The 5 C's of Credit

Are you ready for the home loan process? Knowing the 5 Cs of credit will help you understand just what your lender is looking for. We'll let you take an inside peek at the training tips we give to the loan officers who come to Complete Mortgage Processing for help:

Credit Character - In analyzing a borrower's credit history, you first need to have a goal in mind. The goal should be to confirm that the borrower's history meets or exceeds the credit guidelines for the product/program you wish to have the loan underwritten to. In making the confirmation, you should consider these factors separately as not meeting any one of them could drop the borrower into a lower credit grade. Compare the credit report to the lender's underwriting matrix or underwriting guidelines to evaluate the following:

Home Line Of Credit

The FICO score - Is it within an acceptable range for the loan program? How does the lender determine the score -the lower of two or the middle of three?

The 5 C's of Credit

The mortgage payment history - Is the number of late payments at or below the lender's standard?

The number and characteristic of each open trade lines:

The quantity - Are there enough traditional credit trade lines? If not, is alternative credit allowed. If so, what are the documentation requirements for alternative credit sources?The installment/revolving account payment history - Is the number of late payments at or below that stated standard?The installment/revolving account age or seasoning - Does the account meet the aging requirement -12 months, 24 months, etc.
The installment/revolving account credit limit - Does the account meet the required standard for credit line limit?

Here is an example of a lender's trade line requirements:Minimum of 3 trade lines, 1 year established, with 1 credit line of ,000 or more

Public records - Are there any? Were they disclosed? What is the status? How will they affect the underwriting decision?

Social security number(s) - Are they consistent with the information disclosed on the 1003?

Derogatory credit - Other derogatory credit. Can we document the status? Has it been satisfied or will it be satisfied on or before closing?Inquiries -How many have there been in the past 6 months?

Duplicate entries - Can you confirm that it is in fact a duplicate? Can you get it removed prior to underwriting submission?

Capacity - Regardless of how good a borrower's credit is, they must demonstrate the financial capacity to handle the debt. Reviewing the borrower's past income and employment history is the best indicator of the ability to handle future debt. The following items should be considered when analyzing your borrower's capacity:

Stability -Has the borrower's employment remained stable for two or more years? Has it been in the same or a related field? Does the income fluctuate or is it consistent?

Income Type -What is the nature of the borrower's income? Is it wages, commission, or other? What is the frequency? Is it on a regular recurring schedule or is it seasonal? Is it bonus income tied to performance and therefore not guaranteed? If it is from a source other than traditional employment, how long will it continue?

Income amount - Is it adequate to cover the proposed new debt? Does the income show a pattern of decreasing or declining?

Capital -The capital that the borrower has on hand for down payment, closing costs, and/or reserves will impact your product choice. It will also impact underwriting. In the last module, we made note of the type of funds that are considered to be "liquid assets". In reviewing capital, consider them as the underwriter would:

Ownership - Does the borrower have full or limited access to the disclosed capital/assets? If not, what portion is available for the loan transaction?

Access/Liquidity - Are the funds liquid now or will they be soon? Is the borrower fully or partially vested? Are there penalties for withdrawal? Will the disbursement process be complete prior to the approval/rate lock expiration?

Amount - Is it enough to meet the requirements for down payment, closing costs, or cash reserves? Being able to answer the questions "Whose is it?" "How much is it?" and "When can they get it?" will help you evaluate your borrower's capital.

Conditions - An underwriter looks at the many documents in the loan file to determine if there are any disclosed or undisclosed factors that might adversely affect the borrower or subject property. A few considerations include:

Employment at a place that has had a public announcement of shutting down.A recently awarded divorce settlement where the borrower has to payout significant proceeds or will have a high alimony/support payment.A lawsuitAn adverse change in the industry that the borrower is employed inAn adverse change in the area where the subject property is located
Collateral - A loan is secured using the subject property as collateral. Since the property is the lender's protection against default, it must be structurally sound and functional. When evaluating the collateral, an underwriter considers:

Features -Are the features and style of the home consistent with what is available in the area?

Functionality -Is the home functional or has it been rendered obsolete by outdated features and capability.

Condition - Is the home structurally sound and visually appealing? Is the home inhabitable or is it a dangerous contraption. Is the home complete as is or will renovations be required?

Property type/Use - Is it residential or commercial? Is it owner occupied or is it a rental unit. Is it vacant or occupied?

After carefully and cautiously looking at all of these items and how they stack up to established guidelines. The underwriter should he able to confidently make a credit decision.

The 5 C's of Credit