Finding Commercial Real Estate Lenders

While doomsayers have claimed that the multifamily sector has hit its peak and 2018 should start seeing a decline in rents and demand, others are suggesting that the overall trend of the previous years should continue. If the “class half-full” segment of the population is correct, now may be the time to find a commercial real estate lender and finance that multifamily property.

A member of the optimist club, Greg Willet, chief economist for RealPage Inc., was quoted in the National Real Estate Investor, “Overall, we expect that same stability to hold in 2018, with occupancy and rent growth anticipated to basically mirror 2017’s statistics.”

Apartments are going up at a 10-year high—nearly 100,000 per quarter—and yet the occupancy averaged right around 95.6 percent with rates growing at 2.4 percent. Some markets, however, are tough to break in to—specifically the large metro areas. There are, however, sub-markets that may be the place to start for developers that are just getting their feet wet in this arena. This spillover effect seems to be witnessing higher demand and therefore rents in areas such as Tacoma, WA, Lake Nona, FL and Oakland, CA.

Another market to keep your eye on are suburban Class B and C apartments as renters become unable to afford the Class A units. And just what is a multifamily unit? It is a property that has five or more dwellings.

The Biggest Challenge: Finding a commercial real estate lender for your Apartment Building

Currently, the two big lenders—Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae—are financing multifamily units. That, however, could change in the future as speculation continues if they will curtail or even eliminate this segment of their lending portfolio. They have, however, focused on low-income housing needs including smaller properties and the manufactured home communities.

Most commercial real estate lenders for larger properties require higher qualifications. Know your figures and come to the lending table prepared with short and long-term costs and rental estimates.

The 50 percent rule is a good place to start and means that 50 percent of a real estate investment’s income should be spent on expenses and not the mortgage. In addition, you’ll want to know your credit score, income, and have the last two year’s personal and business tax returns on hand. Commercial real estate lenders will want to see two years’ operating statements including net operating income, debt service coverage, and loan-to-value ratio. They will also look to your experience as an owner or manager of a multifamily unit and to the money that you can put down. The good news: Not all lenders abide by these stringent underwriting qualifications. For borrowers that need more flexibility, a hard money lender may be the best choice. At Level 4 Funding, we work with hundreds of private lenders. Because of this, we can offer a loan value up to 90 percent with flexible terms from 3 to 60 months, fixed rates from 7.99 percent APR, and commercial LIBOR+350. Call us today to see if we have the funds you need to purchase your multifamily unit tomorrow.

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 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 is in the Future for Commercial Real Estate Loans

It’s that time of year to get out our crystal ball and gaze into the maze of predictions for commercial real estate loans and markets in 2018. For better or worse, change is in the air and, as always, there are winners…and losers.

The construction industry is expected to slow down a bit from the record growth sustained in the last few years. Many in the predictive analysis category suggest about a 5 percent growth in nonresidential construction.

On the upside, hot markets such as Boston, Nashville, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Detroit are expected to rally even further in most segments as inventory finally begins to catch up with demand. This is due, in part, to the renewed faith of contractors and investors that saw 2017 struggle under the weight of limited supply. They’ve stepped up to the plate, got out the hammers, and started creating homes and buildings from the ground up with rising prices expected to continue. Keep in mind that, because of the rapid increase in supply, the industry will, undoubtedly, at some point in its current evolution, face some challenges when supply ultimately supersedes demand. And then there are the markets that currently have the “golden ticket” with no end in sight.

If you’re in the business, you undoubtedly have heard about the record-breaking year that Nashville just experienced. If you’ve been living on a tropical island with a Mai Tai in your hands—good for you. Now, let’s get you settled back into the real world by sharing a thing or two about the city where the Grand Ole Opry resides.

· Land in the downtown core is going for more than $13 million per acre.

· Office rent is nearing $40 per square foot.

· And, last but not least and the understatement of the year: Land suited to industrial sites for distribution centers is in strong demand.

