LCS Welcomes Keith Spolan as Senior Vice President of Environmental Due Diligence Bringing 28 years of environmental, engineering, and consulting experience to the LCS team. Lender Consulting Services is pleased to welcome Keith Spolan as

PFAS CERCLA Ruling: The Forever Chemical Question Just Got a Permanent Answer What the D.C. Circuit’s August 18 PFAS ruling means for lenders, credit teams, and CRE counsel   For two years, a lot of

Quick answer: On May 18, 2026, the SBA doubled the cumulative 7(a) and 504 loan limit from $5 million  to $10 million, effective July 4, 2026.  Qualified borrowers who secure a 7(a) loan first can access up to $5 million through the 7(a) program and up to $5 million through  the 504 program—for a combined total of $10 million. The change is expected to increase deal sizes, and the corresponding due diligence requirements, across construction, manufacturing, energy, food production, and logistics.  For SBA-active lenders, this isn’t just a headline. It’s a structural shift in the size, complexity, and due diligence requirements of the deals coming across your desk in Q3 and

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 21, 2026 Liz Mahoney of LCS Selected for GlobeSt.’s 2026 Women of Influence Awards Recognized in the Category of Marketing and Communications April 21, 2026— Liz Mahoney, Senior Vice President and

When developers evaluate a new site, speed and confidence are everything. But rushing into a deal without proper environmental due diligence can expose projects to costly delays, regulatory hurdles, or even liability. That’s why the Phase I Environmental

Introduction: Why Feasibility Matters In commercial real estate, the difference between a successful project and a costly failure often comes down to one word: feasibility. Before construction starts or financing moves forward, lenders and developers must answer

Join LCS, Inc on Thursday, November 17th at 2 PM for a Free live Webinar on the "Ins and Outs of Property Condition Assessments".

  Introduction As 2026 approaches, the construction lending environment is becoming more complex. Economic uncertainty, regulatory scrutiny, and rapid technological change are reshaping how lenders, developers, and investors approach risk. Understanding these dynamics is critical

As credit unions expand into commercial and construction lending, one of the most critical safeguards is ensuring accurate property valuation. Unlike consumer loans, where collateral is often straightforward, development projects and commercial assets require nuanced

Construction lending has traditionally been dominated by large banks with deep capital reserves and extensive risk management infrastructure. However, credit unions are increasingly exploring ways to participate in this lucrative market. While smaller institutions face

Introduction As credit unions expand into commercial and construction lending, environmental risk management becomes a critical part of protecting portfolios and member assets. Unlike traditional consumer loans, development projects often involve land use changes, regulatory

At NAGGL  (National Association of Guaranteed Lenders) National Annual Convention in Colorado last week, keynote speaker Jim Davidson shared his gripping story of climbing Mount Everest and surviving Nepal’s historic 2015 earthquake. His insights on resilience

At the 2025 CREW Annual Convention in Austin, Hessam Nadji, President & CEO of Marcus & Millichap, delivered a compelling session on the macroeconomy, capital markets, and the evolving commercial real estate (CRE) landscape. Moderated

Helping Clients Sleep Better at Night (Literally)  Let’s be honest—commercial lending isn’t for the faint of heart. One misstep on environmental liability, construction oversight, or appraisal accuracy, and the deal you’ve nurtured for months could

Mapping Confidence with ALTA Surveys. Protecting Your REIT Investments and Reducing Risk  Picking up the conversation from our recent blog on zoning compliance for REITs, we’re continuing our Due Diligence Series with a deep dive

Introduction  A realistic and clearly defined project scope, budget, and timeline are fundamental to the successful execution of any construction project. Evaluating these elements thoroughly ensures feasibility, reduces risks, and promotes efficient project management, resulting

Don’t Let Zoning Oversights Derail Your REIT Strategy  Picture this: You’ve acquired what seems like a prime property for your Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), only to discover zoning regulations block your intended use. Projects

As demand for urban land continues to rise, real estate professionals are increasingly turning to brownfield redevelopment opportunities—transforming contaminated or underutilized industrial sites into high-value commercial real estate.  In a recent episode of Sustainability Street,

Crafting Effective Lending Policies for Today’s Comprehensive Financial Landscape  In today’s dynamic regulatory and economic landscape, comprehensive and well-designed lending policies are vital for financial institutions aiming for stability, compliance, and sustainable growth. As market

In continuation of our REIT due diligence series, following our recent exploration into environmental risk assessment with “The Value of Accurate Appraisals in REIT Investments: Ensuring Profitable Decisions“ we now delve into another critical component

Upcoming Tariffs and Their Impact on Construction Costs  The recent tariffs imposed by President Trump are expected to have significant impacts on the construction industry, particularly affecting key materials such as steel, aluminum, lumber, and

In continuation of our REIT due diligence series, following our recent exploration into environmental risk assessment with “Hidden Hazards: Why Environmental Reports Are Critical for REIT Success,” we now delve into another critical component of

Government-backed lending programs, such as those offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae, play a crucial role in providing liquidity and risk mitigation

February 2025 – Lender Consulting Services (LCS, Inc.) is thrilled to announce our sponsorship of CREW New York, a chapter of CREW Network, the leading international organization dedicated to advancing women in commercial real estate.

