However for business owners looking to risk personal assets, I advise them to think twice before doing so. Banks are very quick to ask business owners to stake their homes on their business. The truth is that many are able and willing to do so, but it’s not necessary. Here are some great ways to access financing without mortgaging your home

Credit Cards

Specifically business credit cards, I’m not talking about maxing out your department store credit cards for inventory in your store. Check out the business credit cards on credit.com.

Small Business Loan Alternatives

There is a great alternative called a business cash advance, think small business loans, but faster. They can be more expensive than a traditional loan, but you can usually negotiate.

Equipment Leasing

If your financing needs are center around commercial equipment and you business has been established for at least 2 years, than a business equipment lease may be a great option.

Friends and Family

Don’t be ashamed to ask. May be better to get some cash from a friend or a family member.

Do what you can to explore any option that doesn’t involve risking your home.

The number of home loans were expected to increase, but have actually continued to decline after tax incentives have expired.

The figures show that the limited lending conditions are still impacting the real estate and housing markets negatively and suggests that the housing market will continue to decline until credit channels open up.

Independent surveys and news reports continue to imply small activity in the housing sector, but the number of foreclosures continue to offset growth

Let’s hope that the mortgage industry can endure another slow slide down the industry ladder for at least another couple fiscal quarters.