Then there are the segments that saw a cyclical peak, such as multifamily units. We expect 2018 will see a slight decline from the rapid growth that 2017 saw in this sector with apartment construction at a 20-year high. Nevertheless, multifamily housing and senior living developments are still expected to carry the ball and, like a delicate cream, rise to the top. Keep in mind that rents are experiencing only a modest increase—about 3.9 percent in 2017. And that rate is expected to flatten out as more multifamily units rise from the ashes. Four of the top 10 markets as far as new apartment complexes include Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Denver and Nashville.

Commercial Real Estate Loan Rates

You don’t really need a crystal ball to see that commercial real estate loan rates are expected to rise in the coming year. Combining suggested strong economic growth, inflationary pressure and the need to normalize our monetary policy will undoubtedly lead to a rising cost at the lender’s gates. This will prompt investors, builders and home buyers to strike while the “iron’s hot.”

Contractors and investors are looking to non-traditional lending institutions in 2018.

CMBS lending slowed down in 2017. This may due, in part, to the pre-recession 10-year loans that came due. It may also be due to the Dodd-Frank Act that came into effect at the end of last year and, according to Forbes, requires a CMBS to “hold on to 5 percent of every new deal or assign the risk to a B-piece buyer.” This is prompting non-bank lenders to step in to fill the gap. Whatever the reason, insufficient capital for funding projects is one of the current top considerations in the construction industry. If you’re looking for alternative funding for your next project, contact us at Level 4 Funding for a no-obligation quote. We pride ourselves on finding the right private investor for your next commercial real estate loan and at the best rates.

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 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

Commercial Real Estate Lenders

Shopping malls are turning into mixed-use developments and online shopping has increased the demand for distribution centers. Investors in this segment are looking for commercial real estate lenders that are familiar with this segment of CRE.

We’ve all seen the boarded-up shopping malls with empty parking lots and decaying signs. And so have commercial real estate lenders. Sears, J.C. Penney, Macy’s, CVS and RadioShack have all reported bankruptcies and store closures, leaving lenders looking for a different venue, or at least a different take on an old classic. Shopping malls have become mixed-use developments that include housing, boutiques, outside concert venues and chef-driven restaurants. And maybe a golf course or two.

The truth is that several of the major delinquent loans are backed by shopping centers. According to REBusinessonline, “Major loans that have fallen past maturity in the past year include several that are backed by shopping centers formerly owned by the Westfield Corporation that were later sold to other REITs.”

This includes the $240 million Westfield Centro Portfolio, the $140 million Westfield Chesterfield and the $110 million Westfield Shoppingtown Independence. Rouse Properties purchased Independence Mall after a few years of foreclosure proceedings. Their goal is to create an “open-air retail destination” with a focus on upscale dining and a grocery market as an anchor. This shopping center giant has been in a restructuring mode since 2014 and just recently announced its sale to a French company. Unibail-Rodamco will reportedly pay $15.7 billion to take over Westfield Corp. It will operate as a REIT in France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. Its uncertain if Westfield’s previous plans to seek approval to flatten the Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills, CA and build residences, offices, boutiques, restaurants, hotels and a concert venue is still on target, though chances are the French global property leader will have a similar remodeling plan in mind.

From Retail to Warehouses

Some have blamed the demise in retail and shopping centers on the online giants such as Amazon. But this expanding trail that leads from brick and mortar to mouse and keyboard has left an interesting opportunity for commercial real estate lenders and investors—industrial warehouse and distribution centers. According to American Banker, e-commerce sales are expected to reach $700 billion by 2022. And all those online purchases need a home. While most distribution centers are built on demand, there is a growing number of commercial lenders shelling out the bucks for speculative centers—centers that are selling just as fast as they can be built. In fact, with increasing demand, building in this sector is booming, vacancies are at an almost record low, and rents are rising. Mini-distribution hubs are on the rise as well. Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago all made the top five in the amount of construction space geared for new warehouse and distribution centers.

Those in the business are looking for commercial real estate lenders who understand the business.

Level 4 Funding has been in the industrial/warehouse segment for over 20 years. We work with over 200 private investors and understand the sectors that they specialize in. With this type of rolodex, we can get you the loan you need at the best possible rate. Closing can occur in as little as a few days, giving you the money you need to purchase that next warehouse, build a distribution center, or develop a mixed-use supercenter in record time. Call us for a no-obligation quote.

