In a rapidly shifting economic environment, hotel developers and lenders are adapting their strategies to secure successful outcomes for hotel projects. We sat down with Jared Schlosser, EVP of Hotel Lending and Head of CPACE at Peachtree Group to discuss how rising interest rates and inflationary pressures are influencing lending criteria and financial planning. Hear more insights from Jared during his panel Active Lending at Lodging Conference.
Q: Given the rising interest rates and inflationary pressures, how are lenders adjusting their underwriting criteria for hotels?
Jared Schlosser: Right now, it's all about cash flow. It’s hard to underwrite any sort of pro forma growth unless there’s a real story behind it. Lenders are focused on the cash flow, and if you can achieve a 13% debt yield or higher, you qualify for generally permanent debt, CMBS, life company, or even bank takeouts. If you don’t meet that threshold, then you typically fall into the private credit space, which is where Peachtree Group comes in.
Q: What are the current trends in loan terms, such as loan-to-value (LTV) ratios or interest rates?
JS: It’s been quite varied, depending on what each lender's risk threshold is. The biggest trend I’m seeing is uncertainty around how long rates will stay elevated. Because of that, borrowers are seeking flexibility. They’re willing to pay a premium for loans with shorter yield maintenance or reduced prepayment penalties. Many are hesitant to lock into long-term fixed-rate debt like they used to.
We provide both fixed-rate and floating-rate loans, but even with fixed-rate products, borrowers are trying to secure as much flexibility as possible. We’re still getting to 70% loan-to-cost (LTC) or LTV, sometimes pushing up to 75% or scaling back, depending on our underwriting. In contrast, the banking market is closer to 50-55% on average, which highlights the difference between our space and traditional banks.
Q: How should developers adapt their financial strategies in this market?
JS: I always say in a volatile market, get ahead of it. Be proactive—get ahead of your maturity dates and start conversations early, whether it’s with us or other competitors in the space. Early engagement is key right now because the future is so uncertain.
With upcoming elections, the volatility surrounding Federal Reserve policy, and questions about whether rates will be cut or stay elevated longer than expected, liquidity is fluctuating. The sooner borrowers are out in the market looking for refinances or construction financing, and the more well-prepared their packages are, the better their chances of securing favorable terms.
Peachtree Group is a direct balance sheet lender focused on funding first mortgage bridge loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity investments, and commercial property assessed clean energy (CPACE) financing, lending to all commercial real estate asset classes with a specialty in hotel financing. The Peachtree Group team has executed more than 297 transactions, originating more than $4.5 billion for projects seeking capital to complete acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancing and renovations.
Investing in a franchise hotel can be a good way to diversify your portfolio and to achieve solid returns over an extended period of time. Finding the right hotel financing options can make this acquisition even more profitable. Comfort letters are designed to provide a legal framework for lenders and franchisors to handle situations in which the hotel purchaser defaults on the loan. Here are some facts ever investor should know about comfort letters.
Comfort letters are documents that allow lenders to assume franchise rights if the original franchisee defaults on the loan. These letters include provisions that ensure that lenders can continue to operate the hotel in the event of default or foreclosure on franchise hotel loans.
Comfort letters offer several benefits for all parties involved in the transaction, including the following:
Many lenders require comfort letters before they will finalize loans for franchise hotel properties.
In most cases, the comfort letter is drawn up by the franchise company as part of the franchising process. These legal documents may follow a standardized template or may be customized to suit the needs of the borrower and the lender. The contents of the letter may include some or all of the following provisions:
These provisions are designed to protect the lender if the hotel financing loan goes into default.
Peachtree Group is a direct lender with a specialty in hospitality lending. Our originators work with investors across the US to provide the most practical hotel financing arrangements for their specific needs. Contact us today to discuss your financial needs with one of our expert loan originators. We work with you to provide the best options for your hotel financing requirements.
ATLANTA (Feb. 2, 2024) – Peachtree Group announced the company originated a $34.5 million loan for the acquisition and renovation of a 312-unit multifamily property in Gainesville, Fla., on behalf of Coastline Management Groups (Coastline), a Hollywood, Fla. based service-oriented real estate management company. The property, Pavilion on 62nd, is a 25-building, 312-unit multifamily used previously for student housing.
The Peachtree Group team originated the floating-rate bridge loan over a three-year term, representing 61% of the stabilized appraised value.
The multifamily property contains 31.74 acres and features two-, three- and four-bedroom units with onsite property management, two clubhouses, two swimming pools, workstation cubicles, a game room, a media room, rentable event room, a gym, indoor racquetball and half-court basketball, sand volleyball court, dog park and package receiving center.
Coastline will use approximately $5.0 million of the bridge loan proceeds to renovate unit interiors, convert four-bedroom units to three-bedroom units, expand the onsite amenities and complete deferred maintenance on exterior and common areas.
Peachtree Group is an investment firm driving growth with a diverse portfolio of commercial real estate assets and other ventures. We’ve executed hundreds of investments since inception with a focus on real estate acquisition, development, and lending. Today, we manage billions in equity, augmented by services designed to protect, support, and grow our investments.
Peachtree Group is a nationwide direct balance-sheet lender, offering competitive terms, in-house loan servicing, and flexible capital to handle a wide array of projects.
Peachtree provides full-stack debt capital solutions to qualified commercial real estate owners across all sectors throughout the U.S. We offer bridge, construction, mezzanine, preferred equity, CPACE, permanent and NNN financing.
See below for some of the most recent loan transactions from Peachtree Group including hotel loans, retail, multifamily, industrial, and land. Click here for our portfolio.
Need Financing? Contact us at lending@peachtreegroup.com.
Amid ongoing credit market dislocations, Peachtree Group originated a $40 million retroactive CPACE loan in just 23 days.
Peachtree Group worked with the Sponsor to convert a retail store to an industrial building in a sought-after area of Sacramento, CA.
Peachtree Group worked with the Sponsor to pay off its maturing loan while executing a business plan to upgrade its property to better compete in the marketplace and retain its Hilton flag.
Peachtree is an award-winning hotel lender. Contact us to discuss your deal.
