Credit Memo Template (1 Page)
Use this structure for take-home cases or to organize your interview answers. It’s the lender way: story, sizing, exit, risks, mitigants.
The 1-page format
Use these headings (copy/paste)
Keep it tight. Interviewers love clarity.
1) Deal overview (3–5 bullets)
- Asset + market + business plan + timeline
- Loan request (proceeds, term, rate type) + sizing constraint
- Key metrics: leverage, downside DY, DSCR check, exit assumptions
2) Collateral summary (3–5 bullets)
- Asset quality + tenancy/occupancy (what matters)
- Capex scope and execution plan
- Market liquidity and comp set
3) Sponsor summary (3–5 bullets)
- Same-deal track record
- Liquidity vs exposure (carry + capex)
- Ops bench (PM/leasing/GC)
4) Risks + mitigants
- Risk #1 → mitigation (structure / proceeds / reserves)
- Risk #2 → mitigation
- Risk #3 → mitigation
5) Key questions for the broker
- Critical path item and timing sensitivity
- What breaks the exit (cap/rate/NOI)?
- Sponsor liquidity and pipeline / maturities