UniFi PRO will enable lenders to electronically present loan documents directly to borrowers and closing agents via a secure Web site and offer borrowers the option to electronically sign their loan documents online.

UniFi PRO, as the industry's first loan origination platform to integrate electronic alternatives to paper-based processes, will simplify electronic mortgage adoption for lenders. According to John Tenuta, division president of Fiserv Lending Solutions, UniFi PRO's electronic processes have been designed to protect privacy and ensure security, using encryption and multiple layers of authentication.

"With this integration, Fiserv delivers single-vendor access to electronic processes directly through the loan origination system," said Tenuta.

Until now, lenders have required the extensive integration of multiple providers and disparate technology to provide the same functionality. Lender adoption of electronic processes will improve application pull-through rates by engaging borrowers using a secure, branded and interactive Web site that promotes customer loyalty, according to Tenuta.

The new functionality will streamline document distribution, the capture of signed documents and notification to involved parties as documents are signed. As lenders ship disclosure and application documents to the Web site via UniFi PRO, an e-mail will automatically be sent to borrowers explaining how to log on to view the documents. After logging on and authenticating their identity, borrowers will be asked to provide consent to electronically conduct the signature process. The Web site will provide borrowers with access to documents, lender contact information and descriptions of the loan documents involved. As borrowers view, print or sign documents, the Web site will notify the lender via an interface with UniFi PRO in order to facilitate compliance monitoring for such requirements as three-day disclosure delivery.

"With electronic document management integrated into UniFi PRO, lenders will be able to write more business and compress cycle times. We are creating a collaborative, information-rich environment that will help borrowers feel confident about using electronic processes so that they will be able to quickly execute documents," said Tenuta.

Some third-party document management systems only enable electronic signatures. With UniFi PRO, lenders will retain borrowers who prefer to sign using ink on paper.

"Even if a borrower decides that signing a document electronically is not for them, there is no need for them to abandon the application because they will also have the option to print, sign and mail paper documents," said Tenuta. "UniFi PRO will take the application through to closing, no matter how the borrower chooses to sign the documents or close the loan."

The electronic signature process will be easy for borrowers to understand and use. When borrowers affix their electronic signatures, pop-up confirmation boxes will appear to obtain validation. Once confirmed, borrowers will be able to immediately view and print the document, complete with signature.

Lender-specified closing agents also will access the Web site to view and print closing packets, upload additional documents and confirm scheduled closing appointments. Before closing, agents and borrowers will be able to view documents online to ensure the documents are correct and prevent delays due to inaccuracies, missed signatures and undisclosed alterations. If lenders prefer, access to the closing documents can be restricted to closing agents.

When it is time for the actual closing, the Web site will be accessed to print documents for ink signature or view the documents for electronic signature. For the electronic option, borrowers will affix their signatures and closing agents will electronically notarize the documents. Closing agents also will enter information about how the borrowers' identifications were verified so that lenders have complete transaction records for non-repudiation purposes. Once closed, the electronically signed notes will be automatically registered with the MERS® eRegistry and stored in UniFi PRO's electronic vault for post-closing access and transfer to secondary market partners.