With the continual struggle of businesses, it would only make sense that the commercial real estate industry has also been hit by the mortgage crisis. The low interest rates that have been placed on mortgages as well as the revamped mortgage loan contracts will certainly entice the homebuyers, at least a wee bit. But what about the commercial mortgages that are in trouble?

Even though the holiday shopping season is at its peak, there are malls and many other retail stores entering into foreclosure across the country. This crisis will ensure that more people will become unemployed and local economies, here in Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus and Pasco counties, will begin to feel the effects even more. Commercial mortgages are not like home mortgages, as commercial mortgage loans are usually written out for 5-10 years with big monthly payments towards the end of the loans.

What are we to do? Start handing bailout plans to barbershops, convenience stores, retail stores and restaurants next? Linens N' Things are already shutting down in Hernando county, with many others to follow. Once these stores shut down, investors are apprehensive to make large purchases due to the high risks, so in the end local communities end up with as many empty stores as they have houses. The only sure fire fix is for the investors to trust the market again and for that to happen the economy will have to stabilize.