So you're a small business owner and you need a business loan to further the objectives of your company. Where do you turn?

When it comes to a business loan or commercial real estate loan, there are many good reasons NOT to turn to a traditional bank. Here are some of the most important reasons. Many small business owners, will find most of these points directly applicable to them.

"THE BANK TURNED ME DOWN"

Of course the biggest reason most small businesses go looking for alternative sources of commercial real estate loans is because they have been declined by the banks. Small businesses are often forced to look for other sources of funding because the banks will not provide it. This is not even listed below, since there are many positive reasons to prefer non-bank funding, EVEN IF YOU CAN get an approval from a bank.

REASON 1 - The minimum loan amount available from banks is too high

In many cases banks will not offer a commercial real estate loan for less than $250,000. So if you only need $100,000 you will be pushed to borrow more than you actually need. Or if your property will not support a $250,000 loan you are out of luck with the banks.

The solution is to look for an alternative funding source that can provide a lower minimum amount. Some commercial financing services will go as low as $100,000, and will often give you better terms and much better service than the traditional banks.

REASON 2 - Many traditional banks will charge you an up-front "commitment fee" just to examine and process your application

Banks usually think they are doing you a favor by processing your application, so they will often make YOU pay for their attempts to win your business.

The solution is to find other established and credible lenders who are eager to offer you better service without charging you a fee for processing your application.

REASON 3 - Most traditional banks will severely limit the amount of cash you can get from a commercial real estate loan.

Banks usually have very narrow rules about where you can use the cash derived from a commercial real estate loan. If you need a cash injection for your business, or want to use the proceeds from a commercial mortgage as a down payment for another property, most banks will not be interested in that type of loan.

Look for a lender who does not restrict your use of the cash derived from commercial real estate loans. Some services, (see links below) can provide commercial loans that give you up to $1 million in cash to use however you want.

REASON 4 - Most traditional banks require detailed business plans before approving a commercial real estate loan.

Many small businesses have business plans, but they are usually not sufficiently detailed to satisfy the banks. As a result, applying for a commercial real estate loan from a bank can turn into a very time consuming and expensive process. Creating the type of business plan that is adequate for the banks will usually cost thousands of dollars.

Find a lender who does not require business plans as part of their underwriting process for a commercial loan.

REASON 5 - Many traditional banks require tax returns for a commercial real estate loan.

If you are either unable or unwilling to provide tax returns for your business, many banks will not give you a commercial real estate loan. Even some of those banks that do not request tax returns will ask borrowers to sign IRS Form 4506, which authorizes the lender to obtain tax returns directly from the IRS.

When looking for alternative sources of funding make sure they do not require either of these conditions (tax returns or access to your IRS records).

REASON 6 - Most banks will require cross collateralization of personal property.

Even though there is sufficient collateral in your business property to secure a commercial real estate loan, many banks will require you to provide additional security by putting up personal assets. Business people have become so used to banks doing this that they just assume it is a necessity.

But the truth is, over-collateralization like this can restrict your personal freedom to dispose of your personal assets as you see fit. And fortunately, there are non-traditional lenders who do not require cross collateralization at all.

REASON 7 - Most banks require income verification.

Many small business people and self-employed borrowers have incomes that are erratic and difficult to document. There are many legitimate reasons for this, but traditional banks generally do not care. Very few of them will provide commercial real estate loans without complete income verification.

An alternative used by some non-traditional lending sources is to use the "Stated Income" approach. Look for a lender who uses the Stated Income approach and does not require income verification.

We are excited to inform you the launch of EquityWork.com 2.0. The enhanced Equitywork.com website gives the brokers and agents the latest Web 2.0 tools to reach buyers. It is very easy to use the website and we have added many tools that will improve and enhance your experiences.

EquityWork has leveraged the power of the Internet to create an efficient information portal for buyers, agents and brokers. EquityWork's corporate vision strives to become the premier tool for commercial real estate brokers and agents in America. We developed the website specifically tailor for commercial real estate agents and brokers. We are here to empower commercial real estate brokers and agents.

