Hospitality Lending: Whose Market?

As the economy continues its upward trajectory, hotels are enjoying the benefits of strong demand from both personal and business travel. Despite these solid operating fundamentals, many lenders are apprehensive about the record length of the current economic expansion and the impact that a future downturn may have on room rates and occupancy levels. In response to these growing fears, many capital sources have either tightened their lending criteria or decided to cease hospitality lending all …

June 20, 2019Alliant Credit Union, Content Partner, Features, Hospitality

The Stability of Self-Storage

Through economic ebbs and flows, the self-storage sector continues to prove its strength. Although real estate industry players are wary about labeling any sector as recession-proof, the self-storage sector tends to be a stable asset class during economic booms and downturns, according to Paul Letourneau, manager of commercial real estate lending with Chicago-based Alliant Credit Union. And over the last decade, self-storage facilities have become more flexible spaces, which is driving …

April 5, 2019Alliant Credit Union, Content Partner, Features, Self-Storage

Relationships Should Stand The Test Of Time, Regardless Of The Market

Paul Letourneau, manager of commercial lending for Alliant Credit Union, believes the more things change, the more fundamental business practices stay the same. In the lending world, this includes the ability to form and maintain relationships with key sponsors and brokers. As a credit union, how does Alliant compare to other capital sources? Letourneau: Alliant is looking to complement the prospect’s existing lending relationships. Alliant is a national lender and …

February 6, 2019Alliant Credit Union, Features, Finance Insight, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Texas, Western

E-Commerce Logistics Impact Industrial Property Loans

The evolution of retail logistics is cultivating a new industrial landscape. “With the explosion in popularity of e-commerce, logistics models have shifted from hub-and-spoke organization to a product-to-consumer model,” says Casey Martin, commercial real estate commercial loan underwriter with Chicago-based Alliant Credit Union. The traditional hub-and-spoke distribution model features a central warehouse supporting a few large distribution centers, allowing product to move within a …

January 8, 2019Alliant Credit Union, Content Partner, Features

Relationship Advice from a Commercial Real Estate Lender

To underwrite and successfully close a loan, a lender must have an intimate understanding of the principals involved, the collateral and the marketplace specific to the property. Principals play a key role in ensuring an efficient vetting process by providing accurate and in-depth information during the initial financial request — before the due diligence research delves into further detail. Providing lenders with a clear and concise case for a financial package is an easy first step to …

December 11, 2018Alliant Credit Union, Content Partner, Features

Alliant Provides $15M Refinancing for 10-Property Portfolio in Chicago

CHICAGO — Alliant Credit Union has provided a $15 million loan for the refinancing of a 10-property portfolio in Chicago. Located on the north side of Chicago, the portfolio includes a mix of apartment, retail and office buildings. The properties, which were fully occupied at the time of the loan closing, range in size from a two-unit commercial building to a 48-unit multifamily development. Gershon Friedman of Meridian Capital arranged the 15-year, fixed-rate loan. The borrower was not …

November 2, 2018Alliant Credit Union, Illinois, Loans, Midwest, Mixed-Use

Alliant Provides $23.8M Refinancing for Retail Property in Olathe, Kansas

OLATHE, KAN. — Alliant Credit Union has provided a $23.8 million loan for the refinancing of Olathe Pointe Center, a 142,506-square-foot retail property in Olathe. Some of the tenants include Party City and Justice. The 10-year loan features a 25-year amortization schedule. Mark Reichter of Q10 Triad Capital Advisors Inc. arranged the loan transaction. The borrower was not

October 29, 2018Alliant Credit Union, Kansas, Loans, Midwest, Retail

A Peek Behind the Industrial Lending Curtain

Mastering the puzzle of a successful commercial real estate loan requires more than due diligence on the borrower. To execute a solid loan transaction, shrewd originators make sure all of the existing pieces fit together — and consider how future pieces might fit into the equation. Beyond the Borrower While the history and financial health of a borrower are top concern for originators, there are many more factors at play. “Having a strong borrower is important, but it’s also critical to …

October 17, 2018Alliant Credit Union, Content Partner, Features

Alliant Provides $23M Refinancing for Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS — Alliant Credit Union has provided a $23 million loan for the refinancing of The Hewing Hotel in the North Loop market of Minneapolis. The 124-room boutique hotel features a restaurant called Tullibee as well as a rooftop, social club and ballroom. Ben Greazel of NKF Capital arranged the four-year loan. The borrower was not

October 4, 2018Alliant Credit Union, Hospitality, Loans, Midwest, Minnesota

The Case-by-Case Realities of Student Housing Financing

Providing and securing financing for student housing properties — whether acquisition, refinancing or new development — is a competitive market. “The rewards of working in student housing are numerous. There is a constant supply of tenants, revenue tends to be stable, and the sector is considered recession-resistant,” says Justyna Daniuk, commercial real estate lending analyst with Alliant Credit Union. However, Daniuk notes, student housing financing does have risks, including …

September 17, 2018Alliant Credit Union, Content Partner, Features