Submitted by Jay Estis, Aug 11, 2008 11:29

Mr. Stoler, I enjoyed your article, which I found to be an accurate portrayal of the current market. At least the current market for big dollar commercial loans. However, when it comes to financing for most small to medium size businesses, I do not believe the same holds true. In fact, it has become more about what haystack the business owner is searching in. If the haystack is their local bank, they will find financing more difficult to locate and obtain.

The bigger story for commercial real estate financing for the small to medium size business owner is the emergence of the Commercial Mortgage Broker. Especially in our current market. While many of the local Banks are saying "no", and are looking to dump their commercial portfolios, Commercial Mortgage Brokers like myself are seeing unprecedented growth. In the last year alone the company I represent, Commercial Capital Limited, has experienced a 567% growth in commercial fundings. By next year we will be funding more Commercial Real Estate loans than some known Commercial Lenders. We are at the start of what will be a game changer in the commercial real estate financing niche.

I predict in 5 years more commercial loans will be handled by Commercial Mortgage Brokers, than local banks. I wouldn't exactly call that a needle in a haystack. Although it may be true that we are not yet recognized for our contribution to the marketplace, it is only a matter of time before that changes. Perhaps when those who have a voice that can be heard nationally, like yourself, begin to talk more about our contributions, will the small and medium size business owner realize they have more options today, not less.

Again, I recognize that your article refers to the larger development deals, which are more difficult to fund today. But please do not forget the small and medium size business owner, who have done more for building this economy than most others. Most of your peers seem to go to great lengths today to report the negative market news, but what we need more today is positive news about those who are still finding a way to build this economy. And those small to medium size businesses continue to have options for financing their commercial real estate transactions. Someone just needs to let then know the haystack is over here with people like me, and they won't need to search for a small needle to get what they need. Thanks for allowing me to tell you more of my story.

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