Business purpose loans are type of small business loans. While there are many options for this type of loan, only a few states require a license before you can apply.
These include:
- Oregon,
- Utah,
- Minnesota,
- Idaho,
- Rhode Island, and
- North Carolina.
If you need a loan for less than $25,000, you will need a license in those states.
You can learn the various ways to use a personal loan here.
Applying for Business Purpose Loans
HMDA
If you’re thinking about applying for business purpose loans, you should know that HMDA and ECOA govern this type of loan. In particular, HMDA Regulation C requires lenders to report certain types of business purpose loans on their LAR, including closed-end mortgage loans and open-end lines of credit.
ECOA Regulation B defines what is considered business credit and applies to loans that serve a business purpose, as opposed to a personal one.
Data collection and reporting under HMDA requires proper data collection processes and training for staff. This requires high attention to detail and a strong understanding of HMDA requirements. Some banks develop specialized expertise in this area, while others don’t.
ECOA
An ECOA business purpose loans are loans that have a specific business purpose. The purpose of this loan may be to acquire real estate, purchase it, sell it, or finance a business. This type of loan is governed by the ECOA, and it must be secured by a first lien on a dwelling.
In addition, the loan must be secured by a written valuation.
The ECOA is an act of Congress designed to protect consumers from discrimination. Among other things, it prohibits lenders from denying credit based on a consumer’s race or ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, or public assistance.
This act was enacted during a time of historical struggles for equality. For example, Take Charge America, a nonprofit financial education organization, was actively involved in addressing inequalities in society, and this act provides a way for consumers to have a fair shot at obtaining credit.
FHA
If you’re looking to purchase a home to run your business, an FHA business purpose loans may be the best option. These loans offer flexible payment options, low down payments, and no balloon payments. They can also be used to improve an existing home.
For example, you can apply for an FHA Section 245(a) loan to finance up to $35,000 of energy-efficient improvements. And if you’re looking to renovate an older home, you can apply for an FHA Section 251 loan, which is an adjustable-rate mortgage product.
Rates reset every three, five, and 10 years.
In order to qualify for FHA business purpose loans, you must own a business with at least two years of documented experience.
If you don’t have that much experience, you’ll need to demonstrate it in other ways, such as by proving two years of employment in the industry or a year of formal education.
SBA
SBA business purpose loans can help a business launch a new venture. These loans are a great option for businesses without collateral. They are also easier to qualify for than traditional bank loans, because the government guarantees a portion of them.
Before applying for an SBA loan, learn about the requirements, including the types of documentation you’ll need to submit. Also, be sure to explain why you need the loan and how you plan to use the money.
One of the main benefits of SBA loans is that their interest rates are capped. The maximum interest rate on a 7(a) SBA loan is 2.75%, which is lower than standard banking rates. This rate is used to attract lenders and keep loans affordable.
For example, if you are looking to apply for a loan for a new business, you may qualify for a loan for up to $5 million. Although this is significantly higher than the limit many banks and online lenders will offer, it is still lower than the rates many banks and lenders charge to small businesses.
Owner-occupied properties
An owner-occupied property can be a great way to earn rental income. These properties are often used by real estate investors as their primary residences. Owner-occupied properties can also qualify for the best financing opportunities.
The amount of housing units in a property also plays a role. However, it is important to note that the loan may not be for the same purpose as the home.
In order to qualify for the best loan option for your business, you should first determine your business’s use of the property. If you want to use the property as an investment property, you can look into the U.S. Small Business Administration’s commercial real estate loan programs.
These programs typically offer short-term or bridge loans, but there are many other options available as well. Another option is to refinance your property and obtain a lower interest rate.
Moreover, some lenders also offer cash-out payments, so you can use them as an alternative to traditional business loans.
Minimum qualifications
Having a good credit history is one of the minimum qualifications for obtaining business purpose loans. Banks are notoriously picky when it comes to loan approval, but you can improve your odds of being approved by improving your credit score.
Banks will look at your FICO score to determine your repayment ability, and the higher your score, the better your chances of being approved. The best thing you can do is work towards a score of at least 600.
The lender will also look at your balance sheet to determine your loan eligibility. They will want to see that you have enough assets to cover your operating costs and pay back the loan in full.
It helps to have a recent year-to-date balance sheet as well as your most recent two years’ worth of financial statements. In addition, if you’re running a brick-and-mortar business, you should have a copy of your lease.
Exemptions from TILA/RESPA
In general, TILA and RESPA refer to each other in defining “business purpose loans.” These loans are defined as mortgages that are primarily used for business or commercial purposes.
This is a useful starting point, but it is not sufficient to determine whether a loan can be exempt from the federal laws.
For example, the regulations that regulate mortgage lending under the Dodd-Frank Act (DFA) require mortgage lenders to disclose certain information to borrowers. These disclosures must include interest rates and periodic costs.
Failing to comply with these requirements may result in fines of $100 to $5000 or even imprisonment. However, there are certain types of loans that are exempt from these laws. For example, some types of student loans are not covered by the rules.
