In this blog, we will cover how to write a letter of explanation to mortgage underwriters. Borrowers planning on applying for home loans or are currently going through the mortgage process will encounter underwriters who will require a letter of explanation for one or more items in question. This is often the case if borrowers have previous credit issues or many credit inquiries on the credit reports. A letter of explanation (LOX) to mortgage underwriters is often requested.
The letter of explanation should be carefully thought out before it is submitted. The mortgage loan originator will most likely review the letter of explanation before submitting it to the underwriter underwriting the mortgage file. LOX (Letter of Explanations) does not need to be lengthy. Most loan officers will write the LOX on behalf of borrowers. In this article, we will cover and discuss how to write a letter of explanation to mortgage underwriters during the mortgage process.
Cases Where LOX (Letter of Explanations) Is Required
A frequent scenario demanding LOX (Letter of Explanations) is when borrowers exhibit numerous credit inquiries on their credit reports. Whenever a mortgage loan underwriter examines a credit report and identifies multiple credit inquiries, a letter of explanation becomes necessary. Specifically, for credit inquiries, the LOX is a mandatory requirement. These letters need to address credit inquiries but don’t necessarily need to be overly detailed.
For instance, individuals with numerous credit inquiries from various lenders simply need to indicate “Shopping for a mortgage.” Similarly, if there are multiple credit inquiries from auto finance companies, stating “Shopping for cars” suffices in the letter of explanation. Lenders generally frown upon multiple credit inquiries. Each inquiry undergoes scrutiny to determine if the applicant has been extended credit by the creditor. When credit is granted, it implies potential new debt for the consumer, potentially impacting their debt-to-income ratio.
Letter of Explanations For Multiple Credit Inquiries
When an individual applies for several credit cards, it can create an impression of financial urgency, suggesting the need for immediate access to funds. In instances with multiple credit card inquiries, a simple explanation like “Shopping for credit cards for the best available rates” should suffice for the required letter of explanation.
Furthermore, there are other scenarios where more detailed letters of explanation are necessary. For instance, borrowers aiming for a home loan with a history of prior credit issues might require more comprehensive letters to address their credit challenges.
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Letter of Explanations For Periods of Bad Credit
For instance, individuals who previously maintained a strong credit history and consistent payment record but faced sudden financial challenges due to job loss resulting in an inability to meet monthly credit obligations and subsequent credit score decline, are advised to draft a letter of explanation about the circumstances behind their inability to pay bills. Specifically addressing the job loss is crucial in this scenario.
It’s essential to accompany the letter of explanation with supporting documents when explaining a period of job loss, such as W-2s, tax returns, and pay stubs from before and after the job loss occurred. Every aspect covered in the letter of explanation should be substantiated with documentation. Some situations might require multiple letters of explanation, especially when there are employment gaps or a prolonged period of unemployment for borrowers.
Home Loan After Bankruptcy and Foreclosure
To qualify for FHA and USDA loans, a mandatory waiting period of three years is required after the recorded foreclosure date or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. For VA loans, the waiting period following a housing event is two years. Additionally, FHA, VA, and USDA loans require a waiting period of two years after filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
It is important to note that if you have had a prior short sale, you may not be eligible for FHA or USDA loans until three years have passed from the date of the short sale, which is specified on the HUD’s settlement statement. If you are applying for VA Home Loans, there is a two-year waiting period in such scenarios. This letter of explanation aims to provide clarity regarding the waiting periods associated with different financial events in relation to FHA, VA, and USDA loan qualifications.
.Loan Officers Will Help Borrowers With Letter of Explanation
During the mortgage approval process, borrowers often receive requests from mortgage underwriters for letters of explanation. Typically, it’s the loan officers who draft these letters (LOX) on behalf of the borrowers.
It is disheartening to note that in certain cases, borrowers are compelled to draft letters of explanation themselves by some loan officers. It is not uncommon for my team and me to receive numerous calls and inquiries from borrowers who are in need of guidance on how to compose persuasive letters of explanation to present to mortgage underwriters. We strive to provide the best possible assistance to these borrowers to ensure that their letters meet the underwriters’ requirements and stand out from the rest.
