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SBA 504 Loan Timeline: What Lenders Should Expect (and How to Protect the Closing Date)

A smiling woman in a factory, representing success in business, featured in a blog post about SBA 504 loan timelines.

SBA 504 Loan Timeline: What Lenders Should Expect (and How to Protect the Closing Date)

An SBA 504 deal rarely gets delayed due to one side “taking too long.” More often, timelines shift for reasons that make sense: perhaps the file wasn’t fully prepared, or the appraisal and environmental reports took longer than anticipated, or there were some challenges with tenant improvements (TI) or construction permits. This lender-first guide breaks down the SBA 504 loan timeline, showcasing important milestones, ownership responsibilities, and planning ranges. It also sheds light on the two funding events that can be confusing: the initial closing, often accompanied by interim financing, and the subsequent debenture takeout.

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