Commercial Loan Modification – An Overview
Many professional economists and real estate experts foresee that a trend in commercial foreclosures will soon follow that of residential foreclosures, especially in distressed economic climates. When a mortgage crisis continues to worsen, numerous homeowners will inevitably seek some semblance of relief through collaboration with lenders and other financial entities towards debt restructuring; all towards the end goal of avoiding property foreclosure. Property owners who are also affected by economic crises can now take advantage of debt adjustment methods such as those used by beleaguered owners of residential property.Parallel to the definition of a debt restructuring for smaller-scale property owners, the process of commercial loan modification entails that a property owner (which includes those who own office buildings, retail shops, and/or shopping centers, among other commercial properties) collaborates with a financial institution or any lender to amend the terms of his or her mortgage based on the initial agreement between the mortgage holder and owner.Again, in the same manner as that of modification to a home mortgage, many lenders will often opt to negotiate with the owner and settle on mortgage adjustment, with numerous viable options for amendment. These changes may include extension of the terms, the reduction of interest rates, allowing fixed-period payments solely for the amount incurred by interest, deferment of past dues, and (in special cases) the lowering of the balance for the mortgage.There are a number of qualifications a property owner needs in order to be able to apply for a commercial loan modification plan. Auditors from the lending company will have to examine some of the owner’s preliminary information, as well as scrutinize any relevant supporting documents to see if a mortgage can be modified. If the owner is a viable candidate, he or she may begin the process of negotiation with the lender, which can potentially result in a successful commercial loan modification. Some third-party entities may even serve to catalyze or jump start the negotiation process between lender and owner, all towards keeping the property owner’s commercial property (such as buildings, apartment complexes, and other properties) afloat.There are two basic factors which can result in successful commercial loan modification negotiations. One of them is proactivity, and the other, seeking aid or advice from financial experts. Common sense and foresight are essential to the first choice – once a problem is impending or seems imminent, the property owner must weigh his or her options, take stock of the situation, and consider feasible sources of help such as covered by the second factor. You can consult with and consider the services of any commercial loan modification lawyer or professional. The success of such a negotiation requires focus and attention to detail, which these experts can give. You can ensure that your mortgage terms will be amended as per your needs by working with professionals specializing in loss mitigation who already have a good track record in mutually beneficial modifications, as well as solid relationships with reputable lenders.