Kennedy Funding Lending Lounge

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Welcome to the Kennedy Funding Lending Lounge.
Everything you need to know about bridge loans is right here.

Read news from industry experts and respected columnists about the news you care about most, so you can secure the bridge funding you need when you need it. Check back frequently to see fresh new content. Got an idea email us.
  • Meet Kennedy Funding at ICSC 2022 Booth #118

    • May 11, 2022

    ICSC—it’s been way too long.
    Can you believe it has been almost two years since we were able to make this announcement? Yep. It’s happening for sure. Kennedy Funding will be heading back to ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers). From May 22-24, the Las Vegas Convention Center will be playing host to their 2022 event.

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Most Recent

How To Close A Loan By The End of 2020

  • November 3, 2020

It’s only a few weeks until the end of this tumultuous and uncertain year, but there are still interesting and even lucrative real estate opportunities on the table. Typically, you’d submit your application to a financial institution and wait it out, but this opportunity won’t be available for long.

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COVID-19 and Uncertainty in the Lending Market

  • July 31, 2020

The traditional lending market was already tightening its belt before COVID-19 took hold in the U.S. and around the world. With interest rates plummeting and eventually hitting zero percent, there was simply no appetite – or motivation – for banks to fund loans.

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How Non Ideal Borrowers Work With Direct Lenders

  • May 4, 2020

Traditional lenders are notoriously risk-averse. While a tendency toward playing it safe may seem reasonable to some lenders, this makes getting a loan much harder if you’re a borrower who doesn’t meet the strict requirements.

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The Basics of Hard Money Lending

  • April 21, 2020

Hard money lending presents a viable alternative loan option for people struggling to borrow from traditional lenders. Whereas traditional lenders such as banks may decline loans to a prospective borrower based on a very specific set of criteria, hard money lenders – also known as direct private lenders – are not limited by these types of policies.

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How will COVID-19 affect the office market?

  • April 9, 2020

As the 2010s came to a close, the national demand for office space at the beginning of the next decade was predicted to increase, just as it has every year since 2011. These forecasts couldn’t have anticipated the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic uncertainty it has caused since March 2020.

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When Should You Go to a Direct Private Lender First?

  • January 20, 2020

When someone is in need of a loan to finance a commercial real estate acquisition or project, they typically turn to a traditional lender such as a bank. Not every opportunity, however, is going to be the best fit for a bank.

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Don’t Paint All International Loans with a Broad Brush

  • November 27, 2019

Traditional lenders and many private lenders are likely to reject all applications for international real estate projects. However, once you locate the rare direct private lender willing to work with you, that agency still may not be a good fit.

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5 Things to Keep in Mind When Investing in International Real Estate

  • June 20, 2019

Investing in real estate abroad can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and highly profitable. However, in order to reap the benefits of international real estate investments, it’s important to know the proper way to go about it. Otherwise, purchasing property abroad could become a quagmire of epic proportions.

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How to Capitalize on the Apartment Craze with a Commercial Bridge Loan

  • June 10, 2019

Apartments are hot commodities, as Americans are increasingly in search of apartment-style living – and they’re willing to pay more for them. The high demand for apartments shows no signs of slowing, compounded by a tight housing supply causing elevated home prices that dissuade would-be buyers. With interest rates rising and home purchases out of reach for many people, there is little sign that the need for apartments is going to slow down. Developing or acquiring an apartment complex amidst the high demand for units, then, could prove a profitable venture for those who act quickly.

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Meet Kennedy Funding at RECon 2019, Booth# FP21

  • May 8, 2019

Every year, thousands of brokers and borrowers descend upon Las Vegas for RECon: The Global Retail Real Estate Convention.

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Why Shopping Malls Offer a Huge Redevelopment Opportunity

  • March 18, 2019

It’s no secret the American shopping mall is an endangered species. While the nostalgia of the shopping mall might lead some to mourn its loss, savvy commercial real estate investors should keep in mind that it’s a massive redevelopment opportunity in the making.

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6 International Hot Spots for Commercial Real Estate Investment

  • March 12, 2019

When you invest in commercial real estate it’s important to think big, even globally! There are plenty of great opportunities for investment here at home, but if you remain focused only on the domestic market you could be missing out on huge returns abroad.

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Commercial Bridge Loans Can Restart a Stalled Project

  • January 25, 2019

Nothing is more nerve-wracking than a stalled commercial development project. Whether due to cost overruns, budgetary errors, or other unforeseen circumstances, it’s a heart-stopping moment when the realization sets in that work must be suspended.

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Will New Tariffs Affect the Price of Commercial Property?

  • January 18, 2019

Tariffs often have a ripple effect throughout the wider economy, impacting more than just the commodities they target.

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The 5 Biggest Commercial Real Estate Opportunities in South America

  • December 7, 2018

The words “commercial real estate investment” might not immediately conjure images of South America, but many nations on that continent harbor immense opportunity for investors and developers alike. What is the crucial piece of the puzzle to tap into these promising markets? Access to capital.

