7 Steps to Loan Participation

At Agri-Access, making the loan participation process easier has been a top priority from the beginning. Now, thanks to our revamped online lender portal, the speed and efficiency at which loans can move from application to closed has increased considerably. In fact, the entire process takes just seven simple steps to complete!

This blog is a companion to our video module, ‘How to Participate a Loan’. In these guides, every phase of loan participation with Agri-Access is laid out for easy reference. Now, let’s get into it!

Step 1: Prepare and Complete the Application Package

While we do everything we can to keep our application process simple, there are some complexities in lending that are unavoidable. So we’ve created a set of tools to help our partners navigate every step of our application with ease.

There are sample applications available on the Lender Portal for reference, which include a supporting document checklist for our partners to review prior to beginning a new application. Whether a Scorecard or Traditional loan application, following the checklist helps ensure all required materials have been collected and are ready to go.

Step 2: Submit the Appraisal

All appraisals submitted to Agri-Access must have been completed within the past 12 months. They should be conducted under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), unless the loan meets the parameters and requirements of our Desktop Valuation Program. In such cases, Approved Qualified Evaluators may be used for the appraisal instead.

You can find guidance on Agri-Access appraisal standards in the Lender Portal. We recommend using an Agri-Access Certified Appraiser for states where our appraisers are present.

Step 3: Submit Title Work

Agri-Access requires marked-up titles for all loans. Title Insurance is preferred by Agri-Access; however, Title Opinions may be accepted in lieu of Title Insurance for properties in some states.

Step 4: Lock your rate

The Rate Lock form in the Lender Portal can be completed any time after the Agri-Access team has approved the loan. However, there is one time sensitivity to be aware of:

A rate lock form must be submitted before 2 pm CST for that day’s rate to be secured.

Once the rate has been locked, it’s typically good for 45 days. An extension can be requested for an additional fee, if the need arises.

Step 5: Prepare loan documents and review closing requirements

Documents can either be prepared internally by you, or by outside counsel. Some document vendors we accept include PP Docs and LaserPro. Carefully review the provided Closing Checklist to ensure all necessary documentation and steps have been completed.

For most loans, closing documents need to be submitted a minimum of two days prior to closing. For particularly complex or large loans, additional time may be required.

Step 6: Funding the loan

Once all closing conditions have been satisfied, the rate has been locked, and all executed documents have been provided to the Agri-Access closer, you can complete and submit the Funding Request Form via the Lender Portal. This form should also be submitted by 2 pm CST.

Step 7: Post-close tasks

Once the loan has been funded, we ask you to review the Post-Close Request form and submit outstanding post-close documents within 90 days. Most documents should be uploaded individually and then routed electronically via the new ‘drag and drop’ feature in Document Exchange, located in the Lender Portal. A Post Close Report, also found in the Lender Portal, can be accessed and reviewed weekly, while fulfilling these tasks. If any documents remain outstanding, Agri-Access may get in touch to resolve the issue.

Support you can rely on every step of the way

If you ever find yourself unsure how to proceed during our loan participation process, we’re happy to help! Feel free to reach out to your Relationship Manager anytime. They’ll answer your questions, or quickly put you in touch with an expert on your account team.