RivetRatio toolkit / Before the meeting

Questions for your lender conversation

Choose the prompts you want to cover with a commercial lender. This planner is for U.S. small-business owners and commercial real-estate investors preparing for a conversation.

Requirements vary by lender and transaction. Use these as discussion prompts, not as a list of universal requirements or a prediction of approval.

Your conversation checklist

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4 prompts

The request

Set the amount, purpose, timing, and repayment context.

What amount are you considering, and how would you use the funds?What timing or transaction purpose should the lender understand?What repayment sources and borrower contribution are you considering?What information would help the lender assess this request?

4 prompts

Documents

Ask what records apply and when or how the lender would like them.

Which business and personal financial records are relevant, and for which periods?Would current results, debt or liquidity schedules, or projections be useful?Which ownership, entity, co-borrower, or guarantor documents may apply?For real estate, which leases, rent rolls, operating records, project materials, or valuation reports apply—and what format and timing do you prefer?

4 prompts

Financing terms

Clarify possible structures, payment details, and conditions.

Which rate structures may be available, and how would a variable rate adjust?What term, amortization, payment schedule, and maturity options may apply?What fees could apply, and what is the estimated cash needed to close?What collateral, guaranties, covenants, reserves, or prepayment conditions may apply?

4 prompts

Next steps

Leave with a clear view of the process and follow-up.

What are the application and underwriting steps?What timeline should you expect, and what factors could affect it?Are there open conditions or missing information to address?Who should you contact, and when would follow-up be useful?

Bring questions that fit your situation. A lender can explain which items apply to your request.

Questions for your lender conversation

Question checklist

The request

Documents

Financing terms

Next steps