owner liquidity

• Property valuation

• Occupancy and use

 

We structure the deal around both sides of the equation.

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2️⃣ Position with the Right SBA Lender

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Not all SBA lenders are the same. Some specialize in certain industries, deal sizes, or property types.

We align your deal with lenders best suited for your scenario and guide the underwriting process closely to avoid unnecessary delays.

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3️⃣ Guide the Process Through Closing

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SBA loans have additional documentation and review steps compared to conventional loans. We manage:

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• SBA eligibility requirements

• Appraisal and environmental reports

• Business underwriting

• CDC coordination (for 504 loans)

• Closing timeline management

 

You stay focused on running your business.

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When SBA Makes the Most Sense

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• You’re currently leasing space and want to build equity

• Conventional bank terms require too much down

• You want longer amortization for cash flow stability

• You need to include tenant improvements or build-out

• Your business is growing and needs permanent space

 

SBA financing is built for owner-operators planning long-term growth.

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Who This Is Best For

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• Business owners occupying 51%+ of the property

• Medical practices

• Professional offices

• Industrial or warehouse operators

• Retail operators

• Contractors and trade businesses

• Service-based companies expanding into owned space

 

If you operate your business from the property — not just collect rent — SBA may be the right path.

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Why Not Just Go to Your Local Bank?

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Some banks offer SBA loans. But not every bank actively specializes in them.

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SBA financing is detailed and process-driven. Choosing the right lender — and structuring the deal correctly upfront — can make a significant difference in approval, timing, and long-term terms.

We help you:

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• Identify the right program (7(a) vs. 504)

• Align with the right SBA lender

• Avoid unnecessary underwriting friction

• Structure the deal for long-term stability

 

Owning your building isn’t just a real estate decision, It’s a business strategy.

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Ready to Explore SBA Options?

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If you’re considering purchasing or refinancing an owner-occupied property, let’s evaluate whether SBA is the right fit.

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We’ll review your business profile and map out realistic next steps before you commit.

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Talk to Chris Butler
📞 (206) 222-5650
✉️ cbutler@barrettfinancial.com

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Or submit your business and property details and we’ll start structuring.