by ARTIS COMMERCIAL CAPITAL | Feb 14, 2023 | Blog
There are more options than ever before when you’re considering applying for a business loan, and the one you choose will depend on a number of factors, starting with how much money you need and what you need the money for. If you don’t have good credit history, your options may be somewhat more limited, but you should still be able to secure the loan you need. Keep in mind that disapproval by banks and other traditional lending institutions does not mean you can’t get a loan. These days, alternative lenders have stepped in to fill the gap left by stringent bank requirements and frequent disapprovals for loan applications.
Loan types
Below, you’ll find a summary of many of the available small business loan options. This will acquaint you with some options, and you can do some additional research to find out which might best fit your business circumstances.
Merchant cash advance – based on your monthly volume of credit card sales, this is not actually a small business loan option in the traditional sense, because there is no fixed repayment each month.
Equipment loans – you can either purchase needed equipment outright, or lease it for a number off years.
Line of credit – having a line of credit will help to cover expenses from day-to-day needs
Franchise startup loan – as the name suggests, such loans are obtained for the purpose of beginning a new franchise
Invoice factoring – in exchange for a lump sum of money from a factoring company, you would sell some or all your monthly invoices
Working capital loan – these small business loan options are used to fund daily operations and maintain positive cash flow
Professional practice loan – businesses offering professional services commonly make use of these types of loans.
At least one of these small business loan options should work for your small business, and when you have settled on one or two possibilities, your next step will be to begin researching potential lenders whom you can work with to obtain the right kind of loan for your business.
Contact Us
If you’re considering what might be the best possible small business loan for your company, we may be able to provide some assistance. Contact us at Artis Commercial Capital so our specialists can review some options with you, and discuss how you might take advantage of these options.
by ARTIS COMMERCIAL CAPITAL | Feb 7, 2023 | Blog
A pleasant working environment boosts employee satisfaction, minimizes stress, reduces absenteeism, and enhances productivity. Your personnel is more likely to remain loyal to your organization and refrain from seeking better opportunities elsewhere. Here are some tips on how to improve office environment for your company.
Hire the Right Personnel
If you are determined to improve office environment, start with the people. Take care to hire employees who can assimilate easily into your workplace culture. If anyone does not fit in, let them go before they pollute your office ambiance.
Emphasize Comfort
Improve office environment by ensuring that the workplace is attractive, clean, and has sufficient equipment and comfortable furniture. If possible, allow flexible schedules and even a balance of remote and on-site work. Benefits should include paid time off for relaxing, rejuvenating vacations.
Enhance the Lighting
A well-lit office has a strong positive impact on the attitude and performance of employees. Natural lighting is best, but if that’s not possible be sure that the bulbs that are used project feelings of warmth, calm, and alertness.
Communicate Effectively
To be able to improve office environment, clear communication is essential. It is especially worthwhile to positively reinforce the performances of employees. You should not only evaluate personnel, though but also solicit their feedback and opinions. When they make mistakes, assist them in turning their errors into learning experiences.
Appreciate Openly
Taking every opportunity to express gratitude to your employees for their hard work will certainly improve office environment. Thank them when they pass milestones or put extra effort into projects. Your appreciation will increase their enthusiasm and resolve.
Schedule Activities
Schedule company events such as lunches and other recreational activities at which managers and employees can socialize. This helps personnel get to know one another and forge relationships that make the workplace more attractive and desirable.
For more advice that can help you improve office environment, get in touch with Artis Commercial Capital.
by ARTIS COMMERCIAL CAPITAL | Jan 24, 2023 | Blog
0ne of the most important financing options for house flippers is a bridge loan. This is a business loan that investors can use to buy a new property, flip it, then sell it. But while there are many types of business loans, what is so special about this one, that drives real estate investors towards it? Let’s find out below.
How Do Bridge Loans Work?
A bridge loan is a form of financing intended to provide a house flipper with immediate funding to flip a house as they await future income. An investor needs money to buy and renovate a house, and in most cases, they do not have that money. That is where a bridge loan comes in, to provide them with the working capital needed for remodeling that house and selling it at a profit.
A bridge loan is what allows an investor to complete a purchase instead of watching a property being acquired by someone else. Plus, in most cases, paying in cash works to the advantage of house flippers as they are likely to get a better deal. Borrowers usually have about a year to sell the renovated house and pay back the loan.
