$3M Multifamily Refinance Dallas | Commercial Lending Solutions 

$3 Million Multifamily Refinance in Dallas

By Trevor Damyan, Commercial Mortgage Broker at Commercial Lending Solutions

A $3 million multifamily refinance in Dallas represents the sweet spot for small-balance agency execution, where borrowers capture rate and term certainty without the complexity of larger portfolio deals. Dallas's steady population growth and affordable housing profile make these refinances attractive to regional and national agency lenders seeking stable cash flow. At this loan size, borrowers typically achieve leverage in the 70 to 75 percent LTV range with current rates around 5.90 percent on a 10-year fixed term. The Dallas multifamily market continues to draw capital because rental growth and occupancy have remained resilient relative to other coastal markets.

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What a $3M Multifamily Refinance Capital Stack Looks Like

At $3 million, the capital stack is almost always dominated by Freddie Mac Small Balance or Fannie Mae DUS Small programs, which have become the preferred execution path for Dallas apartment owners looking to refinance 10 to 20 unit properties or small complexes in secondary submarkets. These agencies compete aggressively on rate and terms at this size, which keeps execution costs down and timelines predictable for borrowers with stabilized assets and moderate leverage.

Capital Source Rate / Cost Size / LTV Notes
Freddie Mac Small Balance Mortgage 5.75 to 6.10 percent on 10-year fixed $3M at 70 to 75 percent LTV Primary execution vehicle for Dallas refinances at this size; full recourse or limited recourse available; 30 to 45 day close common for clean files
Fannie Mae DUS Small Balance 5.85 to 6.15 percent on 10-year fixed $3M at 70 to 75 percent LTV Competitive alternative to Freddie; slightly longer underwriting window but identical rate and LTV profile; recourse options available
Regional bank balance sheet 6.00 to 6.50 percent on 7 to 10 year fixed $3M at 65 to 70 percent LTV Preferred if borrower has deposit relationship or seeks flexibility on lease-up risk; slower execution but more borrower-friendly terms
Life company correspondent 5.95 to 6.35 percent on 10 to 15 year fixed $3M at 60 to 70 percent LTV Attractive for borrowers with lower leverage desire or willing to accept longer rates-locked period; slower timeline but strong long-term relationship value

Pricing reflects active CLS CRE quote pipeline as of April 2026. Specific deal pricing depends on sponsor, property, and structure.

Who Closes a $3M Multifamily Refinance Deal

The typical sponsor refinancing a $3 million Dallas apartment asset is an experienced local or regional operator with $10 to $50 million in portfolio assets and at least three to five closed multifamily deals in the last five years. These borrowers often own and manage properties themselves, have stabilized occupancy above 90 percent, and are refinancing to capture lower rates than their existing debt, pull out some equity for acquisition or value-add capital, or extend maturity risk. Many are second or third generation family operators or small independent partnerships that prize local market knowledge and hands-on asset management.

A Real $3M Example

A 22-unit class B apartment complex in the Farmers Branch submarket closed with a regional agency lender at $2.85 million, 72 percent LTV, and 5.88 percent on a 10-year fixed term. The borrower had owned the property for six years, achieved stable 94 percent occupancy, and wanted to lock in long-term financing while rates remained in the 5.75 to 6.15 percent range. Closing took 38 days from application to funding because the appraisal supported value, debt service coverage ratio was clean at 1.35x, and the borrower carried full recourse. The sponsor used the modest rate savings to fund a unit renovation program and establish a capital reserve for future upgrades.

Anonymized. All deal references protect borrower and lender identity.

$3M Multifamily Refinance Dallas FAQ

Most agency lenders (Freddie Mac Small Balance and Fannie Mae DUS Small) will go to 75 percent LTV on stabilized assets with debt service coverage ratio of 1.25x or higher. Some regional banks go to 70 to 75 percent LTV if you have a relationship or accept shorter amortization. Life companies typically max out at 65 to 70 percent LTV but offer longer term locks and more flexibility on recourse.
With Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, expect 30 to 45 days from complete application to funding if the appraisal comes in clean and your financials are current. Regional bank refinances often take 45 to 60 days because of additional portfolio review and committee approval. Life company deals can take 60 to 90 days because they typically have longer underwriting and more rigorous borrower vetting.
Both Freddie Mac Small Balance and Fannie Mae DUS Small offer limited recourse or full recourse options, and most borrowers at this size can access limited recourse structures with a guarantor on the note. Regional banks often require full recourse. Limited recourse typically means the lender retains recourse for fraud, mismanagement, or lease violations but releases recourse after loan payoff or refinance.
Agency lenders typically want to see a minimum 1.25x debt service coverage ratio, though 1.30x to 1.35x gives you better rate pricing and more lender competition. If you are below 1.25x, you may be limited to 70 percent LTV or lower, or you may need to go to a bank or life company with stronger underwriting flexibility.
Agency loans (Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae) are best if you have stabilized assets, clean financials, and want the lowest rate and longest amortization. Regional banks make sense if you value relationship banking, want recourse flexibility, or anticipate lease-up challenges. Life companies are ideal if you want a true 15-year fixed rate, can accept lower leverage, or prefer a correspondent lender relationship over an impersonal agency process.


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