05Decide

Term sheet template

Eight clauses decide the true cost of a commercial loan.

Facility and purpose

Loan type, amount, and the transaction it funds.

Security

First charge, general security agreement, assignment of rents and leases.

Rate and term

Fixed or floating basis, benchmark, spread, and term length.

Amortization

Years used to size payments, independent of term.

Covenants

Minimum DSCR, maximum LTV, reporting cadence.

Prepayment

Open, closed, yield maintenance, or defeasance.

Conditions precedent

Appraisal, environmental, survey, estoppels, insurance.

Fees

Commitment, standby, legal, and broker fees.

Questions

Is a term sheet binding?

Generally no, except for confidentiality, expenses, and exclusivity clauses. Read those three closely.

How long does a term sheet stay open?

Most Canadian commercial term sheets expire in 10 to 30 days unless the deposit is paid.