Good points, but I've had the opposite happen with bigger lenders too:
- Big lenders might have standardized processes, sure, but those same procedures sometimes make them inflexible when something doesn't neatly fit their checkboxes.
- A friend of mine had a quirky fixer-upper property that a large bank just wouldn't touch because it didn't match their standard criteria.
- Smaller lenders can sometimes be more creative or flexible in structuring the loan—even if they're less experienced.
- Maybe it's less about resources and more about finding the right person who's willing to think outside the box...?
Haha, ever tried convincing a big lender that your quirky property is "unique" and not just plain weird? Been there, done that, got the rejection letter framed on my wall...
But seriously, do you think it's more about the lender size or just lucking out with the right loan officer? I've had experiences where smaller lenders were super flexible—like when I bought this old warehouse space that was half falling apart (okay, maybe three-quarters falling apart). Big banks wouldn't even glance at it, but a smaller lender saw potential... or maybe they just felt sorry for me?
On the flip side, I've also had smaller lenders who panicked at anything slightly unconventional. So maybe it's less about big vs small and more about finding someone who's willing to see beyond the checkboxes? Or am I just being overly optimistic here...?
Honestly, I think you're onto something with the loan officer angle. I've seen deals sail through smoothly just because the person handling it was open-minded enough to see potential rather than problems. Had a client once who bought an old church—beautiful building but definitely didn't tick any standard boxes. Big banks ran away fast, but one smaller lender's officer took the time to actually visit the property and got excited about its potential. So yeah, sometimes it's less about size and more about finding someone willing to step outside their comfort zone...
Interesting point, but isn't relying on a loan officer's enthusiasm a bit risky? Sure, it worked out with the church, but what happens if that officer moves on or changes their mind halfway through...? Seen it happen before, and it's messy.
Fair concern, but isn't there always some element of risk when dealing with loans that don't neatly fit the usual criteria? I've been in a similar spot before—had a loan officer who was super keen on a project, then halfway through, she got transferred. Yeah, it was messy for a bit, but honestly, the groundwork she'd laid made it easier to get the next officer on board. Have you considered asking upfront about contingency plans or backup contacts at the lending institution? Sometimes just knowing there's a plan B can give you more confidence to move forward. Sure, enthusiasm alone isn't enough...but it can definitely open doors and get your foot in faster than endless paperwork alone.
