🏡 Underwriting Is Changing—Are You Helping Your Buyers Keep Up?

As professionals working across multiple areas of real estate, we often see shifts in the market before they become common conversation. And lately, underwriting is showing signs of tightening up again.

We’ve seen firsthand how some lenders are taking a deeper dive into buyer finances. In one recent case, an underwriter required six months of reserves—a new level of scrutiny that caught even the buyer’s lender off guard. That may not be the standard across the board, but it highlights something important: things are shifting, and the loan process is becoming more meticulous.

From increased documentation requests to longer turnaround times, the lending timeline is stretching—and real estate agents working with buyers need to be ready to guide them through it.

🔍 How Agents Can Help Buyers Navigate the New Lending Landscape

1. Check in with your preferred lenders regularly
Every lender is different. By asking how their underwriting timelines or requirements have changed, you’ll be able to prepare your buyers better—and avoid surprises halfway to the closing table.

2. Prepare your clients for a longer and more detailed process
Let them know up front that the loan approval process might require more documentation and time than expected. Buyers who are mentally prepared tend to respond faster and stay more confident throughout.

3. Encourage complete and clean documentation
Work with your clients to ensure their paperwork is thorough, labeled, and accessible. That includes pay stubs, bank statements, employment verification, and any asset details. When everything is in order, underwriters can move faster.

4. Be the consistent communicator
Lenders, title reps, inspectors—everyone benefits when the agent stays looped in and proactive. Make it easy for your buyer to know who’s who and what’s next.

🚀 How SLMP Helps You Stay Ahead

At StreamLine Marketing Pro, we don’t process loans—but we do make your job as an agent easier with strategic tools and support that help you stay organized, professional, and proactive—especially when the market gets a little more complex.

We offer:

• Buyer & Seller eBooks to help explain the process (inspection info, photo prep, checklists, and more)

• CRM automation tools to keep clients informed and engaged throughout the transaction

• Custom websites and landing pages to build trust and convert leads—before and during the deal

• Pre-built marketing content that reinforces your expertise and keeps your brand top of mind

✨ Stay Focused on Your Clients—We’ll Handle the Rest

The best way to navigate industry changes is to stay ahead of them—and that’s exactly what SLMP is here to help you do. Let’s keep your systems streamlined, your marketing dialed in, and your brand ready for anything this market throws your way.

👉 Learn more at www.StreamlineMarketingPro.com or reach out today to see how we can help you support your buyers with less chaos and more confidence.