If you’re ready to move your business investments from residential to commercial real estate and to diversify your portfolio while creating a passive stream of income, you may be wondering what your financing options are. While commercial properties generally appreciate over time and can prove themselves strong investment options, they also tend to be more expensive than residential properties and may be harder to pay for upfront. The good news is, if this is a route you’re interested in, there are several financing options that can help you make your aspiration come true. Here are a few of the financing routes for your commercial property you may want to consider.

Conventional Bank Mortgages

The first stop for anyone looking to finance a commercial property is generally a conventional mortgage from lenders like banks or credit unions. These loans work a bit differently from residential mortgages in that they usually have shorter term lengths. One of the advantages is that conventional mortgages, once secured, often have better interest rates than other types of financing. Additionally, you’ll need to qualify, meaning your company should have excellent credit, several years in business, and proof of income. Be prepared to put in at least a 10% down payment if you go this route. It’s also important to be aware that mortgage lenders typically base their loan on the value of the property, so you’ll have to get a professional assessment of your intended property done in order to lock in the best possible rates.

Hard Money Loans

If your company has less than perfect credit, you may want to consider looking into a hard money loan instead of a conventional mortgage. Hard money loans depend mostly on the value of the property, and not on the borrower’s creditworthiness. Typically, the property itself secures the loan, ensuring there’s enough equity to pay the debt back in the case of defaulting on the loan. However, hard money loans sometimes come with associated fees that can drive up their overall cost for you.

FHA Loans

Finally, another option to consider is a government-insured loan like the Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, loans. The 203k loan program, for instance, lends out funds for purchasing multi-unit properties. However, this program may only be available to consumers wanting to buy owner-occupied places, and not to those looking for investment alone.

Owning commercial real estate can not only diversify your business’s investment portfolio but can bring in a side stream of income as well. Keep these top financing options in mind and you’ll be on your way to pursuing the commercial property ventures your business needs.