[Gustan Cho]

Here is a concise technical summary for Kai, Sapna, and Yogesh.

• I have experienced failures with two new HP laptops and am working to determine whether the cause is power-related, a defective HP batch, hardware failure, or malware.
• I purchased the first HP laptop new from Best Buy in Kenosha, WI in or around June 2022 and did not opened it to start using it until late 2025.
• .The reason I did not opened the HP laptop was because I had a laptop I was using and saved the newly purchased laptop until I needed to replace my existing one.
• When I did open it in mid-to-late 2025, it worked fine for several months.
• However, after several months, things went wrong with it.
• This is when I searched a reputable computer repair shop besides Best Buy Geek Squad and found Kai Knight of UBreakIFix.
• Kai Knight at UBreakiFix in Kenosha attempted several repairs, but the laptop could not be restored.
• I had an older laptop I could use until I purchased a new one.
• I found a new laptop on sale on Amazon and purchased it to get it delivered to my home.
• Upon delivery, I took it to UBreakIFix and Kai and the techs transferred my data and Apps from the broken HP laptop to the new HP laptop.
• They programmed and transferred all my needed data, programs, Apps, emails, and passwords to my new laptop.
• After a few months of using the new HP laptop, things were not going as expected, therefore, I dropped the HP laptop at UBreakiFix again.
• Very ironic that in a 12 month timeframe, I had two brand new HP laptop computers were not working properly and without delay, was taken to UBreakiFix for a complete maintenance, and complete inspection and repair of any or potential system failures.
• Extremely suspect that both newer laptops could not be repaired, and/or refurbished and was advised and recommended by Intake Manager Kai Knight, senior technician Zach and the Chief Technical Team Manager Robert as junk.
• Still seem puzzled on what went wrong and cannot buy the fact it was a mere coincidence.
• Asked a few business associates and tech savvy folks, and most of them suspected and identified the device may be compromised or that my setup is contributed to repeated failures.

After I purchased a second HP laptop, which also required service at UBreakiFix. Kai identified a motherboard issue. Recently, I learned about fake CAPTCHA messages and malware, which raises concerns that my devices may be compromised or that my setup is contributing to repeated failures.

Below are the potential causes I am considering. I would appreciate your assessment of which is most likely. charger or a wrong power adapter

• A power surge, outlet, or electrical issue
• A defective HP model or a bad batch of motherboards
• Damage to BIOS, firmware, or Windows
• There may be an issue with data transferred via my Microsoft account, browser sync, external drives, USB devices, or backup restoration. I am concerned about losing a third laptop and would appreciate your recommendations on the safest steps before setting up another device.
• Assessment, fake CAPTCHA malware can infect a Windows laptop, particularly if a user is deceived into executing commands via Win + R and running them in PowerShell or Windows Terminal.
• Security researchers have documented fake CAPTCHA “ClickFix” attacks that install infostealers and enable remote access to affected devices.
• According to Trend Micro, such attacks may be delivered through phishing, redirects, malvertising, or fraudulent search results, and frequently prompt users to copy and execute malicious commands.

However, malware typically does not cause physical damage to a motherboard in standard HP laptops. Motherboard failure is more commonly attributed to faulty hardware, power surges, incorrect or defective chargers, overheating, liquid exposure, static or electrical faults, charging circuit issues, or manufacturing defects. While malware can compromise Windows, facilitate data theft, and render a computer inoperable, a completely nonfunctional motherboard is almost always the result of hardware or power-related problems.

Kai maybe can discuss some potential solutions with Robert and Zack. The advice I am getting from other technical experts is begin by verifying several key aspects of the new laptop.,

• Test the charger and electrical outlet.
• Confirm the correct HP charger is used.
• Do not reuse the same charger, power strip, or outlet until the issue is identified.
• Do not restore old backups at this stage, as they may reintroduce previous issues through browser profiles, downloads, USB devices, or outdated software.
• Change important passwords on a secure, uncompromised device.
• Prioritize email, Microsoft, banking, administrative website logins, Google, hosting accounts, and password manager accounts.
• If both laptops failed in the same way, this suggests a faulty charger, outlet issue, power surge, or repeated setup and software steps.
• If they failed differently, it may indicate defects in HP.

Additionally, ask if the SSD can be removed and scanned for security. If the drive is functional, proceed with the scan.

