In one sentence
An insurance company lending against commercial real estate to match long-dated liabilities, known for low-leverage, long-term, fixed-rate loans.
The longer version
Life companies are the patient capital of CRE lending, holding loans for a decade or more on stable assets. Their underwriting is conservative and their process durable, built for loans that outlast the people who closed them.
The long hold shapes everything: covenant tracking, assumption readiness, and a servicing file that has to remain retrievable for years.
Common questions
- What is a life company lender?
- An insurance company that makes commercial real estate loans to match its long-dated liabilities, typically offering low leverage, long fixed-rate terms and competitive pricing.
- What do life companies look for in a loan?
- High-quality, stabilized properties in strong markets, experienced sponsors, and lower leverage than many other lenders accept.
- How are life company loans different from CMBS?
- Life companies hold loans on their balance sheet and can be more flexible on servicing and modifications. CMBS loans are securitized and governed by a pooling and servicing agreement.
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