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What Red Flags Should You Look Out for When Purchasing a Commercial Investment Property?

  • December 3, 2018

Acquiring a new property is exciting no matter your plans. Acquisition represents the beginning of a journey, one that will hopefully culminate with a new asset and the revenue stream to match. It can also…

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The Pitfalls of Partnering with Inexperienced Lenders for International Projects

  • September 14, 2018

Picture this: you’ve got your eye set on a piece of commercial real estate in a developing, foreign market. The timing is perfect, demand for your planned project is high, and you expect a huge…

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Unique ways to repurpose a vacant standalone retail property

  • July 26, 2018

The convenience and ubiquity of ecommerce have been a game-changing force for brick and mortar retail locations, forcing household names like Toys R’ Us and Kmart to downsize or shut their doors completely in recent…

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Securing Funding For Properties in Less-Than-Ideal Locations

  • July 3, 2018

So you’ve finally found that perfect piece of real estate – but unfortunately, the bank doesn’t seem to agree because it’s not located near a population center.

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Why Is Jamaica Such a Lucrative Opportunity for Real Estate?

  • June 18, 2018

For U.S.-based conventional lenders, and even for many private lenders, lending for real estate acquisition or development in Jamaica is an automatic non-starter. However, the region is an untapped opportunity in serious need of capital investment, and developers are eager to expand in the region.

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Catch Kennedy Funding at #RECon 2018

  • May 17, 2018

Visit us at Booth F18 in Las Vegas May 20-23

In just a few short days, thousands of real estate and financial professionals will descend upon Las Vegas for RECon The Global Retail Real Estate Convention, presented by ICSC, the International Council of Shopping Centers.

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The Dos and Don’ts of Investing in Real Estate

  • March 19, 2018

Investing in real estate is attractive for many reasons: properties tend to appreciate in value, they bolster existing portfolios, and they offer a strong hedge on your riskier investments.

While it’s an excellent way to shore up your portfolio, real estate can be difficult to acquire. Property deals are often multifaceted, complex, and lengthy, and financing can be difficult to obtain from risk-averse lenders.

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How to Acquire Raw Land with a Bridge Loan from a Direct Private Lender

  • March 12, 2018

So, you’re ready to acquire raw land and you need a loan. The only problem is funding. Obtaining a bank loan to finance your purchase has been impossible because traditional financing institutions consider your acquisition to be too risky to invest in – too much can go wrong during the construction process. That’s when direct private lending steps in to supply the funding you need.

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How a direct private lender can support a changing retail landscape

  • February 2, 2018

Retail is one of the industries hardest hit by the digital revolution. Traditional storefronts have taken a big hit in recent years, creating a pool of eager landlords who have become more flexible in their leasing terms to accommodate for the hit. In many cases, this has led to more bargaining power for retailers looking to sign a lease, but it has also created a buyers’ market; if you’ve ever wanted to own commercial retail space, there has never been a better time.

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What Can Be Used as Collateral for Private Lending?

  • December 21, 2017

Traditional private loans, also known as “hard money” loans, generally need some sort of collateral to claim in the event of nonpayment. The amount a borrower receives is likely tied to the value of the proposed collateral.

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Which loans are private lenders willing to fund?

  • September 19, 2017

Many potential borrowers may first turn to a bank to secure a loan, but some learn very quickly just how difficult it can be to seal the deal. Banks often have strict qualifications as to who can borrow money, the type of project they will fund, the personal financial history of the applicant, and so on.

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Is a Hard Money Loan Right for You?

  • August 22, 2017

Hard money loans used to evoke negative connotations. But in reality, a hard money loan is nothing to be afraid of as long as you understand how it works and how to move the process along so that your loan does not fall through at the last minute.

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A Clean Title Means A Clean Deal

  • August 9, 2017

Borrowers and lenders alike want their real estate closing to go smoothly. A snag in the application process can cost precious time and money and cause a great deal of stress, so it’s imperative that the basics about the property are established and clear to all parties involved.

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Private lenders know: honesty is the best policy

  • July 21, 2017

Borrowers should expect to fill out a lot of paperwork when applying for a loan, and for good reason. The in-depth inquiries and requests for documentation are an important part of the process. Questions about your income, assets, down payment and more provide a private investor with a good snapshot of financial history and what the borrower intends to do with the loan.

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Why a clean environmental report is key for securing private lending

  • July 10, 2017

No lending institution will grant a loan to finance an environmentally-risky property — and for good reason.

Private lenders are typically willing to take on some risk where more traditional funding avenues don’t and won’t. So it’s more likely that you will find one willing to finance a property with environmental risks.

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What to do when a conventional loan falls through

  • June 23, 2017

It’s every borrower’s worst nightmare: it’s 10 days before closing and the primary lender suddenly and unexpectedly reverses its decision to fund a loan. In a moment’s notice, months of hard work just disappears, with the borrower left scrambling to find a way to keep this deal afloat.

