Quick answer
An underwriter reviews your loan file to confirm it meets the rules of your loan program. That means verifying your income, assets, credit and the home. Usually the file gets an initial approval with a list of conditions, which are the questions or documents still needed. Christopher describes it as sending the file to underwriting, answering any questions, and sending it back before you go to closing.
Rules on this page were checked on against CFPB guidance and Valor Mortgage’s first-home guide. Program terms are subject to agency and lender guidelines and may change, and individual lenders can set stricter rules.
Five steps in buying a house
Transcript: So what should I expect in buying a house? The process looks like this. I typically tell people that there's five steps. The first step is to get pre-approved. Make sure that your finances are in order and you understand a rough estimate of where your house payment might be at. The second, find the house, find the realtor. You want to probably make a list of this is a must-have, this is an okay, and this is a nope, don't want this. That way when you go look for a house, you know exactly what you're looking for. The third step is going to be underwriting. We're going to take all your information and we're going to send it to an underwriter to get initial approval. Once that comes back, step four, answer any questions that the underwriter has. Send it back to the underwriter for a second time. And fifth, it's going to be to go to the closing table, to wire any funds to the title company, sign loan documents, and get keys to your house. So five steps in buying a house. Pre-approval, find the house, find the realtor, underwrite, underwrite, close. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call. My name is Chris with Valor Mortgage that you can buy with confidence and buy with Valor.
The title company is your choice or your agent’s. Wire funds only after confirming the instructions by phone, using a number you already know is real.
Where does underwriting fit in?
- Get pre-approved.
- Find the home and the agent, using your must-have list.
- First underwriting review, leading to an initial approval.
- Answer the underwriter’s questions, and send it back for final review.
- Go to closing: wire any funds to the title company, sign the loan documents and get your keys.
What does the underwriter check?
| Area | What gets checked | Common request |
|---|---|---|
| Income | Pay, job status and whether it should continue | A newer pay stub, or a verification from your employer |
| Assets | Funds to close, and any reserves | All pages of a statement, or an explanation of a deposit |
| Credit | Scores, payment history and any new debt | A letter explaining a late payment or a recent inquiry |
| Property | Value, condition and title | A repair, or a clarification from the appraisal |
Common examples. Requests vary by program, lender and file.
What are conditions?
Conditions are the items that have to be satisfied before the loan can close. Getting them doesn’t mean something is wrong. An underwriter may ask for something that seems small or repetitive, because the file needs written proof. Sending clean, complete copies quickly is often the most helpful thing you can do. Send every page, even blank ones, and ask if you aren’t sure what’s being requested.
What can derail it?
Many surprises come from changes after your pre-approval: new credit, a job change, or a large undocumented deposit. Others come from the home, such as a low appraisal or a repair issue like the roof. An approval can still change, so keep your finances steady until closing.
What happens before closing?
When your conditions are cleared, you get what’s often called a clear to close. You must receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, which gives you time to compare final terms with your Loan Estimate. Check it carefully and ask about anything that changed.
Underwriting FAQ
How long does underwriting take?
It varies with the lender’s workload and how complete your file is, and it can’t be promised. Prompt responses to questions help. Federal disclosure timing also applies before you can close.
Can underwriting deny a pre-approved loan?
Yes. A pre-approval is not a commitment to lend. A file can change, or review can turn up new information. See what to do after a denial.
Can I talk to the underwriter directly?
Usually your loan officer or processor handles the communication and can explain what’s needed and why.
Where these rules come from
| Rule or figure | Source | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Closing Disclosure timing | CFPB, Closing Disclosure | Nov 5, 2026 |
| Loan Estimate | CFPB, Loan Estimate | Nov 5, 2026 |
| Home buying steps | Valor Mortgage first-home guide | Updated Oct 26, 2026 |
Related answers and guides
- What do lenders look at for a pre-approval?
- What shouldn’t you do before applying for a mortgage?
- Can you close on a house online?
- More answers on buying a home.
- About Christopher Armantrout.
Call me at (615) 671-9178. That’s the fastest way to get a straight answer on what you’d qualify for and what an underwriter would look at on your file.
If it’s after hours, grab a time on my calendar. Pick a slot that works and I’ll call you then.
If your life is too chaotic for a phone call right now — I understand — start an application and I’ll review it and reach out with a plan.
Valor Mortgage, LLC · Christopher Armantrout, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1210804 · Valor Mortgage, LLC is powered by Encore Lending Group, LLC, NMLS #1249911 · Licensed in Tennessee · Equal Housing Opportunity
724 S Main St, Springfield, TN 37172 · (615) 671-9178 · christopher@valor.mortgage · NMLS Consumer Access
The dollar figures on this page are illustrative examples for general information only and are not an offer, a rate quote, or a commitment to lend. Actual interest rates and APRs vary based on loan program, borrower qualifications, property, market conditions and other factors. Program fees, limits and terms are set by the agencies named above and change without notice; all loans are subject to credit approval, income verification and property appraisal. Not all applicants will qualify.