Learn To Be A Fix & Flip Investor

Thursday, November 2, 2017

How Will Changes in Real Estate Development Affect Commercial Real Estate Loans In Texas Post Hurricane Harvey?

Whether it be commercial properties to house offices, retail space to support small businesses or multi-family homes to address growing population density, commercial real estate loans in Texas have long been a source of income and expansion for small business owners. However, with the recent devastation of Hurricane Harvey, regulations might be implemented that could affect this landscape.

Whenever the idea of regulation, especially when it comes to sources of economic development, comes up, there is always a debate. Individuals from all over the spectrum weigh in on the benefits or drawbacks of such changes and the impact that they would have on the market and economy as a whole. However, with the massive repercussion that Hurricane Harvey has had on properties in Texas, it seems as though regulation is a foregone conclusion. This will most certainly impact commercial real estate loans.

One way that regulations might change the real estate industry after Hurricane Harvey is in zoning laws, especially in Houston. Prior to the latest disaster, there had been little in the way of zoning restrictions. Real estate development was given a free hand and the population and local economy was greatly enhanced. However, this did lead to significant losses with the flooding and other destruction from the hurricane.

Because of the unique landscape of Houston and the surrounding area, there are many residents that have been clamoring for increased regulation in zoning. Houston has been extremely fast growing in the past few years and this had led to many commercial real estate loans being used for rapid expansion into the surrounding plains, which have ultimately proven to be unsafe and right in the flood plain. This did, however, provide for lots of very economical development.

However, there is still a good deal of opposition to potentially more regulations. Opponents of these measures claim that there is little evidence to prove that the development cycle is actually to blame for the flooding. One solution that has been put forward is for the city itself to provide a more comprehensive drainage plan.

In either case, the resulting changes in commercial real estate that are bound to come out of this most recent disaster will certainly have an effect on the loans needed to develop, or re-develop, Houston and the surrounding area.

How will the fight over regulation specifically affect commercial real estate loans in Texas?

While this largely remains to be unseen, there are some trends that could be affected. For one, the application, appraisal and title process all have the potential of taking more time the more restrictions are in place. With any sort of regulation, government agencies usually get involved in the process and that is sure to bog down a commercial real estate loan. It remains to be seen how it will affect interest rates or terms, but with more agencies in the mix, it is a solid prediction that fees for closing, at the very least, will increase. If zoning regulations do go into effect, the availability of such loans (and properties in general) might also decline.

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.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Securing A Commercial Mortgage in Texas – Preparing For Your Mortgage – Step 3 – Hard Money Mortgage Application

Perhaps a traditional mortgage is not what you are looking for with your commercial investment, or maybe through the pre-qualification process, your lender has helped you determine that your needs are better served by a hard money loan. In either case, the process for a commercial mortgage in Texas is slightly different with this type of loan.

Typically, a hard money loan is a very short-term loan that will enable to borrower to quickly turn a profit and pay back the loan. If you are developing a property or are looking for a long-term building extension or business development of a commercial area, then this is not the type of loan that you are looking for. Many real estate developers use this type of commercial mortgage to quickly turn around a property and immediately put it back up for sale to turn a quick profit on the improvements made.

This is often referred to as a “fix and flip” loan and has been made famous by shows like “Property Brothers” and “Flip This House.” Often times, from a commercial standpoint, these properties are in depressed areas and often include multi-family housing units. With the recent devastation of Hurricane Harvey, this is actually going to be a growing area of need in Texas markets.

The tricky part of a hard money commercial loan is that it is based on the property appraisal that will be realized after the completion of the project. This is commonly termed as the After Repair Value or ARV.

Because of this unique factor, the application process of a commercial mortgage of this type begins with the assessment of what the property will be worth after the repairs are implemented. This means that the borrower will have to do a good deal of leg work before even knowing if the loan will be approved. Detailed specifications and an excellent business plan are necessary components for a hard money loan, as the entire value of the loan is going to be based on what the borrower intends to do with the property.

Once the plan has been approved and the ARV has been provided to a potential lender, the application process truly begins. Another element that a borrower can expect to encounter in this process is having to provide a detailed budget of how the repairs are going to be completed and their associated costs. This can usually be done by getting quotes from contractors who have worked on such projects before. In any case, this is critical step to help outline exactly how the loan is going to be used and to ensure that it is for the proper amount.

With the recent crisis in Texas, how can I use a commercial mortgage to my advantage?

