Chapter 6 - Loan Underwriting

The underwriting discipline of the lenders is one of the single most important elements when investing in a trust deed. The reason why loan underwriting is so significant to trust deed investing is because part of the underwriting process is to determine the Loan-To-Value Ratio (LTV).

The process of underwriting is what the lender goes through in order to qualify a borrower for a loan, and also makes certain that the loan has been properly documented and structured. The LTV if often determined though the comparison of the loan amount to the appraised value regarding the collateral that secures the loan.

Throughout a loan transaction there tend to be far fewer problems when a loan has been properly underwritten. However, if problems do arise, the borrower is encouraged to set them right should they wish to protect their equity in the project. Almost any problem can be rectified; its only a matter of money.
In the event that the borrower fails to solve their problems, regardless of the reason, the loans margin of equity proves to be helpful as it enables the lender to absorb the cost to solve whatever problems have occurred.

Loan-to-Value


The loan-to-value principal is what makes carrying a high yield with a trust deed investment secure. The reason is because LTV means to loan a percentage of money that is less than the actual property value. When it comes to real estate lending, LTV is the single most important element, because an adequate LTV protects the initial investment, while a remaining cushion of equity helps to pay off any unexpected costs that may occur.

When it comes to loan-to-value ratio, the goal of an investor should always be to try and keep the LTV at the lowest possible amount. For instance, a good rule of thumb that every investor should follow is to never have an LTV higher than 70%. Remember, the lower the number, the more equity the investor will receive on the property. For the most part, when lenders need to analyze a loan situation, they generally rely on appraisals in order to determine their loan-to-value ratio.
Borrowers

Another important aspect of the underwriting process is finding out how the borrower intends to refinance the loan in regard to the loan terms that have been specified in the promissory note. Typically, a lender should want to conduct business with a borrower who has a decent record.

The following is information the lender should take the time to find out about the borrower before distributing a loan, so that the loan can be underwritten accurately

The address of physical property description. This includes the square footage of the land, the description of the building(s) or improvements, operating statements, rent rolls and income property.

The property preliminary title report

If it is a purchase, find out the purchase agreement

Confirmation of the zoning letter issued by the city/county that confirms the zoning for the property.

The corporate papers of the borrower

Phase one environmental report

If the loan happens to be funding a construction or rehabilitation project, the lender will also want to obtain the following criteria:

Breakdown of the construction cost

Agricultural and engineering plans that have been fully approved

Description and site plan of buildings/improvements on the site

What Is A Deed In Trust

That being said, a person may choose to recourse a note so that the payment goes to one individual in particular and no one else.

(Note: Keep in mind that each state may have their own process of foreclosure, so the following information may not apply to your area)1. Sometimes issues may arise that can cause a delay in the closing process, such as one party may be not be able to sign the papers at the closing time, because they are unavailable. A lien is a legally recognized claim or hold against one persons item by another which utilizes this item as security for a duty, debt or obligation.

American Land Title Association (ALTA) V This policy is generally issued to a lender who holds a deed of trust in first position.
The process of underwriting is what the lender goes through in order to qualify a borrower for a loan, and also makes certain that the loan has been properly documented and structured. Furthermore, if it is your wish to not be in direct contact with the borrower, simply set up your mortgage investment plan with a third party, such as a collection firm or your bank, and they will collect the payments and contact the borrower on your behalf. A mortgage investment is not as liquid as a stock or bond.

It is through strict and constant enforcement that reliable payment and performance is maintained.
Aside from the security of real property, with a trust deed investment, the other advantage is the investor receives higher than average rates of return. The funds for these short term loans that are provided by Coppercrest Funding, come from a variety of sources that include, but are not limited to, individual investors, hedge funds, pension plans, trusts, IRAs, and REITs. As you can see, using a third party when investing in a deed of trust acts in your best interest, and is something you should seriously consider before you decide to make a trust deed investment.