House Flippers Usually Need Funding Quickly
One of the reasons that bridge loans are attractive is that getting them is much quicker. The house-flipping businesses tend to move really quickly. If you have seen a house that you want to flip, so have other investors. And if you delay in acquiring it, another investor will. However, banks tend to take a long time before approving loans. The quickest way to get funding is through bridge financing. In most cases, such a loan gets approved in 24 hours.
House Flipping Needs One to Move Quickly
A house-flipping business requires investors to get in and get out quickly. That is because the real estate market changes frequently. You want to ensure you can make a profit at the end of the day, and so you cannot afford to hold on to a property for long. Otherwise, the market can turn, and you find that you are not making the profit you expected to.
If you are looking for a bridge loan, let Artis Commercial Capital help. We offer alternative financing solutions to house flippers, allowing them to acquire properties easily. Call us today for your funding needs.
by ARTIS COMMERCIAL CAPITAL | Jan 17, 2023 | Blog
Financing is an important part of farm operations. It can help you purchase necessary items, expand your business, and cover unexpected costs. There are a variety of financing options available, and the best one for your farm will depend on your individual circumstances.
To this end, there is a variety of pieces of farm equipment that can be financed. Some common items include tractors, combines, and trucks. Financing can help you purchase these items new or used, and can also help you cover the costs of repairs and maintenance.
Starting Your Own Farm Operation – Financing Options
It’s important to carefully consider your financing options before making a purchase. Some factors to consider include the cost of the equipment, the terms of the loan, and your ability to repay the loan. Working with a financial advisor can help you make the best decision for your farm.
In addition to equipment, you may also need financing for other aspects of your farm business. This can include buildings, land, and livestock. Financing can help you cover the upfront costs of these purchases and can also provide ongoing support for your operation.
When choosing a financing option, it’s important to consider the interest rate, repayment terms, and any fees or penalties associated with the loan. You’ll also want to make sure that the lender you’re working with is reputable and has experience working with farmers.
There are a variety of government programs available to assist farmers with financing. These programs can offer low-interest loans, grants, and tax incentives. Some of these programs are specific to certain types of farms, so be sure to research the options that are available to you.
Your local bank or credit union is another potential source of financing. These institutions may offer special programs and rates for farmers. It’s important to shop around and compare offers before deciding on a lender.
The Preparation Stage
When you’re ready to apply for financing, be sure to gather all of the necessary documentation. This can include financial statements, tax returns, and other information about your farm business. The more prepared you are, the easier the process will be.
Once you’ve found a lender you’re comfortable working with, it’s time to negotiate the terms of your loan. This can include the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any other conditions of the loan. Be sure to get everything in writing so that there’s no confusion later on. For more tips just like this, as well as in-depth help with all things business and finance, contact us at Artis Commercial Capital.
by ARTIS COMMERCIAL CAPITAL | Jan 10, 2023 | Blog
If you currently own a home and are interested in building or purchasing a new one, you might want to consider getting a bridge loan before your current one sells so you can get started on your new construction.
In this article, we’ll answer some questions about bridge loans and new construction financing.
Types of Bridge Loans
There are two types of bridge loans: closed and open. They are different in several ways. A closed bridge loan is a term loan referring to financing with a fixed, predetermined, and planned repayment path.
Can I Use a Bridge Loan to Finance New Construction?
Both builder loans and bridge loans allow an investor to purchase land/property- but cannot be used to finance construction expenses. A new construction loan can be used to build a new structure, but a bridge loan allows investors to purchase land/property later on.
How Do Bridge Loans Work for Construction?
The funds from a bridge loan can be used to cover the mortgage as well as down payments, closing costs, and fees. The loans are usually short-term, with terms of no more than 6 months.
Criteria for a Bridge Loan
The first thing the lender will want to know is how much you need to borrow through your bridge loan. You must be willing to provide the collateral for the loan and to sell the property that you have so the lender can secure the loan.
Even if you’ve had difficulty qualifying for credit in the past, you may still be able to get a bridge loan. Your personal financial life and your chances of being approved differ from one lender to another. You will need to provide your property or another asset to prove that you are creditworthy.
What can Bridge Finance be Used For?
Bridge loans are typically used to fund commercial or residential real estate transactions, developments, auctions, and renovations.
Disadvantages of Bridge Loans
- Bridge loans may take 18+ months to get approved or denied
- Future payments may be risky
- Credit cards/installment loans have higher interest than traditional credit Â
Conclusion
If you are interested in learning more about bridge loans and how they can help you, contact Artis Commercial Capital today. We can help you find the financing you need to finance your new construction.Â
by ARTIS COMMERCIAL CAPITAL | Jan 3, 2023 | Blog
If you have been thinking of starting your own floral business, there are a few things to know. These tips can make or break the success of your business in an uncertain time- plus help your business thrive and grow.
