[Tom Miller]

That’s a powerful vision—and one that’s definitely in demand right now. Blending business development into your strategy to support self-employed folks and entrepreneurs is not just smart; it’s also deeply impactful. Here’s a structured approach to help you do that while continuing to grow yourself and your offerings:

1. Define Your Value Proposition for Entrepreneurs

Before you jump into strategies, get crystal clear on:

• Who you serve: Niche down—freelancers, coaches, solopreneurs, creative entrepreneurs, etc.

• What they need: financial clarity, scalable strategies, time management, client acquisition, or all of the above?

• How you help: Translate your existing experience into clear, benefit-driven outcomes.

2. Create a Business Development Framework

You’ll need a simple but powerful framework you can apply to your own work and to your clients’ businesses:

3. Package Your Services Smartly

Offer tiers or service bundles that match different growth stages:

• 🟢 Starter – For brand-new entrepreneurs (clarity sessions, offer development)

• 🟡 Scaler—For growing businesses (automation, lead generation, systems)

• 🔴 Strategic—For mature businesses (growth strategy, partnerships, team scaling)

This allows you to grow with your clients.

4. Integrate Learning & Personal Growth

You’re growing too! To ensure you’re leveling up while helping others:

• Schedule regular upskilling time (e.g., 1 hour/day for learning sales, marketing, finance tools)

• Join business masterminds or coaching programs

• Track your own KPIs as you would for a client—make yourself a case study!

5. Position Yourself as a Growth Partner

Entrepreneurs don’t just need a service provider—they want someone in their corner. So:

• Focus on long-term retainer or advisory roles

• Offer accountability check-ins or strategy calls

• Celebrate wins with them—it builds loyalty and referrals

6. Automate Where Possible to Free Up Time

Use tools for:

• CRM and client follow-ups (e.g., HubSpot, Dubsado)

• Automated scheduling (Calendly, TidyCal)

• Proposal and contract templates

• Email marketing and funnel-building (ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign)

Would you like me to help you sketch out a sample offer suite or create a landing page outline for this business development idea?

• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 5 days ago by  Gustan Cho.

[Tom Miller]

GCA Forums News – Weekend Edition (March 10 – March 16, 2025)

During the week of March 10 to March 16, 2025, there were some noteworthy stories in different sectors, such as politics, economics, environmental issues, and social issues. Here’s a summary highlighting the primary stories in the limelight throughout the week.

Political Affairs

America—China Relations:

• This week, the new tariffs on Chinese commodities worsened the tensions between China and the United States.
• The Biden government justified its position on the newly imposed tariffs by citing national security issues and predatory dealings.
• This resulted in an immediate backlash from Beijing, which stated it would defend itself.

Congressional Hearings:

• The House of Representatives conducted several hearings, starting with Technology Regulation and working with major tech CEOs.
• Lawmakers were worried about Big Tech corporations’ lack of data privacy, misinformation, and monopolistic powers, indicating a change of behavior toward more regulation.

Economic Statistics

Inflation Rates:

• Regarding the decreasing rate of inflation, the February Consumer Price Index reported a CPI of 2.8 %, a decrease from 3.0% in January.
• Just like in January, this figure provides some needed comfort to the Federal Reserve as it fights to maintain an unstable monetary policy.

Market Updates:

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average showed volatility over the week.
• It closed down 0.5% on Friday due to worries about increasing interest rates and geopolitical conflicts.
• Market participants pay particular attention to the Fed’s signals regarding future monetary policy tightening.

Real Estate And Housing News

Low Housing Inventory:

• According to multiple reports, the inventory of houses for sale is at critically low levels, which is exacerbating the rise in home prices.
• The National Association of Realtors pointed out that there is a serious need for more construction to meet the demand, particularly in the market for affordable housing.

Interest rates:

• The rate on 30-year fixed mortgages remains steady at 6.68%.
• This stability may trigger some homebuyers to act before rates rise.
• Experts advise buyers to look at multiple lending institutions and programs to secure the best-suited financing for their needs.

Debates About The Environment

Policies to mitigate the effect of climate change: An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published a report about the need for more definitive actions to reduce the impacts of climate change. The report highlights the importance of reducing carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy resources to help mitigate the effects of global warming.

