Case Study: When Leadership Is the Real Exception

January 9, 2026

This case study features a high-value Purchase Fix & Flip transaction in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where timing constraints and appraisal access issues threatened the borrower’s ability to close on schedule. Led by George Naveda, Senior Sales Manager at Lima One Capital, the deal required coordination across underwriting and valuations to structure a creative exception that preserved leverage while keeping the closing date intact.

Real Stories. Real Challenges. Real Solutions.

Every loan has a story behind the numbers.

In this section, The Elite Officer highlights real-world cases where Loan Officers turned complex challenges into successful closings. Each case shows how persistence, creativity, and financial strategy can make the difference between a stalled deal and a successful closing.

The Deal at a Glance

• Property Type:Single-Family Residence (Fix & Flip)
• Location:Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Loan Purpose:Purchase
• Purchase Price:$1,685,000
• Rehab Budget:$200,000
• After Repair Value (ARV):$2,500,000
• Leverage at Close:85% LTV
• Post-Close Leverage:Additional 5% (90% LTC total)
• Target Closing Date:November 15, 2025
• Loan Amount:$1,716,500
• Rate:4% 

The Challenge

The borrower was under a tight contractual closing deadline, but the appraiser was unable to access the property prior to closing. This created a risk of delay or reduced leverage, both of which could have jeopardized the transaction.

Key challenges included:

• Inability to complete a full interior appraisal before closing
• Borrower expectation for high leverage on a luxury fix & flip
• Need to satisfy risk requirements without pushing the closing date
• Coordinating exception approval across internal teams

Without an alternative structure, the borrower faced either a delayed closing or less favorable terms.

The Solution

George proactively escalated the issue and worked directly with underwriting and valuations leadership to align on a practical exception. The agreed solution included:

• Approving a drive-by appraisalto support closing
• Structuring the loan at 85% LTV at purchase
• Allowing an additional 5% post-close advanceonce acceptable interior photos were provided
• Clearly documenting ownership of the exception to avoid operational delays

By securing internal alignment and confirming that the buyer-provided interior photos met requirements, George was able to structure the file confidently and move it into operations without sacrificing leverage or timing.

The Outcome

The loan moved forward as structured, preserving the borrower’s leverage while keeping the November 15 closing date intact. The exception-based solution allowed the deal to proceed smoothly despite appraisal constraints, reinforcing borrower confidence and execution certainty.

Takeaway for Loan Officers

• Early escalation prevents last-minute closing disruptions
• Appraisal challenges can be solved with the right internal alignment
• Clear ownership of exceptions is critical for execution
• Creative structuring protects both leverage and timelines