Commercial Bank Loans In Credit Crisis

Commercial bank loans, aka conventional loans, though “beat up” are still available. Yes, pretty much every component of underwriting has tightened, i.e. loan to value, debt coverage ratio, global cash flow, borrower experience, etc but many decent (not perfect) commercial loan requests can qualify and enjoy the benefits. Like low, long term fixed rates, longer amortization schedules and the lowest fees in the business.First of all, what do we mean by commercial bank loans? We’re referring to conventional loans that are funded by banks and are often held onto by the bank. Further these loans are not backed by any type of governmental support, like B and I or SBA loans are. So, because the banks fund and often hold onto the debt, they want to make sure they are decent deals.Commercial Bank LoansWe get a lot of people that contact us with the mind set, “assuming you can’t help me, but thought I’d call anyway.” The key areas that borrowers need to keep in mind is that banks are mostly concerned with the cash flow of their business and what the borrower looks like on a personal cash flow level. This is referred to as Global Income.One solution for many borrowers, that have not already filed their tax returns, is to simply tell their accounts to show as much income as possible. This often can be the cure that borrowers need to better qualify for these superior loans.Also, borrowers need to do a “180″ on their attitude towards banks. Meaning, many banks are now in worse condition than many borrowers. They have cash flow and liquidity issues themselves. In fact, 80% of all commercial banks are pretty much on the sidelines. So just because you get turned down cold by a few banks does NOT mean you can’t find one that is healthy and has a real appetite for your type of loan request.As far as the benefits, borrowers can currently expect low rates in the 6%’s, with amortization schedules from 25 to 30 years. Also, fixed rates on conventional loans can still go up to 10 years, though 7 and 5 years is more common. Further when compared to loans backed by the SBA or USDA loans that have fees of 2 -3% these are very inexpensive with normally only 1%.Though commercial bank loans many have lower loan to value requirements, and increased general underwriting standards they are well worth the effort.