How do I get a loan to buy or open a bed and breakfast?

SBA 504 for the B&B property

A bed and breakfast property — which typically combines a residential structure with commercial hospitality operations — is generally eligible for SBA 504 financing when used primarily for business purposes. The 504 structure provides fixed-rate financing on the land and building component: 50% conventional first mortgage, 40% CDC debenture at a fixed 20–25 year rate, 10–20% borrower down payment. Special-use properties (which a B&B may qualify as) require 20% down. Details at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/504-loans.

SBA 7(a) for working capital and renovation

SBA 7(a) covers what 504 doesn't: renovation of guest rooms, kitchen equipment, linens and furnishings, marketing and pre-opening costs, and initial operating reserves. Maximum $5 million; most B&B 7(a) needs fall in the $150K–$500K range for working capital and renovation. Requirements: 680+ FICO, business plan with 3-year projections, and — for acquisitions — trailing 3 years of seller financials. New B&B startups face higher scrutiny because there's no historical revenue. Program details: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans.

Residential-commercial underwriting considerations

B&Bs occupy an unusual regulatory and lending category. The property cannot be underwritten as a residential mortgage (DSCR on room revenue, not owner income) but also doesn't always meet standard commercial hotel thresholds for room count and brand affiliation. SBA lenders familiar with the hospitality sector handle this most effectively — they underwrite on ADR (average daily rate), seasonal occupancy, and stabilized RevPAR, and they accept the mixed residential-commercial use structure that frustrates conventional bank lenders.

Licensing requirements lenders verify

Before any SBA lender will approve a B&B loan, they verify: state lodging license (all states require one), county or municipal business license, food-handler certification (if breakfast is served — most states require the operator or a staff member to be certified), fire and safety inspection compliance, and adequate property insurance. Failure to show active licenses at application is a fast-track decline. Verify your state's lodging license requirements through your state's tourism or commerce department.

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