Are underwriters picky?

Asked by: Barry Ortiz  |  Last update: October 10, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (61 votes)

These days' underwriters are being very picky about deposits, so think twice before you cash that check.

How likely is it to get denied during underwriting?

Federal Housing Administration loans: 14.4% denial rate. Jumbo loans: 17.8% denial rate. Conventional conforming loans: 7.6% denial rate. Refinance loans: 24.7% denial rate.

Is it hard to get an underwriter job?

Typically you need a Bachelor degree or equivalent experience. Most lenders will only hire underwriters with previous underwriting experience, so it's kind of hard to get your foot in the door.

Do underwriters want to approve your loan?

The underwriter decides whether a lender will approve your loan and works with you to make sure you've submitted all your paperwork. Ultimately, the underwriter will guarantee you don't close on a mortgage you can't afford. If you don't meet the lender's requirements, the mortgage underwriter will deny the loan.

Do underwriters look at spending habits?

Spending habits

And they will look to see if you are regularly spending less than you earn consistent with the savings you are claiming. No matter how frugal you might be most lenders have adopted a floor on the living expenses they will accept.

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25 related questions found

Do underwriters watch your bank account?

Mortgage underwriters pay close attention to recurring withdrawals on your bank statements and compare them to the debts listed in your loan application. If any withdrawals seem inconsistent with the provided information, they will seek clarification.

What should you not do during underwriting?

While your loan is processing, avoid taking on new debt or making other financial changes like closing credit cards or other accounts. Anything that affects your debt-to-income ratio may impact your mortgage approval.

Can a loan fall through during underwriting?

Key takeaways about mortgage denials in underwriting

Your loan can be denied if you have incomplete or missing information on your loan application or don't meet minimum mortgage requirements. Denials are less common on mortgage loan applications.

What are the four C's of underwriting?

There are four main factors that are considered by underwriters when they are deciding whether or not to approve your loan application; collateral, character, capacity, and credit.

How fast can an underwriter approve a loan?

Approval or denial: 1 to 3 days

If the underwriter determines that your overall risk profile is acceptable, you'll receive a letter of commitment detailing the terms and conditions of the loan. You'll also receive a closing disclosure within three business days of closing on your mortgage loan.

How long does it take the underwriter to make a decision?

The mortgage underwriting process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The timeline varies depending on whether the underwriter needs more information from you, how busy the lender is and how streamlined the lender's practices are.

Do underwriters work all day?

work schedule

Being an underwriter is almost always a full-time job. People usually work around 40 hours per week. Overtime is rare in this industry.

Do underwriters make a lot of money?

The best Insurance Underwriter jobs can pay up to $257,000 per year. Insurance underwriters evaluate insurance policy applications, assess the risk, and make recommendations for coverage and premium pricing to insurance issuers.

Should I be nervous about underwriting?

There's no reason for a borrower to worry or stress during the underwriting process if they get prequalified. They should keep in contact with their lender and try not to make any major changes that could have a negative impact on this critical process.

How often do underwriters make exceptions?

These exceptions do not occur often, but all underwriters must recognize when these situations occur and how to handle it. My loan is being held up for the proof that the existing home has at least a 75% equity position or the loan is one that will not qualify.

Do underwriters pull credit again?

And of course, they will require a credit check. I am often asked if we pull credit more than once. The answer is yes. Keep in mind that within a 45-day window, multiple credit checks from mortgage lenders only affects your credit rating as if it were a single pull.

What income do mortgage lenders look at?

Mortgage lenders often look at gross monthly income to determine how much mortgage you can afford, but it's also important to consider your net income, as well.

What is the credit score underwriting?

Automated underwriting systems use credit scoring as a scientific way of measuring the relative amount of risk a potential borrower represents to the lender or investor. A credit score is a number that rates the likelihood an individual will pay back a loan.

What are the 8 underwriting standards?

(1) current or reasonably expected income or assets; (2) current employment status; (3) the monthly payment on the covered transaction; (4) the monthly payment on any simultaneous loan; (5) the monthly payment for mortgage-related obligations; (6) current debt obligations, alimony, and child support; (7) the monthly “ ...

Do underwriters check your bank account?

It depends on the underwriter. Some are satisfied by simply looking at the primary information on two months' bank statements, while others may request proof of deposit. The most thorough underwriters may ask for statements and proof of deposit.

Will I lose my deposit if I am denied a mortgage?

Can My Security Deposit Be Returned If My Mortgage Is Denied At Closing? If you have a contingency in place that includes an offer and purchase contract, you may be able to get your earnest money back. However, if you don't have it, you could lose it.

Can a loan officer override an underwriter?

An inquiry into your credit indicates that you may take on new debt, which will lower your credit score. But this will only drop your score slightly, and it is a necessary step of the mortgage approval process. Can a loan officer override an underwriter? No, a loan officer cannot influence the underwriter's decision.

Why do people fail underwriting?

There are many reasons – income, or property type, or something else – that the automated underwriting process might flag your application. And if it does, there's little the human loan officers can do about it. Keep in mind: The main thing the lender decides is your mortgage's interest rate.

How do you know if your loan will be approved?

Lenders typically consider various factors before approving a loan application. By focusing on building a good credit score, reducing debt, improving your debt-to-income ratio, and providing accurate documentation, you can enhance your eligibility for loan approval.

What can an underwriter not ask for?

Underwriters Cannot Directly Ask You Anything

All questions and discussions should be handled through your lender or loan officer. An underwriter talking to you directly, or even knowing you personally, is a conflict of interest.