Underwriter top tips for successful cases

Please only upload documents requested on our updates

Please upload documents to the correct Tabs (as the underwriter will have to re-name documents if incorrectly uploaded which is very time consuming)

Do not upload Bank statements unless specifically requested, as very time consuming to go through statements and can create more questions than answers! This can have the potential to have an adverse impact on affordability, as well as raising additional questions regarding regular payments being made, for example to the same person/company

Do not upload documents repeatedly (duplicates) this can create delay and confusion

Pay particular attention to exactly what has been asked for (i.e. we request the December payslip & the November payslip is uploaded)

Take a moment to look at exactly what is being uploaded i.e. 1 address declared for the past 3 years, requested for 2021 & POR provided for a totally different address; we then have to run an additional manual credit search

Incorrect keying - names, DOBs and addresses, mean we have to run manual searches which is not only extremely time consuming (as we have to run a new search to evidence there is no hidden adverse, and update the Credit Agency Tab & Expenditure Tab)

We also always need the applicants email addresses (so we can email the Offer) which are often missed off at initial keying of the app – again, the case is delayed as we call out to you

It really helps when a broker explains entries on Bank statements. This should be detailed on portal notes. We need to understand the source of funds, especially when large deposits are paid in, especially if funds have come from abroad as we do not accept funds from certain countries. It would also be helpful if the deposit is noted as coming from savings on the Portal whereas it is coming from several sources i.e. coming from the business, we would need a note on the Portal so we can request any information from accountant on day one, which would improve turnaround times. (Currently the Portal only gives the Broker 1 option to choose)

You can add full details of all jobs on portal notes, as brokers are unable to enter more than one role on lender portal i.e.: if they have 2 Self-employed roles, the Portal will only allow you to input 1 (a simple note on the portal should be added, so we are aware  from Day 1). This will save time for us/Broker & Customer

Please add portal notes about complex transactions. Information may have been discussed with the RAM, but it’s best to add your points to the portal so the underwriter is aware of the conversation & what has been agreed.  This could save a lot of time, reducing number of conversations with the Broker, improving application speed and ensuring the underwriter has the full detail early on

Please add a portal note detailing any intricate or complex points i.e. deposit – sale of property - which property? Is it a TOE – if so, how much is being paid to remove the other person from the Title? If moving miles away then why, no childcare entered then why. if they already know reason for adverse then why? LIR what is the actual job role and hours worked etc. Underwriters don’t want too much, but just to understand what is happening

Do not email documents directly to FHL – unfortunately we cannot accept documents by email as a way of certifying a document. They have to be uploaded to the Portal.

Upload documents together or separately? It would be helpful if brokers upload on the following basis: All of Mr income docs on 1 upload rather than uploading 2 years Tax Calculations & 2 years Tax Overview sheets separately (i.e.: 4 uploads instead of 1) & the same for bank statements i.e.: 3 months Bank statements…. please all together instead of multiple uploads

If looking to use Net Profit and Dividend income, ensure the Dividends have been already been taken out of the Net Profit, otherwise this income could be double counted & will fail affordability once removed

We do not accept electronic signatures, and to ensure that the Accountant has the appropriate qualifications

If using the latest self-employed figures only, please provide a note on the portal, at the point of FMA, to explain and detail the reason for the increase.

Hopefully, this shows some of the areas to look out for where cases can fail after the initial DIP.

Your Regional Area Manager is always on hand to discuss any complex cases.  

Contact your BDM

FOR INTERMEDIARIES ONLY