CRE Terms: Lucky 13

Although it’s hard to believe, this is now the 13th edition of our commercial real estate terms and definitions blog. In this series over the past year, we’ve explored and unpacked many of the common and not-so-common words and phrases associated with this industry. It is this dynamism that means these blogs continue to be some of our top-performing content, read by people around the world – both within the industry and those looking to break in.

For today’s edition, we explore three financing terms: loan-to-value ratio, property equity, and vendor finance.


Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)

Loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is a financing term in both residential and commercial property. The ever-useful NAIOP Terms and Definitions document defines LTV as: “The ratio between a mortgage loan and the value of the property is pledged as security, usually expressed as a percentage”.  A ratio is an expression of the relationship between quantities. Meaning, LTV is the relationship between what loan is offered by a lender and what the property is valued. If you get a 110% LTV, you have the full value of the property loaned to you, plus ten percent extra for upgrades.

The G-Maven explanation: “Higher LTVs means more risk for the lender. Lower LTVs mean there is lower risk to the lender. If the borrower cannot meet their financial obligations, and they may then sell the property. This then means there is a higher chance of the property being sold at a value in excess of the property’s debt value. This means that the lender has a greater chance of recovering their loan.”

Property Equity

G-Maven offers this extra tidbit for us: “Out of interest, the property value less the loan value is known as the property equity.” If a buyer is financing at a 90% LTV, they would typically put in the 10% difference in cash. This makes their equity in the property equal to the 10%. It’s what they actually have paid for (as opposed to financed), and it is what would be sold or liquidated in the event of recapitalization.

Vendor Finance

Vendor financing is an alternative to traditional financing from a bank or financial institution. It may take the form of debt or equity financing. You offer something like company stock to close the gap between the cash or financing a buyer has and the asking price. Additionally, vendor financing has a reputation for being expensive debt. It is often deployed as a means to getting a loan when one doesn’t meet the criteria of more traditional lenders.


Having an agent who is knowledgeable about all the intricoes of commercial real estate is key to a successful transaction.

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