Underwritten-Mortgage-Pre-Approvals

Underwritten-Mortgage-Pre-Approvals
May 29, 2023

James J. Hammond
CEO, EquiFund Mortgage

Licensed Loan Originator NMLS# 190210, 22 years mortgage lending, and management.

| May 29, 2023

What is an underwritten mortgage pre-approval?

 

An underwritten mortgage pre-approval refers to the process of obtaining a mortgage pre-approval that has undergone a thorough evaluation and verification by a lender's underwriting department.

This formal underwriting process requires the applicants to submit all of the required income and asset documents and complete a loan application for a complete review to issue an underwritten mortgage pre-approval.

 

What is the difference between a fully underwritten pre-approval and a traditional mortgage pre-approval?

 

Traditional Mortgage Pre-Approvals

 

A traditional mortgage pre-approval is normally issued when the loan originator reviews and verifies your income and asset documents along with your credit report and employment history to ensure your borrowing profile conforms to the underwriting guidelines of the loan program you applied for.

In most cases, the loan originator will submit your file to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac automated desktop underwriting to verify eligibility.  

While these traditional mortgage pre-approvals are valid, they lack the final requirement of an authorized underwriters review. 

 

Fully Underwritten Mortgage Pre-Approvals

 

An underwritten mortgage pre-approval includes all the same steps as a traditional mortgage pre-approval, but includes the authorized underwriters final review of the loan file and all required documents.

These underwritten mortgage pre-approvals require additional time due to the high demand placed on each underwriter that is also underwriting full submission loan files that have an executed purchase contract. 

Should I get an Underwritten Mortgage Pre-Approval?

 

Yes, if you have a complex loan application which includes any of the following; self employed income, high debt-to-income ratios, lower credit scores than you should request an underwritten mortgage pre-approval in addition to the traditional mortgage pre-approval you will be provided. 

 

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What are the advantages to getting an underwritten mortgage pre-approval?

 

Applicants that apply for an underwritten mortgage pre-approval will have more negotiating power in a low supply of housing inventory marketplace. Sellers will be attracted to loan offers where the applicants have already had their loan files reviewed and cleared by the mortgage lenders' underwriter. 

Moreover, because the file has been pre-underwritten, the time to close should be reduced down to weeks, compared to the normal 30 days on average by most lenders.

 

Are there any disadvantages to getting a fully underwritten pre-approval?

 

To obtain an underwritten mortgage pre-approval the lender will require a hard credit inquiry which may lower your credit score by a few points. Therefore, it is important to shop and compare mortgage loan offers first.

In most cases, applicants will stay committed to the mortgage lender that provides either the traditional mortgage pre-approval or an underwritten mortgage pre-approval. 

Therefore, it is important for consumers to shop mortgage lenders before requesting either a pre-approval or underwritten pre-approval. The greatest concern is that applicants will loose out on capturing a lower cost mortgage loan

 

Where can I shop multiple mortgage lenders while getting an underwritten mortgage pre-approval?

 

You can shop multiple mortgage lenders' loan offers by using an online mortgage pre-approval marketplace.

These marketplace mortgage lenders offer consumers with a simplified pre-qualification, pre-approval, and underwritten pre-approval platform that only takes 3 minutes to complete. 

 

Get Pre-Approved or Try the Mortgage Calculator.

No credit pulls, spam calls or emails. Just stupid low rates.

 

Are there any fees for using an online mortgage pre-approval platform to get an underwritten pre-approval? 

 

No, there are no upfront fees for using these mortgage marketplace platforms. Once the applicant identified the lowest rate and fee mortgage loan, these online platforms will receive compensation from the mortgage lender. 

 

What are the documents required to get an underwritten pre-approval for a home loan?

 

  1. 1 Months Most Recent Paystubs
  2. 2 Months Most Recent Bank Statements
  3. Last 2 years IRS Tax Returns or W2's
  4. Proof of Social Security or Child Support
  5. Mortgage Statements for any additional properties owned
  6. Investment Account Statements
  7. Copy of drivers license, and social security card

 

7 steps to get a fully underwritten mortgage preapproval?

 

You will need to complete these 7 steps to get an underwritten mortgage pre-approval. Please be sure to have all of your required income and asset documents ready to upload.

