Most closings go smoothly when you know what the lender will ask for and when. Problems usually come from new debt, unexplained deposits, insurance or title surprises, or a low appraisal.
Use the guides below by stage. If a loan has already been denied, jump to the last group.
Loan program pages: How underwriting works · Conditions and closing · AUS findings explained · Home buying
Preapproval and underwriting
Preapproval and underwritingRead: Mortgage Underwriting Process
Preapproval and underwritingRead: Prequalification vs Preapproval
Preapproval and underwritingRead: Automated Underwriting Explained
Preapproval and underwritingRead: Conventional Mortgage Reserves
Before closing day
Before closing dayRead: Homeowners Insurance Problems Before Closing in
Before closing dayRead: Title Problems Before Closing
Before closing dayRead: Mortgage Denied or at Risk After Preapproval
Closing day
Closing dayRead: Closing Disclosure
Closing dayRead: Mortgage Wire Fraud
Closing dayRead: Mortgage Tax Transcript Problems
Closing dayRead: Appraisal Waiver vs Appraisal
When a loan is denied
When a loan is deniedRead: Mortgage Denied or at Risk After Preapproval
When a loan is deniedRead: Large Deposits During Mortgage Underwriting
When a loan is deniedRead: Mortgage Denied After Appraisal? Low Value and