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 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 Obtaining Commercial Lending for The First Time

If you are seeking commercial lending for the first time, you may have a lot of questions or feel overwhelmed with all the choices. Level 4 Funding can help answer your questions and set you on the right path to getting approved for your first time loan.

Just because you are seeking lending for the first time, does not mean you have to go it alone. It’s very helpful and beneficial to have an experienced professional on your side to help navigate the complex and sometimes downright confusion waters of commercial lending.

This is a big step for your company or business, and obtaining an investment property is one of the biggest choices you’ll make as a business owner. When you are preparing to obtain property, there is a lot that goes on. First, you’ll want to make sure you have a current and accurate credit report. Credit scores are an important part of the process so you want to make sure you have an accurate representation of your scores and history. Take some time to review your history so you know where you stand. Take care of any issues you can, but don’t close out any pre-existing accounts yet.

You will also want to find out how much you are eligible to be pre-approved for. This can be very important when it comes to shopping for the right investment property. You don’t want to waste your time looking for properties that are out of your budget. Being in a position to put down at least 20 percent down is another big advantage toward having your loan application accepted. You can also inquire about owner financing as an option.

Once you have your affairs in order, it’s time to move full steam ahead.

You have put yourself in a desirable position one you’ve checked and reviewed your credit score and history, sorted out any credit issues, gotten pre-approval. Now it’s time to review your commercial lending options and find the right lender and loan for you. Keep in mind that as a first-time borrower, it may be more difficult to obtain a traditional loan from a conventional source.

Keep your options — and your mind — open.

Even if you have prepared as much as possible, a conventional loan for your first time loan might not be in the cards. That’s okay. There is nothing wrong with seeking alternative lending options and oftentimes this is exactly what you need to get off the ground, establish great credit history so you are in a solid position for your next commercial lending situation. But take it one step at a time and make sure you get the right lender and loan for the first time. Be sure to ask a lot of questions, as a first-time borrower, you will need as much guidance as possible. It’s important that the lender you choose will take the time to go through the process with you with patience and expertise.

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 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

Reviewing Your Commercial Lending Options

There are countless options and decisions to make when it comes to obtaining commercial lending. It may seem overwhelming and challenging, but if you take a step back and review all your options, it gets easier.

Starting a business or expanding your current company can be an exciting and sometimes difficult time. So making decisions towards your commercial lending options should not add to that stress. After all, lenders are here to help you get the best loan for your needs, with the best terms. It can be a win-win situation for you both so it’s always a good idea to work with a professional that you trust. First, here are some things you should review.

Your credit score – both personal and in business – matter. Regardless of some people that say it’s not important, it is to some degree. For example, for traditional lending institutions like banks, credit score and history are taken into serious consideration. For more alternative style lenders, such as a hard money loan or private lender, credit score might not be as crucial. However, it’s important to get your current credit score, know where you stand and be prepared to explain any “dings” of unfavorable marks on your history.

Another thing to consider or review is how long you have been in business. Many conventional lenders may be hesitant to work with a first-time borrower or a brand new start up. They are less likely to take big risks, so they are going to want you to be able to prove your business success strategies via past experience. Proof of revenue is also a factor you should review and be prepared to prove to your commercial lending professional. However, once again, alternative lenders may be more lenient when it comes to these factors and may not require you to have proof or an extended business history.

If you don't have any of these things, there is still one more thing that can ensure successful loan approval.

Having the collateral to back up the loan is like an “insurance policy” for the commercial lending outlet. Regardless of whether you have a super high credit score, extended business history or proof of revenue, collateral such as your home or personal vehicle can be just the thing a lender needs to review before your loan can be approved.

Be open to alternative options.

Not everyone has a perfect credit score – in fact most people don’t. So there is no need to stress about a 700+ score or a squeaky-clean history. You can still obtain a loan but you have to be open to non-traditional lending options. If you want to get your business up and running or to expand it to the next level, review all your options and have an open mid when it comes to non-conventional options. Seek out some various choices and then review them all to see which you think will be right for you and your business. Only you can decide what is ultimately right for you and what time of loan will be best for you.