You are cordially invited to join the EquityWork.com Broker/Agent Choice Program. You can sign up via http://www.equitywork.com/broker_register.php The Broker/Agent Choice Program is free for commercial real estate brokers and agents to use and to list your commercial real estate listings. There is absolutely no obligation or membership commitment. It is absolutely free. The Broker Choice Program is a great way for you to generate more qualified leads to your listings. Try it today: Sign up at http://www.equitywork.com/broker_register.php

Try www.EquityWork.com today.

We are excited to inform you the launch of EquityWork.com 2.0. The enhanced Equitywork.com website gives the brokers and agents the latest Web 2.0 tools to reach buyers. It is very easy to use the website and we have added many tools that will improve and enhance your experiences.

EquityWork has leveraged the power of the Internet to create an efficient information portal for buyers, agents and brokers. EquityWork's corporate vision strives to become the premier tool for commercial real estate brokers and agents in America. We developed the website specifically tailor for commercial real estate agents and brokers. We are here to empower commercial real estate brokers and agents.

You are cordially invited to join the EquityWork.com Broker/Agent Choice Program. You can sign up via http://www.equitywork.com/broker_register.php The Broker/Agent Choice Program is free for commercial real estate brokers and agents to use and to list your commercial real estate listings. There is absolutely no obligation or membership commitment. It is absolutely free. The Broker Choice Program is a great way for you to generate more qualified leads to your listings. Try it today: Sign up at http://www.equitywork.com/broker_register.php

Try www.EquityWork.com today.

Course Objectives

            1) Education & Knowledge provided to participants

            2) Create community or master mind group of like-minded individuals beyond this course

            3) Participants get on the court and do a deal before the end of the course

 How Course Differs from Others

1. Focuses on understanding what individuals are looking for
2. Questions what Risks Participants can manage
3. Questions what Resources Participants have to leverage
4. Participants look at real deals early on in the game
5. Participants actively & collectively source and analyze deals
6. Participants get involved in the process of real deals
7. Participants form alliances (if so desired) which transcend the course
8. Participants have potential to re-coup the course costs
9. Participants have direct access to the other Participants and Tutor

Course Features

1. One Hour Live Calls with Group
2. Recorded calls for future reference
3. Email access to Instructor and other group members
4. Group dynamic accelerates the learning process
5. Group dynamic opens up the possibilities of groups network 
6. Real Deal Analysis and Examples
7. Access to financing sources within the group and from outside resources
8. Library of Forms provided over the length of the course
9. Glossary of Terms
10. Access to the CRE Tutor Blog (When fully functional)

Lesson One Discussion Points

1. Intro to the course Format, Features and Benefits, and what to expect, in general
2. Intro to Participants and Instructor
3. Cursory Intro to the concept of Assignment(s) with much more to come
4. Intro into the 6 Property Types we will discuss in this course (See below)
5. Review of the Forms that we cover in Session One & beyond (See below)
6. Need for a Financial Calculator – Hewlet Packard “10-B-II” recommended (www.hp.com/calculators)
7. When to expect to start looking at real deals, and where to find them
8. Notes,  Attachments, and Homework (See below)

Course Property Types

Forms to Complete by Participants (Suggested to download all forms and save in a file)

1) Risk Analysis Form to get you better acquainted with YOUR risk tolerance. This form is a general form and most commonly used for “Orthodox” investing evaluation.
Keep in mind that Assignments are “Un-orthodox” for several reasons:

- Most investors don’t understand the dynamics of assignments
  (which you will learn and practice during this course)

- Assignments are inherently less risky than the orthodox or traditional
“acquisition” of real estate in that we never take possession or have a
 stake in the real estate per se

- Assignments have a defined time horizon or risk (Typically 30 – 120 days) 

2) Personal Financial Statement to get you better acquainted to YOUR current financial situation. This will be required to be current if and when applying for financing. It is a good practical exercise that I recommend for all to keep updated quarterly. Again remember, if you plan on being active, your financials will reflect this, and consequently should be actively (as opposed to “re-actively) reviewed periodically. This is part of being a professional investor, if this is what you desire to be.

