Can a loan fall through after underwriting?

Asked by: Prof. Ambrose Schneider  |  Last update: June 22, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (62 votes)

Aside from changes in credit, the two most prominent conditions involve the appraisal of the desired property and final approval from the lender's underwriting team. If the conditions in your preapproval letter are not met, your loan could fall through.

Can a loan be denied after underwriting?

Should I Be Worried About Underwriting? One reason to apply for a mortgage prequalification is that it provides an idea of ​​whether your mortgage application will be accepted or denied. However, if your situation changes drastically between prequalification and closing, the loan could be rejected at that time.

Can a loan fall through after signing?

Oh, yes, they can! The most common way would be for the lender to suspect that part of the loan application is fraudulent. The less common way is for the lender to go bankrupt between the signing and the settlement.

Can you lose a loan in underwriting?

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.

How often do loans fall through in underwriting?

You may be wondering how often underwriters denies loans? According to the mortgage data firm HSH.com, about 8% of mortgage applications are denied, though denial rates vary by location and loan type. For example, FHA loans have different requirements that may make getting the loan easier than other loan types.

What happens after underwriting during the home loan process? #homebuyingprocess

34 related questions found

Can a loan be denied after closing?

Can a mortgage be denied after the closing disclosure is issued? Yes. Many lenders use third-party “loan audit” companies to validate your income, debt and assets again before you sign closing papers. If they discover major changes to your credit, income or cash to close, your loan could be denied.

How long does a loan take once it goes to underwriting?

Each situation is different, but underwriting can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Missing signatures or documents, and issues with the appraisal or title insurance are some of the things that can hold up the process.

How worried should I be 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. That includes taking out new debt or making a big purchase.

Where does a loan go after underwriting?

Once the mortgage underwriter is satisfied with your application, the appraisal and title search, your loan will be deemed clear to close. At that point, you can move forward with closing on the property.

Can a pre-approved loan be denied?

If you apply for a pre-approved offer you'll usually be successful, but it's not guaranteed as the lender always has the final say. There are a few different reasons why your pre-approved offer may be rejected: Delay completing your application (as your circumstances may have changed in the meantime)

Can a lender cancel a loan after signing?

Personal loans can often be canceled if they're not yet approved and the agreement hasn't been signed. However, once the agreement is signed, you're in a binding contract.

Can you be denied on closing day?

If there are any changes to your credit score or employment status, your loan can be denied during the final countdown.

Can a lender pull funding after closing?

Your lender is bound by law to stick to your contract. After closing, your lender cannot go back on the arrangement they have made with you.

Does underwriting mean loan is approved?

Underwriting is the process by which the lender decides whether an applicant is creditworthy and should receive a loan. An effective underwriting and loan approval process is a key predecessor to favorable portfolio quality, and a main task of the function is to avoid as many undue risks as possible.

Are underwriting decisions final?

After looking at all this info, the underwriter makes a final decision about whether you can be approved for coverage and how much it'll cost. Moser says, “The underwriter wants to help the applicant. Even if they can't offer you the rate you applied for, they want to offer you something.”

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.

Can a loan fall through during underwriting?

A conditional approval happens when most everything in your loan application looks good, but there are a few conditions that must be met before you can get final approval. A loan may fall through during underwriting if an underwriter assesses your financial information and recommends the lender not give you a loan.

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.

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.

How often do loans fail in 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.

What is the major risk of underwriting?

“Insurance underwriting risk” is the risk that an insurance company will suffer losses because the economic situations or the occurring rate of incidents have changed contrary to the forecast made at the time when a premium rate was set.

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 is the next step after underwriting?

Once the underwriter has determined that your loan is fit for approval, you'll be cleared to close. At this point, you'll receive a Closing Disclosure.

What not to do during underwriting?

5 Mistakes to Avoid During the Underwriting Process
  • Not responding to emails from the lender. ...
  • Buying an improperly valued home. ...
  • Exceeding loan limitations. ...
  • Lying to your lender. ...
  • Frivolous purchases while your home is pending.

How do I know when underwriting is done?

The last step of the underwriting process is deciding whether your loan application will be approved or denied. 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.