Do Not Be Alarmed When Asked For LOX
Many individuals seeking a mortgage often feel uneasy when underwriters request a letter of explanation (LOX). The need for LOX is a standard component of the mortgage application process, especially for those with a history of bad credit, bankruptcy, foreclosure, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, or short sales. Mortgage underwriters routinely ask for these explanations.
Letters of Explanations For Derogatory Tradelines
A letter of explanation will be required for the following:
- recent credit inquiries
- late payments
- irregular or large deposits
- other questionable items a mortgage underwriter may have concerns with
Format of Letter of Explanations To Mortgage Underwriters
Every letter of explanation should include the applicant’s signature and date. In cases involving joint banking accounts or instances of overdrafts, a letter of explanation is mandatory.
Particular emphasis is placed on explanations tied to economic events, as they carry considerable importance. The advancement of the file depends on the comprehensiveness and clarity of the letter of explanation. It is crucial to note that all letters of explanation must be accompanied by relevant supporting documents, a subject we will explore further in this article.
Letter of Explanations To Mortgage Underwriters Needs To Be Brief
Mortgage lenders do not expect to receive detailed explanations. In certain instances, a concise letter of explanation consisting of only one or two sentences will be satisfactory.
Please avoid creating an elaborate explanation and refrain from providing extra, unsolicited information, as this may inadvertently introduce additional complexities for borrowers.
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What Is The Right Answer In a Letter of Explanation For Mortgage Approval?
The mortgage underwriter doesn’t seek a specific “right” or “wrong” answer within the letter of explanation. Instead, they aim to gather factual details about any unclear information provided by the borrower. For instance, when reviewing the comprehensive credit report and credit history, any credit inquiries within the last 120 days require a letter of explanation. Additionally, if there are seven lenders listed as credit inquiries on the report, borrowers need to provide a letter of explanation indicating they were shopping for a mortgage.
Compose a concise statement, sign it, add the date, and then submit—it’s as straightforward as that. There’s no need to elaborate on whether the applications were approved, denied, or any specifics. Similarly, for multiple credit card inquiries, borrowers only need to mention that they were seeking better interest rates. The same applies to inquiries related to automobile credit—a brief statement stating that you were in the process of shopping for a car suffices for the LOX.
Letter of Explanations To Mortgage Underwriters on Recent Late Payments
If a mortgage underwriter asks for a letter of explanation regarding recent late payments, again, borrowers simply need to draft a concise one or two-sentence LOX, sign, and date it. There’s no definitive right or wrong approach to composing this letter.
In cases where consumers missed a payment, they can write a brief explanation stating they overlooked the minimum payments due to various reasons, such as illness, unemployment, or a dispute with the credit card company. There’s no universally correct response. Letters of explanation aren’t graded on a pass-or-fail basis; they serve to provide context rather than determine success or failure.
Non-QM Loans & Bank Statement Loans For Self-Employed Borrowers
Gustan Cho Associates offers non-QM loans that cater to homebuyers. These loans come with unique advantages: there’s no waiting period post-foreclosure, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, or short sale. Being just one day out of a housing event qualifies one for these non-QM loans, though a 20% down payment is necessary. For a minimum credit score of 640, a borrower can secure this loan with a 15% down payment. Those with a 660 credit score can opt for a 15% down payment.
Moreover, a 680 credit score allows for a 10% down payment. The crux of non-QM loans lies in the lender’s request for a detailed letter of explanation from the borrower. This letter should meticulously cover the chain of events over the past several years.
Letter of Explanation on Extenuating Circumstances
An example of an extenuating circumstance for a housing event would be:
- Being out of work was the cause of being forced into bankruptcy, foreclosure, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, short sale.
- This economic event affected borrowers, which caused the reduction of their household income for at least six or more months and was the cause of the housing event.
- The borrower has recovered, obtained full-time employment, and can now afford a new home purchase.
- Need to show that they have re-established their credit and have no late payments after housing and economic event
Gustan Cho Associates is a full-service direct lender with no overlays on government and conventional loans. We are correspondent lenders on non-QM loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers. We are available seven days a week, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
How do you write a letter of explanation to mortgage underwriters for credit inquiries?
