How to Deal with Commercial Lending Documentation Issues

When it comes to commercial lending documentation, it is best to start the process off organized. The earlier the best, like as soon as you received all of the information from the lender.

The documentation needs to include all of the important information needed and needs to be balanced to make bother the borrower and lender happy during the commercial lending process. Customer service is always crucial, especially when it comes to loans. Detailed documentation will make the whole process much easier and ensure that everyone involved in satisfied.

But when it comes to making sure that you are getting detailed documentation, doesn’t mean you can lack in the customer service department. There are things that you should consider when it comes to your loan documentation. It is important to have a building relationship between the lender and customer. Dealing with financials can be tough and personal, so there needs to be enough respect between the two to be able to deal with the crucial financial questions and information that goes along with getting a proper credit analysis.

The entire application can be stressful, so make sure that the whole commercial lending process is clarified and everything is explained. Establishing a list that includes everything that you will need for proper documentation is a good start. To avoid slowing down the process, make sure you have all of the information you need for a complete and thorough application. Checklists can really come in handy so everyone is aware of the status on everything during the documentation process. This is an efficient and consistent way to double check that all of the information in the documents is detailed and complete. This might be one of the most important parts of the loan process because without the proper documentation, your application could come with some issues and even be denied.

Software can also lend a helping hand when it comes to completing the right documentation commercial lending.

Technology keeps improving and that means it can play a large role in preparing your documentation. Software can be a helpful tool when it comes to keep all of your information organized and easily accessible at your fingertips. There are a lot of options to choose from so that you do not have to rely on using spreadsheets and calculations to try and crunch all of the numbers by yourself. The commercial lending software offered can do the work for you by entering in the numbers needed and using an automation function to automatically come up with the right numbers. It is still important to understand the data, but when you aren’t an expert, this software can help.

Including the right documentation will raise your chances of experiencing a successful commercial lending process

You will be surprised how thorough and complete documentation will help your chances at getting approved for a loan. Not only does it give the information needed to lenders, but it also proves that you can be organized, which is a good trait to show to your lender.

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 NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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

What it takes to get a Commercial Real Estate Lenders Approval

Knowing what commercial real estate lenders are looking for on an application will be very helpful when you are ready to seek a loan. Some of the information could surprise you.

Getting your loan application approved by commercial real estate lenders requires more information and effort than most first time buyers expect. But the key to understanding this request and the amount of information which is requested comes from taking a look at the loan from a lenders perspective. Commercial real estate loans are often quite large and hold some inherent risk. The lender is simply trying to eliminate as much risk as possible by being restrictive and stringent about their lending policy. This allows them to make their money and well qualified businesses to make their real estate purchases. They use a system which is sometimes called the three C’s to evaluate loan applications.

Collateral is a big factor in commercial lending. All loans are secured by a lien on the commercial property being purchased. This allows the lender the right to take the property and sell it to pay off a loan in the event that the borrowers default on the loan. If you are requesting a loan which exceeds 80% of the value of the property being purchased, the lender might also request that you offer other property or items as additional collateral for the loan. In most cases the lender would like the loan to only be 80% or less of the property value but in some cases they will accept cross-collateralization.

Cash flow is also an important factor to commercial real estate lenders. They need to see that either the property itself generates enough income to cover the cost of the loan payments or they need to see that the business purchasing the property has sufficient cash flow to pay the loan. In addition, commercial real estate lenders like to know that there are cash reserves or other assets which can be easily liquidated should the economy change and cause a decrease in the cash flow needed to make the loan payments.

Your Personal Promise

There are some occasions when the business does not have enough credit to merit a commercial loan or it has questionable credit. In this case, a commercial real estate lender will require the borrower to personally guarantee the loan. To qualify for this you must have a 660 personal credit score or better, no bankruptcy in the last 7 years, no foreclosures or short sales in the past 3 year and no open tax liens or judgements. If you meet these criteria then your credit history and creditworthiness will be considered during the loan application.

Know What Lenders are Looking For

Commercial lenders are looking for a business which is in stable financial condition and has been for at least three years. The lender is also looking for the ability to repay the loan and to have a cash reserve in place if needed. Before you begin a loan application, you should carefully consider how well your business will fare when they are judged on the three C system.

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 NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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

Understanding the Two Major Types of Commercial Loans

When you begin to explore commercial loans, it can appear that there are an unlimited number of options. But you will find that in reality there are two major types, recourse and non-recourse.

There are a myriad of different terms involved in commercial loans, but none should be as important to the borrower as determining if the loan is recourse or non-recourse. In almost every loan on a commercial property, the main collateral for the loan is the property itself. But commercial property value can and does fluctuate much more rapidly than residential property. In some cases a repossessed property is not worth the remaining balance on the loan. For this reason, lenders want to have additional security in the event of a default on the loan. With a recourse loan, the borrower guarantees full repayment of the loan amount due. In a non-recourse loan the lender agrees to settle for the value of the property as full repayment even if the property value is less than the balance due on the loan.

