The process of applying for a business loan is a stringent one as compared to the standard procedures in obtaining a home mortgage loan or a personal loan. This is probably due to the fact that business loans contain a greater risk element as compared to other loans. Therefore, lenders need to exercise greater caution and emphasis when evaluating business loan applications in order to minimize their risk exposure.

With that, lenders evaluate their applicants based on the information that are provided as well as their judgment of the viability and profitability of the business being financed. Thus, business loan applicants will be required to submit a loan proposal along with their applications with the purpose of creating a positive impression upon the lender.

The first element of a loan proposal is an executive summary, providing short descriptions of the type of business and the industry, the purpose and usage of the loan, the proposed repayment conditions as well as the intended loan period. After that, the company information is provided, enriching the reader with the nature of the business, the location of the business, company history, the products or services provided, key differentiation factors of the company or the product, the general growth of the industry, competitive information, growth potential and target customers.

It would help if you could include your company marketing strategy, detailed product information, historical information as well as projected growth plans for the company. Apart from that, if you plan to incorporate product or service extensions in the future, you should provide these descriptions within your loan proposal. If possible, geographical expansion plans will help in the proposal.

The next area that needs to be showcased in the proposal would be the credentials and experience of each member of the management team. Impressive credentials will provide assurance to the lender that the company is managed by individuals who are responsible and capable. This is important as having the wrong people managing the company could be detrimental for the business.

In any loan application, historical records are essential to be used in evaluating the performance of a company. As new companies do not yet have these records, the financial records of the owners will be used as the basis of evaluation. Income tax returns forms are also required by lenders. All of these records provided should be the latest copies less than 90 days old, with the exception of the income tax returns form.

If the loan is applied for an existing company in active operations, company financial statements, including profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and the net worth reconciliation record should be included in the loan proposal. Again, all of this information should also be the latest and less than 90 days old. Additionally, a listing of accounts receivables and other short term and long term debt should be attached.

On the other hand, if the loan application is submitted for a new business, a pro-forma balance sheet and profit and loss account should be provided. Apart from that, a cash flow projection for the upcoming year is drafted to indicate the possibility of recovering the debt. This also means that projected revenue, profits, costs incurred and expenditure should be listed out with definite explanations provided as well as a list of assumptions.

If you possess assets that you wish to use as collateral for your loan, details for this should be provided to the lender as well. It is often common for lenders to request for dual sources of repayment in the event that one source is defaulted. This means that if the business owner defaults on his repayments, the collateral can be sold in order to recover debt.

Finally, other documents normally required for a loan application would be items like the article of incorporation, lease agreements, partnership agreements, license, references, etc. As the list of required documentation, information and attachments differs between lenders, it is best to check with the individual lender on their specific information and documents required to be attached with the loan proposal.

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You should thoroughly consider your business needs when selecting a financial institution or bank for your small/home business. You may want to consider the following points:

- The types of products and services that are offered.
- The bank’s criteria for qualifying for a loan.
- The minimum balances for accounts, interest rates and charges for account services.
- Location and Access to ATMs
- Online Banking Services

One bank may specialize in home loans or auto loans while another may focus on commercial loans for businesses. Some banks may only offer basic deposit accounts while others have lock box services, sweep accounts, and even online banking! It’s very important to evaluate your business needs before you select your banker.

Here are some of the things that your banker may be able to help you with:

- Help you with the cash management needs of your business.
- Offer investment products of varying maturities or risks.
- Provide advice regarding what it will take to qualify for the loan that best meets your needs.
- Provide special loan programs for small businesses, including SBA loan programs and other government-guaranteed or agency loans.
- Assist you with finding financial information on your industry.

So compare different banks in order to find the one that will serve your business’s needs and will also provide support and assistance during the infancy stage of your business. Selecting a bank that you can work with will be especially important as your business grows.

Start shopping around by gathering information to help you make this important selection. Compare interest rates on deposit accounts and basic consumer loans (most business loans are negotiated, so the rates won’t be posted at the banking center). Also, look carefully at the charges for services. Tell them about your business and the form of organization so that they can tell you what special products and services or restrictions might apply.

Before selecting a bank, be sure to have a good understanding of your own business needs, and what you need from your bank. If you know what you will need from a bank, it will be much easier to evaluate and compare between various services. Remember, it is a good idea to establish a relationship with a banker, before you need money. The right banker will be someone that understands the needs of emerging and growing businesses. They will be interested in your business dreams and will help you achieve them.

Author-Bio: Copyright © 2005. Chileshe Mwape writes for the US Banks Website: http://www.us-banks.org/ Find informative articles and news stories about banking and finance.

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.

Author-Bio: Rick Hendershot
For more information about commercial real estate loans visit http://sabush.org

Whenever the topic of finance is discussed, it is important to note that everyone’s situation is different and that financial advice should be tailored to an individual’s particular circumstances with the help of a professional advisor.

Everyday our mailboxes are flooded with advertisements, catalogues, and “pre-approved” credit card offers hoping to deplete our savings and draw us deeper into debt. In the latest Survey of Consumer Finances conducted by the Federal Reserve, concern has been expressed that the rising level of debt may become “excessively burdensome to families.” Similarly, the American Bankruptcy Institute reports personal bankruptcies are near an all-time high and in 2004, more than 1.5 million were declared.

Debt is a scary place to be; it is emotionally and financially threatening. It limits our ability to meet daily expenses, invest for the future, and creates a long chain of financial difficulties. The strains put on our relationships due to these financial pressures make it imperative that we find ways to effectively deal with debt. Like all problems, it will dangerously compound if we ignore it, so we must confront it head on to positively change the condition of our lives.

