Learn To Be A Fix & Flip Investor

Sunday, September 3, 2017

What to Expect When Applying for Commercial Real Estate Mortgage

If you have never experienced the process of applying for commercial real estate loans then you could be very shocked. The process is much more in depth than a personal real estate loan or mortgage.

Most consumers are fairly familiar with the process of getting a home mortgage and they naturally believe that securing a loan for a commercial property must be very similar. But the fact is that because most commercial loans are not government backed like personal mortgage loans, the lenders are much stricter in qualifying the eligibility of borrowers. So commercial borrowers need to educate themselves to have realistic expectations.

Most borrowers are going to turn to their most familiar lender when they are considering commercial real estate loans, which is often their bank. Unfortunately, banks often have the toughest eligibility requirements and the longest application process. They will want to see income sheets, balance sheets and cash flow statements dating back several years. It can take several weeks to get even a verbal approval from your bank. And then the application still needs to be approved by the credit committee who can reject the application even after the verbal approval has been given. Seeking other lenders or alternative lenders online might be a good idea and can be used as a backup plan in the event of a rejection from your bank.

Regardless of type of lender that you are applying to, there are certain documents that you will want to have prepared to submit with your commercial loan application. Because there is no government backing on these types of loans, lenders want to be very thorough in their vetting process. They are looking for a certain level of stability from your business and will want to see that documented over a period of 3-5 years. They could request leases, asset statements, the original corporate documents as well as the personal financial records of the business owners. So not only do you need to have your business on stable financial ground but you also need to have your personal finances in order. Having this documentation ready will save time on the application process but be sure to ask for a list of required documents in your first conversation with a lender. This will help you to efficiently select lenders with whom you know you can qualify.

Know What Costs to Expect for a Commercial Mortgage

As you are speaking to potential Commercial lenders, it is a good idea to ask for a complete fee structure list. Many commercial mortgages express fees as interest and points. So be sure that you determine the total of these two fees for the overall rate. Also ask about any legal fees, survey fees, any loan application fee or appraisal costs that you might be required to pay. All of this information will help you to determine which loan is the best suited to meet your needs.

Do Your Due Diligence and Be Prepared when you apply for a Commercial Mortgage

Requesting a commercial loan for a real estate purchase is a big step and one that deserves research and planning. Having a knowledge of the process of a commercial mortgage and the time frame can greatly reduce your stress and increase your potential for getting the loan that you have applied for. This is the next step in the growth and success of your business.

mark-gowlovech-150x150 Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com

About the Author: Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 42 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

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Understanding Commercial Mortgage Basics

If you are considering buying a business property then you will want to be sure that you are well informed about the different types of commercial real estate loans that are available. This information can be a great help in a successful purchase.

Knowing that you want to buy a commercial property is not even really a first step. It is more of the thought that is motivating you to take the first step. And as in many processes, a first successful step is learning about the process, your options and what to expect. In this case knowing about the different types of commercial real estate loans and their intended purposes can help you to make a smart financial choice.

If you have an opportunity to make a great buy but timing is critical then you should be looking at a bridge loan. This loan is normally for a year or less and is instant cash to get you started on a purchase or major improvement. It allows you to fund the deal and then seek long term loans. To qualify or a bridge loan you will need to have excellent credit, proof of income and demonstrate the ability to cover existing expenses plus the new loan payment.

If you are interested in procuring a long term loan for a property then you will want a real estate purchase loan. This is much like a fixed rate or adjustable rate commercial mortgage. To qualify for this loan you will need credit scores in excess of 700 plus you must have significant business and personal savings. The property must also be used as collateral and the loan rate is determined by the loan to value ratio.

The Hard Money Option

A hard money loan is typically offered by a private lender and for this reason they don’t have to meet the same strict standards as the more mainstream lenders. This means that a hard money loan can carry a very high risk of default and a very high interest rate. This is a way to get money very quickly without slogging through the long process of a traditional commercial mortgage application process. Many times once hard money is used to secure a property, then the borrower begins to seek a more traditional loan to refinance as a hard money loan is often for a very short term.

