Getting a commercial real estate deal funded takes more than finding a good property. Lenders are evaluating the borrower, the deal, and whether both can withstand what happens when the market changes.
In this episode, Aviva Sonenreich and Sanat Patel discuss what commercial real estate lenders look for before financing a deal. Drawing on more than 30 years in commercial lending, Sanat explains how he evaluates borrowers, assesses risk, and uses lessons from previous real estate cycles to make lending decisions.
They also discuss why experience and character matter when seeking financing, what investors should understand before taking on a commercial real estate investment, and why patience can be one of the most valuable advantages in real estate.
Key Topics Discussed
- What commercial real estate lenders look for in a borrower
- How lenders evaluate experience, character, and risk
- What makes a commercial real estate deal financeable
- How past real estate cycles influence lending decisions
- Why lenders want to understand a borrower’s previous successes and failures
- What investors should consider before buying commercial real estate
- Why commercial real estate should be approached as a long-term investment
- How lenders think about market downturns and changing conditions
- The importance of patience when building long-term real estate wealth
About the Guest
Sanat Patel is the Chief Lending Officer and Co-Founder of AVANA Companies and Co-Founder of AVANA Capital. He specializes in commercial and commercial real estate lending, structured debt solutions, and building scalable, risk-managed credit platforms for businesses and real estate investors across the country. Sanat’s approach combines disciplined underwriting with relationship-driven execution, evaluating not only the underlying asset but also the experience, character, and track record of the borrower. Through AVANA, he works with banks, credit unions, brokers, and business owners to provide financing solutions that support business growth, real estate investment, and long-term value creation.
About the Host
Aviva Sonenreich is the Managing Broker and Owner of the Warehouse Hotline, a Denver commercial real estate brokerage specializing exclusively in industrial properties. She leads the firm’s brokerage operations, negotiates industrial sales and leasing transactions, advises clients on acquisition and disposition strategies, and oversees the company’s marketing and business development efforts. Through Commercial Real Estate Secrets, she interviews leading investors, brokers, developers, and industry experts to provide actionable insights on commercial real estate investing, brokerage, leasing, development, and market trends.
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