with our documentation requirements checklist
With the ongoing changes in the alternative mortgage market, we wanted to help our brokers with the documents that are required when submitting a deal. With this in mind, we developed two tools to help lay it out in a way that's clear and easy to understand - the documentation requirements tool and the documentation checklist.
Documentation requirements tool: This easy to read table lays out the documentation required for each type of alternative borrower, and explains why we need each document. We encourage you to keep this handy as a quick reference guide. You can download your copy from our website, or get a desk version from your BDM.
Documentation checklist: Use this checklist with your clients, or to keep your deal file organized. You can keep a paper or electronic copy of this list in your deal file and update it each time you receive a document from your client. You can also provide it directly to your client with all the items checked off that you will require to package your deal prior to submission. They will come to your next meeting fully prepared with all documents you will need and it will help accelerate the process. This tool is available online or from your BDM who can provide it to you in a notepad form.
These tools are a great starting point to package your deal for submission; however, we consider each and every deal based on its own merit and circumstances. These tools are designed to deal with typical situations, so unique or unusual circumstances may require additional due diligence. If you are asked for more information, provide the information requested as soon as possible as it will help speed up the application process.
Click here to download a copy of our documentation tools
Underwriting tips
We share your sense of urgency on every deal and strive to provide a turnaround within 48-hours. Here are some additional tips to streamline the process and ensure your deal is funded as quickly as possible:
Know your alternative lenders’ TDS/GDS limit
- Understand what their definition of ‘non-conforming’ is
- Understand when they will make an exception
- Lean on your BDM and underwriter for guidance on policy changes
Remember that closing a deal shouldn’t only be about the rate. Consider whether or not your lender has the following:
- Reasonable conditions
- A common sense approach
- Affordable pre-payment options
- Mortgage portability/blend and extend options
- Service and flexibility
Use your deal notes
- Provides ‘building blocks’ for your lender
- Should tell your client’s whole story
Guide your alternative lending clients
- Explain to them why they do not currently fit in the 'A' market
- Develop a game plan that will help them get back on track to qualify for lower rates
- Keep them (and your lender) aware of every step in the process
If you have any questions about our documentation requirements or these new tools, please reach out to your BDM. They are fully trained in our underwriting guidelines and will be the best resource for any questions you may have.