Minnesota Real Estate Investors Association, Inc.

How to Choose the Right Third-Party Mortgage Originator

Understanding Third-Party Mortgage Originations and the Role of Third-Party Originators (TPOs)

In the mortgage industry, third-party originators (TPOs) play a significant role in connecting buyers with lenders and facilitating the loan process. A TPO typically works on behalf of a mortgage lender to assist in various stages of home loan origination, including underwriting, gathering necessary buyer information, and even funding the loan.

What Are Third-Party Originations (TPOs)?

Third-party originations refer to mortgage loans that are originated, processed, underwritten, packaged, funded, and/or closed by an entity outside of the loan seller (or its parent or affiliate) that ultimately sells the loan to a buyer like Fannie Mae. This group includes mortgage brokers and correspondents, collectively known as TPOs. The TPO channel is often referred to as the “wholesale channel,” where the third party performs all or part of the loan process on behalf of the seller.

The Seller’s Responsibility in TPOs

While TPOs handle many loan origination tasks, the seller is ultimately responsible for the quality and integrity of the loan when it is sold to buyers like Fannie Mae. Sellers must establish effective policies for approving and managing third-party originations to ensure TPOs deliver quality loans. They are also responsible for conducting due diligence to confirm that TPOs meet the standards required by Fannie Mae.

Third-Party Originations vs. Fulfillment Services

Not all outsourced mortgage functions qualify as third-party originations. If a seller only hires a third-party company for underwriting, processing, or closing fulfillment services without involving them in the origination, the loan is not considered a third-party origination.

Key Takeaways:

• Role of TPOs: TPOs assist with the loan process, including underwriting and funding, while working on behalf of a lender.
• Wholesale Channel: The TPO model is a wholesale channel in which a third party handles the originations for the seller.
• Seller Accountability: The lender or seller remains responsible for the loan quality and must manage TPO partnerships with oversight.

Third-party originations are a core component of the mortgage industry, enabling flexibility and scalability for lenders while ensuring buyers have a smooth experience when securing a home loan. By understanding the intricacies of TPOs and the wholesale channel, both buyers and lenders can make informed decisions throughout the mortgage process.