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 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

The Importance of Finding Experienced Commercial Lenders

When its time to get a loan, working with skilled and professional commercial lenders makes all the difference. Level 4 Funding shares all the reasons why you should chose experience when seeking a loan.

Not just in the world of commercial real estate, but in any case, experience makes a world of difference. Yes, there is something to be said for a new and fresh perspective. However, when it comes to commercial lending, having experience is super important… especially when it comes to something as important as getting a loan. When you are looking to start a business or grow your existing company, experience is key for commercial lenders.

When you decide to get a loan, you need to do all your research to make sure you find the right lender with not just experience – but experience in the field that you are in. Find out if the lender has dealt with loans for the same type of nice or specialty as you need. This is crucial in ensuring they have the specific experience you desire. This will make the process much easier and smoother if they have gone down this path before — and know how to pave it for you, so to speak.

While it may seem like a good idea to just go with the lender that offers the best rates, this can be a mistake. While good rates are of course very desirable, especially when it comes to paying back your loan, you also want to make sure your lender is steering you down the right path. The old saying, “You get what you pay for,” does have merit, especially in this case. So be wary of a deal that appears “too good to be true.” Experienced lenders have negotiating skills and will do what it takes to get the job done right.

Consider the little and local guy.

While there are many online marketplace lenders and large national chains that may be able to offer a large loan, there is something to be said for the personal experience offered by a smaller, local company. A lender that is local has the experience on the local market, and also has more invested in your loan — much like it is your dream to own your own company, small commercial lenders are living their dreams by owning companies to help people like you get the loans they need. With a large national chain, you also risk working with a “newbie” that does not have a lot of experience yet.

Look at other factors besides experience.

Experience is a huge factor — but it’s not the only one. You should get a good feel for the lender you are ultimately going to be working with and dealing with for years to come by way of your loan. It’s important to trust them and have a good working relationship with them. It’s also a good idea to check references, pay attention to things like customer service with other people on the team and other factors that will ultimately make your experience better… or worse.

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 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 You Need to Know About the Requirements for Commercial Lending

There are many requirements for commercial lending that are helpful to know when you are seeking a loan. Level 4 Funding breaks down the ins and outs of these requirements for you.

Getting commercial lending for your business can be an extremely helpful boost to starting your new business or growing your existing company. You can use additional funding for improvements, marketing needs or even a second location. This is a huge advantage to get ahead of your competition or become desirable to a new customer base. However, as you prepare to grow you need to be prepared to get the loan first.

One of the biggest requirements from a traditional lender is your business credit score and history. Credit should be in the 700s, but if you don’t have perfect credit, all hope is not lost. You may need to think outside the box when it comes to the type of lender you seek out, however. For example, private lenders, hard money lenders and short-term lenders may be your best bet. If you have some time before you need the loan, you can work on improving your credit score to try your hand at getting a traditional loan from a bank.

Not only your business credit, but your personal credit will be investigated so its important that it is up to snuff as well. You will need to share personal financial information such as annual income, credit score, loan history and more. You will need to have documentation of a lot of information such as past bank statements. The larger the loan, the more important this information becomes, so it's a good idea to have all your ducks in a row prior to applying for a loan. If you have both stellar business credit and personal credit – congratulations! You are ahead of the game and your loan process with commercial lending should be smooth sailing.

How to avoid the disadvantages and pitfalls of getting a loan.

One of the pitfalls in obtaining a loan is more business or personal credit. Beyond taking the lengthy process of improving it over time, you can also secure a loan in other ways such as using collateral like your home or personal vehicle. There is a risk when you use collateral to secure a loan, however, so be prepared to take that risk.

The benefits of commercial lending for your business.

When you seek a loan, you can propel your business to the next level or get your new business off the ground. Having the boost of additional funding can make all the difference. Working with a professional loan officer can be very advantageous because they are well versed in all the requirements you will need – all the documentation, business plan information and more that will make the application process much smoother and simpler, ultimately leading to the success of your business growth and development. So make sure you find the right professional lender for you to ensure you have the best advantages.

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 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