Finding lenders and non-refundable processing fees - Posted by Amy

Posted by Amy on September 10, 2009 at 12:35:05:

We are interested two parks ($300K & $1.1MM); both have good financials and we have the 25%-30% DP, which should get the debt coverage of 1.25-1.3 lenders usually want to see.

Brokers that I talk to want an upfront non-refundable processing fee with an LOI. I think that’s crazy and told them I am okay with the a good faith deposit that can be earned if they deliver on the LOI terms.

One broker without a fee has been looking for financing for us for the past couple months and come up dry. I am reluctant to pay anyone a nonrefundable fee, especially in an environment where lending is so scare. They say it is standard practice. I have been quoted fees from $700 to $2500.

Is this common practice? Is anyone else getting loans done? We have excellent credit but are out of state investors which seems to be a hang up for local banks.

Thanks for your help!