Borrowers should however temper their desire to protect themselves and their personal financial well-being with a non-recourse loan and the extreme flexibility that can be achieved with a recourse loan. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for, and added features and benefits cost more. So the personal financial protection of the non-recourse loan costs you in the form of higher interest rates. That only makes sense as the lender is assuming a greater risk of losing money if you default on the loan. In addition, lenders can also include stipulations about cash flow and maintenance schedules for the property on a non-recourse loan. This is simply another way that the lender is protecting their investment by ensuring that the building, their collateral, is being well maintained to protect the property value.

When to Choose Recourse Commercial Loans

A recourse loan offers borrowers many more options and flexibilities during the course of the loan as well as a lower interest rate. Because of the added security, lenders are more willing to accommodate borrowers. If you want flexibility to customize the loan structure and the payments then recourse is a good choice. You should also select a recourse loan if there is a chance that you will want to restructure after the closing of the loan. If the property that you are purchasing is under construction or is in a distressed condition, you will most likely also need to use a recourse loan as lenders are not willing to extend the greater risk non-recourse loan to a property with questionable value.

Who Should Select Non-Recourse Commercial Loans

If you are planning on keeping the property you are purchasing for the full term of the loan and do not foresee needing to change the loan or its terms for the lifetime of the loan then a non-recourse loan is a good choice. The non-recourse is also important if you are not willing to or able to risk your personal financial well-being on this business property investment. Understanding the main difference in these two types of loans will allow you to select the financial tool which best meets all of your needs.

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 NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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

Understanding the Logic behind the Process of Commercial Real Estate Loans

Getting approved for your first commercial mortgage can be a challenge. The best way to ensure a successful loan application is to have a good knowledge of commercial real estate loans.

There is a lot more to obtaining commercial real estate loans than you might first think. The process is more complicated and lengthy than even the most difficult residential home purchase. But because of the significant amount of money involved and the added risks, lenders are much more selective when it comes to approving an application.

Technically, commercial real estate loans are secured by liens on the property which is being purchased. That property is the lenders security and ability to recover their money if you default on the loan. But there are additional factors which make commercial real estate loans much more risky than a residential loan. First, commercial real estate values can fluctuate very rapidly. This can leave a lender repossessing a property which is worth far less than the remaining balance on the loan. In addition, the business which is purchasing the property has a greater chance than a consumer of suffering financial hardship as a result of a sudden change in the economy.

Because of the increased risk that the lender is facing, interest rates are higher and loan terms are shorter on a commercial loan than they would be on a consumer loan. Most commercial loans are for a ten year period or less as opposed to a residential mortgage which can range from 15 years to 40 years in some cases. And even with these shorter terms the interest rate for a commercial loan is about 1% higher. Commercial lenders also require a 20% down payment in most cases. This gives the added security that the property will always remain greater in value than the amount of the outstanding balance of the loan.

The Application Process

When applying for a home mortgage, borrowers must be able to demonstrate that they have the ability to afford the monthly payments and that they have steady income. Commercial borrowers much also prove that there is a means of making the loan payments. But because a business is more reliant on the overall economy, they must show that the business is in good financial health, that it is being managed well and that it has sufficient cash reserves to weather a financial down turn or hardship. In some cases, the owners must also include their personal financial documentation if the business has poor credit, no credit or has not been in operating for more than 5 years.

Understanding the Lending Process

All lenders are in business to make money. Understanding that fact makes it easier to understand why commercial lending can be difficult to secure. The increased risk that the lender faces needs to be rewarded with higher interest and shorter repayment terms. In addition, the lenders are more careful about the creditworthiness and the financial health of the borrowers. With the economy having a bigger impact on businesses, lenders want to verify that a business is stable enough to survive a short economic crunch or down turn in business. Know this information and creating a loan application package that demonstrates your financial stability will greatly increase your opportunities for commercial financing.

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 NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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

Understanding Commercial Loans and Where to Obtain One

There are several different types of commercial loans available to borrowers. Selecting the best loan to meet your needs and the best lender is very important for the success of your business.

There are several different types of commercial loans available and each one is best suited for different needs. Understanding how these loans differ can help you to make a wise selection about which loan will best meet your current and long term needs. When you are evaluating commercial loans, think of your lender as a service provider and evaluate the product or loan just as you would any other service or product that you would be purchasing. Investing some time to learn about each loan can help to ensure your future success in the business world.

A bridge loan is a short term loan for around a year. This can be used for cash flow, to construct a building before refinancing or even to make a commercial real estate purchase quickly. These loans require very good credit and are normally provided by private lenders. Because the lender is a private entity, there are fewer rules regarding the terms and the processing and fulfillment times are substantially faster than conventional lenders.

Real estate purchase loans are much like fixed rate and adjustable rate loans and are typically only offered to borrowers with exceptional credit of 700 or more. The commercial property must be used as the collateral on the loan and the rate is determined by the loan to value ratio. Hard money loans are a form of loan which comes from a private lender and often has a very fast turnaround time but comes with a high interest rate. The property is also the collateral for these commercial loans. Often times a hard money loan is used as a last resort to try to save a property from foreclosure. Due to the high risk involved, the lenders can justify the very high interest rates and the borrowers are willing to pay them in an effort to save their property from foreclosure.