Know Your Options and Choose Wisely

There are many different types of commercial loans that are available. Some are designed to be short term and other are more long term. In many cases the term of the loan that you are looking for is determined by the use of the money. So matching the right type of loan to the right project will offer you the best opportunity for success and profit. In the long run, you are trying to find the best balance of interest rate and cost of the loan as it compares to the difficulty and time it takes to get the loan. Having a good understanding of the process will help you to make the best selection to fit your current project.

mark-gowlovech-150x150 Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com

Understanding Commercial Mortgage Basics

Most consumers are familiar with the personal mortgage process but there is more to a commercial mortgage than just a larger dollar amount. Knowing the differences can help you decide if you are ready to apply for this type of loan.

A commercial loan is used to purchase business structures such as office buildings, apartment complexes, health care facilities and retail space. And due to the large size of the property and the large price tag, buyers need a loan to make the purchase just a person gets a loan to buy a house. So there are some similarities to a personal mortgage but a commercial mortgage is also very different in some ways. The similarities are very basic, you need to apply for the loan and you need to provide collateral for the loan but the size and value begin to make the commercial loan more difficult to obtain.

Collateral is what is used to secure a loan, and in the case of a mortgage, it is the property itself which is the collateral. Because commercial property values can fluctuate very rapidly, a commercial loan is most often only offered for around 75% of the property value. This ensures that there is equity in the property if the borrower defaults on the loan and the lender needs to recover their money. This value fluctuation also makes it very critical that there is a very in depth appraisal completed on the property to determine the market value.

In addition to verifying the property value the lenders take a very hard look at the financial situation of the business who is making the purchase. If the company does not have previous commercial loan experience and good credit then the lenders will request the personal financial information from the owners of the business. This is done so that the lender knows that the business owners can guarantee the loan if the business itself fails.

Things to Consider About the Interest Rate

When you apply for a loan you will want to determine if you are looking for a fixed rate loan or a variable rate. This is much like a personal mortgage but the difference is that many commercial loans are offered for a shorter time frame than the personal loans. This means that the amortization is longer than the actual loan and you will be facing a large balloon payment at the end of the loan term.

Read the Fine Print to Learn the Real Deal

There can be a lot of important information tucked into the pages of a commercial loan document. You need to be sure that you understand all of the terms of the repayment as well as any caveat for early repayment or default. You will also want to understand the personal implications if the business fails and is unable to repay the loan. Having a complete understanding of the basic process will ensure that you can manage your expectations and make a successful commercial real estate purchase.

mark-gowlovech-150x150 Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com

The Real Deal on How to Get Commercial Loans

Commercial loans have a stricter set of eligibility requirements than personal loans. For this reason you will want to learn what it really takes to successfully complete the loan application process.

Not only are commercial mortgage loans much larger than a personal home loan but they also represent more of a risk for the lender. Very rarely are commercial mortgages backed by the federal government so lenders want to be certain that they are only providing these large loans to very qualified borrowers. In addition, businesses are more closely tied to the overall economy than personal borrowers so if the economy begins to decline then commercial loans are much more likely to fall into foreclosure. This increased risk keeps lenders very diligent when they are in the process of evaluating a loan application.

In addition to being certain that the business and the owners represent a good risk, the lender wants to be certain that the collateral on the loan, that is the building that you are purchasing, is worth the amount that you are requesting. And in most cases the lender wants you to only be borrowing about 75% to 80% of the value of the building. Because commercial real estate values can fluctuate more than residential property, the lender likes there to be a buffer of equity in the property to ensure that they have enough collateral to cover the full balance of the loan in the event of a foreclosure. So having equity in the property is important when applying for a commercial mortgage.

Cash flow of your business is another important factor that a lender will consider. As a rule they prefer to see a steady net income that is at least 20% greater than your carried debt. To verify this information, the lender will require that you submit detailed financial documents showing income, expenses and budgetary aspects of the business. They will also want to verify any assets or savings that the company has which could be easily converted to cash to cover the mortgage payments.

Know Your Personal Liability for the Loan

In addition to the financials for the business, you as the owner will also need to submit documentation demonstrating your creditworthiness. In the event that the business fails or is unable to pay the commercial loan, then you will be the guarantor on the loan as the owner of the business. Your credit score, income, assets and debts can all come into play when your business is seeking a commercial mortgage. In addition, all other owners must be prepared to submit their personal financial documents to secure the loan.

Do Your Homework and Know the Expectations before You Apply

As a business owner you are truly tied financially to the business for many years. It is not until the company has been operating successfully for over five years that it can begin to stand on its own from a financial aspect. Until that time, you will need to have a good credit score of over 700 and a strong financial history to be approved for a commercial mortgage.

mark-gowlovech-150x150 Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com

What You Need for a Successful Commercial Mortgage Application

It is important to know what you are getting into with every business choice that you make. And that is certainly true when you are applying for a commercial mortgage.

