Investment in the CRE industry no doubt comes with a lot of advantages. But there is also a huge amount of mortgage that comes with it. In fact, one of the most risky and significant transactions you can ever make is purchasing property.
After all, the amount of a mortgage can even last for a lifetime. However, most entrepreneurs do not understand that a mortgage can be negotiated.
In fact, they have never heard of the fact that they can actually negotiate this type of mortgage, which can significantly reduce the final cost.
Often, people have a misconception that the interest rate is the most important thing to negotiate. No doubt it is quite essential, but it is not the only thing. The interest rate clearly reflects the risk associated with the deal.
But the good news is it can be negotiated down. However, you need to illustrate why the financial institution must change the decision compared to what they actually think.
If you are unaware of the same, the guide will offer you tips that will help you bring down the mortgage rate. Read the guide ahead. It will provide you with clear insights.
What are commercial mortgages?
In simple words, a commercial mortgage is a loan taken on a CRE property with the property put as collateral.
The borrower here can be a business or a company instead of an individual. The value of the property will determine the amount the lender will provide as the mortgage.
What properties can be classified as commercial mortgages?
When it comes to commercial mortgage property, one needs to be extra careful. There are a lot of misconceptions, about different kinds of properties.
Understanding the mortgage and the associated aspects of it is important to make the right decision.
One needs to identify the properties they need and then the right type of financing for the same.
For instance, when purchasing a residential estate as an investment property, the deal can easily be funded under a commercial mortgage, which can be classified into the following categories.
- Mixed-use
- Residential, 1-4 units
- Residential, five or more units
The options mentioned in the above categories are not final. In fact, the other properties might also fall under the commercial mortgage.
This can include light industrial, industrial, retail, or developmental land.
How do you negotiate your commercial mortgage?
The mortgage can give anyone a lot of pressure and tension. But lucky for you, there is an effective way of negotiating down the mortgage.
Here are certain tips that will help your decision and ensure you come on solid ground to reduce the mortgage.
1. Give priority to your needs
The most basic thing to keep in mind when opting for a mortgage is your needs. It is the key to negotiating a deal that works well in your favor.
So, to begin with, you need to evaluate your business needs and how your property can actually contribute to their achievement.
The best way to do this is by setting up a list of what the property can be used for. While preparing a list, make sure you take note of two essential things, which are the amount of space and the location.
Now, when you decide your specific needs beforehand, you will be an advantage in the negotiating room. Therefore, considering the building’s location must be your top priority, especially when you are in the retail business.
The site will determine shipping convenience, accessibility, parking lots, and others. On the other side, the space needed is quite essential for business growth.
While deciding on the area, make sure to analyze the potential of the current space and see if it will be able to meet your future needs.
2. Prepare a budget
Before you take a step inside the negotiation room, you need to take time to analyse and have a financial discussion with your financial advisor or accountant.
Alternatively, you can also instruct the mortgage advisor team to discuss and come up with a budget.
Keep in mind that besides the purchase price and the budget, you also need to consider other expenses like due diligence, moving, renovation, downtime during the transition, legal fees, land transfer tax, and other associated commissions.
And here, you must not forget the down payment. You will require equity in the space as you will not get 100% financing. Keeping a budget in mind will keep you away from all the stress. Also, it will enhance your negotiation as you already have a clear picture of what you can afford.
3. Opt for due diligence
Before you make any offer, it is important to understand the property. It will equip your agent with the required information to bargain more effectively with the lender. He will look out for certain things during the investigation.
- Allowable uses
You need to take your time to inquire about the businesses or items allowed within the property before you make an offer. With this, you will know if your business can actually operate there.
- Potential for expansion
If you plan to expand your business in the future, you need to investigate it right in advance. If there is a plan, then you need to come up with a process strategy. With this, you will know if your business can fit the available space. Experience has shown that some locations prohibit expansion due to legal restrictions. So, make sure to stay aware of it.
- Environmental assessment
Before you go ahead to make an offer, you need to inquire about the environmental assessment of the property. It will help verify the property’s health and the site.
You need to pay attention to this factor as there have been a lot of environmental issues that can impact the employee’s health and the building. This will discourage your clients from trusting your business.
- Possible expenses
A part of the due diligence process will also mean making an offer to the contractor or an expert to check out the possible renovation that will be required in the building to make it suitable for your business needs.
They will be able to provide you with an estimate of the cost. Herein, comparing the potential expense you will incur against your budget or financial capacity will provide you with proper insights into how you can proceed with the negotiations.
Completing the due diligence process before closing the dealer is extremely important. It will save you from the hassle and will allow you to plan for the negotiations in all situations.
4. Make a reasonable offer
Now that you are ready with all the essential information, it is time to leverage your findings and prepare an offer that meets your budget and needs. You need to consider the following here.
- Despite all the information you have got during the due diligence process, your agent will ask you a lot of questions. He will wish to gather as much information as possible. So make sure you stay honest and do not forge in your way to get a better rate.
- It is crucial to avoid the low mortgage rate your agent is offering. Make sure you inquire about the available prepayment option, the flexibility of the mortgage contract, and other information. This will help you understand if the situation will break or make the situation for you. Also, you need to inquire about the transfer fees and other essential information.
- Make sure that the low mortgage rate does not cloud your emotions. It is possible to obtain a better price even with a shorter closing period if you have fewer conditions. Stay open to all the available options and then compare them all to make the best choice.
5. Consult good commercial mortgage agents
Despite all the findings you have, it is still impossible for you to close a deal on your own. Sometimes, it is advised to go ahead with an expert’s help.
Finding a good professional and consulting him will make a major difference. He will be able to relate to your needs and the market situation.
The experts have better information about the industry. They will look out for you and will provide you with better professional guidance. This will also mean the expert will be there to help you with the due diligence process and make things absolutely easy.
You need not have to take care of everything on your own. The professional will advise you about every minor step so that you do not end up making any mistakes during the process.
Conclusion
Finding the best mortgage rate can be a bit tough. It requires a lot of research and comparison to pick the best mortgage dealer.
After all, your decisions here will impact you for years to come. If you are facing any difficulty, you can consider getting professional support from Private Capital Investors. They have got experienced professionals who will be there to help you make the process easy.
No matter your specific requirements or budget goals, the professionals will provide you with the best deals and options that suit your requirements. With their support, you will be able to close the deal faster and get the best financing.
