Financing
Turning lower interest rates into new development opportunities
With borrowing costs beginning to ease, it’s time to re-evaluate paused projects — and plan strategically for growth The Federal Reserve recently lowered interest rates again, cutting its benchmark rate by a quarter point. The move is designed to ease borrowing costs and boost growth — and for commercial developers and senior living operators alike,…
Land contracts: Making deals happen when capital is tight
The growing appeal of land contracts in the Upper Midwest Business owners, developers, brokers, and landowners across Wisconsin and Minnesota face a familiar question: How do we keep projects moving forward in today’s market? One answer gaining renewed attention is the land contract — also known as a contract for deed or seller financing. Though…
How 1031 exchanges can work for new construction
Across the Upper Midwest, there’s an overlooked way to keep deals alive: using a 1031 exchange for new construction projects — a powerful way to keep projects moving forward when capital is tight. Most investors know the basics of a 1031 exchange — sell an investment property, reinvest in another, and defer capital gains taxes.…
Navigating construction financing in a higher interest economy
How to secure funding for your build amid elevated interest rates If you’re thinking about breaking ground but hit a bump in the road with your lender’s quote, it’s a sign of the times. With interest rates lingering at recent highs and tighter lender terms, getting your project off the ground takes more financial finesse…
Bridgewater Bank’s latest insights offer direction for real estate developers in 2025
Uptick in commercial financing requests In a recent article for RE Journals, Dan Rafter shared insights from Nick Place, chief banking officer at Bridgewater Bank, on the uptick in commercial financing requests in 2025. The key takeaway? Developers and investors are stepping off the sidelines, and optimism is returning to the market. But what does…
What lower interest rates mean for commercial construction
For developers, lower interest rates signal things are looking up. By now, you’ve probably heard the Federal Reserve announced a half-percentage reduction of its key interest rate on September 18, a significant rate reduction that is likely good news for commercial construction developers. If you are an owner developer of multifamily housing, senior housing or…
This vs. that: leasing vs. owning commercial space
Here are the pros and cons of leasing vs. owning When considering commercial space for your business, you may wonder which is better: leasing vs. owning. Whether you are considering office space, a retail storefront, distribution facility, a factory or other commercial endeavors, it’s often not an easy decision. There are pros and cons to…
Understanding grants and incentives for sustainable construction
Sustainable construction gaining traction with commercial projects Increasingly, Earth Day is every day as developers seek opportunities to design and build commercial construction projects in a more earth-friendly manner. Eco-friendly practices used to be a consideration only for those on the fringes of commercial construction even a couple of decades ago, and these days it’s…
Senior housing conversions: financing for adaptive reuse
A closer look at financing for adaptive reuse Vacant commercial buildings are like an aging pop star icon: you never know what they’ll look like in their next incarnation. But, unlike some performers who never seem to age, commercial spaces are increasingly being remade in their golden years into something that appeals to older generations:…
Financing sources: commercial construction grants to support your next project
When it’s time to grow, it’s all about what you know When it’s time to build, securing financing is at the top of the to-do list, and taking advantage of commercial construction grants can help you lock in the resources you need for your next project. Even in these uncertain times, a number of grants…