The First 90 Seconds of a File

Teach the first veteran scan: what must be true for this file to close, and what could kill it fastest.

Scenario

A purchase file arrives with a confident borrower, an aggressive close date, and a Realtor who wants an answer before anyone has sorted the actual proof.

Learner Outcome

The member can run a first-pass file scan across purpose, occupancy, property, timeline, cash, income, credit, and proof gaps.

Skool summary

Jim’s first 90 seconds: purpose, occupancy, property, timeline, cash, income, credit, and the one thing that must be true.

The first scan

Start with purpose, occupancy, property type, close date, cash to close, income type, credit posture, and the borrower’s stated pressure. Do not solve yet. First, locate the riskiest assumption.

The must-be-true question

Ask: 'What must be true for this file to close on this path?' If the answer is income trend, reserves, condo eligibility, or undisclosed debt, that item becomes the first document ask.

First update

Say: 'I have a possible path, but the first proof point is X. I do not want to create false certainty until we verify that.'

Homework

Run the scan on the synthetic file board.
Write the must-be-true sentence before choosing a product.

Artifact

First 90 seconds scan sheet

Worksheet

Purpose, occupancy, property type, and timeline.
Cash to close and reserve source.
Income type and stability clue.
Credit posture and quiet liability clue.
Must-be-true statement and first proof ask.

Download artifact

Quiz check

What should happen before solving the file?

Answer: Locate the riskiest assumption and the first proof point.

Compliance guardrail

Use synthetic or anonymized facts only. Remove names, exact property addresses, phone/email, SSN/DOB, loan numbers, account numbers, NMLS/customer IDs, unique employer or business names, screenshots, credit reports, AUS findings, tax docs, bank docs, and any combination of facts that could identify a borrower or customer. Education and workflow support only. Not underwriting approval, legal advice, tax advice, financial advice, a rate quote, or a promise of eligibility. Follow employer, investor, agency, state, and federal requirements.