Maintaining a professional image is critical in business. You need to project success and confidence even when you are experiencing questions internally. Crossing into the world of commercial real estate can be intimidating but if you do some research and carefully prepare yourself, your documents and your request then you can exude confidence even when submitting your first application. That professionalism and preparation could be all that stands between you and your first commercial mortgage.

Getting a loan for a commercial property is much more difficult than getting a personal mortgage. This makes sense to a point because the dollar amount is substantially greater but there are also additional risk factors for the lender. Unlike a personal mortgage, a loan on a commercial property is not usually backed or guaranteed by the federal government. So this means that the lender is taking a greater risk on every commercial loan that it processes. In order to ensure that they are lending to quality borrowers, they will often want detailed information about your management team and their hands on experience in the business world. They want to verify that the business is in competent hands and that skills are in place to continue to grow a successful business.

Management staff and skills will only get you so far on a loan application. The lender is also going to want to see detailed financial records for the company that date back 3 – 5 years if possible. These can include cash flow reports, leases, financial statements and tax documents. In addition, they are likely to request financial documents from all of the business owners. This can be tax documents, statements of financial assets and net worth information about large outstanding personal debts.

You Need Good Credit to Get Credit

As you might have guessed, you will also need to have good personal credit as a business owner to get commercial or business credit. All of the owners of the business should have a credit score of 680 at the very least and a score of 700 or better is going to be very helpful. Having your personal finances in order and the documents prepared will help to reduce the time for the initial approval and will help you to present that professional image that lenders are looking for in a borrower.

Make a Professional Presentation if You Want to Succeed

Completing a commercial loan application is much like creating any other presentation for a client. You are introducing your business, highlighting your successes and verifying your credibility in the business world. You need to be prepared and professional to convince the lender of your creditworthiness. In addition, you need to demonstrate that your team of professionals can handle any situation that could arise to ensure that you are successful and can meet all of your obligations where this business agreement, the loan, is concerned. Strong preparation will ensure the success of your loan application and your businesses future.

mark-gowlovech-150x150 Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com

Questions to Answer before Using Commercial Lending

Commercial lending processes are not quite the same as personal lending. Borrowers will want to be prepared for this process and have information and answers prepared to expedite the application process.

Unlike with your home mortgage, a commercial property loan often requires you to pay off the loan much sooner than the term stated on the loan documents. You will pay the regular interest and principal payments for a specific length of time, generally 3, 5 or 10 years, and then there is a balloon payment due. This payment is the entire balance of the loan. In many cases the borrower will not have sufficient cash to pay the balance and will need to refinance or requalify for a loan. If the business has less cash flow that when it originally applied then the interest rate could increase or you might not qualify at all. In this case the property is at risk for foreclosure. So you will want to be very certain of the terms of your commercial loan and know that you have the means to meet the payment structure that is being presented. You don’t want to pay on a property for five years only to lose it in a foreclosure over a huge balloon payment.

In addition to understanding the actual repayment terms, you will also want to be sure that you are asking for a manageable loan amount. You will likely need to make a down payment of 15% to 35% to secure the loan. But consider the benefits of making a larger down payment if possible to lower the final payment amount for the future. Knowing how much you need to borrow and how much the lender will offer you needs to be balanced with your ability to pay on a monthly basis as well as at the end of the loan term. Planning for the future and that large payment can save you from facing foreclosure, the loss of your property and potentially the loss of your business.

You also need to answer your questions about a time frame for your loan. Knowing that a commercial loan is a long process with many steps can help you to manage your expectations and plan your purchase. There are many documents that you will need to submit to justify your business’s financial position as well as the personal financial footing of all of the owners. In addition, there are several levels of approval that will need to be cleared before the loan is actually completed and you can get your money. Having this information will allow you to plan your purchase and deal with any time constraints that the seller might impose.

Be Ready to Prove Your Business’s Stability

Because there is no government backing for a commercial loan, banks are very strict on their eligibility for commercial real estate loans. They will want to see that your business is established and has been successful for 3 – 5 years. To demonstrate this fact you could be asked to provide leases, asset statements and your original corporate documents to the lender. If the history is not long enough to satisfy the review committee then you could be asked to submit additional business or personal documentation.

