Buying A Gas Station? Things You Need To Know About Gas Station Financing

Financing gas stations are difficult, complicated and subsequently most conventional banks and lenders dont consider financing a gas station or convenience store properties. Why?

1. Gas stations, convenience store and car wash business is a cash business and no business owner would declare the cash in the tax returns. Therefore, it is impossible to verify cash flow and determine the debt to service ratio for the loan
2. Gas station properties have environmental risks. The ones that are clean have a higher risk of environmental problems in future
3. If the lenders take over the gas station properties through foreclosure, they are not able to run the business. Unlike income producing properties such as apartment buildings, the lenders cant get a property manager to manage the gas station.
4. There are other issues such as low fuel margins, restrict dealer or franchise contract that makes the lender uncomfortable in evaluating gas station financing

There are few lenders that would consider financing gas stations and they mostly use SBA loans to finance the property since the federal government guarantees major portion of the loan. Even with the government guarantee, the lenders are very conservative in underwriting the transaction. To be honest with you, if you have found a gas station property to purchase, financing is possible but would be a pain so be ready.

There are niche lenders specializing in gas station financing and convenience store financing. Some would go as high as 80% loan to value of the property and they use the real estate, business and equipments as collateral in underwriting the property. Underwriter looks at the tax returns, income statements and sponsors credit and experience to analyze the credit worthiness of the transaction.

Once the borrower has the credit approval, the lender moves forward with the due diligence including appraisal, environmental reports, feasibility studies, title search and so on. After lender is satisfied with the due diligence and all the outstanding issues are resolved, loan documents will be drawn and subsequently loan will be funded. Now, remember that borrowers pay for the lenders underwriting costs and due diligence fees. These fees could be as high as $20K or even more and usually non-refundable. Lenders usually charge some fees which could be as high at 3% or more of the loan amount and the rates are higher because of the risk the lender takes. So its important to evaluate all these fees and expenses to make sure it makes sense for you to purchase a gas station property.

About the Author:
Shawn Shayestehfar is the Founder and managing partner of City Capital Finance (http://www.citycapitalfinance.com). City Capital Finance is the commercial real estate finance division of Platinum Capital Real Estate & Investment specializes in arranging financing for all types of properties including office buildings, shopping centers, apartment buildings, industrial buildings and special purpose properties such as gas stations, car wash or self storage facilities. Our company arranges all types of apartment loans,commercial loans and business financing through broad capital provider base that includes, institutional investors, insurance companies, CMBS lenders, private lenders, and commercial banks. What sets us apart is our commitment to

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