Pictured: Flamingo Pines, Las Vegas, NV
These days, commercial real estate borrowers have multiple loan options, from traditional sources (banks and life insurance companies) to alternative lenders (private debt and equity funds). Then there are mission-driven sources like Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution (Clearinghouse CDFI).
Clearinghouse CDFI recently fielded questions from ConnectCRE, discussing its purpose, sponsors, projects and more.
Q: How does Clearinghouse CDFI differ from traditional and private lenders?
A: Clearinghouse CDFI is an officially certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) focused on financing real estate projects that strengthen local economies and expand opportunities in those communities.
We specialize in the “nearly bankable” deals or transactions that may fall just outside conventional lending criteria. Our solutions-oriented approach allows us to tailor each loan to the borrower’s specific needs, enabling us to pursue opportunities other lenders often cannot.
We move quickly. As a lean team, we can assess opportunities quickly and give you a clear answer early in the process, another key advantage of working with us.
Q: How has the organization changed over the past three decades since its
A: We were founded in California in 1996 to fill a gap in the credit market by providing responsible real estate loans where mainstream capital wasn’t meeting demand. Our focus was, and still is, on financing projects that drive economic growth, create jobs and strengthen local self-reliance.
Nearly 30 years later, our mission is unchanged, but our reach is far greater. Today, we lend nationwide, including in tribal regions, supporting projects that generate long-term prosperity, from multifamily housing developments to community facilities that fuel local opportunity.
Q: How does Clearinghouse CDFI obtain funding for projects?
A: As a for-profit CDFI, we source capital from a mix of bond financing, bank partnerships and private investors. This diversified funding allows us to offer competitive terms and support a wide range of projects across the country.
Q: Do you perform direct loans, or do you work through another agency that distributes the money?
A: We’re a direct lender, handling every step of the process in-house to ensure responsible investment. We underwrite, fund, and service each loan ourselves, so borrowers and partners can count on clear, consistent communication.
Q: What is the step-by-step procedure for issuing a loan?
Here’s how the four-step process works:
#1—Initial Inquiry. Our Business Development Team learns about your project and issues a term sheet.
#2–Underwriting. Once we receive a signed term sheet, we collect a good-faith deposit and begin due diligence, including third-party reports.
#3—Approval. The completed underwriting paperwork moves to our internal approval process.
#4—Closing. We issue a commitment letter, finalize legal documents and fund the loan.
Most loans close within 45–75 days, depending on complexity. We provide clear timelines from day one and truly pride ourselves on moving efficiently.
Q: What projects make the most sense to you? What factors do you examine when considering the loan?
A: We finance real estate projects that deliver measurable, lasting benefits for local communities. This includes:
- Multifamily affordable housing that creates stability and supports workforce retention.
- Community facilities, like schools and assisted living centers.
- Projects in CDFI-eligible census tracts where investment can close critical market gaps.
- Faith-based institutions that provide essential community services.
- Initiatives in tribal regions that promote economic independence and critical infrastructure.
Our underwriting balances mission, impact, and financial feasibility.
Q: What are some examples that demonstrate how your process works?
A: Two recent broker-sourced projects that show both our process and our impact are Flamingo Pines Apartment Homes and Best Choice Fieldhouse.
Flamingo Pines Apartment Homes
A broker brought us a construction opportunity to support Flamingo Pines Apartment Homes (Flamingo Pines), an independent senior housing community in Las Vegas. Nevada HAND, a nonprofit developer, builder and manager of affordable rental homes, operates Flamingo Pines.
After the initial inquiry, we moved quickly through underwriting, worked with the developer to structure flexible terms, and secured internal approval. Closing was completed on time, allowing construction to begin without delay.
The new Flamingo Pines development offers 66 apartment homes, 53 of which are dedicated to low- and moderate-income seniors (55+).
Best Choice Fieldhouse
Best Choice Fieldhouse, a youth sports complex in Fishers, IN, approached us about refinancing to expand its basketball and volleyball facilities.
Our process began with a detailed term sheet outlining creative financing options, followed by due diligence and internal approval. Now closed, this refinancing allows the fieldhouse to serve over 1,000 young athletes annually. The facility builds individual resilience, fosters community strength, and generates jobs for coaches, staff and local vendors.
The above demonstrates how our direct-lending model and streamlined process helped the borrowers bring their vision to life. Furthermore, these examples show our commitment to structuring responsible investment and flexible financing for projects with meaningful community outcomes.
Q: What else would you like to tell readers about Clearinghouse CDFI?
A. We are a Certified B Corporation and CDFI that has provided over $2.7 billion in loans, benefiting more than 5.1 million individuals. We have 30 years of experience in real estate finance and know how to get deals done that create lasting impact. We’re a nimble and responsive lender where you’ll get clear answers quickly so you can act with confidence.
We completed a strategic capitalization earlier in 2025 to fuel our next phase of national growth. This involved raising new equity and closing bond financing. This new capital allows us to expand funding for multifamily affordable housing, commercial real estate developments and critical community facilities.
Finally, we’re actively seeking loan opportunities and continue to offer a 0.25% broker incentive on new relationships.
To learn more about Clearinghouse CDFI, visit the website at www.ccdfi.com or email [email protected]. For a quick response to your query, visit CDFILoan.com.
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