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Milestone Automation: From Lead → TBD → Active → Funded

This article walks through the complete borrower lifecycle inside Accountable CRM, showing how a contact moves from a new lead all the way to a funded loan—while automations handle communication at every step.

Updated today

Overview: The Fully Automated Borrower Journey

In Accountable CRM, your borrower progresses through four key pipeline stages:

Leads → TBD → Active → Funded

At each stage, automations trigger emails, updates, and communication touchpoints—ensuring a consistent, professional borrower experience without manual follow-up.


Step 1: Creating a New Lead (Leads Pipeline)

When adding a new borrower manually:

Required Fields:

  • Transaction Potential (required to create a lead)

  • Lead Purpose (recommended: purchase, refinance, equity, construction)

What Happens Next:

Once you click Save, the borrower is officially added to your Leads pipeline.

Automation Trigger:

  • Application Invite Email Sent Automatically

    • Example: “Start Your Application”

    • Link is dynamically pulled from your Mortgage Application Link in your profile

📌 This is the first automated touchpoint—no manual email needed.


Step 2: Application Started → Moves to TBD

Once the borrower begins their application (via your LOS integration):

What Happens:

  • Loan is created in your LOS

  • Status updates to Application Started

  • Borrower moves from Leads → TBD

Automation Trigger:

  • Application Received Email

    • Confirms submission

    • Sets expectations for next steps

All of this happens automatically through your LOS integration—no manual updates required.


Step 3: TBD Stage (Manual Stage Control)

The TBD pipeline is where manual input may be required, since most LOS systems do not track:

  • Pre-qualification

  • Pre-approval

  • Actively shopping

Example Action:

  • Loan officer sets TBD Stage = Pre-Approved

Automation Trigger:

  • Pre-Approval Email Sent

Optional Safety Feature:

  • Add a delay timer (5–60 minutes)

    • Prevents accidental sends

    • Allows time to correct mistakes

This is the only stage that may require manual updates.


Step 4: Active Pipeline (LOS-Driven Automation)

Once the borrower is under contract:

What Happens:

  • Status updates in LOS (e.g., In Processing)

  • Borrower moves from TBD → Active

Automation Triggers:

  • “You’re in Processing” Email

  • Optional “Meet the Team” Email (sent with delay)

From here on, everything is driven by LOS status updates.


Step 5: Milestone Automations (During Active Loan)

As the loan progresses, Accountable CRM automatically sends updates at each milestone:

Common Status Triggers:

  • In Processing

  • In Underwriting

  • Conditional Approval

  • Clear to Close

  • In Docs

Additional Event-Based Automations:

  • Appraisal Ordered

  • Appraisal Received

Each trigger can:

  • Send to borrower

  • Include co-borrower and team members

  • Be customized by loan purpose

Every major milestone is communicated automatically in real time.


Step 6: Funded (Final Stage)

Once the loan funds:

What Happens:

  • LOS updates to Funded

  • Borrower moves into Post-Close pipeline

Automation Trigger:

  • Final “Loan Funded” Email

    • Confirms completion

    • Reinforces relationship

    • Sets stage for future referrals

This is the final automation in the borrower journey.


Key Takeaways

🔁 Fully Automated Flow

  • Leads → TBD → Active → Funded

  • Minimal manual work required

⚙️ LOS Integration Handles:

  • Status updates

  • Pipeline movement

  • Triggering automations

Pro Tips for Maximum Impact

  • Use delay timers on sensitive emails (like Pre-Approval)

  • Layer automations (e.g., “In Processing” + “Meet the Team”)

  • Customize by loan purpose (purchase vs refinance vs construction)

  • Turn on only what your team will use consistently


By leveraging this automation structure, Accountable CRM becomes your daily operating system, ensuring every borrower receives the right message at the right time—without relying on manual follow-up.


If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to our coach on call—our team is always ready to assist..

- Accountable Support

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