Wildlife Conservation:

• The effort to reintroduce beavers into England’s ecosystems is gaining momentum.
• Conservationists consider this a win for biodiversity, considering beavers are a keystone species for wetland health and water quality.

Social Developments

Healthcare Accessibility:

• Advocacy groups have been pushing for more access to healthcare services, especially mental health services.
• Many claim the American healthcare system is fundamentally broken.
• One of the most recent polls highlights that many people face challenges obtaining necessary care.

Education Policy Changes:

• As with many other areas of the educational system, there are also inequities in funding and resources among schools, leading to variations in student educational outcomes.
• The Department of Education’s recent policy change was meant to address those issues by implementing new equity guidelines.

Cultural Highlights

Film and Entertainment:

• The wait is over.
• Multiple studios revealed their summer line-up, and the entertainment industry has been resting excitedly.
• Forthcoming films people look forward to are sequels to well-known, loved franchises and entirely new original content.

Art and Exhibitions:

• A new exhibition displaying art by contemporary social issue artists opened in New York City, capturing the public’s attention.
• The exhibition’s purpose is to spark dialogue about identity, community, and social change.
• From March 10 to March 16, 2025, several critical developments occurred.

The socio-economic level is continuously changing and always complicated. Everyone involved in these issues, from the business world to ordinary citizens, needs to be informed to know how to respond to the challenges while making the most of the situation.

[Tom Miller]

Shifting from Residential to Commercial Mortgage Origination

Shifting your focus to commercial mortgage origination offers a strategic opportunity to broaden your scope of business and increase your revenue.

Below is a detailed outline for making this shift.

Acquiring the Commercial Lending Process

Education and Training

• Take courses on real estate financing from the MBA.
• Enroll in programs offered by the CMSA.
• Obtain the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation.
• Become a member of NACLB for information and networking opportunities.

Recognizing Major Changes

• A borrower’s capacity to repay is less important than what is generated from the property.
• Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) and LTV (Loan to Value) are also critical, along with NOI-Net Operating Income.
• Specific documentation is required, like rent rolls and operating statements.
• 60-90 days period for closing as compared to 30-45 days for residential

Mentoring

• Observe operations of skilled commercial lenders.
• Work with junior commercial brokers or experienced commercial brokers for assistance on initial deals.
• Commercial real estate investment groups.

Types of Commercial Loans

• Conventional Commercial Loans
• Credit Unions, Banks
• Usually, Terms are 5-10 years with 15-25 year amortization.
• Compared to residential, lower LTVs (65%-75%)
• The primary consideration is the borrower’s creditworthiness and the property’s performance.

SBA Loans

• The general purpose of SBA 7A loans up to 5 million
• SBA 504 loans for commercial real estate and equipment financing (Max limit is $5.5 million)
• Lesser believed payments and longer terms of payment (maximum 25 years duration)
• Needs further proof and endorsement of SBA

CMBS (Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities)

• The greater amount of funding (commonly starting with $2M)
• Availability of non-recourse clauses
• Fixed interest for 5-10 years
• More severe penalties for paying beforehand

Bridge Loans

• Financing is limited (start is 6 months, and max is 36 months).
• Closer to the mark interest rates but quicker to close.
• Utilized for acquiring, refinancing, or repositioning a property.
• Advanced relaxed standards for nursing.

Hard Money/Private Money

• The main reliance is on evaluating the property to give loans.
• Loans close quickly but incur higher interest charges and more fees.
• Normally issued for fix-and-flip properties or other transitional buildings.
• Not much documentation is needed.
• Becoming Affiliated with Wholesale Commercial Products.
• Affiliated with the bulk purchase of commercial products.

Research and Identification

• Build a list of readily participating commercial wholesale lenders available in your region.
• Go through their programs and study the guidelines and requirements for being a broker.
• Take part in mortgage and trade fairs.

Application Process

• Bundle and submit supporting documents along with broker applications.
• Present your business plan alongside your given industry experience.
• Prepare to undergo merciless assessment reviews of your business.