Mortgage underwriters often request a letter of explanation when they identify inconsistencies between the information provided by a borrower on their application and the supporting documents.
For instance, if there’s a disparity between the borrower’s stated monthly income and the details on their W-2s, especially if the borrower had taken time off work due to medical reasons or any other cause, a comprehensive letter of explanations (LOX) becomes necessary. Similarly, borrowers with multiple credit inquiries on their credit report must furnish a letter of explanations to mortgage underwriters for each inquiry. These explanations for credit inquiries need not be extensive and can be as concise as a single line.
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How To Write Letter of Explanations To Mortgage Underwriters For Credit Inquiries?
When borrowers have several credit inquiries from different sectors like automobile finance, mortgages, or credit cards, they must specify the purpose. For instance, if there are multiple inquiries from auto finance companies, the borrower should clarify they were shopping for a car. Similarly, multiple mortgage inquiries require an explanation stating the intent to shop for a mortgage. The same principle applies to credit card inquiries, where borrowers need to mention their intent to shop for credit card interest rates.
It’s important to note that providing a letter of explanations for credit inquiries is not a deal-breaker. If the underwriter finds the explanation insufficient or lacking clarity, they might request a more detailed LOX. Each credit inquiry needs validation from the underwriter to proceed with the process. In many cases, loan officers assist borrowers by drafting a Letter of Explanations for Mortgage Underwriters on their behalf.
Case Scenarios Where A Good Letter of Explanation Is Crucial
A crucial instance requiring a detailed letter of explanation for mortgage underwriters is when borrowers have late payments following a bankruptcy or a housing-related event. Typically, many lenders might reject an application if borrowers exhibit late payments post-bankruptcy or foreclosure.
Despite this, late payments after bankruptcy or foreclosure don’t always entirely derail an application. Nevertheless, most lenders tend to view these late payments as a repeated issue and are inclined to hesitate to qualify such borrowers. To overcome this, borrowers must provide precise extenuating circumstances for these late payments within their letter of explanation.
Sample Letter of Explanations To Mortgage Underwriters on Late Payments After Bankruptcy
Mortgage underwriters understand that individuals may face financial challenges at times. They recognize that situations leading to bankruptcy or home foreclosure can arise due to various reasons, such as financial hardship or non-payment issues. Underwriters typically seek clarity on the causes behind bankruptcy and foreclosure.
For a borrower to qualify, there should have been a history of good credit prior to the onset of bankruptcy and foreclosure. Factors like unemployment or underemployment, which led to a decrease in household income, might have contributed to these financial difficulties. However, if the borrower had a poor credit history preceding their financial hardship or if they lack an understanding of the importance of credit, they may not meet the qualifications for a loan.
How Much Will My Credit Score Drop After Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy and foreclosure can significantly impact one’s credit score. To recover, the borrower must rebuild their credit. The letter of explanation doesn’t need extensive details; it should simply outline the facts related to the situation. Supporting documents like the termination letter, previous W-2s, and paycheck stubs should be included.
The underwriter seeks clarification that the bankruptcy and foreclosure stemmed from the applicant’s job termination, a circumstance beyond their control or due to other exceptional situations. It’s crucial to demonstrate the borrower’s recovery, current stable employment, and re-established credit since then.
He borrower then had late payments after bankruptcy due to the following reasons:
- Unemployment?
- Health?
- Divorce?
- Other solid reason
Forgetting to pay bills is not a good excuse. Discuss the reason for late payment after bankruptcy and/or housing event and have the loan officer assist in writing it in a way that is acceptable to the underwriter. Speak With Our Experts For Better Solution
Qualifying For A Mortgage With a Mortgage Broker With No Overlays
Prospective homebuyers or current homeowners aiming to secure a mortgage through a national direct lender without additional restrictions on government and conventional loans can reach out to us at Gustan Cho Associates. You can contact us by calling 800-900-8569, texting for a quicker response, or emailing us at alex@gustancho.com.