Multi-family housing units in depressed and affected areas, especially in Houston, are going to be in high demand and investors are going to be needed to quickly turn those properties into buildings that are livable. Having the access to quick funds and experience developing properties with hard money will most certainly help you to make a commercial mortgage work in your favor.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

The Dark Side Of Commercial Real Estate Loans In Texas – What are the Drawbacks Investing?

If investing in commercial real estate properties were easy and a sure thing, then everyone would be able to do it successfully. However, there is a tremendous amount of risk inherent in pursuing commercial real estate loans in Texas, considering the number of factors that are outside of the control of the investor.

There are most definitely opportunities present for anyone to get involved in commercial real estate. So why doesn’t everyone do it? Because for every reward, there is also a great deal of risk. Only those who are able to manage the risks, while capitalizing on the rewards are going to be successful in putting a commercial real estate loan to work for them with an investment property.

One of the biggest drawbacks of pursuing and following through with a commercial real estate loan and the property that will be acquired with it is the time that the owner is going to have to commit. With a commercial property, you are going to be dealing with many different leases of different time frames and terms, shared areas that are the responsibility of the owner, and an image to uphold. All of this takes a tremendous amount of time and energy. If a borrower has never owner commercial property before, the amount of time it takes for even the simplest of maintenance tasks is most likely to surprise.

Another hurdle that investors and owners will need to overcome with commercial property is the realization that it is impossible to do it all yourself. With the amount of maintenance, as well as their complexity, an owner is going to need commercially certified professionals. This often comes as a surprise to many owners who like to take care of things themselves. Not only does this establish a further layer of liability protection, but it will also save time. Just because you have the commercial real estate loan on the property does not mean that you should try to save on costs by lowering maintenance standards.

Commercial properties are also different than residential properties and this can be a drawback for investors that are not properly prepared for what that means as far as foot traffic is concerned. The reality is that the volume of people coming in and out of a commercial property is much greater than in a residential property. While this might seem like a no brainer, the implication is that the potential for damage to the property or to those who frequent it go up significantly. Everything from a minor accident in the parking lot to a significant injury to a patron has the potential to happen. This additional risk is often not realized by potential owners until it is too late.

Are there ways to mitigate the risks associated with my commercial real estate loan and commercial property in Texas?

Each state handles the issue of insurance differently, so it is critical to understand what the local laws are in regard to liability, maintenance fees and licensing. The last thing you want to have happen is to lose your livelihood and open yourself up to a lawsuit over something that you did not know was an issue. The best way to lower the risk and overcome these draw backs is to seek the advice and help of someone who has dealt in commercial real estate and commercial real estate loans before.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Securing A Commercial Mortgage in Texas – Preparing For Your Mortgage – Step 2 – Traditional Mortgage Application

With pre-qualification out of the way and a lender working with you to secure a commercial mortgage for income generating property in Texas, you are well on your way to making your dreams come true. However, the hard work is just beginning.

If your pre-qualification process was rigorous, then you are well on your way to completing the actual application for your loan. While it might have been frustrating at the time, you will no doubt be grateful for it as the process goes along. However, if you did not have to provide much documentation for your pre-qualification, then you are definitely going to have your work cut out for you. The application process for a commercial mortgage in Texas can be quite long and can confuse even the smartest of business people, so do not hesitate to ask plenty of questions of your loan officer.

If you did not have to provide documentation for your pre-qualification, you will have to gather financial documents to show not only your ability to pay back the mortgage, but also your history of how you have handled debt. This usually includes proof of income, tax documentation, other assets and business information. It also might include balance sheets, income statements and business plans, especially if the property is going to be used to house other businesses as rentals. Lenders are looking for security when they grant commercial mortgages and all of these things become factors not only in their decision to grant the loan, but also in the rate and terms that they are willing to offer.

With a traditional mortgage, there are a couple of things that need to be taken care of before the underwriting of the loan can actually begin. Before any movement can be made toward obtaining a loan, the title of the property and the title company that will be representing it must be chosen. It is up to the borrower to select the company that will be closing the loan (once it is underwritten) and will be providing title insurance. This helps to secure the commercial mortgage against title fraud and is absolutely necessary for lenders to be able to approve a loan. At this time, it is also decided whether the borrower will be covering title and insurance costs separately or as part of the mortgage, all rolled into one. Unless you have a very good reason to divide them, it is most likely in your best interest to lump them together.

What happens with a commercial mortgage in Texas after all of the paperwork has been processed and the underwriting process begins?

