Bell and Smalley Examine Lender Strategies Amid Commercial Real Estate Maturity Wave in The Legal Intelligencer

10.08.2026

Stinson LLP Partners Mark F. Bell and Scott Smalley authored an article in The Legal Intelligencer, "As CRE Maturity Wave Rolls, Lenders Look Beyond Extend and Pretend," examining how lenders can move beyond simple loan extensions to protect their interests as an unprecedented volume of commercial real estate debt reaches maturity.

Bell and Smalley explain why early, comprehensive reunderwriting is critical as higher debt costs, softer property fundamentals and declining valuations create pressure points, particularly in the office sector. They also discuss how updated appraisals, refreshed operating data and careful documentation work can help lenders understand current risk and viable paths forward.

"The appropriate path depends on the facts of the credit. Where the underlying asset remains viable and the borrower is willing to contribute capital, information and cooperation, a consensual workout may preserve more value than immediate enforcement. Where those elements are missing, enforcement remains available," they write.

Smalley co-chairs Stinson's Banking & Financial Services group and advises banks, holding companies and other financial institutions on finance transactions, M&A, regulatory compliance and real estate lending matters, including construction lending and new markets tax credit finance.

Bell represents financial institutions and businesses in complex commercial loan documentation, workout and loan restructuring, intercreditor relationships, loan sales and enforcement litigation, and he represents clients in real estate purchase and sale transactions and through all stages of commercial real estate development projects.

To read the full article, visit The Legal Intelligencer.