From its roots in the Baltimore/Washington real estate community, Columbia National Real Estate Finance, has become a national provider of financing for income producing properties and a leader in commercial mortgage banking.
The company was founded in 1939 by the late James W. Rouse, the pioneer behind The Rouse Company, responsible for some of the largest suburban development and urban redevelopment projects on the eastern seaboard. The commercial mortgage bank he started nearly 70 years ago has since become Columbia National Real Estate Finance – and remains committed to the hallmarks of the Rouse philosophy—commitment to exceptional service, local pride and focus, and a national scope.
Today, the company boasts one of the largest loan servicing portfolios in the area—over $6 billion. In addition, Columbia National has more exclusive correspondent relationships with lenders than any other mortgage banking company in the region. These strengths, coupled with a long record of outstanding performance, provide clients with an unparalleled selection of financial resources. From local capital sources to Wall Street, Columbia National takes mortgage banking to a new level.
In addition to a strong local presence, Columbia National Real Estate Finance is a member of REFA (Real Estate Finance Alliance), a national affiliation of independent commercial mortgage bankers. REFA members are companies like Columbia National– leaders in major real estate markets across the country. Membership in this prestigious organization allows Columbia National to routinely exchange information and share experience, thereby providing an even higher level of service. Only members of REFA – representing more than $25 billion in commercial mortgages serviced for lender clients nationwide – can tap this vast store of expertise to bring a national perspective to local mortgage issues.
Local presence, a thorough knowledge of the markets we serve, and a solid understanding of global financing trends are all strong reasons borrowers and lenders prefer to do business with Columbia National. Since 1939, lenders and developers have come to rely on Columbia National as a trusted partner in commercial real estate financing and loan servicing.