Sign NDA and Broker agreements.

Building Relationship

• Set intro meetings and presentations with an account manager.
• Encourage specific submission platform training.
• Learn to justify claims made on their documents.
• Remain connected and not disengaged.

Eligibility and Requirements for Commercial Brokers

• What so ever is outside of commercial is just business.
• Form the business type your commercial deals with using LLC or Corporation choices.
• Obtain all relevant business permits.
• Get Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance.
• Acquire, Lease Out, and/or Register Office Spaces

Financial Needs

• Have sufficient funds to cover running costs, leasing, and other expenses.
• Form alliances with various financial institutions.
• Open Accounts in Trust (Escrow) whenever necessary.

Professional Background

• Possess relevant skills and experience to support funding requests (Subordinated debt).
• Prepare and present reports of successful funding.
• Gather professional recommendations from former clients.

Generating New Clients For Investment Loans

Active Promotion

• Legal practitioners with an emphasis on real estate.
• Specialized accountants and tax inspectors.
• Real estate brokers and property sales agents.
• Real estate management experts.
• Intermediaries and business consultants.
• Commercial banking relations personnel.
• Economic improvement agencies.

Business Expansion and Advertising.

• Create a digital presence that promotes and focuses on doing business using commercial funds.
• Develop articles that inform business owners.
• Conduct seminars on investing in business property.
• Conduct responsive online marketing specifically on business funds.
• Create automated email workflows for prospective clients.

Policy Participation

• Become a member of organizations dealing with commercial property investment.
• Take part in selected business chamber activities.
• Go to targeted trade shows, marketing events, and conferences.
• Publish in commercial magazines and periodicals.

Lead Generation Scenarios

Scenario One: Developing Realtor Referral Partners

• John concentrated purely on developing relationships with mass commercial real estate brokers.
• Attends all locally organized commercial real estate social and professional gatherings.
• He created his own “Merchant Lunch and Learn” cadre, where he taught agents the basics of commercial financing and other ancillary services, such as business expansion.
• Assisted agents with preliminary offer analyses before they were put on the market.
• Created an automated system for qualifying properties step-by-step.

Accomplishment: Earned 70% of business from agent referrals with them, averaging a loan size of $2.2M.

Case 2: The Business Banking Alliance Builder.

Sarah fostered connections with business bankers at the local banks who:

• Were unable to process specific loans because of regulatory restrictions.
• Had clients needing amounts beyond their budget.
• Needed shorter turnaround times than the bank offered.
• She developed an organized referral program with distinct lines of communication and offered consistent feedback.
• She positioned herself as a trustworthy information source and provided regular market updates.

Result: In the first year of transactions alone, 18 were generated, which multiplied to an average of $1.4 million each.

Case 3: The Industry Specialist

• Michael made it a point to work solely on medical office financing.
• Joined healthcare industry associations.
• Sponsored medical conference events.
• Created specialized content addressing the novel necessities of medical practices.
• Medical equipment suppliers who knew when the practices were expanding supplied him with relevant contacts.
• For this property type, he built a reputation as the undisputed authority and…

Result: Paid marketing yielded results. He closed 12 transactions in his niche with an average of $3.8 million. Due to his specialized knowledge, he could charge premium fees and close at higher margins.

Networking with Referral Partners

Strategic Partner Selection

• Know the partners most relevant to your target clients and work with them often.
• Aim for quality partnerships instead of focusing on many.
• Research your meeting partners and learn about their business before the meeting.

Value Proposition Development

• Define clearly what their value is.
• Communicate your work as a commercial lender.
• Clarify how you protect their client relationships.
• Show how easily you do their job.

Customer Relationship Building Activities

• Educational sessions for teaching distinctions of commercial lending.
• One-on-one meetings focused on appreciating clients.
• Joint marketing with appreciative client-side events.
• Regular information, status, and check-in updates.
• Appreciation sign check mark before and after events.
• Client supporting events

Systematic Follow-Up

• Set up a CRM to monitor referral sources.
• Communicate schedules and share important updates about the industry.
• Reward promptly and acknowledge referrals on time.

