A Small Business Must Know their SBSS Score When Looking For A Loan According To A Commercial Loan Expert In a recent interview, Todd Tretsky of CRE Finance explains the importance of why a small business should know their SBSS Score.
Todd Tretsky
The FICO consumer credit score was first introduced in 1989 and is used today by 90% of all consumer lenders when determining loans and interest rates. And although the leading business credit score –FICO’s Small Business Scoring Service or SBSS Score – isn’t new, thanks to an SBA rule change, 2014 is posed to be the year of the small business credit score. “This change has powerful implications for lenders and borrowers alike” says Todd Tretsky of CRE-Finance.
"Smart borrowers are the path to pre-qualify applicants using
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the FICO SBSS score before ever doing the heavy lifting needed to secure the score or secure loans. The role of business credit scores are here to stay" according to Tretsky.
Commencing January 1st of this year all 7(a) loans up to and including $350,000 must begin with a pre-screening for an acceptable credit score as clarified in the SBA’s SOP 50 10 5 (F). According to Todd Tretsky’ s analysis of SBA data from the previous fiscal year confirmed that this new rule affects a wide swath of loans – 33,000 SBA loans approved under $350,000 totaling $3.5 billion. "The SBSS score is based on a combination of consumer, business and borrower data. The SBSS score, like its consumer cousin, predicts the risk of a loan in a three-digit score" says Todd Tretsky. Key points for the SBSS Score
The minimum score is currently 140, but may be adjusted from time to time by SBA.
The minimum score is set by SBA based upon the lower end of the risk profile of the SBA
About CRE-Finance LLC As a commercial real estate correspondent lender, Commercial Real Estate Finance LLC strives to build deep and lasting relationships with our clients, allowing us to focus not only on individual transactions but on furthering the client's overall portfolio goals. Commercial Real Estate Finance LLC can deliver highly favorable rates and structures, and successfully close even your most challenging commercial real estate transactions.
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If the score is below the minimum the loan may only be submitted as a standard 7(a) application to the LGPC or as an SBA Express Loan via E-Tran for a 50% guaranty if the lender is an Express Lender.
“The exact reasons SBA established this new policy isn’t included in the SOP. But in the spirit of New Year’s prognostications, there are a few thoughts as to why the SBA has acted according to CRE-Finance.
Scores reduce bias by relying on empirically derived algorithms. Regulators have a long history of seeking solutions that quiet an underwriter’s bias.
Scores can reduce the cost of underwriting. The SBA has faced an uphill climb in getting lenders to fund small loan requests, which has been exasperated by the permanent change to $5 million 7(a) loans. With scores, lenders can reduce the cost without sacrificing diligence.
The SBSS score works. Let’s face it; the SBA is in the business of reducing the approval of bad loans. By using a score that is proven to work, they are helping avoid unnecessary losses.
"Smart borrowers are the path to pre-qualify applicants using the FICO SBSS score before ever doing the heavy lifting needed to secure the score or secure loans. The role of business credit scores are here to stay" according to Tretsky. For more information regarding small business loans please call CRE-Finance LLC for All your Real Estate needs at 855-515-5585 and ask for Todd Tretsky or visit the website at www.cre-finance.com.
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