If you are researching securitization audit services, you have probably come across both SDAudit and Mortgage Audits Online. They are two of the more visible names in the space, and the comparison is worth making directly. Not because we need to tear down a competitor, but because the differences are substantive and they matter for what you are trying to accomplish.
What Both Companies Do
Both SDAudit and Mortgage Audits Online offer forensic securitization audit services. Both claim to identify defects in the chain of title, PSA compliance issues, and standing problems. Both produce written reports intended for use in legal proceedings. At that level of description, they sound similar.
The differences show up in methodology, depth, and what the final product actually looks like.
Side by Side: Key Features
| Feature | SDAudit | Mortgage Audits Online |
|---|---|---|
| PSA Cutoff Date Verification | Yes | Yes |
| CUSIP-Level Tranche Identification | Yes (Elite Package) | Yes (Diamond Package) |
| Auto Loan Securitization Audits | Yes – All Loan Types | Primarily Mortgage |
| Expert Witness Affidavit | Yes (Elite Package) | Yes (Diamond Package) |
| Robo-Signing Analysis | Yes | Yes |
| AAA/JAMS Arbitration-Ready Format | Yes | Not Specified |
| UCC Perfection Analysis | Yes | Mortgage Focus |
| Entry-Level Package Available | $499 | $295 (Basic) |
Why Methodology Matters
Two audits that look similar on paper can have very different value in court or arbitration. The key issues are depth of review, traceability, and how the findings are presented. A superficial audit that lists problems without specific citations or exhibits is hard to use. A deep audit that provides line-item verification, chain of custody, document images, and numbered findings is usable by attorneys and admissible to arbitrators.
Practical example: PSA cutoff date verification
PSA cutoff date verification checks whether a loan was included in the securitization trust before or after the official cutoff date in the pooling and servicing agreement. Imagine a loan assigned to a trust on July 15, but the PSA cutoff is July 1. If the loan was added after the cutoff, it may not have been properly included in the trust. That could create a breach of the PSA and raise standing issues. A robust audit will locate the assignment, compare dates, produce the assignment document as an exhibit, and cite the PSA clause that governs inclusion.
Practical example: CUSIP-level tranche identification
CUSIP-level work means matching a loan to the exact tranche it was intended for. That matters when payments, priorities, or remedies differ by tranche. For example, if a servicer claims payments were credited to the correct tranche but the CUSIP shows the loan belonged elsewhere, that discrepancy can change recoverability and legal strategy.
Common Defects We Find and Why They Matter
- Chain of title gaps – missing assignments, undated transfers, or assignments that post-date foreclosure activity.
- PSA non-compliance – loans added after cutoff, incomplete loan file delivery, or servicer reporting failures.
- Robo-signing and improper notarizations – signatures without proper witnesses or dates that do not match recorded events.
- UCC perfection problems – for auto loans and other secured consumer debt, missing or incorrect UCC filings can affect priority and enforceability.
How to Choose Between SDAudit and Mortgage Audits Online
Start with the question: what type of loan and what remedy are you pursuing? Here are guidelines to help decide.
If your case is exclusively mortgage-related
Mortgage Audits Online has a long mortgage-focused track record and publicly available sample reports. If you want to preview a mortgage-specific approach and you are comfortable with their scope, they can be a reasonable option.
If your case involves auto loans, student loans, or mixed consumer debt
SDAudit was built to handle multiple loan types and the particular issues that come with each. Auto loans often involve UCC filings and title transfers. Student loans and credit card receivables present different chain of sale questions. Choosing a vendor with experience across those areas reduces the risk that a key defect will be missed.
How to Prepare for an Audit: Step-by-Step
- Gather loan documents you have: promissory note, mortgage or security instrument, assignments, payment history, and any court filings.
- Collect account statements and any letters or communications from collectors or servicers.
- Identify the trust or pool by name and CUSIP if available. If you do not have the CUSIP, provide whatever identifying information you have.
- Decide on the desired outcome: standing challenge, settlement leverage, or arbitration preparation. Tell the auditor so the report can be tailored to that use.
- Ask for a sample table of contents and exhibit list before you order an elite or arbitration-ready package so you know what you will receive.
What to Expect from a High-Quality Report
- Numbered findings with precise citations to PSA sections, recorded documents, and statutes.
- Exhibit package with native documents or certified copies and Bates numbering.
- Clear explanation of legal significance, not legal advice but a factual opinion suitable for counsel.
- Optional expert affidavit for use in litigation or arbitration if your package includes it.
Pricing and Transparency
Published, fixed pricing removes surprises. SDAudit publishes tiered packages so you can compare deliverables and cost up front. Lower entry-level packages can provide preliminary findings for a modest fee, while elite packages include CUSIP-level tracing, expert affidavits, and arbitration-ready formatting. Think of the audit as a targeted investment: a deeper audit increases your chance of finding a usable defect, but it also costs more. Match the package to the stakes of your case.
The Bottom Line
If your loan is a mortgage and you value a long mortgage-specific track record, Mortgage Audits Online is a legitimate option. If your loan is an auto loan, a student loan, or any other securitized consumer debt, or if you need a report that is specifically formatted for arbitration proceedings, SDAudit is often the better fit.
The most important thing is that you get an audit done by someone who knows what they are looking for. A defect that goes undocumented is a defect that cannot be used.
View SDAudit packages and pricing here.
Ready to move forward?
If you want a free consultation to review your file, discuss potential defects, or determine which package fits your needs, contact SDAudit today. We will evaluate your documents, explain what an audit can achieve in your specific situation, and recommend the most cost effective path forward. Reach out for a free consultation and let us help you get the documentation you need.