Honestly, I’ve had the same experience—local banks can be painfully slow, but sometimes they’re the only ones who’ll look at a property that doesn’t fit the usual mold. I’ve found it helps to get everything super organized upfront and keep nudging them along. Still, if timing is critical, I’d lean toward a bigger lender, even if it costs a bit more. The peace of mind knowing you’ll actually close on time is worth something, especially if you’re juggling other deals or deadlines.
I hear you on the timing—big lenders do move faster, but man, their underwriting can be brutal if your property’s even a little weird. Ever had one pull the rug at the last minute? I’ve had better luck with credit unions, honestly. Anyone else just get tired of chasing paperwork for weeks?
Title: Best Way to Get a Commercial Loan in 2025?
Big banks are definitely a double-edged sword. The speed is nice, but yeah, the underwriting can get ridiculous if your property isn’t textbook. Had a client last year with a mixed-use building—nothing crazy, just retail on the bottom and apartments up top. Lender was all in until the week before closing, then suddenly they “reassessed risk” and bailed. That was a fun call to make.
Credit unions are usually more flexible, but they can be slow as molasses when it comes to documentation. I get why—they’re smaller, more cautious—but sometimes you just want a straight answer without three rounds of committee reviews. The paperwork chase is real... I swear every time I think we’ve sent everything, there’s some new random form they need.
I’m curious if anyone here has tried any of the newer online lenders for commercial deals? I’ve seen some pop up promising faster approvals and less red tape, but I’m not totally convinced they’re legit for anything bigger than small business loans. Are they actually reliable for commercial real estate, or is that just marketing hype?
And for those who’ve stuck with credit unions—any tips on getting them to move faster? Or is it just a patience game?
The paperwork chase is real... I swear every time I think we’ve sent everything, there’s some new random form they need.
Man, I feel this in my soul. Last time I went through a credit union, I started joking that I’d have to submit my childhood report cards next. Ever tried bribing the loan officer with donuts? Didn’t work for me, but at least it broke the ice. Has anyone actually gotten an online lender to fund something bigger than a pizza shop? Or is that just TikTok hype?
Yeah, the paperwork grind is wild—feels like a scavenger hunt you never quite finish. I’ve seen folks get online lenders to back bigger stuff, but it’s usually with some serious collateral or spotless credit. I’m always a little wary of the “fast and easy” promises... sometimes those rates bite you later.
