Today’s real estate market is extremely competitive, and investors are motivated to move fast just as their capital needs to keep pace. When applying for a loan, borrowers tend to focus on matters such as rates, leverage, and loan terms. However, the subsequent application process is just as important as the terms themselves.
A lender’s internal process ultimately determines the speed and efficiency in which it takes a deal to reach the closing table. At Rehab Financial Group (RFG), the post-application phase is structured with intention to reduce friction, minimize delays, and improve certainty of execution.
Part of RFG’s purpose is to inform our investors, so they have a complete understanding of what happens behind the scenes. This has proven to aid in a positive experience as informed investors are better equipped to prepare documentation, respond quickly to requests, and stay ahead of deadlines.
Our fix-and-flip loan application method is designed to be a short, yet thorough evaluation, so borrowers can proceed with their projects as soon as possible.
Initial Review: Confirming Eligibility and Alignment
Once an application is submitted, the first step is a strategic review of the deal core components. This analysis includes evaluating the property type, loan-to-value (LTV), projected after-repair value (ARV), the borrower’s experience, and overall project feasibility.
This stage is about alignment between RFG and the borrower. We confirm that the deal fits within its lending guidelines, and both the borrower and us have our expectations clearly defined. When the opportunity meets our criteria, the borrower receives a Term Sheet, which outlines structure, pricing, and key requirements.
Our goal is to remain as transparent as possible to allow investors to move forward confidently, knowing their project has passed an initial eligibility review. While it may be tedious to gather additional information from the borrower, it’s imperative we have as much information as we need to ensure all aspects of the loan are cleared to close.
Processing: Review and Services
Once the Term Sheet is completed, the file transitions into the processing stage. At this point, our focus shifts from qualification to verification. Our processors conduct a detailed review of the borrower’s documentation, scope of work, budget, and application. Any missing items or inconsistencies are identified and resolved proactively.
Upon completion of that review, third-party services are ordered. Those services consist of an appraisal, feasibility study, and title work. These third-party services protect both the borrower and the lender. The appraisal validates the property’s current and projected value, the feasibility study confirms the renovation plan and budget are realistic, and title work ensures clean ownership and clear transfer at closing. Together, they reduce risk and provide the confidence needed to fund the project responsibly.
Processing: Building a Complete Loan File
While awaiting the completion of the ordered services, we prioritize assembling a comprehensive and well-organized loan package first. This preparation significantly reduces downstream delays and unnecessary condition cycles.
For investors working within tight contract timelines, that preparation matters.
One-Touch Underwriting: Reducing Phone Tag
One of the most common sources of delay in real estate lending is repeated underwriting conditions, files unnecessarily going back and forth due to missing documentation or incomplete information.
We refer to this practice as “one-touch underwriting”. Avoiding repetitive inquiries allows our team to center on submitting a fully vetted and complete file to underwriting the first time. We streamline the approval process and minimize surprises by gathering all required documents and services upfront.
What does this ‘complete package’ look like? The borrower’s completed file has all the necessary documents, services and complete application from there the file will be Approved, Denied and on rare occasion, sent back to Client partners for clarification.
Losing a deal can mean losing months of opportunity in this competitive market. We are focused on giving the borrower with fast service to ensure they are not losing out on any valuable time. Providing predictability becomes a significant advantage in the private lending industry.
Why Process Drives Performance
In real estate investing, timing is everything. A structured, proactive loan process from initial eligibility review through one-touch underwriting. This helps ensure that capital is delivered when opportunity demands it.
Competitive rates and strong leverage structures will always matter, regardless of the current market. However, the internal mechanics of a lender process often determine whether a deal closes smoothly or becomes unnecessarily complicated.
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