by Kenbry Capital | Sep 22, 2023 | Blog
In the complex world of construction, change orders are practically inevitable. They are modifications to the original contract that can occur due to unforeseen circumstances, alterations in design, or changes to the scope of work. While change is a natural part of progression, it’s important to understand how change orders can significantly impact your construction budget.
The Impact of Change Orders
Change orders often lead to an increase in project costs. The reasons for this can range from the need for additional materials, labor, or equipment, to extensions in project timeframes that escalate overhead costs. Occasionally, change orders can lead to a decrease in costs, but this is generally the exception rather than the rule.
Managing Change Orders
Understanding how to manage change orders effectively can limit their impact on the overall budget. This starts with careful planning during the pre-construction phase and continues throughout the project lifecycle. Having a robust change management process in place can help ensure that any changes are addressed promptly and efficiently.
Planning
During the planning phase, it’s crucial to anticipate potential changes and account for them in your budget. This involves understanding the project’s scope and identifying any areas that might be prone to alterations. For example, if you are renovating an old building, it’s prudent to account for potential issues that might arise once the work starts, such as the need for additional structural support.
Implementation
Once construction is underway, it’s critical to have a process in place for handling change orders. This involves understanding what triggers a change order, who can authorize it, and how it will be documented. Having a clear process helps manage expectations and prevent disagreements or misunderstandings.
Re-evaluation
After a change order has been implemented, it’s crucial to re-evaluate the project’s budget and timeline. This involves updating your cost and schedule estimates to reflect the changes. It’s also important to communicate these changes to all stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page.
In conclusion, while change orders are often a necessary part of construction, understanding their potential impact on your budget and managing them effectively can help ensure your project stays on track. By taking the time to plan, implement, and re-evaluate, you can navigate the change process successfully and maintain control over your construction budget. If you need ongoing or permanent financing for your construction project, contact the team at Kenbry today.
by Kenbry Capital | Sep 15, 2023 | Blog
Commercial real estate is a key arena for savvy investors looking to expand their portfolios. One financing option that has emerged as exceptionally beneficial is the use of permanent loans. These loans, also known as term loans or end loans, offer myriad advantages that can propel the success of commercial real estate ventures.
What Are Permanent Loans?
Before delving into the benefits, it’s essential to understand what permanent loans are. Permanent loans are long-term financing options, typically used to pay off construction loans, and may span 15 to 30 years. They are named ‘permanent’ because they are designed to be in place until the property is sold or the loan is fully paid off.
Why Choose Permanent Loans for Commercial Real Estate?
Long-Term Stability
One of the primary benefits of permanent loans is the financial stability they offer. With fixed interest rates over the term of the loan, investors can accurately forecast their financial obligations, mitigating the risks associated with variable rates and market fluctuations.
Lower Monthly Payments
Due to their long duration, permanent loans typically have lower monthly payments compared to short-term loans. This allows investors to effectively manage their cash flow and allocate funds to other critical aspects of their business.
Potential for Property Appreciation
Commercial real estate often appreciates over time, meaning that the property could be worth significantly more when the loan period ends. Therefore, a permanent loan lets investors potentially reap the rewards of this appreciation.
Considerations and Conclusion
However, just like any financial product, permanent loans are not without their risks and should be carefully considered. Prepayment penalties and longer time to equity are among the factors to account for when deciding on this route.
In conclusion, permanent loans offer numerous advantages that can make them an excellent choice for commercial real estate financing. They provide financial stability, lower monthly payments, and the chance to benefit from property appreciation. While the decision to use a permanent loan should be made based on individual circumstances, these advantages make them an attractive option for many. Contact Kenbry today to explore our permanent loan programs for commercial real estate.
by Kenbry Capital | Sep 8, 2023 | Blog
Real estate investors are always in the hunt for the next lucrative deal. Yet, the fast-paced nature of the property market means opportunities can disappear in the blink of an eye. That’s where bridge loans come in, providing quick, short-term financing that can be the key to securing that all-important deal. Here are seven ways to use bridge loans for property investments:
1. To Fund Renovations
Renovating a property can increase its value significantly. However, these renovations require upfront capital that may not be readily available. A bridge loan can provide the necessary funds, enabling investors to enhance their properties and sell them for a profit.
2. To Close on a Property Quickly
Real estate markets can be highly competitive. A bridge loan allows investors to close on a property quickly, beating out other prospective buyers.
3. To Bridge the Gap During a Sale
When selling one property to finance the purchase of another, there may be a time gap between the sale and the purchase. A bridge loan can cover this gap, ensuring continuity in investment activity.
