The 3 Biggest Mistakes Business Owners Make When Financing Owner-Occupied Real Estate (and How to Avoid Them)

Financing owner-occupied commercial real estate is one of the most powerful ways for business owners to build long-term wealth — but three common mistakes often derail the process: going straight to their everyday bank, relying on a broker’s inexperienced “friend,” and letting the CDC choose the first-trust-deed lender in an SBA 504 deal. These missteps can lead to delays, higher costs, weak terms, and even failed transactions. This article explains why these issues occur and shows how working with a specialized lending advisor who understands SBA 504, SBA 7(a), and conventional structures can save time, protect the deal, and ensure owners secure the right financing on the right terms.