Once the underwriting process has begun (this could take up to 2 months), there will be a lot of waiting. But there are still things that will need to be done in order for the transaction to go smoothly. One such thing is for the borrower to get the property appraised by a third-party appraiser. This process is also very time consuming and can take up to 3 weeks to complete so it is best to start this early. In addition to this, you must be prepared to provide additional documentation, as needed, to the lender. It is very possible that they will need nothing else to secure your commercial mortgage, but if they do, it would be best to provide it quickly to not interrupt the process.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Securing A Commercial Mortgage in Texas – Preparing For Your Mortgage – Step 1 – Pre-qualification

Venturing into the commercial real estate market is not something to be taken lightly. The process can be long and stressful, especially if you are not properly prepared. When you are seeking a commercial mortgage in Texas, there are a number of steps to take before you are going to be able to secure funds.

Before the official paperwork even begins, most lenders prefer to have potential borrowers go through a pre-qualification process. Not only does this ensure that the borrower is both serious about pursuing a mortgage, but it also helps lending institutions determine the direction that they want to go with the commercial mortgage, especially in competitive markets like Texas.

In many cases, the pre-qualification process consists of some basic questions about your goals and your basic finances. Many lenders actually have this process online, so it can be completed at your convenience. It is important to answer the questions on this pre-qualification application as honestly as possible, even if you do not have to back it up with financial statements right away. Again, this is process is not only to determine whether or not you can handle a loan, but also to justify which type of funding would work best for you and your commercial property.

There is also the instance of a lender reaching out to you, saying that they have already prequalified you. While this is more common with basic commercial loans for small businesses (remember, many lenders make money off of fees and interest rates, so it is in their best interest to have as many customers as possible), it does happen with commercial mortgages, especially if you have already received one or applied for one. If you have already been pre-qualified, you will still have to go through the application process to definitively determine if you qualify for the loan.

For some lenders, just the application and some basic questions are enough to begin the process of a formal application. For others, further documentation will be required. This can be anything from the previous two months bank statements to tax documentation going back two to three years. You might also have to prove additional income by disclosing investment properties or other assets. The larger the commercial loan you are attempting to acquire, the more documentation you should expect to provide up front.

What happens after I submit my pre-qualification application and documentation for my commercial mortgage?

Once all of the documentation is gathered and submitted to the lender, you will usually have an answer as to whether or not you are qualified pretty quickly. Often times it is even the same day. If you do this online, you can expect to know the answer, and hear from a representative, within 24 hours. In person, this process might go even more quickly as your documentation will be reviewed by a live person while you are present. After you are pre-qualified, the lending agency will then begin to move you through the formal application process of a commercial mortgage.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Commercial Loans In Texas – What You Need To Know About Working With the SBA-Part 4 – Selecting the Right Lender

Once you have all of the paperwork in place and understand the process of obtaining a commercial loan in Texas through the Small Business Administration, you must now begin the process of figuring out which lender is going to serve your needs. Picking the correct lender is very important in making sure that your loan process runs smoothly.

While they might all seem the same on the surface, there are vast differences amongst lenders, especially when it comes to a loan through the Small Business Administration. In order to make your process as easy and stress-free as possible, you will want to find a skilled lender that not only have experience in commercial loans, but also one that has experience dealing with the various aspects of SBA loans.

One of the differentiating factors with a lender who is familiar in dealing with the Small Business Administration is whether or not they are a “Preferred” lender. This is important, as an approved lender (noted by the preferred status) has already cleared some of the basic requirements put forth by the SBA and this will greatly speed up the process for the borrower. If a lender is not preferred, they must initially submit the borrower’s credit application to the SBA directly. A preferred lender can skip this step.

Another factor that will help you pick the correct lender for your needs with your commercial loan through the Small Business Administration is whether or not they have a department that is dedicated solely to these types of loans. Will you receive specialized attention? Or will you just be another application that is thrown into the stack. Lenders that have dedicated personnel are going to make your loan process much smoother and will help you to feel at ease with the process.

Along with selecting the right institution, it is critical that you also select the right loan officer. This person is going to be working with you and will be critical to your success. If you do not get along with your loan officer, or do not feel they would do a good job, then that is a sign that your commercial loan process is not going to be as smooth as it should be. Your loan officer should not only be familiar with commercial lending in general, but also be familiar with Small Business Administration loans specifically.

What other questions should I ask a potential lender about my commercial loan in Texas through the SBA?

