Loan Types and Uses

East West Bank offers a variety of commercial real estate loan products to meet different property types and borrower needs. Typical options include:

• Acquisition financing for purchasing office buildings, retail centers, industrial properties and multifamily complexes.
• Refinance loans to replace existing debt, improve cash flow or extract equity from stabilized assets.
• Construction and construction-to-permanent financing for ground-up development and major redevelopment projects.
• Bridge loans to provide short-term capital for repositioning, lease-up or quick acquisitions pending long-term financing.
• SBA 7(a) and SBA 504-eligible financing where applicable for qualified projects and borrowers.

Loans can be structured for stabilized income properties, transitional assets undergoing renovation or redevelopment, and special-use facilities requiring tailored covenants and repayment terms.

Key Features and Benefits

• Customized loan structures: Terms, amortization schedules and covenants are designed based on property cash flow, borrower experience and project risk.
• Competitive financing: Pricing and terms are calibrated to market conditions and the borrower’s credit profile, with flexible amortization options and balloon terms when appropriate.
• Local underwriting expertise: Underwriters combine regional market insight with institutional credit standards to evaluate property performance and risk.
• Relationship banking: Dedicated commercial lenders work with clients through underwriting, closing and portfolio management to provide continuity and responsiveness.
• Speed and execution: Efficient decision-making for qualified transactions, and the ability to coordinate with attorneys, appraisers and other advisors to meet closing timelines.

Eligibility and Underwriting Criteria

Eligibility is assessed on a combination of borrower strength, property fundamentals and the overall loan purpose. Standard underwriting considerations include:

• Borrower creditworthiness, experience and track record in owning or operating similar properties.
• Property cash flow, historical and pro forma net operating income (NOI), occupancy levels and tenant quality.
• Loan-to-value (LTV) and debt-service coverage ratio (DSCR) targets tailored to property type and condition.
• Location and market fundamentals, including rent growth outlook, supply/demand balance and comparable sales.
• Condition of the property and any required capital expenditures or environmental considerations.

Each loan is evaluated holistically, allowing for flexibility where strengths in one area may offset weaknesses in another. Experienced borrowers and sponsors may receive more favorable terms through demonstrated performance.

Documentation and Process

To begin the loan process, applicants typically provide a loan application accompanied by supporting documentation. Commonly requested materials include:

• Property financial statements, rent rolls and leases.
• Historical operating statements and tax returns for the property and borrowing entity.
• Business plan or development budget for construction or rehab projects.
• Personal financial statements and resumes of principal owners or guarantors.
• Appraisals, environmental assessments and property inspection reports as required.

After submission, a loan officer and underwriting team review the materials, coordinate due diligence and present terms. Conditional approvals are followed by documentation, escrow coordination and closing once all conditions are satisfied.

Repayment Options and Flexibility

Repayment structures are designed to match the borrower’s cash flow profile and investment horizon. Options may include:

• Fully amortizing loans for predictable, long-term cash flow properties.
• Interest-only periods during lease-up or initial stabilization phases.
• Balloon maturities combined with long amortization schedules to reduce near-term payments.
• Prepayment provisions and negotiation of penalties or defeasance terms depending on loan type.

Borrowers are encouraged to discuss repayment preferences and exit strategies with their lender to select an appropriate structure that balances cost and flexibility.

Why Choose East West Bank for Commercial Real Estate

East West Bank’s commercial real estate lending combines the capabilities of a full-service bank with the agility of local decision-making. Key differentiators include:

• Deep experience across property types and capital structures.
• Relationship managers who coordinate across treasury, deposit and cash management services to support property operations.
• Commitment to timely underwriting and clear communication throughout the lending lifecycle.
• Ability to finance cross-border or specialty transactions that leverage the bank’s regional knowledge and client network.

These qualities make the bank a strong partner for owners, investors and developers seeking long-term support for their commercial real estate portfolios.

Common Use Cases

Commercial real estate loans at East West Bank are commonly used for:

• Purchasing stabilized rental properties for long-term investment cash flow.
• Refinancing to reduce interest cost, extend maturities or consolidate debt.
• Funding construction and renovation to increase property value and rental income.
• Financing mixed-use developments that require coordinated capital planning.