Residential and Commercial Platforms Merging

Integrating Business Structures

• Design unique marketing and branding elements while maintaining relationship cohesion.
• Create and develop branding and marketing materials that tell the same story.
• Consider developing different websites for the entities that interlink.
• Establish relevant workflows for the various types of loans.

Team Development

• Employ and/or train staff to manage commercial documentation.
• Clearly articulate the job descriptions for all positions.
• Collate information to develop shared resources where necessary.
• Develop training programs that familiarize staff with other departments.

Client Education

• Send alerts to inform current residential loan clients about capabilities involving commercial loans.
• Prepare and provide instructional content for the commercial loan process.
• Conduct webinars or seminars for prospective clients dealing with investment properties.
• Develop and provide successful transaction case studies.

Cross Selling Strategies

• Examine residential client databases to locate business owners.
• Search for clients invested in residential premises with high rental yields.
• Conduct analyses of properties that clients are qualified to rent out as investments.
• Develop existing client referral programs.

Licenses and Regulatory Requirements

• Licensing for Commercial Mortgage Brokers can be controlled within the state limit.
• Based on the location, there are different standards that may not need a specific license in some situations.
• This is different from residential mortgage origination, which requires a mortgage loan originator license in all regions due to the NMLS framework.

State-by-State Variations

• Some states have no limit to having a distinct license as a commercial broker.
• Several states also require commercial mortgage vendors to have an official license.
• Some states govern these under laws that deal with real estate brokers or business brokers.

Common Materials

• Fees and information for state licensing applications.
• Conduct background investigations.
• Inquiry into set educational standards which differ significantly among regions.
• Documents that outline experience in the field.
• Verification of the financial standing to undergo a surety bond that fluctuates between $10,000 and $50,000.

Federal Guidelines

• Other registrations could be needed when working with SBA loans.
• The compliance programs for anti-money laundering and fraud.
• FTC and CFPB guidelines regarding advertising and business practices.

Professional Suggestions

• Speak with a legal specialist licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
• Get in touch with your state’s financial regulatory body.
• Look into membership with some associations that focus on compliance updates.
• I suggest contacting your state’s Department of Financial Institutions or banking division for some of the requirements in your area.
• They differ considerably, and the criteria shift periodically.

Is there any part of the transition strategy you would like me to expand on?

[Tom Miller]

Auto Dealership Floorplan Financing Made Easy

• Getting floorplan financing is one of the most important things when starting a new and used car dealership.
• With this form of credit, you can buy inventory without paying for every vehicle in cash.
• Use this guide to assist you in the qualification and approval steps of the process.

All About Floorplan Financing

A floorplan financing is a type of financing that has features of a revolving line of credit, permitting the borrower to:

• Extend purchases from auctions, other dealers, or manufacturers for inventory (like vehicles).
• Receive payment only when the vehicles are sold (aged inventory usually requires “curtailment payments”).
• Use vehicles as collateral on the loan.
• Participate in periodic inventory audits.

Step 1: Have Business Prerequisites in Place

Before approaching any loaner, confirm that you have the following:

Business Structure and Registration

• An appropriate business entity, such as an LLC or Corporation, has been formed.
• The EIN (Employer Identification Number) has been secured.

Secretary of State registration completed.

• A dealer license application through your state’s DMV/regulatory body has been submitted.

Business Plan

• A market analysis.
• Projections of sales and financial forecasts.
• A marketing strategy.
• The management team credentials.
• Analysis of competition.
• Estimate of capital and where it will come from.

Physical Location

• The location in the zoning jurisdiction for auto sales has been secured.
• Permits and necessary licenses have been obtained.
• Lot size minimums have been met (this varies by state).

Step 2: Build Strong Personal Qualifications

The lenders evaluate both the business and the individual:

Credit Profile

• Personal credit score should be around 680 (700+ is ideal).
• Remediate low credit usage and negative items.
• Personal credit history should be clean.

Industry Experience

• Creditable automotive retail experience (2+ years is ideal) should be documented.
• Emphasize any management or sales roles held within the dealership setting.
• Also, include any relevant certificates or courses taken.

Demonstrates Financial Strength.