The most important question for Kai is, “Did both laptops truly have motherboard failure, or could one or both have had Windows, BIOS, or SSD damage that appeared to be hardware failure?” Answering this will help determine whether the issue is hardware-related or due to setup or malware.

[Gustan Cho]

Did you hear the saying people who lie, deceive, steal, or hurt will get discovered and caught? It’s NOT if you are going to get caught BUT when. There is a God. A good God. Theres also Satan. A BAD SATAN that want to hurt people and all living things.

In this exclusive interview, Jimmy speaks with Senator Ron Johnson about his investigation into COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring, focusing on allegations that federal health agencies overlooked or minimized safety signals reported through vaccine adverse event reporting systems. Johnson argues that FDA and CDC officials failed to adequately investigate reports of adverse events and criticizes what he describes as a lack of transparency regarding vaccine risks, while Jimmy contends that mainstream media and pharmaceutical industry influence discouraged scrutiny of official COVID policies.

The segment also features testimony and claims from several physicians and researchers who expressed concerns about mRNA vaccine safety, adverse events, and potential links to various health conditions, while arguing that additional research is needed. Throughout the interview, Johnson characterizes the issue as a major government accountability scandal and called for greater transparency, investigation, and public debate regarding pandemic-era health

https://youtu.be/ydkMwOp2Fhk?si=A1EPi4kn74dXFySJ

• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 2 days ago by  Gustan Cho.

[Gustan Cho]

The department of Veterans Affairs has the most lenient agency guidelines on VA loans. The VA has a reputation of going above and beyond to help its active duty, disabled, or retired members of the United States Military qualify and get approved for a VA loan. There are no minimum credit score requirements on VA loans. There are no maximum debt-to-income ratio on VA loans as long as the borrower has sufficient residual income. The waiting period after bankruptcy, foreclosure, or other housing events is two years after the recorded date while other government-backed loans and conforming loans have waiting period after bankruptcy and significant housing event is three years to seven years. You do not have to pay outstanding collections or charge off accounts to be eligible and get approved for VA loans. VA loans do not have a cap on the maximum loan amount. The bottom line is the VA has the best mortgage loan program with the best rates and terms and lenient loan guidelines. However, from many years of experience, it is almost impossible for a borrower to get an approve/eligible on VA loans if the borrower has any 30 day late payments in the past 12 months. The team at Gustan Cho Associates has a national reputation for being able to close VA and FHA loans with credit scores down to 500 FICO. Many of our borrower do have derogatory credit tradelines, outstanding collection and charge-off accounts, late payments, repossessions, and other types of derogatory credit tradelines and in most instances, we breeze through the loan process and close VA loans in 30 days. However, one thing in common that all of lower credit score borrowers have is timely payments in the 12 months. Please take a look at the attached guide on VA loans with late payments by clicking the link. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or call or text us. Thank you again for giving us the faith and trust with your mortgage inquiry.

Recent Late Payment VA Guidelines

gustancho.com

Recent Late Payment VA Guidelines

Recent Late Payment VA Guidelines says late payments in the past 12 months isn't always a deal killer in getting approved per AUS FINDINGS

[Gustan Cho]

Let me ask a few MLOs or wholesale reps who are more knowledgeable. Didn’t do a refinance in three years.

[Gustan Cho]

Hi Gustan,

If you’re working with clients who feel stuck between staying put and making their next move, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell (BBYS) paired with UWM’s 1-0 lender-paid buydown can be a powerful solution.

BBYS helps qualified homeowners purchase their next home before selling their current one, while UWM’s buydown can help ease payment concerns during the first year.

If you’d like to see how this works in action, we’re hosting HomeLight Office Hours with UWM this Thursday at 10:30am PST. It’s a live, small-group Q&A where we’ll walk through the BBYS program and answer questions in real time: Register here.

Feel free to call, text, or email me anytime, or click here to schedule a time to connect.

Thank you,

Kara Kleingarn

Lender Sales Manager

Direct (623) 526-0205

☎️ Schedule A Call With Me

[Gustan Cho]

Final set of photos of my little rascals

[Gustan Cho]

MORE PHOTOS OF MY BABIES They love going for rides.

[Gustan Cho]

Great day today. Took Chase, Skylar, Big Girl Sage, and Gunner to UBREAKIFIX Computer Shop to visit Kai Knight to have Samsung Tablet adjusted and my Dell Computer programmed. Sage enjoyed the trip.