4. To Purchase Foreclosed or Auctioned Properties
Foreclosed or auctioned properties often require immediate payment. Bridge loans allow investors to seize these opportunities by providing instant financing.
5. To Acquire New Investment Properties
While waiting for a long-term loan approval, a bridge loan can provide the necessary funds to acquire new investment properties.
6. To Leverage More Investment Opportunities
By providing instant cash, bridge loans enable investors to leverage more investment opportunities without liquidating their existing assets.
7. To Refinance Existing Loans
If an existing loan is due but the investor is not yet ready to sell the property, a bridge loan can refinance the loan, buying extra time for the property sale.
In conclusion, bridge loans offer a flexible financing option for real estate investors, allowing them to stay agile and responsive in the face of ever-changing market dynamics. Remember, while all these opportunities can be beneficial, it’s important to carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of a bridge loan before making a decision. Contact Kenbry today to learn more about our bridge loan program.
by Kenbry Capital | Aug 25, 2023 | Blog
Leadership is an essential part of business success. But it’s not always easy to know what makes a good leader and how to become one. It takes practice, dedication, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take today that will help you on your journey to becoming a better business leader.
Communication
One of the most important qualities successful leaders possess is strong communication skills. When you communicate effectively, it helps build trust and shows that you understand your team’s needs. Make sure to take the time to listen to your team members’ points of view and be open to new ideas. Additionally, practice using clear language in conversations so that everyone understands your instructions and intentions.
Take Risks and Learn from Mistakes
Leaders also need to have the courage to take risks and make mistakes. People often fear failure, but it’s important to remember that you can learn from your mistakes and grow as a leader. Being open-minded enough to take risks and try new things will help you become more successful in the long run.
Keep Your Team Motivated
A good leader always keeps their team informed and motivated. Keep your employees up to date on any developments or changes in the company, and make sure that everyone understands their role within the team. Being able to motivate your team is also key—provide them with regular feedback and praise for a job well done.
Stay Focused
Finally, successful leaders have a clear vision and set goals. Knowing what direction you want your team to take, and setting realistic objectives that everyone can work towards will keep everyone focused and on track.
You may find that developing these skills can be difficult at first. It’s important to remember that practice makes perfect! Take time out of each day to reflect on how you’re doing as a leader and what areas need improvement. Additionally, seek out mentors or coaching to help you stay on track and provide feedback when needed. With the right guidance, you’ll be well-equipped to become an effective business leader.
by Kenbry Capital | Aug 18, 2023 | Blog
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it’s also fraught with potential pitfalls. From not researching the market to undervaluing your product or service, many mistakes can lead to failure. If you want to be successful in launching and sustaining your business, then it’s important to be aware of these common mistakes so you can avoid them from the start.
1. Not researching the market
Before you start a business, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on the target markets and competitors. Market analysis will help you identify opportunities and gaps in the industry that your product or service can fill. It will also ensure that you don’t enter into a highly competitive field with little chance of success.
2. Failing to create a business plan
Many people make the mistake of not creating a detailed business plan before launching their company. A comprehensive business plan clearly outlines your goals for the future and is essential to success. It should include a thorough understanding of the market, financial forecasts, and exit strategies.
3. Undervaluing your product or service
When starting a business, it’s important to price your offerings appropriately. If you undervalue the products or services you are offering, then customers won’t take you seriously and may opt for a competitor instead. Additionally, undervaluing can lead to decreased profits and hamper your ability to grow the business.
4. Not having sufficient capital
Starting a business requires money, whether you are investing your funds or borrowing from a lender. Lack of adequate funding can be an obstacle to success, so it’s important to have enough capital upfront to cover initial expenses and invest in long-term growth strategies.
5. Not hiring the right people
Building a successful business requires more than just one person. You need to hire the right talent to help you reach your goals and make sure that everyone is on the same page with company objectives. Hiring employees who don’t fit within the organization can lead to inefficiency and decreased productivity.
6. Not building a strong brand
Your brand is the public face of your business, and it’s essential to create a strong one if you want to stand out in the marketplace. This includes crafting a memorable logo and tagline, establishing an online presence, and creating strategic marketing campaigns.
7. Neglecting customer service
As important as it is to make sales, it’s also necessary to provide excellent customer service. This means responding promptly to inquiries, offering helpful advice and suggestions, and taking the time to build relationships with customers.
8. Not doing enough market testing
Testing your products or services with potential customers can be a great way to gauge how well they will be received in the marketplace. Market testing can also help you make improvements and adjustments before fully launching a product or service, reducing the risk of failure.
By being aware of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you will have a much better chance of succeeding with your business venture. Contact Kenbry Capital today to get the financing and guidance to ensure long-term success for your business.