• Prepare personal financial statements. Show proof of liquidity and personal assets.
• Be ready to show personal tax returns, usually 2-3 years.

Step 3: Collection of Documents

• Begin compiling a full set of documents, which should include Business Documents and Business proposals with funding components.
• Dealer’s license or application status.
• Corporate formation papers.
• Commercial Lease for dealership location.
• Proof of insurance (garage liability, lot insurance).
• Financial Documents Personal tax returns for the last 2-3 years.
• Business tax returns (if there is an existing business).
• Personal financial statement.
• Personal and business bank statements.
• Proof of available capital for down payment/reserves.

Operational Documents

• Inventory control plan.

Sample Dealer Management System (DMS):

• Any franchise agreements for applicable dealers.
• Biographies of key management team members.

Step 4: Investigate sources for floorplan financing.Several floorplan credit sources are available: Conventional Banks.

• Usually, they have fairly stiff competition, so it is commonplace to see stiff competition for the most common services.
• It always requires an established business history.
• Sometimes, it provides further banking service amenities.
• They include Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and sometimes regional commercial banks.

Specialist Floorplan Lenders

• These lenders are exclusively focused on financing dealership floorplans.
• Newer dealerships tend to see these more often.
• They possess a tendency to have more liberal policies when it comes to newer dealerships.
• They often boast speedier approvals and sharper business acumen.
• NextGear Capital, AFC, and Ally Financial.
• These all exemplify Captive finance companies.

Manufacturer-affiliated financing (Ford Motor Credit, GM Financial)

• Most suitable for franchised dealerships selling new vehicles.
• They might provide better rates for their branded products.

Credit Unions

• Occasionally extend floorplan financing to their members.
• Usually, they have more lenient conditions than standard banks.
• Poorer credit lines are often available.

Business Finance Brokers

• Your application can be submitted to many lenders.
• Convenient for novice dealers with no established connections
• May provide where direct applications fail to deliver

Step 5: Application Procedure

• Initial Investigation: Approach certain lenders to inquire about their criteria.
• Pre-Qualification: Give some basic details so an estimate of the chances of approval can be made.
• Complete Application: Complete the application package.
• Underwriting: The lender examines the application and the attached documents.
• Site Inspection: The lender goes to the borrower to check whether the facilities are as claimed.
• Approval: Granting the credit line subject to specific terms and conditions
• Finalize Agreement: Go through the floorplan agreement and sign it.
• Initial Audit Setup: Set up procedures and expectations for reporting audits.

Step 6: Negotiating TermsNotable components to negotiate are:

• Interest Rates
• The prime rate plus a margin (normally 1-4 over prime)
• Fixed and variable rate possibilities
• Reduction based on preferable performance

Credit Line Amount

• Starting line amount
• Possible increases based on good performance
• If relevant, seasonal adjustments

Fee Structure

• Origination fees: 0.5-2 percent of the line
• Per unit funding costs
• Vehicle inspection charges
• Audit renewals charges

Edit Restrictions

• Timeline before paying in parts (commonly 90-180 days).
• A minimum percentage of payment is to be made at curtailment.
• The system is expected to be fully paid off for aged inventory.

How to Get the Most Favorable Rates and Conditions

• Make a strong down payment: Being able to pay 20-30% towards your inventory displays monetary commitment.
• Show Industry Knowledge: A thorough understanding of the auto industry and automobile auctions.
• Submit a Conservative Business Plan: A realistic approach is more admirable than being optimistic.
• Develop Banking Relationships Early: Open accounts with possible banks before applying.
• Think of Starting Smaller: Lesser lines of credit with good take-up are more useful than excessive ones.
• Use Competing Quotes: Take better offers and use them for negotiations.
• Have Solid Cash Reserves: Lenders prefer dealers with 3-6 months of operating expenses in reserve.

Different Challenges for New Dealers

Inexperienced:

• Develop partnerships with professionals who have been around for a long time or have joined a dealership mentorship program.

Credit Restrictions:

• Work towards building strong personal credit before applying.

Capital Reserves:

• Most lenders require a liquid reserve between 10-20% of the floorplan amount.

