What would cause an underwriter to deny FHA mortgage?

Asked by: Shemar Schaefer  |  Last update: February 14, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (46 votes)

Reasons for an FHA Rejection There are three popular reasons – bad credit, high debt-to-income ratio, and overall insufficient money to cover the down payment and closing costs of a home.

Why would an underwriter deny an FHA loan?

There are some basic reasons that you'll read about in most finance blogs or mortgage loan blogs--including some of the most obvious answers. Those include late or missed payments on rent or past mortgages, low credit scores, and even reasons such as houses that cannot pass the appraisal process.

What would disqualify you from getting an FHA loan?

Here are some common reasons why you might be disqualified from an FHA loan: High debt-to-income ratio: If your monthly debt payments exceed 43% of your income, it could be difficult to qualify. FHA loan limits: Your requested loan amount might exceed the set loan limits in your area, especially in high-cost areas.

Why would an underwriter not approve a mortgage?

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.

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.

7 reasons why your loan my be denied by an underwriter

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How often do FHA loans get denied?

In 2022, 9.1% of applicants were denied a home-purchase loan, according to data collected under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. However, some loan programs have a higher denial rate than others. Here's how it breaks down. Federal Housing Administration loans: 14.4% denial rate.

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.

Why would FHA deny a loan?

Common reasons for FHA loan denial include low credit scores, high debt-to-income ratios, insufficient income, insufficient funds for a down payment, and properties not meeting FHA guidelines.

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.

What does an FHA underwriter look for?

Underwriters verify your income, assets, and debts and review information about the property to determine if you qualify for a home loan. You can speed up the underwriting process by providing all the necessary documentation during the application phase and communicating with your lender.

Why would a house not pass FHA financing?

Health and safety concerns: Properties with potential health and safety hazards, such as lead-based paint, asbestos, or mold, may not qualify for an FHA loan. The FHA prioritizes the well-being of borrowers and aims to ensure that the homes they finance are safe and healthy environments for residents.

What would disqualify you from an FHA loan?

You may be denied for an FHA loan if you have declared bankruptcy but you have not had the bankruptcy discharged. You may be denied if you are delinquent on federal taxes or otherwise owe money to the federal government but without an approved payment plan.

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.

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 is FHA underwriting denied?

Conventional Loans: In 2022, conventional loans had a denial rate of 7.6%, significantly lower than the FHA's 14.4%.

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 fast can you get approved for FHA loan?

FHA loan approval usually takes around 30 to 60 days, depending on how fast you provide required documents and how busy the lender is.

What makes a home ineligible for FHA?

The FHA's three requirements are that a property must be safe, secure, and structurally sound to qualify for one of their loans. Properties cannot have adverse conditions that might imperil the homeowner, and must meet proper building codes. As a buyer, these standards protect you from buying an unsafe property.

What are the red flags for FHA appraisals?

Other red flags that appraisers look for include:
  • Missing handrails.
  • Cracked windows.
  • Termite damage.
  • Dampness.
  • Large cracks.
  • Stains that indicate evidence of a leak.
  • Roof damage.
  • Loose or exposed electrical wiring.

What will make a house fail an FHA inspection?

The overall structure of the property must be in good enough condition to keep its occupants safe. This means severe structural damage, leakage, dampness, decay or termite damage can cause the property to fail inspection. In such a case, repairs must be made in order for the FHA loan to move forward.

What gets you denied in underwriting?

Lenders will calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to make sure that you have adequate monthly income to cover your house payment, in addition to other debts you might have. If your DTI is too high or your income isn't substantial enough to prove you can handle the monthly payments, you'll be turned down.

Do underwriters look at withdrawals?

Unexplained withdrawals

If any withdrawals seem inconsistent with the provided information, they will seek clarification. For example, if there are recurring non-payroll withdrawals, the underwriter might inquire if they are associated with debts or items like child support payments.

What affects underwriting?

The underwriter evaluates the likelihood that a claim will be made and determines the premiums that should be charged to insure that risk. For example, underwriters in health insurance consider factors such as patient age, medical history, and lifestyle.