Can I move this file forward if the review path is still unclear?
Not effectively. The review path determines what documentation is needed, how deep the review will be, and how long the process will take. If the path is unclear, clarify it before doing major work. Usually, the path becomes clear once a few facts are confirmed: project status, occupancy type, and whether blockers exist.
Why it's not always simple
Path clarity sometimes requires information that takes time to obtain. Project status might need confirmation from HOA. Occupancy type needs explicit borrower statement. Blocker facts (litigation, delinquency) surface during document review. Path clarity is often a sequential discovery, not something you can rush.
The bigger issue: starting major file work on an unclear path risks doing work that won't be needed if the path shifts.
What people usually miss
People often try to move files forward in "provisional" mode while path is unclear. What usually gets missed:
- Provisional work often becomes wasted work if the path changes
- Path doesn't usually become clear by doing more work; it becomes clear by asking the right diagnostic questions
- Waiting 3–5 days to confirm path is faster than moving the file 2–3 weeks on the wrong track
- Some work (borrower documentation, appraisal order) can happen in parallel with path clarification, but deep lender review shouldn't start until path is clear
- Not asking the lender what documentation is needed for the likely path scenarios
The real problem: moving forward without path clarity creates inefficiency and re-work risk.
Example
A processor has a condo file and isn't certain whether it qualifies for limited review or needs full review. She starts collecting documents assuming limited review. One week in, it's confirmed the project was newly converted 18 months ago, so full review is required. The limited-review-focused documentation gathering wasn't wrong exactly, but the breadth and depth are different for full review. If she'd confirmed project status on day 1, she would have known to gather more comprehensive documentation from the start.
If this is a real file
Stop and clarify the review path before doing major work. Call the HOA, confirm project status, confirm occupancy type, and ask about any blocker facts. This should take 1–2 days. Once you know the path, do the work for that path.
If you want to understand which review path your file likely fits and what that means for documentation and timeline, you can run a 60-second pre-screen.