[Gustan Cho]

Thanks, Danny for your input. Folks, just want to let all of you know that the mortgage process section of MLO TRAINING e-Learning Bootcamp consists of many different parts. After the module has been finished, I will try to somehow restructure it in an organized step-by-step fashion. This section consists of the general overview mortgage process. There are many sub-sections that need to get covered, which we will. Examples include, what loan program to advise borrowers, government-backed loans, conventional loans, non-QM loans, LLPAs (loan-level pricing adjustments), manual underwriting vs automated underwriting systems, third-party contract processing vs in-house processing, types of wholesale account executives, what happens if you disagree with the mortgage underwriter, and common issues during the mortgage process.

The next part of this discussion on the mortgage process relies on your knowledge of the key gatekeeping role played by the mortgage processor.

Summary of What You Described to Make Sure We are on the Same Page

• The borrower has a signed purchase contract and supporting paperwork.
• The file is assigned to a processor.
• The processor has a mission to optimize the file and submit it to the underwriter in the best possible position.
• To organize the file, the processor must ensure it has no missing pages and all required signatures, dates, and attachments.
• Any possible employment red flags, bankruptcies, other foreclosures, late payments, collection accounts, credit inquiries or disputes, and other possible employment red flags have to be explained in the file.
• The file must be submitted to the underwriter, with the best possible outcome being that the borrower has met all conditions and there are no outstanding conditions.
• Poor processing results in numerous conditions and an extended time to receive the Clear to Close, which can be very frustrating for closing.

The strongest competitive advantage in the mortgage industry is a processor who can quickly and flawlessly submit a file to the underwriter. A processor who does not excel at processing creates unnecessary friction in getting the deal done and damages relationships with real estate agents, the borrower, and even the underwriter.

Questions for You to Help Structure this Discussion:

What else do you want to discuss in detail in this area?

1. File Submission: What does a perfect submission file look like?
2. Writing a Letter of Explanation: What is the process for submitting a Letter of Explanation that is written for an underwriter and is likely to be accepted for highly unusual situations?
3. Red Flag Ranking – Learn which issues are of major concern to underwriters and how to deal with them in advance.
4. Processor–Underwriter Dynamics – Learn how to gain the level of trust with underwriters that allows them to work with your files.
5. Timeline Expectations – Understand the processing and underwriting timeframes.
6. Technology/Tools – Learn to work efficiently with modern LOS systems (Encompass, Calyx, Blend, etc.) and how systems can be leveraged by processors.
7. Next Phase – Learn what happens after the processor submits to underwriting (conditional approval review, etc. conditional approval, etc.).

I ALSO like to present a scenario, a pain point, or an example file, we can also work through this.

Let’s make this a great reference to level up processing.

This section examines real-life examples that illustrate the difference between active and careless processing methods. It also includes a detailed FAQ for processors, loan officers, and borrowers.

Case Scenarios: Processor Performance in Practice

Scenario 1: Employment Gap (Most Common)

• Eighteen months ago, the borrower faced a four-month employment gap after a layoff and company restructuring.

Mediocre Processor:

• Sends only basic pay stubs and W-2s, making the underwriter find the employment gap.
• The underwriter then requests a Letter of Explanation (LOE) and proof of unemployment benefits or a job search, delaying the file for 3 to 5 days.

Great Processor:

• Actively asks the borrower for a detailed LOE that explains the employment gap, layoff, job search, training, and recent promotion, demonstrating job security.
• Supporting documents, such as the severance letter, unemployment stubs, and new job offer, are submitted and clearly labeled in the Loan Origination System, such as LOE Employment Gap Result.
• The file usually moves through with few or no conditions because underwriters see that all concerns have already been addressed.
• Bank Deposit (Asset Sourcing Issue)

A $15,000 family gift is deposited into the borrower’s account for the down payment, flagged as a large deposit.

Mediocre Processor:

• Sends only the bank statement without showing where the money came from.
• The underwriter then asks for a gift letter and the donor’s bank statement, delaying Clear to Close by one to two weeks.