Timeline Considerations:

• The process usually takes 60-90 days from funding application.

What Comes After An Approval?

• Implementing an inventory control system for monitoring floorplan vehicles.
• Devise accounting procedures for processing payments on floorplans.
• Be Ready for periodic audits (virtual and physical).
• Build networks at auctions and with wholesalers.
• Evaluate alternative floorplan funding sources in anticipation of future growth.

Suppose you follow this in-detail approach and prepare meticulously before application. In that case, you can obtain wonderful floor plan financing for your new dealership through well-versed planning.

[Tom Miller]

Requirements for Loans for Real Estate and the Business of a Gas Station

• Purchasing a gas station requires buying a business and a piece of commercial real estate, both of which need financing.
• Here is a detailed list of qualifying criteria:

Primary Qualification CriteriaCredit score Criteria

• Conventional lenders: Usually a minimum of 680 or higher.
• SBA loans: At least 650 (some can go down to 620, but not many).
• Hard money lenders: Interest-only loans are available with credit scores of 600.

Years in Business

• Most lenders prefer two or more years of managing a gas station or convenience store.

Some lenders may accept:

• Other related retail management or business management work
• Employment in the oil industry
• Seller training contracts (we will discuss later)

Initial Payment

• Conventional: At least 25%-30% down payment
• SBA 7(a): 10%-15% down payment
• SBA 504: Startups pay 15%, established businesses 10%

Seller Training Provisions

• Lack of experience may be accepted if the seller:
• Gives documented training for a certain period (usually 4-8 weeks)
• Hire an experienced manager who can run the business.
• Training is built into the purchase agreement.
• Demonstrates sufficient business management skills.

Monetary Criteria

Sufficient Funds

• In most cases, 6-12 months of operating expenses and loan payments are set aside.
• First-time owners may need to set aside more money.
• Some lenders consider this a percentage of the amount borrowed (10-15%).

Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)

• 1.25x for most lenders (the station must produce $1.25 for each $1 debt payment).
• Some lenders may require a 1.35x coverage ratio or even higher with novice owners.

Personal Financial Requirements

• No bankruptcies or open financial cases for the past 5 years.
• Proof of employment for the past 12 months.
• Not too many debts on record.
• Typically, personal guarantees are necessary.

Environmental Considerations

Environmental Assessments

• A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is always needed.
• Phase II ESA in case contamination is suspected.
• If it is confirmed that a site is contaminated, I must have a remediation plan in Phase II.
• Underground Storage Tank (UST) Requirements
• Documentation of the age and condition of the tank.
• Availability of leak detection systems.
• Must meet today’s standards.
• Tanks must be insured.

EPA Compliance

• Documents showing current compliance with environmental standards.
• List of previous breaches or repair work done.
• Operator certification proof.
• Spill control and containment plans.

Documentation Requirements

Business Documentation

• 3-5 year business tax returns for already operating stations.
• Profit and loss statements.
• Current balance sheet.
• Inventory reports.
• History and volume of fuel sales.
• Convenience store sales analyzed.

Personal Documentation

• Personal tax returns for the last three years.
• Personal financial statement.
• Relevant work experience CV.
• A business plan is particularly important for novice buyers.
• Proof of funds for the down payment.

Permits and Licensing

Required Permits

• Permits to sell fuel and food (only if needed).
• Permits for alcohol and tobacco (only if needed).
• Local and state business permits.
• Permit from fire departments.

Insurance Requirements

• Insurance for environmental issues.

Commercial Property Insurance

• General liability insurance
• Insurance for business interruptions

Workers’ Compensation Loan Program Options

• SBA Loans
• 7(a) program: $5 million maximum, 10-25 year terms, any purpose.
• 504 program: The real estate portion is up to 25 years.
• Working capital loans for business operations.

Conventional Commercial Loans

• Most commonly require a 20-25% down payment.
• Term of 5-10 years with balloon payments.
• Financials are usually stronger than SBA loan options.

Specialized Petroleum Lenders

• Industry-specific lending programs.
• There may be looser terms for more seasoned operators.
• Often, they have streamlined underwriting for gas stations.

