Types of Commercial Real Estate Loans in Dallas–Fort Worth | DFW CRE Loan Guide 2025
Terrydale Capital
Oct 3, 2025 8 Min read
The Main Types of Commercial Real Estate Loans in Dallas–Fort Worth
When people talk about commercial real estate (CRE) in Dallas–Fort Worth, the first thing that comes up is growth. DFW is one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. But growth requires financing, and not every loan fits every project.
So, what are the types of commercial real estate loans available here? And how do you pick the right one?
Let’s break it down.
1. Permanent Loans (Buy & Hold / Refinance)
Permanent loans are long-term debt for stabilized properties — those already leased and generating income. These are the backbone of CRE financing.
Key Features:
Terms from 5–30 years
Lower rates than short-term debt (5–6.5% in late 2025)
Up to 75–80% loan-to-value (LTV)
Best suited for income-producing assets like leased retail, industrial, or multifamily
Local DFW Lenders:
Example: An investor refinances a 30,000 sq. ft. office in Richardson with a 10-year fixed loan, pulling out equity to fund another deal.
2. Construction Loans (Ground-Up & Major Rehab)
If you’re building from scratch or doing heavy redevelopment, you’ll need a construction loan.
Key Features:
Terms of 12–36 months
Interest-only during build
Funds are drawn in stages (as milestones are completed)
DFW Lenders:
Dallas Capital Bank (construction & development loans)
Northmarq (arranges large development financing)
Example: A developer in Frisco secures a 24-month construction loan for a retail strip, later refinancing into permanent debt.
3. Bridge Loans (Short-Term Transition Financing)
Bridge loans are temporary financing used when a property isn’t ready for permanent debt.
Key Features:
Terms of 6–24 months
Higher interest (7–9% in today’s market)
Often interest-only
Exit strategy required (refinance or sale)
DFW Bridge Lenders:
Example: An investor buys a vacant warehouse in Dallas with a 12-month bridge loan, renovates it, leases it out, then refinances.
4. SBA Loans (For Owner-Occupied Properties)
SBA loans are a strong option for businesses that will occupy their buildings.
SBA 7(a): Flexible, up to 25 years for CRE.
SBA 504: Perfect for fixed assets. Bank covers 50%, SBA-backed CDC covers 40%, borrower puts down 10%.
Where to Apply: SBA-approved banks and credit unions in Dallas–Fort Worth.
Example: A dental practice in Plano buys its office with an SBA 504 loan, locking in a long-term fixed rate with just 10% down.
5. Hard Money Loans (Private Lending)
For deals that don’t fit bank criteria — distressed, unconventional, or fast-close — hard money lenders step in.
Key Features:
6–18 month terms
Higher rates (9–13% in DFW)
Faster approval, less red tape
Local Lenders:
Example: A buyer in Fort Worth uses a hard money loan to grab a foreclosure, rehabs it, then sells for profit.
6. Mezzanine & Preferred Equity Financing
For larger or more complex projects, mezzanine debt and preferred equity fill funding gaps. These structures are common in institutional deals above $10M.
Mezzanine debt: Higher-cost debt layered on top of senior financing
Preferred equity: Equity structured with priority returns
Example: A developer building a 300-unit multifamily in Arlington layers mezzanine debt on top of bank financing to reach 85% leverage.
Where Terry Dale Live Fits In
Knowing the loan types is one thing. Getting the right one — at the right terms — is another.
That’s where Terry Dale Live comes in. Based in Dallas, Terry Dale Live specializes in matching investors and developers with the right financing solutions. They don’t just connect you to one lender — they shop across banks, bridge lenders, private money sources, and institutional capital providers.
Here’s how they help:
Loan Strategy: They analyze whether your deal fits best with permanent, bridge, or hard money financing.
Access to Capital: They bring relationships with multiple lenders, giving you more options than going bank by bank.
Negotiation Power: By structuring deals and leveraging lender competition, they often secure better rates and terms.
Example: A multifamily investor in Fort Worth uses Terry Dale Live to secure bridge financing while repositioning an apartment complex. Once stabilized, Terry Dale’s team refinances the property into permanent debt with a lower rate — all with less hassle than managing multiple lender relationships directly.
Current Rates in DFW (Late 2025 Snapshot)
| Loan Type | Typical Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Loans | 5.0–6.5% | For stabilized assets |
| SBA 504 | ~6.25% | Fixed, long term |
| Bridge Loans | 7.5–9.5% | Higher for vacant or risky deals |
| Construction Loans | 7–10% | Short-term, interest-only |
| Hard Money | 9–13% | Fast close, higher fees |
Options in DFW area
In DFW, you have options.
If your property is stabilized: go permanent.
If you’re building: take a construction loan.
If you need time: bridge it.
If you’re owner-occupied: go SBA.
If it’s a distressed deal: hard money is likely.
If it’s a big project: consider mezzanine or preferred equity.
And if you don’t want to spend weeks calling lenders? Terry Dale Live can do it for you. They know the Dallas market and can pair you with the right financing strategy for your deal.
Partner With Terrydale Capital for Your Debt Financing Needs
When it comes to debt financing, understanding the right timing, process, and options is crucial. At Terrydale Capital, we provide a comprehensive range of commercial loan solutions tailored to meet your business's unique needs.
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Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Terrydale Capital is a leader in commercial real estate financing. We have close relationships with the nation’s top banks, lenders & family offices allowing us to provide the most competitive financing solutions in the market.
