You’re not wrong about the patience part—it’s almost like a rite of passage at this point. Last year, I spent weeks tracking down a utility easement document from the ‘80s that no one had even asked for before. It’s frustrating, but I do get why lenders are cautious, especially after the last market shakeup. Still, it’d be nice if they recognized when a requirement just doesn’t make sense for the property in question. Sometimes I feel like half my time is spent justifying things that should be obvious.
It really does feel like you need a degree in patience just to get through the process these days. I’ve run into similar situations—once had to dig up an old environmental report from a previous owner, and no one could even tell me why it was needed for my application. I get that lenders have to cover their bases, especially with how unpredictable things have been lately, but sometimes it feels like they’re just checking boxes without considering the specifics of the deal.
That said, your persistence is definitely paying off, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. The more you go through these hoops, the easier it gets to anticipate what they’ll ask for (even if it’s a bit ridiculous sometimes). It’s frustrating, but being thorough now can save a lot of headaches down the line—especially if you ever want to refinance or sell. Hang in there... you’re not alone in thinking some of these requirements are overkill.
I hear you on the hoops—last year I had to track down a zoning letter from 1998 for a strip mall refi. No one could explain why, just “policy.” Do you ever wonder if half these docs even get looked at? I’ve started keeping a digital folder with every random doc I’ve ever pulled, just in case. Makes me wonder if it’s worth working with smaller local banks instead of the big guys... they seem a bit more flexible, or is that just my luck?
I've had the same thought about whether anyone actually reads half those documents. Last time I did a commercial refi, the underwriter asked for a utility bill from three years prior—no clue why. I’ve noticed local banks do seem more willing to work with you, but sometimes their rates aren’t as good. Have you found the smaller banks actually cut down on the paperwork, or is it just a friendlier face asking for the same stuff?
I’ve run into the same thing—sometimes it feels like the paperwork is just as heavy with the smaller banks, but at least you can get someone on the phone who’ll actually explain what they need and why. That said, I’ve had a credit union let a missing doc slide once because they knew me, which would never happen with a big lender. Have you noticed any difference in how quickly they process everything, or is it just about the personal touch?
