How worried should I be about underwriting?

Asked by: Mrs. Pink Wintheiser  |  Last update: February 3, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (71 votes)

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.

What are the odds of being denied in underwriting?

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 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.

How stressful is insurance underwriting?

Volume of Work: In busy times, the volume of applications can be overwhelming, leading to long hours and increased stress levels. While some underwriters may find the work rewarding, the combination of these factors can contribute to a high-stress environment.

Can a loan be denied during underwriting?

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

2 Big Reasons Home Loans Blow Up In Underwriting - [Underwriting Mortgage Process]

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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.

What not to do while in underwriting?

5 Mistakes to Avoid During the Underwriting Process
  1. Not responding to emails from the lender. ...
  2. Buying an improperly valued home. ...
  3. Exceeding loan limitations. ...
  4. Lying to your lender. ...
  5. Frivolous purchases while your home is pending.

What to expect after underwriting?

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.

How long does it take an underwriter to approve insurance?

Underwriting can take as little as 24 hours but could last 4 to 6 weeks. The more extensive the policy, generally the more detailed and time-consuming the process. During that time, the underwriter will review the details of your application and the results of your health exam.

Do underwriters check your bank account?

When trying to determine whether you have the means to pay off the loan, the underwriter will review your employment, income, debt and assets. They'll look at your savings, checking, 401k and IRA accounts, tax returns and other records of income, as well as your debt-to-income ratio.

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 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.

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.

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.

Can a pre-approved loan be denied?

If you apply for a pre-approved offer you'll usually be successful, but it's not guaranteed as the lender always has the final say. There are a few different reasons why your pre-approved offer may be rejected: Delay completing your application (as your circumstances may have changed in the meantime)

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.

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 are the four C's of underwriting?

There are four main factors that are considered by underwriters when they are deciding whether or not to approve your loan application; collateral, character, capacity, and credit.

Do underwriters talk to people?

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.

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.

How many years back do underwriters look?

Mortgage underwriters will generally ask for one to two years of tax returns when you apply for a mortgage. If you are self-employed, you may be asked to provide additional documentation as proof of your income stability. Mortgage underwriters want to make sure that your income is stable before giving you a mortgage.

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.

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.

How can I speed up my underwriting process?

Lenders can improve their loan application underwriting process by investing in automation and data analytics to quickly analyze financial history, credit scores, and applicant data. In addition, digital document management systems help streamline collecting and verifying applicants' documents.