What Information Is Required to Grade a BHPH Portfolio?

A useful first-look tape describes each account, its payment performance, remaining balance, and collateral without requiring a complete closing file.

Portfolio valuation guide

Published September 26, 2026 | By Robert Hicks, Senior Portfolio Buyer

Direct answer

For an initial BHPH portfolio grade, provide one row per account with an internal account ID, origination date, original amount, term, payment amount and frequency, current balance, next due date, last payment date, total collected, delinquency, vehicle details, and account status. Customer names, Social Security numbers, driver-license numbers, and bank information are generally unnecessary at this stage.

Minimum fields for a first look

CategoryUseful fieldsWhy they matter
AccountInternal account ID, status, location or poolIdentifies and groups records without using customer names
ContractOrigination date, original amount financed, APR, term, payment amount, frequency, maturity dateDefines the contractual cash flow
Current positionPrincipal or payoff balance, next due date, paid-through date, days past dueShows what remains and whether the account is current
Payment performancePayment count, total collected, last payment date and amountShows actual customer behavior
CollateralYear, make, model, mileage if available, VIN or shortened VIN, title statusSupports collateral and documentation review

Performance data usually drives the next questions

Two accounts with the same balance can perform very differently. Payment count, recency, delinquency, total collected, extensions, reversals, repossession status, and remaining term help explain that difference.

If the main tape does not contain enough performance detail, the buyer may request a transaction-history export for selected accounts or for the complete pool.

Vehicle, title, and documentation information

Vehicle year, make, model, mileage, VIN, title status, and lien information help a buyer understand collateral and transfer readiness. At first look, clearly flag missing titles, duplicate titles in process, insurance claims, repossessions, bankruptcies, or accounts without complete contracts.

Information commonly requested after the initial review

After the dealer accepts an indication and the transaction moves into diligence, the buyer may request contracts, titles, payment histories, customer records, proof of lien, insurance information, and other documents required to verify and transfer the receivables. Use a secure transfer method for those files.

A portfolio grade is a preliminary review, not a guaranteed closing price. Final pricing can change when balances refresh, accounts pay off, performance changes, or diligence identifies documentation differences.

Make the account tape easier to review

  • Use one row per account and one meaning per column.
  • Include a header row and an export date.
  • Use real dates and numeric dollar values rather than formatted text.
  • Define internal status codes in a separate tab or note.
  • Flag accounts that are excluded, paid off, repossessed, charged off, or in bankruptcy.
  • Reconcile the total count and balance to a DMS control report.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special buyer template?

No. A clean Excel or CSV export from your DMS is often enough to begin. A buyer template can help when important fields are missing.

Is a PDF report enough?

A PDF may support an initial conversation, but an account-level spreadsheet is more useful for sorting, filtering, and valuation.

Is a BHPH portfolio grade a credit rating?

No. In this context, grade is shorthand for a buyer's preliminary review of portfolio quality, risk, and value. It is not a consumer credit score or formal rating.

Sources and related resources

Software menus and reports can change. This guide was last checked on September 26, 2026.

About Robert Hicks

Robert Hicks is a Senior Portfolio Buyer with CAR Financial Services. He works directly with BHPH dealers on account pools, full portfolio sales, data preparation, valuation, diligence, and closing.