Understanding Environmental Risks in Real Estate Investments  Real estate investment trusts (REITs) thrive on making profitable, well-informed property acquisitions. However, one often-overlooked aspect of commercial real estate due diligence is environmental risk assessment. Hidden environmental

Introducing Our Due Diligence Blog Series  In the fast-paced world of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), every investment decision carries inherent risks. While a property may seem like a great opportunity on paper, hidden liabilities,

In commercial lending, particularly for projects under $3 million, it’s often tempting to minimize due diligence efforts. When you trust the borrower, is it worth the extra time and expense? Unfortunately, the answer is usually

 In a recent discussion with Brian Bailey, Commercial Real Estate (CRE) expert at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, we explored the current economic landscape, its effects on lending, and critical factors influencing the

Recent changes in the regulatory landscape are set to make the process of bank mergers and acquisitions more complex. The FDIC is expected to tighten its approach to evaluating bank deals, introducing new guidelines that

Construction projects can be incredibly complex, involving numerous stakeholders and intricate processes. Without effective construction management, these complexities can lead to schedule delays, budget overruns, and compromised project success. That’s where Lender Consulting Services (LCS)

At the recent America East Conference in NYC, Lender Consulting Services, Inc. (LCS) attended a session by industry peers in a discussion on best practices and common pitfalls in Construction Due Diligence for SBA lenders.

Recently, Lender Consulting Services, Inc. (LCS) attended the America East Conference in NYC, where industry peers discussed best practices and common pitfalls in Environmental Due Diligence for United States Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders. These

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals with unique properties, such as repelling oil and water and resisting heat, that has made them useful for a wide range of applications and consumer

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Smarter Lending Podcast! A second part of our series on SBA (Small Business Administration) Construction Lending, featuring experts Nick Jellum, Michele Walters, and Trevor Richardson covered a

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lender Consulting Services (LCS) blog, where we delve into the complexities of distressed properties—a pressing issue in the commercial real estate sector. In the recent episode of the

We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our Lender Consulting Services family, Peter O’Neill, who will be joining us as our National Sales Representative. Pete comes to us with a wealth of experience

At Lender Consulting Services (LCS), we pride ourselves on listening to our clients. Through surveys and feedback, you have shared your needs and challenges, and we have responded by expanding our suite of services. Our

As a Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, understanding when to order environmental risk assessments, such as a Records Search with Risk Assessment (RSRA), Transaction Screen, or Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), is crucial to

Lender Consulting Services (LCS), had the pleasure of attending the NAGGL conference in Nashville. The discussions were not only enlightening but also indicative of the shifting paradigms in the small business lending landscape. Here, we

Introduction Continuing our “Basics of Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs),” this piece delves into the critical factors prompting these in-depth evaluations. We previously discussed the role of Phase I and Transaction Screen ESAs in

Welcome to the latest blog post of “SmarterLending”! Today, we’re excited to announce a brand new episode from our podcast, titled “Building Smarter: The Onset of Construction Due Diligence.” This episode marks the beginning of

Noelle McDonald, VP, Valuation Services at LCS, was a featured guest speaker on the Credit Union Conversations Podcast hosted by Mark Ritter. In this episode, “Can I get A Rush On That Appraisal?”, Mark and

At LCS, our commitment to continuous learning and development is ingrained in our ethos. We understand that each lending scenario presents its own set of intricacies, mirroring the diversity of lending institutions. Recognizing this diversity,

The NPLA conference served as an essential confluence of ideas and innovations shaping the future of private lending and real estate industries. As attendees and industry professionals, we were immersed in discussions that not only

Environmental Due Diligence (EDD) is a critical component in the risk assessment process for lenders considering property-related financial transactions. The objective of EDD is not to remove all risk, but reduce it to an acceptable

The American Lending Conference was an insightful event that brought together experts from different corners of the private lending industry. The discussions covered a wide range of topics crucial for private money lenders, from the

Listen to the Full Episode Here In a recent insightful conversation on “The Lenders Playbook” podcast, hosted by Matt Rosen, Mike Kosmoski, Head of Construction at Lender Consulting Services (LCS), shared valuable insights into the

As we venture into 2024, the horizon for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) is aglow with potential, driven by a favorable U.S. monetary policy and the anticipation of interest rate reductions. In an article by

As we reach a significant regulatory milestone this February 13, 2024, the era of ASTM E1527-13 for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) in commercial real estate concludes. This change signifies a crucial shift towards

In our recent webinar, “Beyond Automation: Risk of AVM’s & The Value of Expert Valuation Analysis,” hosted by our distinguished panelists Noelle McDonald (VP Valuation Services) and Rachel Kilcullen (Director of Evaluation Services) at LCS,

As the holiday season draws near, we at LCS, Inc. take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support and partnership over the years. This year is particularly special as we celebrate our

About Phase II Environmental Site Assessments Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for Real Estate Due Diligence are set procedures often conducted in phases to evaluate the environmental condition of a property. A Phase II Environmental Site

