Days of Handshake Are Gone

Oh, how the times have changed – Let’s face it. The days of the “handshake equals dairy loan” are long gone! Actually, it’s been that way for 25 years. I find it remarkable that some people think that “Old Bob” down at the bank still exists. They simply told Bob what they needed, shook hands and signed one sheet of paper before achieving access to unlimited loan amounts. At least that is how they remember the process. Was it truly that simple? I don’t know because I wasn’t there. What has changed? Here is a list of items that come to mind for me:

1)      The savings and loan debacle of the 1980’s changed forever how banks were required to document and monitor loans.

2)      The resulting sale of many assets, for just pennies on the dollar greatly increased the level of outside auditor scrutiny.

3)      In turn, this boosted the amount of “internal auditing” that banks do to prepare for these outside auditors.

4)      So, when your loan officer calls and asks for an item, don’t think they are being a problem. He is simply attempting to keep you out of the “problem loan” category.

5)      We are being introduced to what seems like excessive documentation. Have you seen a set of loan documents lately? Most of them could be used to anchor a small boat. What can you do in response?

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