Pre-Approval Process

• Personal financial information and relevant business experience need to be compiled.
• Approach lenders with gas station financing experience.
• Complete primary application.
• A conditional approval letter is given.
• Begin property search with financing parameters in place.

Considering these businesses ‘ environmental and operational issues, working with banks that understand gas station financing is vital.

[Tom Miller]

A poorly rated credit score, unpaid bills, and overdue accounts will make securing a mortgage difficult. Nonetheless, some specific lenders and mortgage companies with no lender overlays assist these borrowers by following the conventional and government loan provisions without applying additional restrictions, commonly known as “lender overlays.” Here are some of the mortgage lenders who are licensed in Illinois that might help you:

Gustan Cho Associates

Website https://www.gustancho.com/

Gustan Cho Associates is a national mortgage broker and correspondent lender in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Gustan Cho Associates is one of the lenders specializing in “no overlay” FHA loans for borrowers with credit scores as low as 500. Gustan Cho Associates also serves Illinois and 48 states, including Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands, and guides clients with unpaid collections and overdue accounts.

GCA Mortgage Group, Inc.

Website https://www.gcamortgage.com/

Chicago, IL

GCA Mortgage Group is known for its philanthropy and specializes in accommodating collection and charge-off accounts, making them quite popular amongst borrowers with tarnished credit who seek an FHA loan.

Non-QM Mortgage Lenders, Inc.

Website https://www.non-qmmortgagelenders.com

Chicago, IL

One of the leading wholesalers and retailers for residential mortgages, Non-QM Mortgage Lenders stands out for its wide variety of loan programs. It is known as the top non-QM lender in the country, serving a wide audience with both conventional and FHA loans.

Preferred Mortgage Rates

Website https://www.preferredmortgagerates.com/

Located Chicago, Illinois

FHA Bad Credit Lenders

Website https://fhabadcreditlenders.com/

Located in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

This lender operates in nearly every U.S. state and specializes in FHA loans for clients with credit ratings lower than 600. They also have more forgiving policies regarding collections and charge-off accounts.

Next Steps:

• Apply for loans at new lenders: Discuss your situation and what kind of mortgage you seek with new lenders.
• Gather Needed Paperwork: Start gathering information that you will have to provide to these lenders like income, taxes, and any debt to ensure the process moves along smoothly.

Consider Getting Pre-Approved:

• Knowing what you can borrow can be beneficial when you are making offers on properties. Banks will already know you are serious, and having money ready to go strengthens your negotiating positions.

These lenders guarantee that you will get mortgage arrangements that suit your situation while progressing toward owning a house.

gustancho.com

GCA Mortgage | Mortgage Experts With No Overlays

Whether you’ve gone through bankruptcy, divorce or you are a first-time homebuyer, Gustan Cho Associates are experts in difficult loans

[Tom Miller]

Congratulations, Chad.

[Tom Miller]

The increase in yields on 10-year US treasury bonds is currently being analyzed in light of various interrelated causes:

Trade Policy Changes: Import tariffs placed by the US government on China, Mexico, and Canada have worsened the outlook for the world economy. This trade conflict has increased the volatility of equity markets, altering the behavior of investors, and further contributing to the fluctuations of treasury yields.

Monetary Policy of the Federal Reserve: Following the recent rate cuts by the Federal Reserve meant to support economic growth, yield on treasury bonds of longer duration has increased. This somewhat paradoxical movement indicates that other current headwinds, such as expected inflation and the pace of future economic activity, are stronger and therefore less demand for longer-dated bonds.

Economic expectations of inflation suggest that the persistent inflation is transforming investors’ in long-term bonds which would result in the bank crediting less in the future, thus, deteriorating the value of purchasing power ascribed to inflation over time in increase.

Global spending policies: The announcement of particularly large planned expenditures like the increase of defensive and structural investment spending by the government of Germany, expecting a rise in the volume of state bonds issued to the market, suggested that enlarging supply is likely to reduce the attractiveness of bonds already issued, s.

These factors all together have caused an increase in 10-year Treasury yields. This increase demonstrates the effects of both domestic and international political economies, market outlooks, and how investors feel.