Determine Your Needs

Before you set out to get a commercial loan, you need to have a well-defined purpose for the funds as well as a financial plan to repay the loan. Having that information will help you to determine which type of loan will best suit your needs at the present and in the future. This information along with your credit history will also help you determine who will be your best candidates for lenders. Conventional lenders such as banks and mortgage companies are the option which would normally be the most cost effective if you have the necessary level of credit rating. If creditworthiness or length of credit history is an issue then a private lender might be your only option. If that is the cast, you should expect a higher than average interest rate. This is the price that you must incur to get a lender to take a greater risk on you as a borrower.

Invest Time First, Then Money

When you are preparing to make an important financial decision such as getting a commercial loan, it is critical to invest your time in research long before you invest your money in loan application fees and appraisals. Take the time to learn about all of your options and then shop for a lender who offers you the best rate and terms to meet your needs.

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 NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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

Tips to Secure Commercial Lending

Commercial lending is a much different landscape than consumer lending. Knowing a few tips about the lenders and the process can greatly improve your chances of getting a loan.

Appling for commercial lending is a long and often arduous process. The dollar amounts involved are rather substantial and that makes the approval criteria and process much more challenging. Lenders are interested in finding borrowers who will successfully repay their loan and the interest associated with it so that they are making their money. Understanding the lenders point of view and working toward that goal with them can make your loan application process much less stressful and difficult.

It is never a bad idea to keep your options open. Having a rapport with a few lenders is always a great plan. Investing the time to meet with lenders, understand their criteria for lending and just chatting with them about your potential needs will lay the ground work for the day that you do submit a loan application.

It is also wise to think of the lenders that you have relationships with as you would any other vendor. In this case the vendor is supplying you with money but that is after all what a service provider does. It is not dishonest or disrespectful to speak to several lenders for the same loan. You are shopping for the best deal and that is simply smart business.

The only way that you can make a mistake when creating commercial lending relationships is if you are not completely honest with the lenders. You are wasting your time if you are not honest in the information that you are providing about your business and yourself. The information and advice that you are getting will be tailored to the information that you give the lender. And if that information is false then most likely they will not be providing you will accurate or useful tips, information or processes.

Make the Right Impression

Commercial lending is a numbers game and the best credit score and credit history will get you the lowest interest rate. But there can also be a little grey area. This is where the lenders opinion of you and your business comes into play. You want to be honest but also paint the most impressive picture that you can when telling your story. Promote your strengths and successes as well as your goals and how you plan to attain them. Another way to impress a lender is to submit a completed loan application package that looks professionally prepared. Be certain that all of the needed documentation is included and that the format is easy to understand and follow.

Focus on Collaboration

Both you and your lender have a great impact on the outcome of your loan application. By investing your time and effort in the process and application preparation you can greatly improve the outcome. Honesty and professionalism will get the attention of your lender and could be that small difference that convinces your lender to approve your loan application.

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 NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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

Tips for Selecting Commercial Lenders

Selecting commercial lenders to work with is a critical step a successful real estate transaction. Thinking of potential lenders as business partners or service providers is the first step in a successful selection.

In many instances, borrowers tend to look at commercial lenders as a higher power who controls their destiny when they are seeking a loan. And though the lenders is a critical factor, they should never be viewed as anything but a business partner, ally or service provider. They have a product which you want and need, money, but it is just that, a product. And as with any business partner or supplier, you will want to do your research and find the best solution to fit your needs. In this case service, the ability to cultivate a long term relationship and financial details of the loan will all have an impact on your selection.

The money is the key to this relationship, so your first questions for a lender need to be regarding the terms which they offer. Loan to value (LTV) is the ratio used to compare the amount of the mortgage to the market price of the property. Lenders who offer a highest LTV should be favored over other lenders. The high LTV provides you with greater purchasing power and more options for your purchase. Interest rates are another key term to consider. This is basically how much commercial lenders want to make for the service which they are providing to you. The interest payments can be the majority of the monthly payment which can have a huge impact on your monthly cash flow. Be certain to find a good balance of loan to value and interest to meet both your need for buying power and monthly cash flow. The final fee to factor in is points that you will pay as a lump sum or throughout the loan.

Having a good working relationship with your lender is also crucial. You need to be able to speak openly and ask any questions that you might have. One important question to ask is about any additional fees. Some lenders will add fees such as documentation fees, legal fees or administrative fees. Be certain that you plainly ask about any “additional” fees and factor them into the total cost of the loan.

Time is Money

Timing can be everything when purchasing commercial property. Asking a lender to provide you with realistic timelines for funding will dictate how quickly you can complete any purchase. As a work around, you might want to see if the lenders offer pre-approval. If there is no option for pre-approval then having an accurate time frame for processing documentation and a guaranteed access to funding date is important. Better rates but a slow timeline can kill a great deal.

Look For a Long Term Finance Partner

Selecting the best commercial lenders to work with can be a process which requires a good deal of time and effort. But the work that you invest in creating a strong and lasting relationship will pay off each time you complete another loan with your lending partner. That long term relationship will provide you with a great long term return on your investment.

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 NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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