Chris Helstrom

Chris Helstrom is Vice President, Commercial Real Estate for TIAA Bank in Austin, TX. In this role, he works with borrowers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. His focus is on permanent financing across all major property types, including retail, self-storage, flex, industrial, multi-family, student housing and office. Over the past 10 years he has closed loans with over 75 different commercial mortgage bankers.

In 2022, Helstrom capitalized on strong commercial office lending opportunities with four funded suburban office deals. This included cash-out and interest-only due to their low leverage and strong tenant mix. He also deftly navigated a large reverse 1031 exchange for an apartment complex in Dallas, while also funding several strip retail and self-storage loans.

Recognizing a need for streamlined processes in the small-balance space, Helstrom has also teamed with bank credit and closing departments and engaged mortgage bankers to help implement a streamlined small-balance lending platform that is more friendly to borrowers and brokers.

These are some of the reasons we selected Chris Helstrom for inclusion in the 2023 Connect CRE Top Mortgage Brokers and Lenders Awards. These awards recognize industry professionals who have demonstrated the highest commercial real estate finance standards.