How often do underwriters deny?

Asked by: Rae Huels  |  Last update: December 28, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (35 votes)

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.

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 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.

How often do mortgages 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 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 Often Do Underwriters Deny Loans?

30 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 an underwriter to decide?

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.

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.

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.

What can an underwriter not ask for?

Underwriters Cannot Directly Ask You Anything

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can a loan fall through during underwriting?

A conditional approval happens when most everything in your loan application looks good, but there are a few conditions that must be met before you can get final approval. A loan may fall through during underwriting if an underwriter assesses your financial information and recommends the lender not give you a loan.

What can mess up a pre-approval?

So here are the six biggest mistakes to avoid once you have been pre-approved for a mortgage:
  • Late payments. Be sure that you remain current on any monthly bills. ...
  • Applying for new lines of credit. ...
  • Making large purchases. ...
  • Paying off and closing credit cards. ...
  • Co-signing loans for others. ...
  • Changing jobs.

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.

Is it common for underwriter to deny loan?

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.

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?

Is underwriting the last step before closing?

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.

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.

What is the income to debt ratio for a mortgage?

As a general guideline, 43% is the highest DTI ratio a borrower can have and still get qualified for a mortgage. Ideally, lenders prefer a debt-to-income ratio lower than 36%, with no more than 28%–35% of that debt going toward servicing a mortgage. 1 The maximum DTI ratio varies from lender to lender.

What credit score does an underwriter need?

The minimum representative credit score is 620. Manually underwritten loans: Higher of 620 representative credit score or average median credit score, as applicable, or the minimum representative credit score required by the variance.