3) Resource Analysis Form to get you better acquainted with YOUR resources. Again, be aware that most people under-estimate their resources, neglecting to acknowledge all that are available to them. You must consider and understand the importance and value of all your resources, including:

- Financial Resources (Cash, Credit, Equity, Liquid Assets, Securities, etc)

- Intellectual Resources (Information, Knowledge, & Experiences)

- Social Resources (Who you know, and Who they know)

- Professional Resources (Bankers, Brokers, Lawyers, Accountants, etc.)

- Government Resources (Grants, Loans, Tax Incentive Credits, Etc.)

- Physical Resources (Your physical ability to do things)

NOTE:  These Resources can all be leveraged into deals….More on this later.

DIVERSE BEGINNINGS

Carl and Karen Moose are two very busy and successful commercial real estate professionals with an active young family — "three under three," as they say — and an impressive list of colleagues, clients, and investors who have nothing but praise for the deals they put together for their business, Investment Realty Services, Inc., which expertly manages investor's real estate assets by providing brokerage, investment services and property management services for equity partners.

Karen is president of Investment Realty Services, and Carl works as Managing Director, officially speaking. As they explain, this means that Carl focuses his efforts on finding great commercial properties, analyzing them, and putting deals together for his company and investors, while Karen trains her energy on managing the properties they own, raising capital, and forging and maintaining strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and investors.

More on Carl And Karen Moose: Successful Real Estate Visionaries

Have you gone to a shopping complex? There, you will see different novelty shops, grocery stores, and other small businesses. If you will decide on whether you want to enter such business, it is important that you will understand the basics of commercial real estate investment and how you can gain profit from real estated investing.

Understanding Commercial Real Estate.

Real Estate is defined as a certain property that can possibly generate revenue for its owner. It generally includes office buildings, shopping malls, service stations, restaurants, apartment units, and raw land.

You must understand that only properties, which have a potential to produce income for its owner, is categorized as commercial real estate.

Therefore, it will not include real estate of habitable characteristics such as houses and apartment buildings.

So how is it leased to the potential clients? Usually, the owner of the property leases it through a licensed broker. Then the broker will make the necessary arrangements with regards in advertising that property.

In addition, the broker can make some agreement with the owner or seller of the property about its improvements such as renovating or clearing the perimeter of the ground where it is erected.

How to Get Started in Commercial Real Estate Business

If you want to start with this type of investment and yet, you do not have a concrete property to sell, maybe the first thing to do is to have some guidelines that you can start with. Here are the things that you should consider in building your commercial property:

* Determine what are the hot business are around. Decide if you will cater to the needs of individual or partnership that wants to rent spaces for their food or novelty shops.

* Choose the best location of your property. Go for the finest piece of land that you can utilize efficiently. You can consider erecting commercial property nearby high traffic areas can be easily accessed for full-service restaurants, hotels, and other shopping centers.

* In aid of choosing your property's location, you consult the planners of the local government where it will be built. They have a zoning system, which separates industrial, residential, and commercial properties. It will help you to obtain the necessary clearance and permits from them.

* You can opt to hire some financial advisors. They can help you to plan for the revenue aspects of your investment. Always keep in mind that the right investment is the best chance to earn more profits.

* In case that the property is funded under a mortgage, it will be wise on your part to repay it religiously. Do not let it be your liability; remember that your goal is to earn money, not to lose money.

* If the property is now ready for leased, always have the necessary arrangements with your real estate agents with regards in advertising your property.

* Check the rates, terms and conditions, and other related aspects concerning the lease of your commercial property. You must also serve the interest of your potential clients that will avail it.

Earning money through commercial real estate property requires enough planning. This is an investment; either you lose or gain money.

Florida has a lot of things to offer. It actually plays as a run away paradise for tourists and visitors because of its beauty.

Florida has many beaches get away ideas. And there are heaps of recreation to take advantage with such boating, skiing, dock to yacht, and the like. Having all this makes tourists to be attracted to take advantage its privileges.

