There is really no shortcut when you are seeking commercial loans. But following a tried and true process can help to expedite the response to your application.

Most borrowers fail to understand that a great deal of the success or failure of their commercial loan application rests on their amount of effort in preparation. There is a huge amount of research and due diligence that a borrower must invest in the process in order to be successful when applying for commercial loans. Understanding the loan application process, the desires of specific lenders and their loan approval criteria are all very important and should be researched long before you begin to search for a commercial property to purchase.

Many borrowers are in awe of commercial lenders and fail to see them as a business partner or vendor. They get too caught up in the “bank” aspect and feel as if they are being judged. The lender is making a judgement but only from the perspective that they want to verify that you can afford the loan. They are just making smart business decisions. In that vein, you should also be making smart decisions about who you are interested in borrowing from. There are many options for commercial loans which you should explore including large national banks, medium sized regional banks, a small local bank, a private lender or a mortgage company just to name a few. If you are not familiar with any major lenders or to gain information about your options, begin with a meeting at your current bank to learn about their commercial loan products.

Each lender is going to have a slightly different set of criteria for approving a loan. Learning these requirements can help you to determine which lenders you will actually apply to. Set up a few appointments to speak to loan officers to learn about the lenders and what they have to offer you. Be prepared to discuss your business, the reason you are requesting a loan and how you plan to meet the financial responsibility of repaying the loan. These conversations can glean some very helpful free advice for you from seasoned lending professionals.

Select Lenders Who Best Meet Your Needs

Not all lenders are going to be a great fit for you or even a fit at all. If you are looking for a small loan then a national bank might not be interested in your application. Likewise, if you are seeking a very large loan, then a small local bank might not be your best choice. Try to determine which lenders specialize in the type of commercial loans that you are seeking and then apply only to those lenders. There are costs involved in commercial loan applications as well as a commitment of time. Don’t waste either by applying to a lender who will not be interested in your business.

Make a Great First Impression

Other than a brief introductory meeting, your loan application will be your first contact with many lenders. This is your only opportunity to create a positive and professional first impression. Invest all of the time that you need to research your options and the criteria that each lender uses to evaluate loan applications. Only then should you begin to compile your documentation and complete the loan application. This dedication to completing a high quality loan application and documentation packet will pay great dividends when you learn that you have multiple loan offers at very competitive 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.

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