Can you lose a loan in underwriting?

Asked by: Triston Ferry  |  Last update: April 17, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (54 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.

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 likely is a loan to be denied 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.

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 a loan approved if it goes to underwriting?

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.

7 reasons why your loan my be denied by an underwriter

20 related questions found

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 check bank statements before closing?

Do mortgage lenders look at bank statements before closing? Your loan officer will typically not re-check your bank statements right before closing. Mortgage lenders only check those when you initially submit your loan application and begin the underwriting approval process.

How long after underwriting does a loan close?

Working through each step is part of the reason why it can take 30 – 45 days on average to move from underwriting to closing.

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.

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.

What is the most important factor when underwriting a loan?

Character (Credit History)

This is perhaps the most difficult of the Five C's to quantify, but probably the most important. Looking at Credit History is the best way for a lender to see the future. If you are a repeat customer, the lender will consider how you have paid your past loans with them.

For which reason would an underwriter reject a risk?

If the risk is deemed too high, an underwriter may refuse coverage. Risk is the underlying factor in all underwriting. In the case of a loan, the risk is whether the borrower will repay the loan as agreed or will default.

Why has my loan application gone to the underwriters?

In the later stages of the home buying journey, an underwriter will assess your finances and credit history to determine your creditworthiness and ability to repay the mortgage. The underwriter decides whether a lender will approve your loan and works with you to make sure you've submitted all your paperwork.

How many loans fall through in underwriting?

A mortgage underwriter typically denies about 1 in 10 mortgage loan applications. A mortgage loan application can be denied for many reasons, including a borrower's low credit score, recent employment change or high debt-to-income ratio.

Do they run your credit the day of closing?

Lenders run your credit just before your house closes to ensure your financial situation hasn't changed and you still meet the eligibility requirements for the loan. If your credit score decreases before closing, you can risk mortgage approval.

How fast can a loan go through underwriting?

Underwriting is the process where a mortgage lender evaluates a borrower's income, credit history and the value of a property to determine whether to approve a mortgage loan and under what terms. Underwriting can take a few days to a few weeks before you'll be cleared to close.

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.

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.