Can a mortgage fail in underwriting?

Asked by: Jalen VonRueden  |  Last update: February 21, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (63 votes)

An underwriter may deny a loan simply because they don't have enough information for an approval. A well-written letter of explanation may clarify gaps in employment, explain a debt that's paid by someone else or help the underwriter understand a large cash deposit in your account.

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.

Can a loan fall through during underwriting?

Of all of those loans, about 20 will get through Underwriting final approval and then fail to close. So, it's definitely rare, but it is almost ALWAYS borrowers' faults.

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.

Is the underwriter the last step?

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.

2 Big Reasons Home Loans Blow Up In Underwriting - [Underwriting Mortgage Process]

31 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 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 long does it take for the underwriter to make a decision?

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.

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.

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.

Do they pull credit again during underwriting?

Credit is pulled at least once at the beginning of the approval process, and then again just prior to closing. Sometimes it's pulled in the middle if necessary, so it's important that you be conscious of your credit and the things that may impact your scores and approvability throughout the entire process.

Can a mortgage 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.

Can a loan fall through after underwriting?

Yes, a loan can still fall through after you're cleared to close. Clear to close means your lender has established you've met all the requirements to close on the loan. However, a number of the obstacles discussed above could still cause a loan to fall through before closing day, even if you're clear to close.

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.

Why is mortgage underwriting so stressful?

Documentation — Many buyers are irritated by the sheer volume of financial documents they're asked to provide, especially when asked to re-submit the same documents. Takes too long — First-time purchasers, in particular, are frustrated that processing a mortgage takes an average of 47 days (and often longer).

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 far back does underwriter look?

How far back do lenders look at bank statements? Mortgage lenders typically seek two months of recent bank statements during your home loan application process. You need to provide bank statements for any accounts holding funds you'll use to qualify for the loan, including money market, checking, and savings accounts.

Is no news good news for mortgage underwriting?

When it comes to mortgage lending, no news isn't necessarily good news. Particularly in today's economic climate, many lenders are struggling to meet closing deadlines, but don't readily offer up that information. When they finally do, it's often late in the process, which can put borrowers in real jeopardy.

Do underwriters have access to your bank account?

The underwriter will look at your bank accounts to make sure you have the funds for a sufficient down payment. They'll also ask for an explanation if the funds were recently deposited into your account to verify that you didn't receive a loan that could impact your DTI.

What are the 4 C's required for mortgage underwriting?

So, what do lenders look at when deciding to approve or deny an application? Lenders consider four criteria, also known as the 4 C's: Capacity, Capital, Credit, and Collateral. What is your ability to pay back your mortgage?

Can I spend money during underwriting?

A mortgage is a major financial commitment. So, the underwriting process will include a thorough examination of your financial situation to make sure you can afford the loan. If you make a big purchase during the process, that could derail your mortgage application.

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.

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.

What final checks do underwriters do?

Mortgage underwriters are people employed by the lender to review and analyze your ability to repay the loan. The underwriting process will check your bank statements, credit history, and pay stubs for verification of employment. Self-employed borrowers may need to submit transcripts from their tax returns.