Investment Property Mortgage Loan Applications That Succeed

Your commercial property loan is turned down - Why?? It is particularly tough to get an investment property mortgage loan, and you will often find yourself rejected for no clear reason. This can be frustrating, but it is a learning experience. With each terrible rejection, you get a little wiser.

Well, what if you could skip all of those rejections and learn from others' mistakes? Let's look at the most common reasons why investment property mortgage loans get turned down. Then, you will know what to expect when you apply for your financing.

The Type of Business

The most common reason that loan applications are rejected is that the bank simply does not offer financing to certain kinds of businesses. Banks loan money on the basis of possible risk, and some business types are considered riskier than others. If you are trying to get financing for a golf course, restaurant, gas station or church, you might find it tricky to get funding. On the other hand, if you are looking for funding for an apartment complex or office building, it will be much easier.

What is your solution? Look for a lender that specializes in that particular type of business. On the Internet, there are all sorts of financing company options available. Also, look for non-traditional lenders who may be more likely to take on what they consider riskier ventures.

Don't Ask For Too Much!

A big problem that causes many rejections is that borrowers simply ask for too much money. A bank is always ready to approve a smaller loan before it approves a bigger one, especially with the sub prime catastrophe that we're seeing today. A bad loan for lots of money is not good for the lender or the borrower.

When you are working out your business plan, be realistic about how much you need, and how much you are able to pay back. It's nice to have more than enough money to start your business, but it's not so nice when you are struggling to pay the bills and have that giant debt hanging over your head. Ask for just as much as you need, and don't aim too high.

The Source of Funding

Most traditional lenders will want to know detailed information about where the funds are coming from to make the down-payment. This is a reasonable request, but it can get those of us seeking a loan into trouble. The reason why this can be problematic is that they may consider the source a high risk. Remember, they're not as optimistic about your business as you are!

Many businesses finance their down payment by using funds from what is called "subordinated debt." This basically means some kind of secondary financing, like a seller second. Banks and other traditional lenders don't like to see this. A non-traditional lender will be much more likely to approve a loan that uses secondary financing as a down payment.

Finally, remember that we all get rejected! Probably everyone you know who has started a small business has been turned down at least once, and most likely many more times than that.