Commercial real estate in Florida for shopping malls is considering an alteration for the adapting the needs of the present day shopper. Florida commercial real estate re-sales are rising. Those you are raring to buy real estate come from minority groups such as Latin Americans and Asians.

A new concept in Florida real estate is the Open-air commercial real estate, which is taking charge lately. Enclosed malls are gradually surrendering their control to open air centers. Since open air centers has a lot more features and space to offer than traditional walled mall.

Adaptation and redevelopment are actually the key ways to increase in commercial real estate business in Florida. Since people are usually looking for convenience and ambience, and Florida have these factors to offer.

Now, if you are searching for commercial real estate property in Florida, it is better for you to distinguish what kind of business you wanted to be into, and your preferred location. There is varying of array of commercial properties that you can consider, from office space to retail establishments.

Whatever commercial property you are looking and interested to, there are lot of categories of real estate properties to consider so limit down your search. Retail properties, is one category to consider, which covers shopping centers and malls, franchise locations, chain store sites, showrooms, retail sites and shops.

Office buildings, business parks, commercial rental properties, residential developments and net leased properties are investment properties. Industrial parks, resort properties, waterfront property and land tracts fall under land brokerages category. And there are also high-tech property areas which particularly for research and development parks, medical laboratories, and call centers.

Hotel and resort properties category covers hotels, convention centers, stadiums, motels and theme park sites. Distribution and industrial properties category covers warehouses, factory sites, airports, distribution facilities and mills.

Amidst of high prices, Florida is usually an attractive and popular place to start business. Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties in Tampa Bay; Fort Myers and Cape Coral area in Southwest Florida; Martin, Miami-Dade, Broward, St.Lucie and Palm Beach Counties in South Florida; Sarasota and Manatee Counties in Sarasota; Duval, Clay, Putnam and Nassau Counties in Jacksonville/Northeast Florida; Orange, Seminole, Lake, Polk, Osceola and West Volusia Counties in Orlando / Central Florida and Leon, Franklin, Jefferson %26 Wakulla Counties in the Tallahassee area are all the place to you can look up to choose which interest you the most.

Whatever places in Florida you can choose from to make an investment, you will definitely not regret it. Since Florida has the best commercial real estate to offer, all you have to do is choose which property you are interested to invest with. Florida is certainly known to be a good location for business.

Miami's commercial real estate is one of the more lucrative deals that any commercial investor can make, especially if he knows how to make the most out of it.

A lot of profit can be generated from investing in Miami real estate, but only if done the right way, which is why a lot of commercial investors in Miami real estate still find themselves unable to generate enough profit at times. It is important to remember that commercial investors, or investors in general, are in the real estate market for one purpose, and that is to make a profit. If they are not able to figure out how to deal with Miami's commercial real estate market, then they just might end up only spending more in their investment instead of increasing their cash flow. There are a few factors that commercial investors need to consider when they want to take a stab at Miami's real estate market.

Quick profit

One of the things that investors need to keep in mind when investing in commercial real estate is that they must invest in a deal that will give them profit as quickly as possible. A deal that will bring about a quick profit is a must with commercial real estate investors, especially in Miami, since this will help them further their business by improving it, as well as ensure their success as a commercial real estate investor.

Area with fast economic growth

Commercial investors should always look for real estate properties that are located in an area with a fast economic growth. This will help ensure that there is a source of profit for your investment or business. If the area that the real estate property is situated in is in an area that has a slow economic growth, as well as a slow growth in its population, then it would be more difficult to make the real estate property earn profit since there are only very few sources of profit. The more people are in an area, and the more diverse they are, then the higher the chances of earning a higher amount of profit. It helps if you can find an area that is showing signs of progress and development, these are evidences that an area has a strong economic growth, which is a more conducive location for a commercial investor to invest in. This will put him in a much better position to get the best possible return in his investment, especially since the growth in an area's economy helps dictate how well your business will fair off.