Know the Hurdles You Will Face and Be Ready

Once you have answered many of these important questions about the requirements to secure commercial lending and repaying the loan, you will know if you want to proceed with the application. If you are moving forward then you will want to have all of your documents in order to help to speed the process as much as possible. Then with your loan secured you can take the next step and become a commercial property owner.

mark-gowlovech-150x150 Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com

Managing Expectations when applying for a commercial mortgage

If you’ve never gotten a commercial mortgage before you may not know what to expect.

Getting a mortgage for a commercial property can be a bewildering and frustrating process. Don't expect the process to resemble the application process for a residential mortgage.

Commercial banks are far more conservative in who they give money to and the process will likely take longer than you expect.

You as a borrower should begin the process expecting a lot of scrutiny. Commercial banks are far more risk-averse, because the mortgages they issue are not backed by any government entity. These types of loans often charge more in interest and require higher down payments than their residential counterparts. If you want to get favorable terms on your loan, be prepared to provide a lot of documentation. Have on hand, financial records going back three to five years, lease agreements, incorporation documents and asset statements. Your lender may ask for further documentation but it is important to have these basic documents on hand. This will not only ensure the process goes smoothly, but will also give your lender faith in your ability as a business owner to pay back the loan.

You should also expect to wait a long time before your mortgage is approved and be aware of the loans terms and conditions. Getting a business loan from a bank is a long process. Banks have the most stringent review process of any lending institution. They will thoroughly examine the documentation you provide and it may take several weeks to get a written commitment. Even after a written commitment is provided there is always the danger that the loan can be vetoed afterward, forcing you to start the process all over again. Even if you manage to secure a mortgage, it is not always a matter of paying the mortgage on time. Some lenders may expect you to provide documentation, tax returns, income statements or balance sheets on a regular basis. The lender may stipulate that your business maintains certain financial benchmarks, such as maintaining a positive cash flow during the term of your mortgage. If you fall short of the specific standards and conditions of the mortgage, you may go into default and risk foreclosure.

Putting it all together

Getting a commercial mortgage from a bank is a very different process than getting a residential mortgage. You will be expected to have a lot of money up front. Your financial history will be closely examined. The process is very time-consuming and there are no guarantees. It is important to be aware of these factors before beginning the process. The conditions set by your lender may require you to keep your business operating at a certain standard. If your uncertain as to whether your business can maintain these standards then you may want to look at other options instead of a traditional mortgage. In short, have realistic expectations about the loan approval process and be aware of the conditions of your loan.

Learn To Be A Fix & Flip Investor

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Sunday, September 3, 2017

What to Expect When Applying for Commercial Real Estate Mortgage

If you have never experienced the process of applying for commercial real estate loans then you could be very shocked. The process is much more in depth than a personal real estate loan or mortgage.

Know What Costs to Expect for a Commercial Mortgage

Do Your Due Diligence and Be Prepared when you apply for a Commercial Mortgage

Understanding Commercial Mortgage Basics

If you are considering buying a business property then you will want to be sure that you are well informed about the different types of commercial real estate loans that are available. This information can be a great help in a successful purchase.

The Hard Money Option

Know Your Options and Choose Wisely

Understanding Commercial Mortgage Basics

Most consumers are familiar with the personal mortgage process but there is more to a commercial mortgage than just a larger dollar amount. Knowing the differences can help you decide if you are ready to apply for this type of loan.

Things to Consider About the Interest Rate

Read the Fine Print to Learn the Real Deal

The Real Deal on How to Get Commercial Loans

Commercial loans have a stricter set of eligibility requirements than personal loans. For this reason you will want to learn what it really takes to successfully complete the loan application process.

Know Your Personal Liability for the Loan

Do Your Homework and Know the Expectations before You Apply

What You Need for a Successful Commercial Mortgage Application

It is important to know what you are getting into with every business choice that you make. And that is certainly true when you are applying for a commercial mortgage.

You Need Good Credit to Get Credit

Make a Professional Presentation if You Want to Succeed

Questions to Answer before Using Commercial Lending

Commercial lending processes are not quite the same as personal lending. Borrowers will want to be prepared for this process and have information and answers prepared to expedite the application process.

Be Ready to Prove Your Business’s Stability

Know the Hurdles You Will Face and Be Ready

Managing Expectations when applying for a commercial mortgage

If you’ve never gotten a commercial mortgage before you may not know what to expect.

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