Lenders With No Overlays on Government and Conforming Loans
We have zero overlays on FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. Gustan Cho Associates is a mortgage broker on non-QM loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Gustan Cho and his team of veteran mortgage professionals are ready to answer any questions home buyers or homeowners with mortgage inquiries. Gustan Cho Associates Academy is a group of real estate and mortgage industry experts, which includes the following: real estate agents, residential mortgage loan officers, and industry experts whose mission is to provide information about real estate, conforming loans, non-conforming loans, and specialty financing programs. The mortgage industry is so complex, with new regulations constantly changing. New rules and regulations are being implemented, and our goal is to express the opinions of industry experts and offer their opinions. Contact us today.
Letters of Explanation are part of the overall mortgage process. Borrowers should not be alarmed when a mortgage underwriter asks for multiple letters of explanation.
If you have any questions on how does FHA define family member or borrowers who need to qualify for FHA loans with a lender with no overlays on government or conforming loans, please contact us at Gustan Cho Associates at 800-900-8569. Text us for a faster response. Or email us at alex@gustancho.com. The team at Gustan Cho Associates is available 7 days a week, on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
This blog about How To Write Letter of Explanations To Mortgage Underwriters was updated on January 9th, 2024.
FAQs – Writing a Letter of Explanations to Mortgage Underwriters
Why must I write a Letter of Explanation (LOX) to mortgage underwriters? A Letter of Explanations is often required when applying for a mortgage, especially if you have credit issues or multiple credit inquiries. Underwriters may request a LOX to clarify specific items in your financial history.
When is a Letter of Explanations required? A Letter of Explanations is commonly required in cases of multiple credit inquiries, late payments, irregular deposits, or other questionable items on credit reports. It’s crucial to provide explanations for these situations to ensure the mortgage approval process proceeds smoothly.
How detailed should the Letter of Explanations be? The Letter of Explanations doesn’t need to be overly detailed. A brief explanation like “Shopping for a mortgage” or “Looking for the best credit card rates” may suffice for credit inquiries. However, a more comprehensive explanation with supporting documents may be necessary for more significant issues, such as periods of bad credit.
Who typically writes the Letter of Explanations? In many cases, loan officers write the Letter of Explanations on behalf of borrowers. It’s essential to work closely with your loan officer to ensure the letter meets the underwriter’s requirements and effectively addresses any concerns.
What situations might require a detailed Letter of Explanations? Instances such as periods of bad credit, job loss leading to financial challenges, or late payments after bankruptcy may require more detailed letters of explanation. These should be accompanied by supporting documents to substantiate the explanations.
Is it common to be asked for a Letter of Explanations during the mortgage application process? Yes, it’s common for mortgage underwriters to request a Letter of Explanations, especially if you have a history of bad credit, bankruptcy, foreclosure, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, or short sales. It’s a standard component of the mortgage application process.
What should be included in the format of the Letter of Explanations? Every Letter of Explanations should include the applicant’s signature and date. In cases involving joint banking accounts or overdrafts, a LOX is mandatory. Emphasis should be on providing clear and comprehensive explanations of economic events, and relevant supporting documents should accompany all LOX.
How long should a Letter of Explanations be? Mortgage lenders do not expect lengthy explanations. In many cases, a concise letter consisting of one or two sentences may be satisfactory. It’s crucial to avoid unnecessary details that may complicate the borrower’s situation.
What is the right answer in a Letter of Explanations for mortgage approval? There’s no specific “right” or “wrong” answer in a Letter of Explanations. The goal is to provide factual details about any unclear information in your application or supporting documents. Keep it concise and focused on addressing the underwriter’s concerns.
How do I write a Letter of Explanations for credit inquiries? When addressing credit inquiries, specify the purpose, such as “Shopping for a mortgage” or “Seeking better interest rates.” If multiple inquiries exist, explain the intent for each. If the underwriter finds the explanation insufficient, they may request a more detailed Letter of Explanations. Loan officers often assist in drafting these letters.
What should be included in a Letter of Explanations for late payments after bankruptcy? Clearly explain the reasons for late payments, whether due to unemployment, health issues, divorce, or other valid reasons. Support the explanation with relevant documents like termination letters, previous W-2s, and paycheck stubs.
