Saratoga MLS Search     Property Alert    Featured Saratoga Homes    Saratoga Home Evaluation   Client Login

The Saratoga California Underwriter

When your loan is submitted for underwriting, it goes directly into the hands of an underwriter whose job is to determine your "creditworthiness" or your ability to repay the loan. An underwriter takes into consideration the following aspects when deciding whether or not to approve your loan makes these decisions:

Your work history

A stable history of employment in the same line of work is considered ideal. Job-hopping is not. However, if you have switched jobs within the same line of work for advancement in your field, it should not be a problem.

Your income

In looking at your ability to repay the loan, the underwriter looks at your job stability and gross income (in relation to your expenses) are critical in this regard. Most income must be verified as having been received for at least two years to be used for qualifying purposes.

Your credit history

Via your credit report, the underwriter looks at your past payment history. A consistent pattern of late payments, collections, etc. obviously is not looked upon favorably – and you will be asked to explain about your bad credit conditions. Bankruptcies generally must be discharged for at least two years, the reason explained and you generally must re-establish credit to be considered.

Your assets

The underwriter wants to see your net worth, determined as: the money you have available for a down payment, closing costs, cash reserves (money left over after closing of escrow to cover 2-3 months mortgage payments) and other liquid assets. The underwriter also will want to see the "source of funds" or from where the money for the down payment and closing costs is coming from. Don’t move money around (pay off bills, get a gift, etc.) without first consulting your loan officer about the best way to do it, since it may affect the underwriter’s view of your loan.

Your debts

The underwriter will be concerned with the amount of debt you have because it affects your qualification and ability to repay the loan. Excessive use of credit may not be looked upon favorably.

The property

Because the property is the lender’s collateral for the loan, the value, marketability and condition of the property are extremely important. The underwriter looks at the appraisal for this information, and generally looks to see that the appraisal and the purchase price are in the same ballpark.

Contact us for more info on Saratoga California Underwriters