ACS Funds Start-Up Automotive Repair Shop in Florida
Alternative Capital Solutions is pleased to announce the funding of a start-up automotive repair shop in Mount Dora, Florida. The amount funded totaled approximately $810,000 and the loan proceeds will be used to fund the full start-up process for the repair shop. Funding a start-up business can be a fulfilling process as you are able to provide support for a new entrepreneurial and investment opportunity! Learn more about this deal as well as talk through your potential deal by contacting our team. Submit a deal inquiry today on our website by clicking here.
Bakery in Utah Secures Financing for New Location Build-Out
Our team at Alternative Capital Solutions recently helped a bakery and deli owner based out of South Jordan, Utah secure a $678,000 loan. This loan will be used for the future build out of their latest restaurant location within the South Jordan market. This deal had a lot of moving parts, but we are excited to have made it to the closing table with a new client relationship and the ability to help them further with their business loan needs.
Want to learn more about Alternative Capital Solutions and how our team can develop a loan strategy that suits you and your business' needs? Submit a deal inquiry today on our website or submit the contact form. We're looking forward to speaking with you!
Get all the details at AlternativeCapitalSolutions.com.
ACS Closes $5MM Second Lien on Tennessee Hotel
CLOSED & FUNDED! Our client was completing a major Property Improvement Plan and needed to tap into their equity on the property in the amount of $5,000,000. The east Tennessee hotel and hospitality property performs extremely well. Due to the impeccable financials, Terry Luker and our team was able to secure a second lien on the property and get the client the $5,000,000 they needed to complete their renovations. We completed the second lien financing to keep the first lien in place due to the value of the lower interest on the first lien. We're excited for our client as well as the positive outcome of this creative deal structure we created with the second lien.
Have a property that needs renovations, improvements, or has equity that needs to be utilized to strengthen other areas of your business? We would love to help! Submit a deal inquiry form today HERE ON OUR WEBSITE.
Equipment Lending 101 from ACS
Opening or expanding your business often requires the acquisition of various assets you will need to run that business. Enter the business equipment loan. A business equipment loan is a type of financing specifically designed to help businesses acquire the necessary tangible assets and equipment required for their operations.
Some things that can be purchased with a business equipment loan include:
- Machinery and Heavy Equipment:
- This includes manufacturing machinery, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and other specialized equipment required for production or operations.
- Technology and IT Equipment:
- This category encompasses servers, computers, printers/scanners, any software your company may need, or any other technology that is essential for your business to function.
- Agriculture and Forestry:
- Agriculture equipment loans include purchasing tractors, harvesting equipment, livestock/livestock equipment, irrigation systems, safety equipment, or any other assets that will be essential for the operations of the farm.
- Vehicles:
- A business may also use their equipment loan to purchase vehicles necessary for business operations such as delivery vans, trucks, specialized vehicles for services the company provides, etc.
Other items that can be purchased with a business equipment loan are office furniture & fixtures, medical equipment, restaurant and foodservice equipment, and retail fixtures and technical equipment.
Business equipment loans are typically secured by the equipment being purchased, meaning that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender may seize the equipment to recover their losses. Business equipment loans often offer fixed interest rates and repayment terms tailored to suit the needs of the business, allowing them to acquire essential equipment while preserving cash flow and maintaining liquidity.
If you’re looking for an equipment loan or any other type of funding for your business, let our team of experts at Alternative Capital Solutions help you find the right solution for your business. ACS is recognized as an elite funding provider with a proven track record amongst our lending partners. Learn more about why we are the best choice in business lending here.
Submit your questions or deal inquiries in our contact form located here.
Top 5 U.S. Cities for First-Time Commercial Real Estate Investors
Investing in commercial real estate can be a lucrative venture, offering opportunities for significant returns and portfolio diversification. For first-time investors entering this market, selecting the right location is crucial for success. Some key factors to think about when choosing which market to enter into are population growth, job growth, and high rental demand. Here are the top five U.S. cities that offer promising prospects for first-time commercial real estate investors:
1.) Nashville, Tennessee
Commonly known as, “Music City”, Nashville has emerged as a hotspot for commercial real estate. The city’s strong job market is fueled by tourism, finance, and healthcare, and has forced the need for more office space as well as retail space. Nashville’s business-friendly environment yields a promising opportunity for first-time commercial real estate investors. This is a prime area for not only alternative lending opportunities, but SBA products geared towards those small and/or new businesses could be an excellent route as well.
2.) Atlanta, Georgia
Known as the economic hub of the Southeast, Atlanta boasts a thriving business environment and a rapidly growing population. The city's diverse economy, which includes sectors like technology, finance, and logistics, provides ample opportunities for commercial real estate investments. Additionally, Atlanta's favorable tax environment and relatively low cost of living make it an attractive destination for businesses, driving demand for commercial properties.
3.) Austin, Texas
In recent years Austin has experienced rapid population growth, and is home to a burgeoning tech scene and a dynamic entrepreneurial culture. The city's strong job market, fueled by companies like Dell, IBM, and numerous startups, has led to increased demand for office, retail, and mixed-use developments. With a vibrant arts and entertainment scene and a high quality of life, Austin offers attractive investment opportunities for first-time commercial real estate investors. From large commercial loan opportunities to small-business ventures, the commercial lending space here is especially unique.
