Glossary

Watch List

In one sentence

A servicer's roster of performing loans showing early warning signs, monitored more closely before any actual default.

The longer version

Loans land on the watch list for triggers like declining DSCR, major tenant departures, or late reporting. The point is to catch trouble while options remain, not after default forecloses them.

Watch-list management is reporting-driven: it depends on current borrower financials and covenant tests, which depend in turn on a servicing file that stays live rather than scattering after closing.

Common questions

What is a loan watch list?
A servicer's list of performing loans showing early warning signs, such as falling coverage, a major tenant vacating, deferred maintenance or approaching maturity.
Is being on the watch list a default?
No. It means closer monitoring. Watch list loans are still performing, but servicers track them because some move on to special servicing.
What triggers watch list placement?
Common triggers include DSCR below a threshold, occupancy declines, a major lease expiring, missed financial reporting, or an upcoming maturity with uncertain refinancing.
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