Must-Ask Questions Before Selecting Your Commercial Real Estate Loan Partner

The choice of commercial real estate (CRE) lender can significantly influence the outcome of your investment. Partnering with the right CRE loan provider ensures that you have the support, financial structure, and flexibility needed to navigate the complexities of the commercial property market. Choosing a CRE lender isn’t just about securing funds; it’s about establishing a relationship that will support your real estate endeavors now and in the future. This guide outlines key questions you should ask when selecting your CRE loan partner to help you make an informed decision.

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Chart of the Day: Land Owned By Government

Today’s Chart of the Day deviates from our usual financial topics and comes from the Bureau of Land Management.

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DON’T CLICK THE LINK! How to Prevent Falling Victim to Phone Scammers

According to Consumer Affairs, in 2023, there were over 310 million smartphone users in the US. Text message open rates are estimated to be as high as 98% compared to only a 20% open rate for emails, so it’s no wonder cyber criminals are focusing on texts! If you own a smart phone, you’ve likely been the recipient of a smishing text. Would you be able to tell?

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Chart of the Day: Growth of $100 Since 1970

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Chart of the Day: More Mortgage Free

Today’s Chart of the Day from ResiClub shows the percentage of homes that are mortgage-free.

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Ten Tips for Refinancing Your Mortgage

Refinancing a mortgage can be a smart financial move when done right. It offers the potential for lower interest rates, better loan terms, and even access to home equity. However, it’s essential to approach it with careful planning and awareness of the factors that can impact your long-term financial health. Here are 10 tips to consider before you refinance your mortgage:

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Chart of the Day: Manufacturing Decline

Today’s Chart of the Day comes from GlobalData and shows the percentage of manufacturing jobs in the US, from 1948 to 2023.

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Chart of the Day: More 401(k)'s Than Ever

Today’s Chart of the Day comes from Torsten Slok who is the Chief Economist with Apollo. It shows the increase of defined contributions (401K’s and the like) and decline in defined benefit (aka pensions) since 1984.

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To Rent or Own Your Commercial Real Estate? That Is the Question!

As a business owner, you face many critical decisions, and one of the most impactful is whether to rent or own your commercial real estate (CRE). Your decision will affect your business's cash flow, long-term growth, and even its stability. Both options have their own benefits, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice.

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Chart of the Day: Lobbying

Today’s Chart of the Day is from Open Secrets and shows the amount of money spent in lobbying our federal government in 2023. We have all heard about the money spent by the Pharmaceutical Industry, but we never see to what degree versus other industries.

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Your Banking Toolbox: Online Banking Tools for Small Businesses

Running a small business requires the right set of tools to manage finances efficiently and securely. Crews Bank & Trust offers a well-stocked banking toolbox designed to meet the unique needs of small businesses. From digital tools to personalized banking services, here’s how their solutions can help you streamline operations and protect your business.

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Chart of the Day: The Everything Portfolio (Part 2)

Today’s Chart of the Day is a follow up from the previous post and is from an academic paper called “The Risk and Reward of Investing” published by Doeswijk and Swinkel in July 2024.

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Chart of the Day: The Everything Portfolio (Part 1)

Today’s Chart of the Day is from an academic paper called “The Risk and Reward of Investing” by Doeswijk and Swinkel published in July 2024.

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Managing Debt Wisely: A Step-by-Step Guide

According to Experian, one of the “Big Three” credit reporting agencies, total consumer debt rose more than 4.4% from 2022 to 2023, with the most notable being “credit card debt, which saw a total balance growth of 17.4% in 2023. This increase is largely due to a 4-percentage point rise in the number of credit card borrowers who carry a balance from month to month, as well as additional retail spending.“ Other areas of debt that increased over the same period are mortgages, auto loans/leases, student loans and personal loans.

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Chart of the Day: Gold vs. Inflation

Today's Chart of the Day from Ben Carlson's book "A Wealth of Common Sense" provides an insightful look at gold prices adjusted for inflation dating back to 1920.

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