Permanently resolving our debt situation involves three things: gaining an awareness of the different types of debt, understanding the psychology and circumstances that led to the current situation, and devising an effective debt reduction, savings, and wealth acquisition plan.

Put simply, debt falls into two categories: investment debt and consumer debt

Investment debt is an obligation that one takes on in order free up funds, generate cash flow, and build wealth. It is the leverage of other people’s money (OPM) to purchase assets that substantially increase in value or produce income. A few examples of investment debt include mortgages for rental properties, business loans, and stock margin loans. The best forms of investment debt produce positive cash flow. When debt produces positive cash flow, it generates more money to invest and does not reduce your existing income.

Consumer debt is a financial commitment used to purchase items that have no substantial resale value or depreciate after they are bought. Examples of consumer debt include: automobile loans, personal loans, personal lines of credit, credit card debt, and more. It can be wise to buy an item using consumer credit, if the after-tax return on your investments is greater than the interest rate on your debt. With this approach, you have more money available to invest at a higher rate of return. This is a riskier strategy and should only be employed by sophisticated investors. It is also important to note that one person’s consumer debt is another’s investment debt. The money one expends servicing debt goes to help another build their wealth. Over time, your goal should be to turn the tables.

The Psychology of Debt

To change your financial condition, you must understand the factors that have led you into debt and position yourself so that you will never return to similar circumstances. Common expenditures leading to excessive debt include automobile purchases, education expenses, vacations, gambling, medical expenses, unsuccessful business ventures, and the frequent purchases of consumer goods and services.

In general, we must become better planners and begin to stop thinking of debt as the first solution to our problems. If our debt situation stems from overspending, we must address the emotional state that drives us to live beyond our means. If it is due to unsuccessful business ventures, we must learn to move our enterprise forward through stock offerings, or creative means like partnerships and the bartering of services. If it is from necessary expenditures or emergencies then we must develop the discipline to create special savings accounts and cash reserves. Once we change the way we think about debt, we are prepared to implement life-changing solutions.

The most expedient way to deal with debt is through a two-tier approach of budgeting and investing.

Begin your financial turnaround by writing down the monthly payment, interest rate, and total amount owed for each of your debts. Once you know where you stand with each of your creditors, attempt to lower your interest rates. This involves calling your creditors and asking for lower rates, transferring balances to lower interest rate credit cards, or more aggressive tactics such as home refinancing, to turn liabilities into lower interest-bearing, tax-deductible debt.

Next, create a realistic budget and eliminate unnecessary expenses. Take any free cash flow and use it to pay more toward your highest interest, non-tax deductible debt. On all other debt, pay only the minimum. Do this every month until that particular high-rate debt is paid off. Once that account has a zero balance, use the money you normally would have expended on your monthly debt payment, plus any free cash flow, to pay toward your next highest interest rate debt. Continue this process until all your debt is paid off.

It is important to note that if you have savings, you should use it to pay down your highest interest rate non-tax deductible debt. It makes more sense to pay off debt at interest rates of 12-18%, than earn less than 2% interest in a money market or savings account. Also, remember the interest rate on your debt is equivalent to the after-tax return on an investment. So, if you are not outperforming on an after-tax basis the interest rate being charged on your debt, it is more advantageous to pay off your debt.

The second aspect of your debt transformation involves investing. In order to effectively manage and overcome your debt, make investments that have a return that outweighs the interest rate on your obligation or that generates cash flow in excess of your monthly debt payment. Because investing can be rather complicated and volatile, it is important that you have as much education as possible in this area. Your first thought may be, “I don’t know much about investing, and I don’t have the time to learn.” Well, you must decide if you are willing to make the time, or choose to work the rest of your life to pay off your financial commitments. Budgeting alone is a much slower solution, so you would be wise to develop a mastery of investing or partner with people who possess such knowledge in order to expedite the process. Seeking the advice of competent professionals is a sound way to shorten your learning curve and prevent costly mistakes. If you encounter an emergency during this period, you may use your credit accounts as your cash reserve.

There are many strategies for investing your way out of debt. Some include starting or investing in businesses and buying assets that appreciate in value or generate cash flow. The issue becomes, how do you take advantage of opportunities with little cash and poor credit? The answer to most questions of lack is through partnerships. Though we may not view ourselves as entrepreneurs, we all have viable business ideas inside us. It is up to us to develop those ideas and approach enough people until we find partners who believe in us and are willing to finance or actively participate in our venture. For those who like the idea of owning their own business, but not the hard work it takes to develop one from scratch, there are a number of direct sales organizations that will provide you with business opportunities for low startup up costs and lots of guidance. All of these add up to ways of generating excess cash flow to help pay off your debts and build wealth.

The mentality that created your current financial situation will not suffice to solve your debt issues. For most, the financial difficulties we face have taken years to develop, so they will not be solved overnight. As much as we would like to believe, there are no incantations or magical formulas for ridding ourselves of financial obligations, only the disciplined strategies of sound money management and investing. We must remember to deal with the issues that drove us into debt before attempting to implement any strategy. If we do not start with our own thought process, any plan of action will not be effective in the long-run and may put us in a worse financial position. To transform our lives, we must change the way we think about finance and obligations. On the occasions that we do use debt, it should be for the purpose of buying assets, not consumer goods that depreciate or have no value.

Author-Bio: Vicky Therese Davis, William R. Patterson, and D. Marques Patton are co-authors of the acclaimed business and personal finance National Bestseller, THE BARON SON: VADE MECUM 7. Vicky Davis is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Indulgence Jewelry Corp. William Patterson is Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Warcoffer Capital Group, LLC. D. Marques Patton is Co-founder and President of The Warcoffer Capital group, LLC. To receive their breakthrough book and over $3,631 in FREE bonus gifts, visit: http://www.baronseries.com