Here’s 8 steps to starting your own floral shop:
Find your Niche
First, find your niche for the business- including where your location will be. Research the area you are considering to be sure that a new shop will thrive here- or, set up an online storefront.
Keep it Legal
Check with your area’s municipal offices for any permits or certifications needed before you open for business. Make sure to comply with local laws and regulations.Â
Market your Brand
Start some excitement regarding your opening with social media marketing tactics. Advertise what you are going to do- floral delivery is hot right now- and let people know how to find your flowers.
Figure a Budget
It is important to figure out how much it will cost your shop to thrive each month to find your annual operating costs. Most new businesses are recommended to have enough cash on hand to cover their expenses for at least a year.Â
Streamline your Equipment
What will you need for equipment? This could be a major expense so consider what you will need very carefully by looking at what you plan to sell.
Hire some Help
Next, figure on the payroll for any staff or employees that you hire. Remember that there are costs associated with hiring help beyond their rate of pay, including insurance and social security.Â
Don’t Forget Supplies
Floral arrangements and other related products rely on packaging to get where they need to in one piece. Make sure that you prepare for this with the right supplies and packaging materials on-hand before you open your door- even if it is a virtual store.
Invest in POS
You will need a Point of Sale (POS) system to handle your sales. These systems also make it easier to figure out payroll, inventory, and bills for your business and are critical if you plan to accept credit and debit cards. Â
Thinking of starting your own floral shop or business? Find out what you need and learn more by consulting with the money experts at Artis Commercial Capital; call or visit today!Â
by ARTIS COMMERCIAL CAPITAL | Dec 27, 2022 | Blog
Buying commercial property is often the gateway to big profits. Securing a great piece of commercial real estate can come at a hefty price. Many people need to finance these types of purchases. One possibility for financing is a bridge loan.
Bridge Loans: A Brief Review
A bridge loan is a short-term loan used most commonly for real estate purchases. Its name is suggestive of its main use: It is taken out to “bridge” the gap between property purchase, and the arrival of funds from the selling of another property or securing a long-term mortgage.
Why Utilize a Bridge Loan?
A person interested in purchasing commercial property may be interested in obtaining a bridge loan for several reasons:
The deal may be available only for a very short time and speed is of the essence
A cheaper long-term mortgage is coming, but the funding won’t arrive for a period of time
You intend to purchase the property using the proceeds from the sale of another property that hasn’t closed yet
A bridge loan can come with high rates, so those considering one need to be fully aware of the costs involved. That is why they are generally used for short-term situations.
Using a Bridge Loan for Commercial Real Estate
In some cases, a bridge loan may be the ideal method to secure a coveted commercial property. For example, if there are no good deals available in the traditional mortgage market, a bridge loan may be preferable.
If you are looking to purchase commercial property, look to Artis Commercial Capital for your financing needs. They will answer any additional questions that you might have about bridge loans as well as suggest other options that may be suitable for your specific situation.
by ARTIS COMMERCIAL CAPITAL | Dec 20, 2022 | Blog
When you’re just getting your business off the ground, you may start brainstorming things you can do to quickly reach your goals. This can sometimes mean that you spend more than you need to. This excess spending may be the reason that your business is not growing as much as you’d like.
Sure, everyone wants to start making money as quickly as possible- but sometimes, spending money on things you don’t need to before you start making money could be the reason you’re not growing.
9 things that it would be best to put to the side until your business starts making money:
- Hiring too many full-time employees.
- Hiring underqualified workers.
- Renting office space
- Implementing cheap, ineffective, short-term solutions to long-term issues.
- Offering “over the top” perks for your employees
- Booking business travel at the last minute instead of planning a head
- Outsourcing leadership roles
- Reimbursement of costly business expenses
- Throwing high-cost celebrations Â
Conclusion
As a business owner, it’s important that you understand that improving your business and ensuring it operates smoothly does involve spending money. However, it is not possible to make up for spending too much when you’re just starting out.
Before you start spending a lot of money on your business, you need to work on building your income first. Then, you can start spending money to improve the business. If you will wait on these 9 things until your business starts making money, it will be more than worth it in the end. This way, you can decide if these are really worthy expenses or if you should just leave them alone entirely.
