Commercial Hard Money Loan Scenarios

A commercial hard money loan is a non-conventional commercial real estate loan that is not made by a traditional bank. This type of commercial financing has been in use for over 50 years. Such loans usually have a first lien on commercial property. If a loan has a secondary lien, it is known as mezzanine financing.Three Business Mortgage Loan ChoicesThere are three financing options for most commercial real estate scenarios: traditional banks, intermediate lenders and hard money lenders. The primary rationale for a small business considering a commercial hard money loan is that traditional or intermediate commercial financing options are not viable.In those situations where traditional banks and intermediate lenders both say “No,” it then makes good business sense to explore under what terms an alternative commercial loan might be available. Many viable small business projects can be funded only via a hard money lender. Before accepting “No” from the traditional banks and intermediate lenders as the “Final Answer,” a prudent small business borrower should determine if another lender will say “Yes.”Commercial hard money loans are typically completed more quickly than a traditional commercial loan. Compared to traditional bank business loans, this alternative financing will generally involve a higher interest rate (prevailing range of prime rate plus 4-8 percent for typical scenarios), higher fees and shorter-term financing (one to three years). However, because many of these loans offer interest only terms, the payments can be lower than a fully-amortized loan with a lower interest rate.Funding ScenariosThree common commercial financing scenarios using alternative loans are described below.Scenario # 1: Low Credit ScoresMost traditional commercial loans have very strict standards for acceptable credit scores by the guarantors for a commercial real estate loan. Alternative loans are more flexible and low credit scores are often acceptable.Scenario # 2: Need to Obtain Commercial Financing QuicklyTraditional business financing will normally require several months to complete. A hard money loan can be obtained within a few days in some situations. This difference will be critical if commercial financing is required within a short time frame.Scenario # 3: Special Small Business Situations Not Easily Understood by Traditional Banks and Intermediate Lenders

Foreclosure

Bankruptcy

Special Purpose Properties

Tax Liens

Business Losses

Negative Net Worth

Less than one year in business

Environmental Requirements
For each of the three scenarios described above, an alternative source for a commercial loan will involve shorter-term financing, higher fees and higher interest rates than a commercial mortgage from a traditional bank or an intermediate lender. However, the critical point which must not be overlooked is that for most situations covered by the three scenarios, commercial financing would be declined by either traditional banks or intermediate lenders. It is under these circumstances that a hard money loan becomes a practical and viable solution for many small business owners.What If the Bank Says No?The primary rationale for business borrowers to consider other sources for funding is the lack of alternative funding strategies. In most cases hard money loans can be viewed as “Plan B.” However, if “Plan A” is to obtain a conventional bank mortgage and the bank says “No,” then “Plan B” must be reviewed and considered by commercial borrowers.

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Small Business Health Insurance: Big Benefits for Small Companies

Although Canadians are covered for a substantial portion of their health care expenses by their provincial plans, certain areas of care lack coverage or have limited coverage. Group insurance acquired through an employer is a common method of obtaining coverage to fill those gaps. Small business health insurance is designed to provide group coverage for small companies, offering the same types of employee benefits as those presented to large companies.Who Qualifies for a Small Business Group Policy?Companies with two or more employees can usually qualify for a small business health insurance plan. However, each insurance company makes its own rules; some providers may necessitate 5 or more employees to qualify for group insurance, while others offer options for companies as small as two.There are also policies available for companies that consist solely of the business owner. Such plans allow individuals just starting out in business to obtain coverage for themselves and their dependents until the need to hire staff presents itself, at which time they can apply for a typical small business health insurance policy.It is irrelevant how long you have been in business or what sort of company you run; these factors have no impact on qualification, but they can however influence the rates. For example, a company engaged in potentially dangerous work might find that their rates are higher than a company who is not, due to the fact that the risks are higher.Can Full-Time and Part-Time Employees Receive Benefits?Who qualifies for benefits on the group plan is up to the business owner to decide. An employer can choose to offer the benefits solely to full-time employees, or include part-time employees and even contractors hired on a regular basis as well.Some employers offer certain benefits to part-time employees and a large range of benefits to full-time employees, while others adjust benefits based on an employee’s seniority in the company. An employer’s decisions regarding group insurance can be changed over time, allowing for adjustments to the staff and growth of the company. At some point in time, many change the policy to include coverage for part-time employees, or add different coverage options to accommodate individual needs.As health needs differ from one person to another, some companies allow their employees to select the type of coverage they want. For instance, a person wearing glasses might find vision care an important option, while a parent whose child will need braces might find dental care coverage a necessity.What Benefits Does Small Business Health Insurance Offer?A small business insurance policy for supplemental health coverage provides benefits to the business owner as well as for the employees. Under a group policy, you can have coverage for what would otherwise be out-of-pocket expenses in areas like dental care, vision care, prescription coverage and other areas including disability insurance, life insurance, alternative health care insurance and much more.Offering a benefits package is strong incentive for employees to stay with the company, lowering staff turnover and minimizing the costly and time consuming hiring process. It also attracts potential applicants as the company is viewed as one that values and rewards its employees.Small business owners get a tax deduction for premiums paid toward a group health insurance plan. From an employer’s financial standpoint, that aspect is appealing.What Insurance Companies Offer Small Business Health Coverage?There are many insurance providers that offer small business health policies to Canadian companies. You can buy a group plan from the same big name insurers that offer benefits to large companies, enabling you to take advantage of the wide range of resources and competitive prices. You can compare rates and coverage, request quotes and then choose the company that is right for you. You should not have to settle for anything less than the best coverage for the best price for your small business.To have a small business health insurance policy in place from the onset of your company makes for easy adjustments as the company grows. New employees can be included and coverage options can be added. Your insurance provider can work the details out with you in order to adapt and change your policy to meet your new needs.

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