Commercial Repossessions: An Essential Component of the Financial Lending Business
In the dynamic world of financial lending, various tools and strategies are employed to mitigate risks and ensure the security of investments. One such critical aspect is commercial repossessions. These procedures involve the seizure of assets or collateral from borrowers who have defaulted on their loan agreements.

Understanding Commercial Repossessions:
Commercial repossessions are an inherent part of the lending business, offering a vital mechanism for lenders to recover their investments when borrowers fail to meet their contractual obligations. These repossessions can be commercial or residential customers. We focus on repossessions that are associated with commercial loans, which are extended to businesses and entrepreneurs for various purposes such as expansion, equipment acquisition, or working capital. To secure these loans, borrowers pledge they will pay back the loan as agreed in their contract, or the lender can take back the collateral. What lenders do with the collateral varies on a case-by-case basis.
The Role of Great Lakes Asset Solutions:
Great Lakes Asset Solutions stands at the forefront of facilitating commercial repossessions, acting as a specialist service provider that assists lenders in efficiently recovering commercial collateralized assets. With their expertise in the field and a robust network, we play a pivotal role in securing the interests of financial institutions. We only do commercial repossessions at our firm; we don't do collections, consumer or other recovery work.
Key Components of the Commercial Repossession Process:
- Contractual Obligations and Default: Commercial repossessions begin with a comprehensive loan agreement that clearly outlines the terms and conditions of the loan. This includes specifics on repayment schedules, interest rates, and, most importantly, the collateral pledged. When a borrower fails to meet their repayment obligations as per the agreement, it triggers a default situation.
- Notice and Communication: Prior to initiating the repossession process, lenders, including Great Lakes Asset Solutions, follow legal procedures and provide the borrower with notice of their default status. This communication is essential to afford the borrower an opportunity to rectify the situation or explore alternative solutions.
- Asset Location and Recovery: Upon exhausting all possibilities of resolving the default, the repossession team, such as Great Lakes Asset Solutions, commences the process of locating and securing the collateralized assets. The company's network of professionals, skip-tracing, training and knowledge of local ordinances all make a difference in efficiency of locating your assets and ultimately returning the assets to your possession.
- Asset Valuation and Sale: Some lenders prefer to remarket their repossessed collateral, attempting to pay for the rest of the loan, or to even make more on it.
- Post-Recovery Procedures: Once the sale is completed, any remaining balance (if applicable) is settled with the borrower. The lender can then close the loan account, and the asset recovery process is officially concluded.
The common misconception is that lenders want to repossess, because they can make more money. This is NOT true. Lenders prefer to NOT repossess, as this costs time, money and valuable resources. Oftentimes, lender's do not know the condition of the collateral, thus making repossessions risky as well.
The Importance of Responsible Repossession:
While commercial repossessions are essential for lenders to protect their investments, responsible and ethical practices are paramount. Companies like Great Lakes Asset Solutions prioritize maintaining a balance between the interests of the lenders and the rights of the borrowers. They adhere to legal guidelines, communicate effectively, and work diligently to find equitable resolutions whenever possible.
If your institution has outstanding collateral that you need to locate and returned to you, reach out to your experts at Great Lakes. We are happy to assist in any of your commercial repossession needs. Please email Sales@glassetllc.com or call (716) 995-7400
