At Aztec Group, about half the total number of loans we secured this year were for new and existing retail developments. If retail sales remain strong and consumer confidence remains relatively stable, with interest rates remaining at all-time lows, demand for financing should grow further over the next 12 months.

GlobeSt.com: What are some of the key factors that are impacting the retail financing terms banks and other financial institutions are offering today?

Shapiro: Factors such as the credit strength and experience level of the borrower or sponsor, as well as the creditworthiness of their tenants, are certainly key considerations. An example is $15.3 million in permanent financing we recently secured for two properties in South Florida that inked Walmart as a tenant in both properties.

As the world's largest retailer, Walmart has an investment-grade credit rating, and that played an important role in the aggressive terms we secured from the lenders. Another key factor for lenders is what the tenant rollover and expiration schedule looks like during the course of the loan term, which accounts for leases expiring at the property and illustrates the strategic plan the borrower may have in place to lease vacant space.