If you want to learn more about spending money on your business, contact Artis Commercial Capital. We’ll be happy to help you learn what is necessary and what can wait.
by ARTIS COMMERCIAL CAPITAL | Dec 13, 2022 | Blog
Commercial real estate can be a very lucrative investment. Acquiring a coveted piece of investment property can be daunting, however, because of the high costs involved. That’s why many people turn to external financing for their commercial real-estate acquisitions.
Bridge Loans: A Very Brief Explanation
Bridge loans are used in many real estate transactions. They are short-term in nature and meant to “bridge the gap” between property acquisition and the arrival of funds from another source. They can be a real blessing when longer-term forms of financing aren’t expected to be available for a bit of time. A decision on funding is usually made in short order and your money arrives fast.
Examples of Wise Use of Bridge Loans
Here are a few examples of situations for which bridge loans can make sense:
A Sudden Buying Opportunity Comes Up. From time to time, a particularly coveted piece of property comes to market quite suddenly. A bridge loan may be just the option to choose in order to seize the opportunity.
Your Credit Score Is Not Stellar. If your credit record is not top-notch, you may find it difficult to arrange financing from traditional sources. In such a case, a bridge loan can be a good idea.
You Own an Exiting Property in Need of Renovation. For situations where renovation is needed to attract new clients or business partners, and the work can be completed in a short time frame, a bridge loan can be an excellent choice.
Obtain Funding from Artis Commercial Capital
Bridge loans are easier to obtain than other property financing types such as a loan from a traditional bank. Connect with Artis Commercial Capital for your real estate financing needs. They offer bridge loans, which may be just the ticket for your real estate investment plans.
by ARTIS COMMERCIAL CAPITAL | Dec 6, 2022 | Blog
As you grow your business, you will eventually need to develop new products, tech, systems, and even industries. Growth is critical for the success of your business and the economy, which requires innovation to grow. That being said, innovation requires research and development, often referred to as R&D.
Many times, these changes will fail. This means you have zero return on investment- or ROI, or must go through several different stages of development before they are profitable. These costs discourage businesses from investing in research and development, which is why this tax credit was developed.
R&D Tax Credit Program Explained
The R&D Tax Credit Program is part of the United States tax code and is in place to encourage companies to invest in research and innovation. First introduced in 1981 and renewed throughout the decades, President Barack Obama signed what we know as the PATH Act to extend the R&D tax credit, as well as expand its provisions.
Tax credits allow the taxpayer to offset the value of the credit against their tax liability- the R&D tax credit covers expenses paid/incurred for qualified research.
Benefits of R&D Tax Credit
Qualified tax credits for R&D is typically believed to stimulate the economy because it increases innovation. However, there are some business groups that believe these benefits are lost under the new TCJA because under these new rules, a business must amortize their costs associated with R&D over five years instead of immediately deducting them. Here are a few benefits of the R&D tax credit:
- Reduces federal/state tax liabilities for the current year and future years
- Increases market value and cash flow of your company
- Reduces the tax rate of your business
- Allows you to keep your profits Â
Can I claim the R&D Tax Credit?
In 2004, the language was changed to determine who can take qualified tax credits for R&D. At this time, companies that can take the credit include those that test products, engage in data science/analysis, employ engineers, and outsource research.
Documents Needed to Claim R&D Tax Credit
In order to claim the credit, you must have sufficient documentation to prove that it’s a qualified tax credit. This may include:
- Payroll information
- Business expenses associated with R&D vs. those that were not
- Copies of contracts/invoices for third-party research contractors
- Timekeeping records for all activities involved in R&D
- Any documentation related to R&D activities Â
Does Your Business Qualify for the R&D Tax Credit?
You can find the rules for the R&D tax credit in Section 41 of the IRS tax code. Any taxpayer who incurs qualified R&D expenses in the United States is eligible to take this tax credit.
Qualified Expenses
- Wages paid to employees involved in R&D and those who supervise/support R&D
- Supplies (other than land/property) used in R&D
- Costs paid to third-party contractors involved in R&D
- Payments to research institutions/organizations associated with R&D
- Cost of developing patent Â
Expenses that Do Not Qualify
- Research conducted after commercial production
- Research to adapt existing product/process
- Duplication of product/process in existence
- Market research
- Research related to software for internal use
- Research conducted outside of United States territories
- Research in social sciences, humanities, and arts
- Research funded by another grant, organization, person, or government
- Fixed assets associated with running your business Â
Conclusion
If you are interested in learning more about the R&D tax credit and how it may apply to your business, contact Artis Commercial Capital. We can explain this and other tax credits that your business may be able to use on your next tax return.