Great Processor:

• Gets a gift letter explaining the donor’s relationship and amount, confirming no repayment is needed.
• Collects the donor’s bank statement showing the withdrawal, the borrower’s deposit slip, and a short explanation letter.
• All documents are neatly organized in a subfolder named “Assets_Gift Funds_[Date].”
• Meeting these requirements regularly builds trust with the underwriter.

Result:

• The file earns a clean approval or faces only minor requirements.

Scenario 3: Previous Bankruptcy and Credit Derogatory.

Three years ago, the borrower filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Some old derogatory accounts remain, along with recent credit inquiries from rate shopping. ping rates.

Mediocre:

• Sends only the basic credit report and application.
• The underwriter comes back with eight to ten requests, asking for bankruptcy details, fixes for bad accounts, and explanations for credit checks.
• The file is put on hold.

Great:

• Gets bankruptcy discharge papers and an LOE explaining the reason for bankruptcy, like medical problems, and describes steps taken to recover, supported by proof of on-time payments and no new bad marks.
• Provides proof of payment or settlement for bad accounts, or an LOE if payment is disputed or the account is small.
• Submits an LOE for all recent credit checks related to rate shopping in the last 30 to 45 days.
• Every document is clearly organized, leading to conditional approval with only one to three requests.

The borrower recently switched to a higher-paying commission-based job, though income has dipped slightly compared to last year.Mediocre:

• Sends only the latest pay stubs.
• The underwriter is concerned about income stability and requests additional documents, such as tax returns and year-to-date profit-and-loss statements, further delaying the process.

Great:

• Shows stable income by averaging the last two years or using the lower amount.
• Provides an LOE for the job change and a letter from the employer confirming income stability and future outlook.
• The underwriter sees that all two-year income documents are included.

Result:

• The file is stronger, with fewer income-related conditions.

Scenario 5: Missing Pages / Incomplete Docs

The file contains partial bank statements, a missing W-2 page, and an unsigned contract addendum.

Mediocre:

• Sends the file without fixing missing or incomplete documents.
• The underwriter quickly puts the file on hold because it is incomplete.

Great:

• Reviews every document for completeness, clarity, and signatures before sending.
• Uses a checklist and often does a pre-underwrite check, asking again for any missing items.
• Result: The file breezes through the initial review.

Key Takeaway Across Scenarios:

• Top processors stay ahead by predicting underwriter questions and following the Automated Underwriting System and guidelines.
• Their files tell a clear, complete story from the beginning.

Common FAQs on Mortgage Processing

How long does processing usually take?

• Processing takes 5-15 business days for simple files and 2-4 weeks for complex ones, like those with self-employment or credit problems.
• Highly effective processors shorten this time by gathering needed documents early.
• Speed this up by asking for documents up front.

Who Writes the Letter of Explanation (LOE)?

• The borrower must write, sign, and submit the LOE because it is a sworn statement.
• The processor helps by providing guidance or templates and ensures the LOE is clear, brief, factual, and highlights positive changes or improvements.

What Makes a Strong LOE?

• A strong LOE is short (half to one page), dated, signed, mentions the loan and specific issue, explains the main reason, and ends with the current positive situation and promises it won’t happen again.
• Supporting proof should be attached. The borrower should take responsibility without making excuses.

Can Processors Submit Files with Known Problems?

• Yes, but highly effective processors write down all known problems and include full explanations when submitting. Incomplete submissions cause delays or returns and hurt trust with underwriting teams.

What Conditions Do You See the Most from an Underwriter?

• Paystubs/bank statements.
• Current paystubs and bank statements, letters explaining gaps, bad accounts, and large deposits, employment verification, tax transcripts with gaps, and missing pages.

Loan Officers Impact the Processor’s Work?

• Loan officers should fully prepare borrowers, quickly respond to document requests, and act as a link between the sales team and processors.

Using a Standard Intake Checklist is Recommended.

What Ways Do You Think the Processors Need to be Supported?

• Processors benefit from using a Loan Origination System (LOS) like Encompass or Blend to stay organized, keeping documents labeled and sorted, and using checklists based on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, or VA rules.

When Does a Processor Finishes Their Job?

• The processor’s job usually ends at Clear to Close (CTC), but they may help with finishing final requirements and the closing process.

Mortgage Process Timeline From Application To Closing

gustancho.com

Mortgage Process Timeline From Application To Closing

In general, most mortgage process timeline from application to closing is normally 30 days as long as the lender has efficient operations staff.