Do underwriters call your job?

Asked by: Elias Rolfson  |  Last update: July 27, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (67 votes)

Mortgage companies verify employment during the application process by contacting employers and by reviewing relevant documents, such as pay stubs and tax returns. You can smooth the employment verification process by speaking with your HR department ahead of time to let them know to expect a call from your lender.

Does underwriting call your employer?

How do mortgage lenders verify employment and income? Mortgage lenders usually verify income and employment by contacting a borrower's employer directly and reviewing recent employment and income documentation.

Do banks really call your employer verify employment?

Banks can call your employer to verify employment for personal loans. But most banks will simply verify your income through a tax document or bank statement when evaluating your application for a personal loan.

Why would an underwriter call you?

The purpose of the underwriting call is to get the risk management team comfortable with the loan and with the borrower. The underwriters want to be confident that the borrowers will be able to complete the work, sell the property, and repay once the loan reaches maturity.

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.

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29 related questions found

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.

How long is closing after underwriting?

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

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 talk on the phone?

Mortgage Loan Underwriters typically do not have direct communication with customers. Their primary role is to assess the financial risk associated with approving a mortgage application based on the lender's guidelines and industry standards.

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 lenders call your employer before closing?

Many lenders call employers a few days before closing to verify current employment status. This is an additional precautionary measure against possible unreported unemployment.

How do mortgage underwriters verify income?

Income, asset and employment verification

You'll need to submit documents such as W-2s, pay stubs and bank statements for verification. If you're self-employed, you may need to provide more documents like tax returns and profit and loss statements.

Do banks call past employers?

When applying for a significant loan, like a mortgage, banks might take extra caution and contact your employer to verify your income. This additional step helps them assess your ability to repay the loan in the long run.

What happens if you lose your job during underwriting?

The most important thing to do after you lose your job is contact your lender. Explain your situation and ask about the options available if you wish to move forward. Then ask your lender to temporarily pause your application while you follow the steps below.

What exactly do underwriters look at?

The underwriter reviews your credit history as well as your credit score (FICO). When examining your credit history, the underwriter reviews that payments have been made timely. Your credit score is driven by factors including payment history, credit usage and any derogatory events such as bankruptcies.

Do underwriters verify pay stubs?

Loan underwriting: Lenders use applicant pay stubs to verify creditworthiness during the underwriting process.

Do underwriters always call your employer?

Mortgage lenders verify employment by contacting employers directly and requesting income information and related documentation. Most lenders only require verbal confirmation, but some will seek email or fax verification. Lenders can verify self-employment income by obtaining tax return transcripts from the IRS.

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.

Can underwriters reject loans?

An underwriter may deny a loan simply because they don't have enough information for an approval.

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.

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 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.

What happens 3 days before closing?

When the Know Before You Owe mortgage disclosure rule becomes effective, lenders must give you new, easier-to-use disclosures about your loan three business days before closing. This gives you time to review the terms of the deal before you get to the closing table.

Do underwriters want to 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.

What's the fastest you can close on a house?

However, some mortgage lenders promise speedy closing timelines, as fast as seven to 10 days in some cases. The fastest closing timelines are typically when the buyer pays cash and can skip the appraisal process. Your best bet? Budget for a 45-day closing process, from accepted offer to closing day.