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First-Time Commercial Buyer? Here’s What to Expect

First-Time Commercial Buyer? Here's What to Expect

Buying your first commercial property is exciting—and a little intimidating. The process works differently than residential real estate, and knowing what to expect will help you navigate it with confidence.

Longer Timelines

Commercial transactions take longer than residential deals. While a home purchase might close in 30-45 days, commercial deals often run 60-90 days or more. Due diligence is more extensive, financing takes longer to arrange, and there are simply more moving parts

Bigger Down Payments

Expect to put down 20-30% on most commercial properties. Owner-occupied buildings financed through SBA programs may allow lower down payments, but investment properties typically require more equity.

Different Loan Structures

Commercial mortgages aren’t like your home loan. Most feature shorter terms (5, 7, or 10 years) with longer amortization periods (25-30 years). That means you’ll have a balloon payment at the end of the term and will need to refinance or pay off the balance.

Prepayment penalties are also standard in commercial lending. If you pay off the loan early, expect to owe a fee. Make sure you understand these terms before signing.

Due Diligence Matters

Commercial buyers conduct extensive due diligence: environmental assessments (Phase I reports), property condition reports, lease audits, title searches, and financial analysis. This process protects you from surprises but requires time and upfront costs.

Build Your Team Early

uccess in commercial real estate comes from having the right people in your corner: a knowledgeable broker, an experienced attorney, a responsive lender, and a good CPA. Start building these relationships before you find a property.

Final Thought

Your first commercial deal has a learning curve, but it gets easier. The fundamentals you learn now—analyzing properties, structuring financing, negotiating terms—will serve you for every deal that follows.

Ready to explore your first commercial purchase? Let’s connect.

Meet Jennifer Cabrera

From the energy capital of the world to the sun-soaked shores of South Florida, Jennifer Cabrera has built a career that most loan originators can only dream of. A Houston native now calling Miami home, Jennifer has spent over 30 years mastering the art and science of commercial mortgage lending.

Her journey began at Novastar Financial, where she didn’t just learn the ropes—she dominated them. Year after year, Jennifer ranked among the company’s top three loan originators, a testament to her relentless work ethic and natural ability to connect with clients.

Today, Jennifer serves as CEO of Atlantic Union Inc., where she and her team excel in providing commercial private lending solutions tailored for high-net-worth clients, both consumers and investors. With over five years at the helm, she has honed a niche in wholesale lending, offering unsecured business operating capital to empower her clientele. It’s the kind of specialized expertise that only comes from decades of navigating the complexities of commercial finance.

In tandem with her role at Atlantic Union, Jennifer has launched NewCenturyMortgages (NCM)—an AI-powered lending platform where commercial real estate and technology collide. Purpose-built for serious investors, NCM was born from a simple idea: investors shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get funded, and brokers shouldn’t have to wait months to see a commission check. Powered by AI and built for speed, NCM specializes in DSCR loans, portfolio financing, commercial real estate, and asset-based lending. Forget the paperwork. No income verification.

Armed with an MBA in Finance and Wealth Management from Purdue University and lending licenses in both California and Florida, Jennifer brings a rare combination of academic rigor and real-world expertise to every transaction. Whether structuring complex deals for seasoned investors or providing the capital that helps businesses grow, her clients know they’re in capable hands.

But Jennifer’s impact extends far beyond the closing table. As an active volunteer with the Junior League of Miami, she’s deeply committed to giving back to the community that has embraced her. And when she’s not leading Atlantic Union or serving her community, you’ll likely find her exploring a new corner of the world—because after three decades of hard work, she’s earned every stamp in that passport.

Kim Tillinghast

Principal, Partner

Kim Tillinghast began her career in the banking industry in 1985. She graduated with a degree in Finance from West Texas State University in 1990 and has continued her education by earning her Series 24 General Securities Principal Exam and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA™). Shortly thereafter she started her brokerage career at a traditional wirehouse in downtown Los Angeles, California in 1991. After relocating to Orange County, Kim became an independent financial advisor in May of 1993. She brings over 37 years in the banking and finance industry with experience ranging from designing, developing, employing and maintaining complex investment strategies, Pension Plans, Employee Stock Option Plans, Corporate Finance, Estate Planning and Transition. Outside of her career, she served as Co-Chair of the Dallas County Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 2013 and 2014 and currently serves on the Board of the Tillinghast Society, Inc. With a deep love for animals, she continues to volunteer for multiple emergency animal response teams including Red Rover, HSUS, UAN, ASPCA and volunteers weekly at the Irving Animal Shelter. Kim also loves worldwide adventure travel and has many amazing experiences visiting almost half of the world’s countries and all seven continents, twice.

Karthik Muraliraj

CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RMA®, Partner

Karthik Muraliraj was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and developed an interest in investing and economics at a young age. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a minor in Business, he started his career as a financial professional in 2008. Throughout his career, Karthik has continued to educate himself by gaining multiple designations. Since moving to Dallas, he has been an active member in the community—volunteering with organizations such as the network of Indian Professionals, Dallas Autumn Ball and Reading Partners. Karthik is an avid sports fan and enjoys supporting his alma mater as a proud member of the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter. In his free time, Karthik enjoys cooking, travel, fitness and spending time with this wife, son, dog, and cat.

Crystal Arredondo

MBA, CDFA®, CPFA™, Partner

Crystal Arredondo was born and raised in Germany. She moved to Texas following her parents’ decision to retire after serving an overseas career in the Armed Forces. Seeing firsthand the difficult transition to civilian life after retirement, Crystal obtained her MBA in Finance at the University of North Texas and began her career as a financial advisor. In 2009, she completed the Retirement Planning Specialist Program at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. In 2018, she earned her designation of Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®). In 2022, she earned the additional designation as a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA™). As the daughter of an immigrant mother, she especially enjoys helping women and business owners make decisions that affect their financial independence. She served as the 2015-16 Chair for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and 2016-17 Chair for the NAWBO Institute of Entrepreneurial Development.

Philip Strunk

CFP®, CPA, Partner

Philip Strunk is a native of Houston, TX. Philip earned his Bachelor of Business Administration and Masters in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. He earned his designation as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2004 and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (TM) certification in 2010. Having started his career with Deloitte & Touche, LLP in 2005, Philip spent a year and a half in Deloitte’s Audit and Assurance Services group and provided a variety of financial services for a number of Fortune 500 companies. He decided in late 2006 that his talent and passion for investments were best suited for working with smaller groups and individuals. After obtaining the required securities registrations and insurance licenses, Philip became a financial advisor. The impact was plainly visible and more fulfilling. Philip serves as the Investment Director for MPACT.

John C. Farris

CAP®, CFS®, Partner

John C. Farris is a founding partner and has more than forty years in both public and private business serving in a variety of management and leadership capacities. John completed the Retirement Planning Specialist Program at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania earning the Retirement Planning Specialist designation. John and his family have a history of philanthropic giving through numerous non-profit organizations. John recently completed his designation as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®). He is also a member of The International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy. His primary goal is to help people give intelligently with love and thereby experience the true joy of helping others. John lives in Park Cities and has served on the Public Works Advisory Council, as finance director of the BSA West Park District, the BSA Troop 82 Executive Board, and as a BSA Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 82, Dallas, Texas.