What Underwriters Are Looking For (And How You Can Help Speed It Up)

Buying a home is exciting, but it’s no secret that the underwriting process can feel like a waiting game. The good news? Understanding what underwriters are looking for (and how you can help) can make the process smoother and often faster.

At Michigan Mortgage, our goal is to guide you home while keeping things as stress-free as possible. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what underwriters do and how you can keep your loan moving forward.

What Is Underwriting?

Underwriting is the lender’s way of making sure your loan is a safe and sound investment. In other words, the underwriter carefully reviews your financial information to confirm you can afford the home you’re buying.

Think of them as the “final checkers”—they make sure everything adds up and that your loan meets program guidelines.

What Underwriters Review

Every underwriter looks for the same big picture: stability, reliability, and ability to repay. To get there, they dig into a few key areas:

Income & Employment
- Pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns prove your income.
- They want to see a stable work history and reliable earnings.
Assets & Savings
- Bank statements show where your down payment and reserves are coming from.
- Large or unusual deposits will need explanations.
Debts & Credit
- Credit reports reveal your payment history, debt balances, and credit score.
- They look for responsible borrowing and a debt-to-income ratio within guidelines.
Property Details
- The appraisal ensures the home’s value supports the loan amount.
- Title reports confirm there are no ownership or lien issues.

How You Can Speed Things Up

The underwriting process doesn’t have to drag. In fact, you can play a big role in keeping it moving:

Stay Responsive. Reply quickly to requests for documents or clarification. Every day counts.
Stay Organized. Have pay stubs, W-2s, bank statements, and tax returns ready to go.
Avoid Big Changes. Don’t switch jobs, open new credit cards, or make large purchases without checking with your loan officer.
Explain Clearly. If there’s something unusual in your finances (like a big deposit or a gap in employment), be upfront. A short letter of explanation can save days of back-and-forth.
Trust Your Loan Officer. We’ll tell you exactly what’s needed and why it’s all part of getting you to the closing table.

The Bottom Line

Underwriting may sound complicated, but it’s really about confirming what you already know: that you’re ready and able to own your home. By staying proactive and working closely with your Michigan Mortgage team, you’ll help the process move quickly and smoothly, so you can focus on the exciting part: getting your keys and moving in!

✅ Ready to take the next step? Contact us today and let’s start your journey home.