The Challenge Prior to adopting Baseline, Casa Finance managed all aspects of their lending operations in-house using spreadsheets. This included tracking loan originations, servicing, underwriting, and sales. However, as the company began incorporating institutional capital, they realized that their current processes would not scale efficiently to meet the growing demand. They needed a centralized platform to streamline collaboration across teams and automate processes for better operational efficiency.
The Search for a Solution Casa Finance sought a solution that could:
Centralize their operations for loan officers, brokers, processors, underwriters, and other team members. Elevate the customer experience for borrowers by offering a digital option. Enhance team collaboration by providing tracking and updates on files. Provide scalability to manage increasing origination volumes and evolving market demands.
After evaluating multiple software solutions, Casa Finance found that many of them were traditional mortgage platforms with unnecessary complexities that would hinder, rather than enhance, their process. “The other systems we evaluated felt like they were going to create more work for the team”, said Gabriel Varela, partner at Casa Finance. “We ultimately chose Baseline due to its user-friendly design, ease of use, and scalability”, he added.
Implementation Casa Finance’s onboarding experience with Baseline was seamless. The team found Baseline’s adaptability and responsiveness to their specific needs highly valuable during the transition. The ongoing support provided by the Baseline team ensured a smooth integration into their day-to-day operations, allowing Casa Finance to configure the platform according to their unique workflows.
Key Features and Benefits Baseline provided several key features that transformed Casa Finance’s operations:
Faster Loan Origination: The tracking of applications, processing, and underwriting requirements became better and easier. A centralized system that updated in real time allowed the team to collaborate effectively. Improved Borrower Experience: Borrowers could log in to the platform to view the status of their applications, upload documents, request draws, and access statements once the loan had been active. This transparency and ease of access significantly enhanced their experience. Automated Notifications: Automated reminders and notifications ensured all parties stayed informed and the process continued to move forward smoothly. This is nearly impossible to replicate in a spreadsheet-based system. Centralized Reporting: Customizable reports gave management the data and knowledge to monitor the health of the business. Increased Efficiency: By transitioning from manual spreadsheets to Baseline’s platform, Casa Finance eliminated double or triple data entry, leading to significant efficiency in both loan origination and servicing.
Impact on the Business The adoption of Baseline has had a profound impact on Casa Finance’s operations. The software has created standard processes that have become a natural part of the business. It has made it easier for Casa’s employees and borrowers to stay engaged. The time required for loan documentation has been reduced significantly, and reporting is now much more efficient.
Baseline’s scalability has enabled Casa Finance to manage their growing portfolio and respond quickly to market demands, positioning the company for continued growth.
Conclusion For Casa Finance, Baseline has been a game-changer in improving their operations, fostering team collaboration, and elevating the borrower experience. The configurability and scalability of Baseline have allowed Casa Finance to expand their offerings and manage increasing loan volumes without compromising on efficiency and experience. “We feel Baseline is the Ferrari of loan management systems and based on what we’ve seen in the past few months, I know it will continue to get even better”, said Varela. As Casa Finance continues to grow, Baseline remains a key partner in their success.
