Does your loan officer do the underwriting?

Asked by: Rod Purdy DDS  |  Last update: August 26, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (49 votes)

If you're looking to borrow a loan, a loan officer decides if you're eligible to proceed to underwriting. A loan officer will meet with you and evaluate your creditworthiness.

Do loan officers and underwriters work together?

Yes, loan officers and underwriters do work together, but with intentional boundaries in place. Both of these roles are essential to the mortgage industry and communication between them is necessary for a smooth loan transaction.

Is a loan officer and loan underwriter the same?

Your new point of contact would be the loan officer, who will steer your file through the rest of the process. The mortgage broker makes a match between borrower and lender, and then hands you off to the MLO for further processing. Eventually, your file will reach the next person in the chain — the underwriter.

Is the loan originator the underwriter?

A mortgage originator is an institution or individual that works with an underwriter to complete a home loan transaction for a borrower. Mortgage originators consist of retail banks, mortgage bankers, and mortgage brokers.

Does the underwriter work for the lender?

Yes, underwriters are employees of banks, lenders, and mortgage bankers. They work on the operational side of things, making loan decisions after the sales team brings the loan in the door.

Loan Officer & Underwriters.... Who does What?

37 related questions found

Can a lender override an underwriter?

An override occurs when a decision made concerning a loan transaction falls outside of loan policy. Overrides can be policy exceptions for: Underwriting (approval or denial) or. Terms and conditions (such as pricing).

Can you talk to the underwriter?

Underwriters Cannot Directly Ask You Anything

It is important to note that underwriters should not be in actual contact with you. All questions and discussions should be handled through your lender or loan officer. An underwriter talking to you directly, or even knowing you personally, is a conflict of interest.

What should you not do during underwriting?

Dont's
  • Don't resign from your current job or retire during the loan process. ...
  • Don't open any new credit accounts or apply for new credit accounts prior to your new mortgage loan closing. ...
  • Don't make any balance transfers on your existing credit card balances.

Why has my loan application gone to the underwriters?

A loan is in underwriting when it is in the final stages of the application phase and the lender is reviewing all your information and deciding whether to approve your loan or not. Being in underwriting is a good thing, since you have made the final stage and are now just waiting for a decision.

How long after underwriting is closing?

Final Underwriting And Clear To Close: At Least 3 Days

Once the underwriter has determined that your loan is fit for approval, you'll be cleared to close. At this point, you'll receive a Closing Disclosure.

Do underwriters deny loans often?

Underwriters deny loans about 9% of the time. The most common reason for denial is that the borrower has too much debt, but even an incomplete loan package can lead to denial.

Is no news good news in 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.

How long does it take an underwriter to approve a mortgage?

Depending on these factors, mortgage underwriting can take a day or two, or it can take weeks. Under normal circumstances, initial underwriting approval happens within 72 hours of submitting your full loan file. In extreme scenarios, this process could take as long as a month.

How many times does a loan go to underwriting?

The short answer is that it takes place somewhere in the middle of the process. It happens after the loan application has been completed, and before the final approval and funding. In fact, mortgage underwriting is a necessary step that paves the way for the final loan approval.

How do I know if my mortgage will be approved?

You'll have the best chances at mortgage approval if:
  1. Your credit score is above 620.
  2. You have a down payment of 3-5% or more.
  3. Your existing debts are low.
  4. You've had a stable job and income for at least two years.

Should I be worried about underwriting?

There's no reason to worry or stress during the underwriting process if you get prequalified – keep in contact with your lender and don't make any major changes that have a negative impact.

Is underwriting the last step?

No, underwriting is not the final step in the mortgage process. You still have to attend closing to sign a bunch of paperwork, and then the loan has to be funded. The underwriting process itself can be smooth or “bumpy,” depending on your financial situation.

Do underwriters want to approve loans?

An underwriter will approve or reject your mortgage loan application based on your credit history, employment history, assets, debts and other factors. It's all about whether that underwriter feels you can repay the loan that you want. During this stage of the loan process, a lot of common problems can crop up.

How far back do underwriters look?

How far back do mortgage lenders look at bank statements? Generally, mortgage lenders require the last 60 days of bank statements. To learn more about the documentation required to apply for a home loan, contact a loan officer today.

Do underwriters look at spending habits?

Lenders look at various aspects of your spending habits before making a decision. First, they'll take the time to evaluate your recurring expenses. In addition to looking at the way you spend your money each month, lenders will check for any outstanding debts and add up the total monthly payments.

Can your loan be denied at closing?

Having a mortgage loan denied at closing is the worst and is much worse than a denial at the pre-approval stage. Although both denials hurt, each one requires a different game plan.

What would make an underwriter deny a loan?

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.

Why do Underwriters wait till last minute?

Mostly it is because many times the mortgage borrower has waited until the last minute to give it to us! Fannie Mae requires certain documents, that get underwritten, that many times yield more paperwork needed.

Do underwriters call your bank?

Yes, they do. One of the final and most important steps toward closing on your new home mortgage is to produce bank statements showing enough money in your account to cover your down payment, closing costs, and reserves if required.

What to do while waiting for underwriting?

Tip #2: Respond To Inquiries As Quickly As Possible

During underwriting, your lender may contact you and request additional financial documents, bank statements, other proof of income or assets. Respond to these requests as quickly as you can – your underwriter can't proceed or approve your home loan without them.