You will no doubt have many questions when trying to find a potential lender, as you well should. There are two basic questions that every lender should have answer to very quickly. In fact, they might even have printed documentation for you. The first is what sort of supporting documents this specific lender requires for the loan process. The second is how long this specific lender expects the commercial loan process to take. Good lenders will be able to give you concrete, precise answers.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Commercial Loans In Texas – What You Need To Know About Working With the SBA-Part 3 – Getting Started

So you have decided that obtaining a loan from the Small Business Administration is a route that you would like to take. And you have also determined that your small business is eligible, according to their guidelines. Here is what you need to do to prepare for an SBA commercial loan in Texas.

Congratulations on making it this far! The world of commercial lending can be an intimidating place, so the fact that a borrow starts to get their ducks in a row to apply for a loan is a huge step in the right direction, and is a giant leap forward in making business dreams come true.

But how does a potential borrower get started with a commercial loan? The first thing is to understand that the process does not happen overnight. It is going to take some time and that is okay. So just be patient. A borrower is going to spend a great deal of time organizing, gathering and sorting various financial documents.

So get organized. If you are not a numbers person, you might want to become one. If you have a professional accountant, now would be the time to begin to understand what exactly they do. If, however, you already have your nose in the books, then you are going to be just fine. If you understand how all of your accounts work, and how to access all of the information, you are already ahead of the game and will simply need to organize the information to present to a potential commercial loan application. In addition to this, know exactly how you will be using the loan and how it will benefit your business. This goes beyond simply crunching the numbers. A solid business plan, that is updated to include the expansion that will be possible with the commercial lending, might not be required by a lender, but it most certainly will not hurt to have in place before beginning the application process.

Also, pay attention to detail. It is far better to provide too much information than not enough. The SBA and the lender are going to determine if you are financially competent enough to not only be responsible with their money, but also if you are going to pay it back. If they have to pull information out of you, it does not bode well for you being fiscally capable of handling significant debt on your own. That is not an impression that you want to leave with potential lenders.

Finally, keep your financial records up to date. Not only does this apply to the application process, but also as the loan is current. You should try to fall no further behind than 60 days. If you are detail oriented and organized, this should not be a problem at all. No lender, who is looking to grant you a commercial loan, is going to make a decision based on financial information that is outdated.

What strategies can I use to ensure the highest degree of success with my commercial loan in Texas?

Plan to devote a great deal of time to this process. If you must, seek help, whether that be mentors or other small business owners who have gone through the process. Remember, you do not have to do this alone. There are plenty of others who have successfully obtained a commercial loan, but it does not come without a great deal effort.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Learn To Be A Fix & Flip Investor

Featured Post

The Big Show is Coming to Town.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

How Will Changes in Real Estate Development Affect Commercial Real Estate Loans In Texas Post Hurricane Harvey?

How will the fight over regulation specifically affect commercial real estate loans in Texas?

Securing A Commercial Mortgage in Texas – Preparing For Your Mortgage – Step 3 – Hard Money Mortgage Application

With the recent crisis in Texas, how can I use a commercial mortgage to my advantage?

The Dark Side Of Commercial Real Estate Loans In Texas – What are the Drawbacks Investing?

Are there ways to mitigate the risks associated with my commercial real estate loan and commercial property in Texas?

Securing A Commercial Mortgage in Texas – Preparing For Your Mortgage – Step 2 – Traditional Mortgage Application

With pre-qualification out of the way and a lender working with you to secure a commercial mortgage for income generating property in Texas, you are well on your way to making your dreams come true. However, the hard work is just beginning.

What happens with a commercial mortgage in Texas after all of the paperwork has been processed and the underwriting process begins?

Securing A Commercial Mortgage in Texas – Preparing For Your Mortgage – Step 1 – Pre-qualification

What happens after I submit my pre-qualification application and documentation for my commercial mortgage?

Commercial Loans In Texas – What You Need To Know About Working With the SBA-Part 4 – Selecting the Right Lender

What other questions should I ask a potential lender about my commercial loan in Texas through the SBA?

Commercial Loans In Texas – What You Need To Know About Working With the SBA-Part 3 – Getting Started

So you have decided that obtaining a loan from the Small Business Administration is a route that you would like to take. And you have also determined that your small business is eligible, according to their guidelines. Here is what you need to do to prepare for an SBA commercial loan in Texas.

What strategies can I use to ensure the highest degree of success with my commercial loan in Texas?

Pages

About Me

Blog Archive