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Underwrite Mortgage Files Directly in Broki

The Assessment Tab allows you to underwrite mortgage files directly inside Broki without preparing a full application.

Written by Jarrett White

It brings income, liabilities, property expenses, and mortgage structure into one streamlined workspace built specifically for accurate GDS and TDS calculations.

This tool is designed for speed, clarity, and precision, especially when working under tight timelines.


How to Access the Assessment Tab

  1. Open any Mortgage File

  2. Navigate to the top file navigation bar

  3. Click Assessment (located alongside Documents, Advisors, Notes, etc.)


Top Toolbar Overview

At the top of the Assessment tab, you’ll see a live snapshot of key underwriting metrics:

  • Loan-to-Value (LTV)

  • Gross Debt Service (GDS)

  • Total Debt Service (TDS)

  • Qualifying Payment

  • Total Income

  • Status:

    • A Deal

    • Needs Exception

    • Alternative

    • Private

You’ll also see:

  • Loan Amount

  • CMHC Premium

  • Total Mortgage Amount

  • Total Debts

This header updates automatically as you adjust inputs.


Multiple Assessments

You can create and save multiple assessments within the same file.

This allows you to:

  • Compare different scenarios

  • Test purchase price changes

  • Adjust down payments

  • Modify amortizations

  • Review historical calculations

You can toggle between saved assessments at any time.


Mortgage Request Section

This is where your underwriting calculation begins.

Required Inputs

  • Purchase Price

  • Down Payment

  • First Mortgage Amount

  • Second Mortgage Amount (if applicable)


CMHC Insurance Calculation (Auto-Calculated)

Broki automatically calculates CMHC insurance premiums based on down payment percentage:

Down Payment

CMHC Premium

15% or more

2.80%

10% – 14.99%

3.10%

5% – 9.99%

4.00%

30-Year Amortization Surcharge

An additional 0.20% premium applies for 30-year amortizations.

The system automatically:

  • Calculates the insurance premium

  • Adds it to the mortgage amount

  • Displays the Total Mortgage Amount Used for Qualification

Even if the premium is $0, the total mortgage amount used for qualification is still displayed.


Qualifying Details

After structuring the mortgage, enter your qualifying inputs.

Interest Rate

The qualifying rate is automatically calculated as:

Contract Rate + 2% (Semi-Annual Compounding)

Amortization

Select your amortization period.

The system uses:

  • Total mortgage amount (including CMHC)

  • Qualifying rate

  • Selected amortization

This produces the Qualifying Payment, which feeds directly into GDS and TDS.


Borrower Income Section

Enter only the income required for qualification.

This section is designed for quick review while referencing supporting documents inside the file.

Total income updates automatically in the top toolbar.


Liabilities Section

Add borrower liabilities including:

  • Credit cards

  • Lines of credit

  • Student loans

  • Personal loans

  • Car loans

  • Any other obligations

These values feed directly into TDS calculations.


Override Function (Unsecured Debt Flexibility)

By default:

  • Unsecured debts (credit cards, lines of credit, student loans) are calculated at 3% of the balance

If you toggle Override:

  • They are calculated at 1% of the balance

Otherwise:

  • The system will use the monthly payment entered

This allows flexibility when qualifying under different lender guidelines.


Other Properties Section

If the borrower owns additional properties, enter:

  • Property taxes

  • Condo fees

  • Mortgage payment

  • Rental income offset

  • Rental income add-back

These values are incorporated into TDS automatically.


Subject Property Details

Enter all expenses related to the property being purchased:

  • Property taxes

  • Heating

  • Condo fees (if applicable)

  • Mortgage payment (auto-calculated from qualifying)

These figures feed directly into GDS and TDS.


GDS & TDS Calculations

Once all inputs are complete:

  • GDS and TDS calculate automatically

  • Ratios are displayed at the top of the screen

  • Click either ratio to view a full calculation breakdown

This provides full transparency into how the ratios were derived.


Why Use the Assessment Tab?

The Assessment Tab allows you to:

  • Underwrite files quickly

  • Avoid preparing full applications prematurely

  • Run multiple structuring scenarios

  • Access documents while reviewing income

  • Save time under deadlines

  • Present clear qualification scenarios to clients or partners

Ideal for:

  • Quick pre-qualification checks

  • Time-sensitive offers

  • Comparing mortgage structures

  • Stress-testing before submission


Best Practice

Use the Assessment Tab early in your file workflow to validate deal structure before preparing a full submission.

Save multiple assessments to compare lender guidelines, amortizations, and structuring options efficiently.

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