Can a loan officer influence underwriting?

Asked by: Cecil Ratke III  |  Last update: March 3, 2025
Score: 5/5 (26 votes)

Loan officers and underwriters do work together but from a distance. A loan officer works directly with the borrowers and provides the necessary information to the underwriter, who then evaluates the information. A loan officer must not attempt to influence the decision of the underwriter.

Do loan officers do underwriting?

Loan officers partially share the duty of assessing eligibility with underwriters. However, a loan officer only assists clients in finding and applying for loans they are likely to qualify for, while an underwriter has final authority in approval.

Can a mortgage lender override an underwriter?

A lender override is highly unlikely. However, the lender could seek an alternative product and/or advise the borrower on how to qualify in the future. The lender could also request re-underwriting of the application if new information or an extenuating circumstance is present.

What position is above an underwriter?

Titles such as 'Chief Underwriting Officer' (CUO) or 'VP of Underwriting' typically offer the highest salaries. These roles involve strategic oversight of underwriting policies, risk management, and often encompass a broad range of insurance products or services.

What is the highest paid loan officer?

The majority of Senior Loan Officer salaries across the United States currently range between $63,500 (25th percentile) and $103,500 (75th percentile) annually.

Can you SAVE $69,000 within 24 Months? YOU CAN with this trick. #mortgage #DeathNote

38 related questions found

What gets you denied in underwriting?

Underwriters can't approve a loan application with missing or unverifiable information. Although this might seem obvious, it was one of the top reasons for loan denial in 2020. You can't prove your income or employment history is stable. Most loan programs require a two-year history of steady earnings and employment.

Can underwriters see your bank account?

Overall, they're looking to see how healthy your finances are. To do this, they look at all of your financial accounts, balance information, account holders, interest information, and account transfers.

Can you switch lenders during underwriting?

You have the right to change mortgage issuers any time up to closing. Before switching late in the homebuying process, however, it's important to understand the potential pros and cons of doing so.

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.

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.

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.

Can loan officers talk to underwriters?

As far as interaction, a loan officer provides the information and can ask questions about an approval or denial and an underwriter can provide an explanation about their loan decision, as well as provide educational information about the loan guidelines and what is required for loan approval.

Can you speed up the underwriting process?

Underwriting tends to be complicated, and technological and analytical techniques such as automation and predictive modeling can speed up the 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.

What should you not tell a mortgage lender?

Telling your lender you've opened up or applied for several new credit cards may not go over so well. Wait until after you finish buying the home to make those big purchases. You don't want to come off as reckless with your spending before getting approval.

How far back can underwriters look?

Underwriters check the last two months (or up to 12-24 for self-employed) for savings for down payment, affordability of monthly payments, and cash reserves.

What is considered a large deposit to an underwriter?

A large deposit is defined as a single deposit that exceeds 50% of the total monthly qualifying income for the loan. When bank statements (typically covering the most recent two months) are used, the lender must evaluate large deposits.

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.

What percentage of loans fail 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.

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.

Do loan officers make 6 figures?

The short answer is, yes, mortgage loan officers can make good money—typically between roughly $70,000 to $90,000 per year, on average. However, as a top earner, it is also possible to earn six figures through commission.

Do loan officers work from home?

Loan officers can work from home, but it's important to check if it's allowed in your area. Loan officers evaluate loan applications, authorize loans, and are responsible for finding clients seeking loans. Loan officers need a dedicated home workspace with fast internet and a workstation with necessary equipment.