[Tom Miller]

GCA Forums Headline News: Monday, March 3, 2025

Greetings, esteemed customers! You are at the right place for news and insightful developments related to real estate, mortgage lending, and economic trends. Our focus is on real estate investors, mortgage professionals, homebuyers, and business people, which enables us to provide in-depth, real-time conversation and reporting that sparks engagement for all.

Today’s Highlights:

Mortgage Rates Decrease Significantly

• As of March 3 March 3, 2025, potential homebuyers and refunders are in luck, as mortgage rates are drastically dropping, allowing for easy borrowing.

30-Year Fixed Mortgage:

• The Average continues to decrease to an estimated rate of 6.27%, lower than in the prior weeks.

15-Year Fixed Mortgage:

• It decreased as well, averaging 5.57%.

Interactive Discussion:

• How are these decreasing mortgage rates affecting your buying or refinancing decision for homes?
• Tell us your stories and ideas for others in the community to benefit from.

Sellers of Homes Shift Pricing Due to Market Factors

High sustained mortgage rates and prolonged listing periods have forced many sellers to shift their pricing strategies to sell their houses.

Interactive Discussion:

From where you come, are people and sellers changing prices around your local housing market? How is all this affecting your purchases or sales? Share with other members to encourage interesting discussions.

Policies Relating to the Trump Administration That Could Affect Affordable Housing

• The recent policy changes suggested by the Trump administration will affect the housing market’s affordability in the United States.

“Gold Card” Visa Program:

• With an investment of $5 million into a citizenship program, immigrants will receive a visa, undoubtedly raising the demand for home prices in urban real estate markets.
• The construction costs are anticipated to rise due to the imposed tariffs on Canadian lumber, Mexican drywall, and appliances so that affordability will become increasingly challenging.

Interactive Discussion:

• What do you think regarding these initiatives?
• How would they affect your thoughts on real estate investments or buying home plans?
• Talk about it and bring your ideas to the forum.

Los Angeles Post Wildfire Housing Market Soars

• The housing market in Los Angeles, especially in Palisades and Altadena, has shown resilience after the recent wildfires.

Fresh Listings:

• Land values have surged past high expectations, and more than 80 new listings for burned plots have entered the market since mid-February.

The Wall Street Journal Investor Interest:

• Strong demand is evident, with small and mid-level investors actively buying plots for reconstruction or resale.

The Wall Street Journal

Engagement Question:

• How do natural calamities affect your investment real estate decision-making process?
• Have you looked into markets that are still trying to recover from such events?
• Together, let’s discuss what you think.

The Palm Beach luxury Real Estate Market is Booming.

There has been pronounced growth in these two regions of Florida, specifically in the luxury real estate markets of Palm Beach and West Palm Beach.

Volume of Transactions:

In 2024, Palm Beach County’s rental property sales, including condos and townhouses, exceeded 10,000, while single-family home sales surpassed 13,300.

Engagement Question: What draws you to regions such as Palm Beach, which are considered luxury areas? What would result from such migrations in the local housing markets? Interact with each other.

Trends in Global Real Estate Investment – Increasingly Upward.

• In the fourth quarter of 2024, global real estate investment volumes surged by 37% compared to last year, suggesting a market recovery that was previously anticipated.

Interactive Discussion:

• Have you ever thought about investing in international real estate?
• Which elements of the global market guide your investment choices?
• Network with other investors and devise winning strategies together.

Challenges in Commercial Real Estate Due to Changing Workplaces

The commercial real estate sector is undergoing transformational changes due to the adoption of hybrid work models and a greater focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies.

Interactive Discussion

How does hybrid work impact your business activities and the required office facilities? How do ESG factors influence your decisions in the real estate industry? Engage with the community and discuss this new phenomenon.

At GCA Forums News, we aim to create content that informs and stirs our readers’ urge to act, think, and participate. We urge everyone to partake in these discussions and share their experiences with the community. Your insights are of the utmost importance in helping us achieve a healthy and conducive ecosystem for everyone.

Note:

This information concerning market trends and news is accurate as of March 3 March 3, 2025. For guided instruction, kindly speak to a certified real estate or finance entity.