  1. Click the Apply Now
  2. Answer all the questions like annual income, credit score, purchase price, down payment, and monthly bills like auto loans, credit cards, and assets.
  3. Review the borrower’s mortgage options and terms. The lowest rate fee loan determined by APR appears first in the results list.
  4. Select the borrower’s preferred loan choice.
  5. Upload financial documents.
  6. Call and request an underwritten mortgage pre-approval
  7. Check their email for the underwritten mortgage preapproval letter.

 

Get 1% off 30 year fixed rates for online loan offers.

No credit pulls, spam calls or emails. Just stupid low rates.

 

What is the online underwritten Mortgage Pre-approval Process?

 

The home buying journey starts with finding the lowest interest rate and closing cost loans for which the borrowers are prequalified for. Once the applicant selects the loan option that matches their budget, applicants can upload the required income documents to receive a verified mortgage pre-approval. 

Thereafter, each applicant requesting an underwritten pre-approval will need to make this additional request with their assigned loan originator

The mortgage preapproval process has three components that are all interrelated and required to issue a reliable preapproval decision and a verified mortgage preapproval letter. 

 

Mortgage Pre-qualification:

 

The mortgage process starts with prequalifying, which means the lender or our online app will rely upon the information the borrowers provide to determine eligibility. This is called mortgage prequalification.

 

Get Pre-Qualified or Try the Mortgage Calculator.

No credit pulls, spam calls or emails. Just stupid low rates.

 

Mortgage Pre-approval with Credit Report:

 

The second step requires authorization from the borrowers to complete a soft pull mortgage pre-approval.

After completing the first step, mortgage prequalification, the borrowers’ credit history, and credit score will be reviewed to verify that the credit ratings meet the loan program’s underwriting guidelines.

 

Verified Home Loan Mortgage Pre-approval

 

The third and final step provides the most accurate loan pre-approval. The Verified Mortgage Pre-approval process requires the home loan originator to verify all the income and asset documents and a full review of the borrower's credit profile to render a verified mortgage preapproval letter.

Requesting an underwritten pre-approval

 

After receiving a verified mortgage pre-approval, applicants can talk directly with the loan originator to request the underwritten pre-approval. 

 

What not to do after getting an underwritten pre-approval?

 

  • Do not take out additional lines of credit like auto loans, credit cards, or personal loans.
  • Do not allow others to make hard credit inquiries that may lower your credit score.
  • Do not make any late payments. Continue to make all payments on time.
  • Do not change employers or income streams without consulting with lender.
  • Contact the lender before making any additional purchase using credit.

What are the online mortgage preapproval requirements?

 

The minimum factors for home loan prequalification and closing require a middle credit score of 580 or higher and a minimum of 3.5% down for non-veterans.

Veterans will qualify for a 0% down payment and a minimum credit score 580.

The loan amount and gross monthly income to get approved should be slightly more than double that of all the borrower’s monthly debt payments like credit cards, student loans, personal loans, and auto loans.

  • Employment Verification
  • Income Verification
  • Job History
  • Debt-to-Income Analysis

 

Get Pre-Approved or Try the Mortgage Calculator.

No credit pulls, spam calls or emails. Just stupid low rates.

 

What are the requirements to get an underwritten pre-approval for each loan program available online?

 

The online marketplace incorporates all the loan programs and products offered by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. We also include all eligible first time homebuyer programs.

The online app uses the underwriting guidelines from multiple National lenders to verify eligibility and preapproval.

The app will provide adjustable rate mortgages and fixed rate home loans for primary residences, investment properties, and secondary residences.

While each lender may have different requirements and interest rates, our online system matches the borrower’s credit profile to the best home loans and lending terms.

Below is a list of loan programs and products, credit scores, and down payment requirements.

 

Online Mortgage Loan Programs Minimum Credit Score Requirements

 

  1. FHA Loans: 580
  2. VA Loans: 580
  3. Conventional Loans: 620
  4. Jumbo Loans: 640
  5. Bank Statements Loans: 640
  6. USDA Loans: 600

 

Online Home Loan Programs Minimum Down Payment Requirements

 

Each home loan program listed below has unique underwriting loan approval guidelines. One main factor is how much money will be used as a down payment. The down payment determines the maximum Loan-To-Value allowed per loan program. 

  1. FHA Loans: 3.5%
  2. VA Loans: 0%
  3. Conventional Loans: 3-5%
  4. Jumbo Loans: 10%
  5. Bank Statements Loans: 10%
  6. USDA Rural Loans: 0%

Once the borrowers complete the online app, they will see how much house they may afford. The borrowers may select their desired preapproved home loan option; the next step is to submit all requested documents to complete the underwriting process for final loan approval.

