What is the right firm type for my deal?
Do you know who to reach out to? It’s important to reach out to the right type of lender, both to expedite your loan sourcing process and to ensure you don’t waste lenders’ time (which could burn bridges with them for the future) — not to mention your own time.
Note that most lenders do not work with all asset types. Review our asset guide to ensure you know what type of lender is most likely to quote your deal.
Below are the different firm types we have in Janover Pro, and what they do:
Balance Sheet Lender
A lender that funds loans from their own capital and holds the loans on their balance sheet. These lenders typically offer more flexibility in terms and are directly involved in loan servicing.
Bank
A regulated financial institution that provides loans, savings accounts, and other financial services. Banks typically offer competitive rates but may have stricter credit requirements and longer approval processes.
Credit Union
A nonprofit cooperative financial institution owned by its members. Credit unions often provide favorable loan terms and personalized service but may have eligibility requirements based on location, employer, or affiliation.
Debt Fund
A private investment vehicle that pools capital from investors to provide loans, usually for commercial real estate or corporate purposes. Debt funds can be more flexible and faster than traditional banks but may charge higher rates.
Family Office
A private wealth management firm that handles investments for a high-net-worth family. Some family offices engage in direct lending, especially in niche or opportunistic real estate deals, often with a long-term relationship focus.
Investment Bank
A financial institution that arranges large or complex financing, often through structured debt or capital markets. Investment banks typically deal with high-value transactions and may act as intermediaries rather than direct lenders.
Life Company
A life insurance company that invests part of its capital into real estate lending. Known for offering long-term, fixed-rate loans with conservative underwriting — often for stabilized, low-risk properties.
Non-Bank SBA Lender
A lender licensed by the SBA (Small Business Administration) to issue government-backed loans but is not a traditional bank. These lenders specialize in helping small businesses and may offer more flexible credit criteria. Note that SBA loans are only available for owner-occupied commercial real estate — so no multifamily.
REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust)
A (typically public) company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate. Some REITs engage in debt origination, offering loans for commercial properties. They typically focus on returns and may participate in unique financing structures.