4.) Denver, Colorado
Situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver combines natural beauty with a booming economy, making it an appealing destination for commercial real estate investment. Its strategic location as a transportation and logistics hub, coupled with a diverse economy spanning industries such as aerospace, healthcare, renewable energy, and cannabis, contributes to its allure. Denver's young and educated population, alongside a burgeoning tech sector, further augur well for the future growth of the commercial real estate market. Notably, Denver's cannabis industry stands as a trailblazer in the landscape of legalized marijuana since the state's landmark legalization of recreational cannabis in 2012. Emerging as a leading destination for cannabis enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, the industry continues to thrive, significantly contributing to the city’s economy.
**It is important remember that the cannabis laws vary by state
5.) Seattle, Washington
Home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, Seattle has become synonymous with innovation and economic growth. The city's thriving technology sector, combined with a highly skilled workforce and a culture of entrepreneurship, has led to sustained demand for commercial real estate properties. From office buildings in the bustling downtown area to mixed-use developments in vibrant neighborhoods, Seattle offers diverse investment options for first-time commercial real estate investors seeking exposure to a dynamic and rapidly evolving market.
These five U.S. cities present attractive opportunities for first-time commercial real estate investors looking to enter the market. From Atlanta's diverse economy to Seattle's tech-driven growth, each city offers its own unique advantages and potential for success. However, as with any investment, thorough research and due diligence are essential to making informed decisions and maximizing returns in the competitive commercial real estate landscape.
Terry Luker's Tools for Success Featured in Scotsman Guide's March 2024 Issue
Our founder and owner, Terry Luker, is passionate about being equipped with the tools you need to become a successful commercial lending broker. From professional development opportunities, extracurricular training sessions, and mentorship programs - there are several paths that a broker can take throughout their career in the industry. Taking the time investment to build on your foundation of knowledge throughout the year will enable you to stay ahead of industry changes and be highly knowledgeable in terms of economic shifts. Learn more about how Terry Luker has continued to stay at the forefront of the commercial lending industry and what he recommends to both rookie and seasoned brokers in today's climate. Check out his article in the March 2024 issue of the Scotsman Guide using the link below!
https://www.scotsmanguide.com/commercial/tools-for-success/
Why Site Visits Are a Must When It Comes to Working Your Deals
When it comes to working through and closing a commercial loan deal there are numerous items that you must check-off your list, official documents to obtain, services to provide, and other administrative style tasks to complete.
However, a “must-do” activity that many commercial brokers and lenders may underestimate the value of is the official site visit. The site visit not only puts you face-to-face with your client – which can be especially beneficial if working with the client from out of area or out of state – but, it also allows you to take a proper assessment of the property, the surrounding area, and ensures a better understanding for what your client is trying to accomplish with the property and / or structures when obtaining the desired commercial loan.
Another thing to consider when working through a deal is that the commercial bank looking to fund the loan may also require photos of the property, structures, or building so that they, too, can better their understanding of the property and the borrower’s needs. Performing the site visit yourself will allow you to personally take the photographs as well as work through initial issues or hiccups that could potentially arise with the bank and/or lender – furthermore, it’ll build a strong relationship between you and your client as the deal becomes more personable.
With the ever-changing landscape of our nation’s economy, commercial banks and lenders are putting more scrutiny on the deals that come across their desks. The deal package you present will have an increased value to his competitors as you are strengthening your client’s story as well as decreasing the amount of legwork that your lender will have to do when it comes to finalizing the loan.
You have a site visit scheduled with your client…you may now be asking yourself, “what’s next?”
Here are a few tips for performing a site visit on a commercial investment property:
- Schedule the visit during the day and ensure your client will be present. This will give you the best chance of seeing the property in its natural light as well as give you a better chance at contacting anyone who is involved with the deal and/or property.
- Bring a checklist. This will help you make sure that you inspect all the important areas of the property. Yes – you will have a professional inspection of the property performed, however, inspecting those top checklist items will give you additional insight on the off chance that questions or other concerns may arise.
- Take pictures! Photos will help you to remember the property as well as serve as a record for any problems you find. Photos will also not only aide you in closing this current deal, but they can also be excellent marketing resources for your business once the deal has closed and the loan has funded.
- Ask questions. Now is your chance to build on your client relationship. Learning about the perks, concerns and information in relation to the property is much easier when discussed face-to-face.
- Be prepared to walk away. If you are not comfortable with the property after the site visit, you should be prepared to walk away from the deal. While this is not always the outcome we want to arrive at, allowing yourself to walk away sooner rather than later can save you time and money opposed to walking away at the closing table.
Have questions about an upcoming site visit or want to know more about scheduling a site visit for an upcoming deal? Contact our team! We would love to work alongside you on a deal…or even be a sounding board for questions and ideas!
Submit your questions or deal inquiries via the contact form linked HERE.