Can you appeal an underwriter's decision?

Asked by: Francisco Huels  |  Last update: April 10, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (73 votes)

Talk to your loan officer. Though you can't usually speak directly to an underwriter, your loan officer should give you a clear reason for the denial. You'll have a short time to try to overturn the denial — it doesn't become official until the lender issues a denial letter.

Can you appeal an underwriters decision?

If you have been rejected at the AIP or the underwriting stage, ask a broker to look at your circumstances and advise you on your next steps, whether that be an appeal or an application in the future with a better suited lender.

Does underwriter have the final decision?

Step 5: The underwriter will make an informed decision.

The underwriter has the option to either approve, deny or pend your mortgage loan application. Approved: You may get a “clear to close” right away. If so, it means there's nothing more you need to provide. You and the lender can schedule your closing.

What happens if you get denied during underwriting?

If an underwriter denies your mortgage loan, try going to a smaller lender or addressing the issues that caused the denial in the first place. If you want the underwriter to approve your mortgage loan, make sure your finances and credit reports are in good shape way in advance of completing an application.

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.

Appealing an Underwriting Decision

22 related questions found

Can you speed up underwriting?

Traditional underwriting processes are quite complex and time-consuming. However, an accelerated underwriting process forgoes the need for medical exams and can be approved in just a few days or weeks.

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.

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.

Can you appeal a loan denial?

File an appeal.

If you get an adverse credit result, you may be able to file an appeal to ask for additional review. If you go this route, you'll also need to complete PLUS Credit Counseling.

How close to closing is underwriting?

The mortgage underwriting process can take up to 60 days. The standard turnaround time to take a mortgage purchase loan from contract to funding usually takes 30 to 45 days, but most lenders will work to have the mortgage underwritten within 30 days to meet the agreed upon closing date set in the purchase contract.

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.

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.

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 you negotiate with underwriters?

The underwriting firm is selected well in advance of the intended date when the security will be offered for sale. Before the trade, the issuer and the underwriter will enter negotiations to determine a purchase price and offering price. Negotiated underwriting is essential during an initial public offering (IPO).

How long does it take to get final approval from underwriter?

How Long Does Underwriting Take, On Average? Underwriting typically takes 30 – 45 days, but every home buyer's situation is different. In some cases, the process may only take a few days.

How often does underwriting deny loans?

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.

Do they pull your credit the day of closing?

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.

Who owns the property on the day of closing?

On closing day, the ownership of the property is transferred to you, the buyer. This day consists of transferring funds from escrow, providing mortgage and title fees, and updating the deed of the house to your name.

How far back do underwriters look at credit history?

Mortgage companies and other lending institutions may review any data contained within your credit reports. Data from the past 24 months is the most important information that mortgage lenders look at. However, they could look at derogatory information, like foreclosures or bankruptcies, that happened years before.

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.

Do underwriters usually approve loans?

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.

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 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.

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.