ATLANTA—Can banks be an ally on the commercial real estate leasing front? It depends, in part, on the bank. But one industry player says more banks are finding synergy with commercial property owners. GlobeSt.com caught up with Alan Thomes, who runs small business lending at Atlanta-based State Bank & Trust, to get thoughts on what lenders are doing to help commercial property owners fill up their properties with leasers.

Globest.com: What's the role of banks in helping property managers find leasers for their properties?

Thomes: For a small business tenant searching for leasehold and equipment financing, partnering with a bank that is familiar with the property and the benefits of the property's location may expedite the process. Similarly, a sound relationship between the property manager-owner and the bank will simplify the execution of required documents and ensure the transaction closes quickly. Both the landlord and the bank want the tenant to be successful, so working together can help to assure the landlord achieves this success.