Under priced property for quick profit

Another thing that commercial investors should look into in terms of real estate properties, especially in Miami, are those real estate properties that are under priced. Any commercial investor know that under priced commercial real estate properties can still become profit-making machines, just as long as commercial investors take the time, with a little money and effort, to improve the property. The faster the real estate property can appreciate, which can be done through the improvements done on the property, then the faster the increase in cash flow would be for any investor.

There are a lot of things that commercial investors can do in order to succeed in the real estate market, and all of them requires enough knowledge about the particular real estate market that they plan on catering to. It takes more than just having the money to invest in something, it also takes skill, the understanding, and enough planning in order to make sure that you make the most of your real estate experience.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor
http://miami-realestate.net

This past week, TCICommercial.com has announced they are giving away online webserver space for Licensed Commercial Real Estate Brokers.

For Licensed Commercial Real Estate Brokers, marketing their properties to their target market has been an ongoing struggle. This past week TCICommercial.com (the commercial side of TheCreativeInvestor.com) has announced they are giving away 1MB of online storage space for photo and files for Commercial Real Estate Brokers.

Brokers can advertise an unlimited amount of properties into TCICommercial.com, they are only limited by disk space usage. This means even if they wanted to advertise 1000 properties, they can do so, but if they wanted to attach photos or files, they would need to purchase additional server space. Additional online server space starts at $4.99/m.

"Currently Commercial Brokers use their own websites to market their own properties, the problem is that they aren't using the full power of the Internet. By incorporating TCI's database power, brokers can really organize all the properties that they manage and display them more effectively." says Joel Webb, CEO of TCICommercial.com.

In addition to free file storage, brokers can add in their entire office of co-workers and download HTML code to bring the offices property listing into their own website. This creates one central area for properties to be added, and multiple areas the properties can be displayed at.

"At many of our competitors, this HTML property code import is at least a $100/m service charge, by having TCI give this service away for free, Commercial Brokers are more willing to do business with us than our competitors" stated Webb.

Within 3 years, TheCreativeInvestor.com has become one of the largest online communities focused on real estate investing. The website networks brokers, property managers and investors together for one common goal, to do more real estate deals through creative strategies.

For more information, please visit their website at: http://www.thecreativeinvestor.com/commercial

Commercial property for sale is gaining popularity more than ever, but is still a difficult venture especially for the newbie real estate agent. This can sometimes cost an enormous amount of money. Which is why free classifieds offers a place for you to list your commercial property, whether you are a real estate agent or a private individual.

The following article offers you some methods in exposing your commercial property without spending a fortune on advertising.

1.List Your Property Online For Free

Many online classifieds allow free ad posting for your property for sale. These sites even lets you list your properties in bulk, without restrictions. Often, Australian real estate listings online get you more exposure quickly without asking you to pay huge prices compared to traditional classified ads in your local paper. Also, they provide more marketing and advertising options for your convenience. Sometimes it is worth putting a little money into some ads if it means the difference between having to pay a commission and pocketing it for yourself.

2.Invest in a Quality "Commercial Property for Sale" Sign

A good quality "Commercial Property for Sale" sign is an excellent way to make people know and get interested in your property. If you are situated on a major road, a good sign attracts passing traffic and locals looking for property to move their business. Basically, your sign targets those people who may not have gone through the Net for Australian real estate, or those who may have missed your real estate listing. In successfully advertising commercial real estate for sale, you have to explore all available options, whether online or offline.

Many people are unaware of the properties around them and do not have the time to go looking. By placing a large visible sign on your property, you can draw attention and create excitement in the property.

3.Free Real Estate Publications

Many suburban areas have 'free' local publications that include real estate for sale in the area. Contact these publications and see if they take advertisements free. Since most are looking for 'free' content to add to their publications, they are usually very willing to work with you.

If this doesn't work for you then you may need to contact a commercial real estate agent and work with them to get your property sold. Many sites provide information on property brokers in different areas and they can assist you to find a professional who will be able to help you too.

No matter what, keep your ads going. It can take quite a while to sell your commercial property depending on your area, but continue to provide information in publications and websites, and your efforts will bring rewards in no time.