Aries Capital, a full-service commercial mortgage and real estate investment-banking firm, has launched LendingCap Commercial, an automated mortgage-banking platform specializing in non-recourse, permanent and bridge loans from $3 million to $75 million for self-storage and other commercial properties including hotel, multi-family and retail. LendingCap uses online automation to reduce the loan-processing time, according to a company press release. The time and cost savings are shared with the borrower as credits at closing.
“After decades in the lending industry, we’ve developed an intimate knowledge of what borrowers need and want, and we’ve re-engineered the loan process to fulfill unmet needs in today’s marketplace,” said Neil Freeman, chairman and CEO of Aries Capital. “LendingCap leverages a proprietary technology-based system to automate and streamline the commercial mortgage process, making it easier, more efficient and more cost-effective for borrowers in need of simple, non-recourse financing.”
The online platform is backed by Aries Capital’s 25 years of resources, relationships and experience, including more than $5 billion in successful loan closings, the release stated. Headquartered in Chicago, LendingCap will be led by Freeman and Aries Capital Senior Vice President Rushi Shah, who’ll serve as president of the company.
LendingCap originators work closely with an extensive network of vetted senior decision-makers for commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) lenders and other institutional investors to offer competitive rates and terms, the release stated. An online dashboard allows borrowers, their employees, accountants, originators and underwriters real-time access to every step in the loan process. The company will provide five- and 10-year, fixed-rate, permanent debt for the refinance or acquisition of cash-flowing properties. The assumable loans allow loan-to-value ratios up to 75 percent and the flexibility to take cash out for other investments, company officials said. Non-recourse bridge loans from two to five years are also available.
More than $1.3 trillion in commercial loan balances will mature between 2016 and 2018, with CMBS representing more than $283.8 billion, according to the release.
“I’m excited to bring LendingCap to the marketplace, as it lays the foundation of what’s to come in the mortgage industry,” Shah said. “What was once a lengthy and inefficient process for seasoned borrowers will now be a more efficient and less-costly experience. Additionally, those new to institutional financing, who felt their only choice was a recourse loan from a local bank, will also now benefit from LendingCap’s competitive financing, faster closings and cost savings.”
The company is actively recruiting experienced loan specialists nationwide to originate loans through its platform. Résumés can be submitted online through the LendingCap website.
LendingCap Commercial is a national commercial-mortgage banker offering non-recourse permanent and bridge financing through CMBS and other institutional lenders.
Chicago-based Aries Capital has offices in Peoria, Ill., Houston, Miami and Phoenix. Since 1991, the company and its affiliates have arranged or directly funded more than $5 billion in debt and equity for healthcare, hotel/lodging, industrial, multi-family, office, retail and specialpurpose properties in the Caribbean and United States. Through its affiliates, it has also provided more than $500 million in tax-credit and mezzanine financing. Aries provides permanent and interim financing through direct correspondent relationships with CMBS lenders, hedge funds, life companies, regional banks and other institutional investors.
