Commercial Loans of Texas has helped Texas business owners secure SBA financing since 1998. The SBA 7(a) and 504 programs offer below-market rates, low down payments, and long repayment terms that conventional lenders cannot match. With 28 years of Texas commercial lending experience, we guide you from pre-qualification to funding.
SBA 7(a) Loans — Texas 2026
The most versatile SBA program — suitable for business acquisitions, commercial real estate, equipment, working capital, and refinancing. Loan amounts from $50,000 to $5 million with up to 25-year terms on real estate.
| Feature | SBA 7(a) |
|---|---|
| Loan Amount | $50,000 – $5,000,000 |
| Interest Rate | Quoted on your deal |
| Down Payment | 10–20% |
| Real Estate Term | Up to 25 years (fully amortizing) |
| Working Capital Term | Up to 10 years |
| Balloon Payment | None |
SBA 504 Loans — Texas 2026
Designed for owner-occupied commercial real estate and major equipment. Three-party structure: conventional lender covers 50%, CDC covers 40% at fixed rates, borrower puts down just 10%.
| Feature | SBA 504 |
|---|---|
| Total Project Size | Up to $16,500,000 |
| Down Payment | 10% (15% special use, 20% startups) |
| CDC Rate (2026) | ~6.0–7.5% fixed, 20–25 year term |
| Conventional First | 50% of project at market rate |
| Owner Occupancy | 51% minimum required |
Eligible Property Types
- Office buildings (owner-occupied 51%+)
- Retail strip centers and storefronts
- Warehouses and industrial facilities
- Hotels and motels
- Assisted living and care facilities
- Restaurants and food service
- Medical and dental offices
- Car washes and auto service
- Childcare facilities
- Manufacturing and distribution
SBA Qualification Requirements
- Business type: For-profit, operating in the U.S.
- Credit score: 650 minimum (680+ preferred)
- Time in business: 2+ years preferred; startups possible at 20–30% down
- DSCR: 1.25x minimum on the subject business
- Personal guarantee: Required from all 20%+ owners
- Owner occupancy: 51% of building used by your business (504)
- No delinquent federal debt or outstanding tax liens
SBA vs. Conventional Commercial Loans
| Feature | SBA Loan | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | 10–20% | 25–35% |
| Term | 20–25 years | 5–20 years |
| Balloon | No balloon | Often 5–10 yr balloon |
| Speed to Close | 60–90 days | 30–60 days |
| Collateral | Flexible | Strict LTV |
How the SBA Process Works in Texas
Step 1 — Pre-qualification (1–3 days): We review your financials, credit, and property to determine eligibility and loan sizing.
Step 2 — Application and packaging (1–2 weeks): We prepare your complete SBA package including 3 years of business tax returns, personal financial statements, and projections.
Step 3 — Underwriting (3–6 weeks): SBA review is thorough. We coordinate to address conditions quickly and keep your deal on track.
Step 4 — Closing (2–4 weeks): Title, appraisal, environmental review. Total timeline typically 60–90 days.
SBA Loan FAQ — Texas
Can I use an SBA loan to buy commercial real estate without a business?
No — SBA real estate loans require owner-occupancy. Pure investors should look at DSCR or conventional commercial loans instead.
What is the maximum SBA loan amount in 2026?
SBA 7(a): $5 million per borrower. SBA 504 total project: up to $16.5 million with the CDC debenture capped at $5.5 million.
How long does an SBA loan take to close?
Budget 60–90 days. SBA Express loans under $500,000 can close in 30–45 days using delegated authority.
Do I need perfect credit?
No. 680+ FICO is preferred but consistent cash flow (1.25x DSCR) matters more than a perfect score.
Can SBA loans be used for refinancing?
Yes — SBA 7(a) can refinance existing conventional commercial debt when the new loan provides a clear benefit: lower rate, longer term, or release of collateral.
Apply for an SBA Loan in Texas
We lend statewide — Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and every market in between. Pre-qualification is free and typically completed within 24 hours. Call 877-895-3634 or apply online today.