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What To Do When You Secure a Commercial Loan But Hit By Bureaucratic Delay

  • June 2, 2017

It goes without saying that time equals money, and the commercial real estate industry is acutely aware of this truism. Land or property sitting idle doesn’t generate revenue for its owners, so real estate developers work tirelessly to prepare buildings for occupancy and/or sale as quickly as possible.

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Are Private Lenders the Best Choice for International Loans?

  • May 30, 2017

While most traditional real estate lenders in the United States are fixated on domestic projects, there are significant development opportunities abroad in foreign real estate, and many developers are looking to U.S-based lenders for funding.

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What Does the Multifamily Property Boom Mean for Lenders?

  • April 14, 2017

Despite the demand for single-family homes, many remain out of the price range of the average buyer, including potential first-time buyers, which means that renters are continuing to rent in this economy. On the flip side, these trends have ushered in a boom in the multi-family real estate market.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Closing a Loan in Little More than a Week

  • April 11, 2017

When you need to secure financing and it needs to be done quickly, it can seem an impossible hill to climb. Most borrowers are used to the process taking a month, two months, or even longer, and that’s assuming no issues suddenly arise.

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All eyes on Wall Street-White House alliance

  • March 21, 2017

In spite of not being very chummy with Wall Street and those who run it through much of his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump is turning to them to be a part of his administration and his agenda.

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Private lenders: Lender of last resort or a first resource?

  • March 13, 2017

Andre Agassi once famously said, “Image is everything.”

While image may not be everything, it counts for a good deal, and hasn’t always been kind to direct private lending.

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Is 2017 The Year of the Renter?

  • January 27, 2017

One of the side effects of the housing crash has been an increase in demand for residential rentals.

Since 2010, apartment rents have increased 26 percent as developers have been flocking to meet the need for apartments. More than 378,000 new apartment units are expected to be built in 2017.

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Is optimism a good thing for lending? Maybe.

  • January 23, 2017

As Donald Trump takes office, many in the financial sector are waiting to see if the promised and hoped-for changes in the financial sector happen.

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Is Credit Worthiness Detrimental for Hard Money Lending

  • January 4, 2017

For cash-strapped, borrowers looking for a short-term financing solution for purchasing a multi-family property, warding off foreclosure or quickly closing on a land deal, a hard-money bridge loan may be the smartest option.

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What You’ll Need to Get a Bridge Loan Approved

  • December 27, 2016

Undoubtedly, bridge loans for commercial mortgages are more difficult to secure than a traditional home mortgage. That’s because hard money commercial mortgages assume substantially higher risk with the property becoming your collateral.

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How the New White House May Affect Real Estate Market Trends in 2017

  • December 16, 2016

Donald Trump’s surprising Election win has consumers and market analysts alike bracing for dramatic changes in the real estate industry in 2017. Speculation and uncertainty abound on how the real estate market will be affected by Trump’s victory and Republican control of both chambers of Congress.

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Finding the Best Lender for Your Hard Money Loan

  • December 14, 2016

You’ve examined the zoning laws and chosen your desired property or plot of land. Now it’s time to find a reputable lender that’s ideal for your circumstances. Choosing the right hard money lender can be a challenging, time consuming enterprise.

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How Do Banking Regulations Affect Construction Lending?

  • November 23, 2016

More red tape is the latest sign that the the aftershock of the 2008 financial crisis are still being felt. In early 2015, new regulations for commercial real estate investing took effect for most banks. The regulation requires banks with over a half billion dollars in assets, as well as all savings and loans to set aside more capital against certain construction and development loans.

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Why Are Rates Higher for Land Loans?

  • August 19, 2016

When it comes to commercial real estate loans, higher risk, means a higher rate. It’s one of those ‘unwritten laws’ of business. One that’s followed because even experienced, professional developers can have trouble getting new development projects started. Which is why traditional lenders like banks tend to run away from land deals.

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5 Things Savvy Borrowers May Not Know About Bridge Loans

  • July 20, 2016

After years in the real estate business, Charles Flanagan thought he knew all the ins and outs of the borrowing game. The upstate New York-based investor had experience with traditional lenders as well as using bridge loans for building up his portfolio of shopping centers and other projects.

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The Deals That Make Big Lenders Look Foolish

  • June 29, 2016

Why couldn’t the prominent real estate investor get banks to return his calls when he needed money the most? And it can take months to hear the inevitable answer: “no.”

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What most bankers won’t tell you about closing land deals.

  • June 16, 2016

Banks may be saying ‘fold’ on raw land deals but that’s doesn’t mean they’re completely off the table. Many banks in the current financial climate consider land deals too risky. After all, raw land isn’t known for producing cash flow.

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The 3 Biggest Myths About Hard Money

  • June 1, 2016

According to the American Monetary Institute, borrowing money is though to be as old as the idea of money itself. The practice dates back at least to 300 B.C. But many ideas about commercial real…

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The Benefits of Using a Direct Lender

  • May 26, 2016

Time, as the saying goes, is money. To commercial real estate investors, every day where a project sits idle can mean thousands of dollars down the drain. It’s times like these when the real value of a direct lender can be seen clearly.

Read more

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