 

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Are there any terms and conditions on an underwritten mortgage preapproval letter?

 

Yes, a home loan preapproval is based on the information the borrowers provide and the income and asset documentation they provide.

Most homebuyers understand that they should keep their monthly debts, income, and savings and continue making monthly payments on time during home buying. Any changes to the credit report used to validate and verify a mortgage preapproval may require re-verification.

 

What information is needed for Online Mortgage Preapproval on this site?

 

Based on the mortgage preapproval checklist, the borrowers only need to provide basic information like gross monthly income, estimated credit scores, estimated monthly bills, and a few other simple questions. 

It only takes about 3 minutes, and they will be provided with real home loan options. After identifying the loan that fits their budget, applicants can proceed to process a full verified mortgage loan pre-approval and request the underwritten mortgage pre-approval if required. 

 

Information Needed for Mortgage Pre-approvals:

 

  1. Enter the borrower’s credit score.
  2. Input the borrower’s gross monthly income.
  3. Input any rental property income.
  4. Provide monthly bills like credit cards and auto loans.
  5. Provide purchase price amount.
  6. Enter the down payment amount.
  7. Enter the borrower’s Homeowners Insurance Policy.

 

The preapproved home loan options displayed online will give the borrowers the lowest interest rate and fee loan guarantee based on their credit, income, and terms of their loan request.

Based on all the National lenders in our system, the app will identify the lowest rate and fee preapproved online home loan.

 

Required income and assets documentation to process a underwritten Mortgage Preapproval

 

  1. Income Verification: 1 Month of most recent pay-stubs
  2. Verification of Assets: Checking and Savings Account
  3. Last two years’ W-2 or Tax Returns
  4. Identification: Drivers License
  5. Credit score check for Verified Mortgage Preapprovals
  6. Business tax returns
  7. Purchase contract
  8. Current mortgage statement
  9. Other financial information may be requested.

 

After reviewing the loan options and the borrowers selecting the preferred loan program, FHA Loans, VA Loans, Conventional Mortgages, or Jumbo Loans online, the next step in the mortgage application process is to upload documents that verify their income and assets.

Upon receipt of these documents, a Home Loan Specialist will review each item and pull a full credit report to issue a credit, income, and asset verified mortgage preapproval in less than 24 hours.

 

Get Pre-Approved or Try the Mortgage Calculator.

No credit pulls, spam calls or emails. Just stupid low rates.

 

What documents will borrowers receive after requesting a Verified Mortgage Preapproval?

 

After the borrowers submit all required documents, like income and assets, a home loan specialist will review each document to verify that they satisfy the requirements per underwriting guidelines to meet their home financing needs.

After review of the borrowers’ submitted documents, a home loan officer will run an automated underwriting application using Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac desktop underwriter or loan prospector.

When the automated underwriting application returns a loan approval, the borrowers will receive initial loan disclosures, like the Loan Estimate, Truth-In-Lending, Servicing Disclosure, and Initial loan application

 

Summary of Underwritten Mortgage Pre-Approvals

 

If you are located in a low inventory housing market, or have a complex borrower profile, then requesting an underwritten mortgage pre-approval will help you safe time by motivating sellers to accept your pre-underwritten for mortgage financing offer to purchase the home. In addition, having your file pre-underwritten means that you should not experience any last minute delays or additional request from underwriting. 

Therefore, obtaining an underwritten mortgage pre-approval can offer you the highest degree of eligibility and loan approval and simplify the time it takes to get your offers to purchase a home accepted. 

James J. Hammond
CEO, EquiFund Mortgage

Licensed Loan Originator NMLS# 190210, 22 years mortgage lending, and management.

| May 29, 2023

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Frequently Ask Questions

An underwritten mortgage pre-approval requires that the authorized underwriter fully verify and review the full loan submission for approval, prior to having a sales contract on a home to purchase.
You should request an underwritten mortgage pre-approval when there is a housing shortage or you have a complex borrower profile.
It typically takes 7-15 days, due to the underwriters requirements to work on full file loan submissions
A traditional mortgage pre-approval does not require the underwriter to validate the request. The underwritten pre-approval requires the underwriter to review and verify full eligibility.
Underwritten mortgage pre-approval letters are good for 30-60 days.