I participated in a meeting today attended by real estate investors, mortgage brokers, commercial lenders, property appraisers and real estate agents.  These folks recognize that amidst the massive credit crunch, one way to help make things better is to form a private lending group.

While our elected and appointed officials spend trillions of dollars trying to unclog the credt markets, it was refreshing to a grass-roots effort come together in an effort to help their community.

It is indisputable that there are buyers in our market that need fast access to financing.  It is also indisputable that there are people in our market that have cash and have an interest in earning a better rate of return than what can be earned in bank CDs or in the equity markets.

The question is how can we efficiently create an exchange where both parties can find one another?

A 90 minute kick-off meeting was not going to be the place for solutions.  However, everyone agreed to do their share of homework to talk to private investors in other markets and to share this vision with other investors in Southwest Florida. 

Within 45 days, this group will likely present an option or two at an upcoming SW Florida Real Estate Investors meeting.  Maybe not an end all solution that helps everybody, but at least something to help some people.

If you or someone you know is either.....

1) Looking to earn a better return on their cash

2) Seeking financing for purchase of property

.....then I recommend that you respond to this post and make yourself known so that you can contribute to future discussions that take place and be a part of the solution!