Do You Build Relationships with Lenders for Referrals?

[Ellisa Riddick]

I’ve been thinking a lot about the role lenders can play beyond just financing a deal. In some cases, lenders seem to have a front-row seat to investor activity—seeing who’s buying, who’s refinancing, and what types of projects are getting funded.

That got me wondering: Is it worth it for investors and businesses to build stronger relationships with lenders as a referral source?

• Have you ever received a deal lead, buyer, or even a contractor referral through a lending connection?

• Do you see lenders as purely transaction-focused, or do you try to build ongoing relationships with them?

• For those of you who lend or borrow often, what’s been your experience in terms of networking value?

Curious to hear if connecting with lenders has added value for you outside of just getting financing done.