Here are some key areas Underwriters consider
Credit Scores Aren’t One Number
Credit Scores Aren’t One Number
Credit Scores Aren’t One Number
Mortgage lenders review multiple scores. The score used for a mortgage may be different than what you see in credit apps.
Payment History Matters Most
Credit Scores Aren’t One Number
Credit Scores Aren’t One Number
Underwriters look for consistent on-time payments. Recent patterns usually matter more than one old mistake.
Credit Card Balances Matter
Credit Scores Aren’t One Number
New Credit Can Slow Things Down
High balances can hurt even when you pay on time. Utilization (how much you use) is a major factor.
New Credit Can Slow Things Down
Collections Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
New Credit Can Slow Things Down
Opening accounts or financing purchases can change scores and increase debt right before underwriting.
Disputes Can Delay Underwriting
Collections Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Collections Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Active disputes can pause a credit review because the data may not be considered fully verified.
Collections Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Collections Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Collections Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Requirements vary by loan type, balance, and timing. Paying collections without a plan can sometimes lower scores.
Authorized Users Are Reviewed
The Full Report Tells the Story
The Full Report Tells the Story
Being on someone else’s account can help or hurt. Underwriters may treat authorized user accounts differently.
The Full Report Tells the Story
The Full Report Tells the Story
The Full Report Tells the Story
Underwriters review the complete report — not just the score — to understand risk, stability, and recent changes.