 Welcome to the first episode of the SmarterLending Podcast by Lender Consulting Services! Your host is Liz Mahoney, SVP, Director of Sales and Business Development who brings 15 years of national lending expertise to

At LCS, we’re always learning and growing. Every lending situation is as unique as the lending institution itself so we know that basic solutions will not meet the changing needs of today’s market and ever-changing

In the ever-evolving landscape of the lending industry, the appraisal department within a lending institution will often find itself at the crossroads of financial stability and customer satisfaction. Noelle McDonald, VP, Valuation Services at LCS

We are thrilled to announce that Liz Mahoney, our Director of Sales & Business Development at LCS, Inc., has been appointed as Director of Communications on the 2024 Board of Directors for Commercial Real Estate

This infographic goes over a simplified process of evaluation-based lending from application submission to closing and funding. And as always…. LCS listens to your needs to develop products that are right for your lending transaction.

Environmental Portfolio Reviews are a go-to solution for evaluating groupings of Environmental Site Assessments. Multiple property investments are a streamlined method for lenders to diversify real estate capital under the same loan. However, the requirement

The completion of an environmental assessment isn’t enough to evaluate environmental risk. Lenders must demonstrate they understand and have accounted for the environmental risks to the collateral. Specifically, the FDIC Guidelines for an Environmental Risk

We wouldn’t have made it this far without the continuous support and loyalty of our clients and we are immensely grateful to you all! Over the past 25 years, we have been fortunate to work

Liz Mahoney, Mike Kosmoski, Noelle McDonald, and Julie Daly were guests on the Private Lenders’ Podcast. This podcast is hosted by Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers who share their experiences from

If you’re investing in real estate as a private lender, the completion of Due Diligence is a must. Environmental assessments, construction reports/monitoring, and valuation due diligence solutions can help you make informed investment decisions and

This Q&A includes questions from our webinar Understanding The Nuts and Bolts of Automotive Repair hosted on June 6, 2023. 1. What is wrong with the storage of drums/batteries/parts outside if they are in a

In cases where significant environmental contamination has been identified, Environmental Remediation Services help to remedy a property of environmental liabilities. A remediation strategy is tailored to meet site-specific requirements from site investigation to viable regulatory

Introduction Commercial real estate lending is used to finance properties of varying operations and value. A critical piece of the underwriting process, environmental due diligence is used to evaluate the environmental risk associated with a

Join LCS, Inc on Thursday, November 17th at 2 PM for a Free live Webinar on the "Ins and Outs of Property Condition Assessments".

Mike Kosmoski, SVP, Construction Services at LCS, was a featured guest speaker on the Credit Union Conversations Podcast hosted by Mark Ritter. In this episode, So You Want To Do Construction Loans, Mark and Mike

A breakdown on the purpose and use of reliance letters in Environmental Due Diligence. The Purpose of Reliance Letters A reliance letter is used in Commercial Real Estate (CRE) transactions to allow additional parties to

This Q&A with Noelle McDonald consists of questions raised during a live webinar regarding selecting an appropriate cap rate in commercial real estate valuations. Q&A: What Goes into Selecting an Appropriate Cap Rate? There is

In our previous blog, Rising Interest Rates: Critical Benchmarks in the Commercial Real Estate Valuation Process, we discussed a few critical benchmarks used in the commercial real estate valuation process. In this blog, we will

Commercial Real Estate Valuation appraisers use critical benchmarks to determine the value of a property, including: market rent; occupancy; operating expenses; and, capitalization rates. To consider the effect of rising interest rates on a real

The long-awaited updates to the ASTM E1527-21 Standard Practice for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments have been released. About ASTM E1527 Since 2005, the United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has recognized ASTM E1527 as

In a webinar hosted by LCS in November of 2022, Mike Kosmoski, our VP of Construction Services answered some great questions about Property Assessment Reports.  This information is valuable for lenders working to mitigate risk

In the previous two blogs we spoke about mitigating risk during the construction lending process by knowing What to Look for in a Thorough Plan, Specification and Cost Review, and discussing Why Lending Professionals Must

Join LCS, Inc on Thursday, November 17th at 2 PM for a Free live Webinar on the "Ins and Outs of Property Condition Assessments".

All construction lenders have one thing in common, adversity to risk. How that risk can be mitigated varies by lender and project. General consensus among the financial industry centers around the use of a robust

As a rule, LCS always recommends that a lender conducts a full project review prior to closing often called a Plan and Specification Cost Review (PSCR Report). This review could either be performed by qualified

Construction lending is inherently a risky business, even in times of stability and prosperity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, general contractors defaulted at an annual rate of 11.5 percent which was up from 3 to 5

Julie Daly, SVP Environmental Due Diligence, brings 20 plus years of experience from the Environmental Field to guide lenders on Phase I Reports and the Review process.

Construction projects by their very nature can contain a variety of risks during every stage of the project. LCS will explore the main areas of a construction project that are most susceptible to volatility.

Introducing our Vice President Of Construction Services

Meet our new National Sales Representative.