Why Is It Saying We Hit a Snag During the Loan Process?

Applying for a loan can be stressful, especially when unexpected issues arise. If your application has “hit a snag,” something is preventing it from moving forward. This could be due to financial factors, missing paperwork, or lender-specific requirements. Understanding the cause can help you resolve the issue and keep your loan on track.

Credit Score Hurdles

Lenders assess credit scores to gauge repayment likelihood. A score below 620 invites stricter scrutiny, while anything under 580 often leads to denial for conventional loans. Mortgage lenders typically follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, while auto and personal loan providers have their own thresholds.

Beyond the score, lenders examine payment history, credit utilization, and recent inquiries. Late payments within the past year raise concerns about financial stability. Using more than 30% of available credit suggests over-reliance on borrowed funds. Multiple recent hard inquiries can indicate financial distress, making approval less likely.

Errors on credit reports can also derail applications. Inaccurate late payments, accounts that don’t belong to you, or outdated negative marks can unfairly lower your score. Checking your credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com and disputing errors with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion can help resolve these issues before applying.

Excessive Debt Ratios

Lenders evaluate debt-to-income (DTI) ratios to determine if borrowers can manage additional financial obligations. A DTI above 43% raises concerns for mortgage lenders, as it exceeds the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s threshold for Qualified Mortgages. Some lenders allow higher ratios with compensating factors, but exceeding 50% significantly reduces approval chances.

Different loans have varying DTI limits. FHA loans may allow up to 57% in certain cases if the borrower has strong compensating factors like substantial cash reserves or a high credit score. Conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac generally cap DTI at 45%, though exceptions exist for borrowers with strong financial profiles. Auto and personal loans offer more flexibility, but excessive debt relative to income can still lead to denials or higher interest rates.

Lenders also scrutinize front-end ratios, which measure housing expenses alone. Mortgage lenders prefer this figure to stay below 28% of gross income. If housing costs exceed this benchmark, even with a reasonable total DTI, the borrower may be deemed too risky. Variable income from commission-based jobs or self-employment can further complicate high DTI ratios, as inconsistent cash flow raises repayment concerns.

Missing Documentation

Lenders require various documents to verify financial stability, and missing even one can stall the approval process. Pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns are standard requests, but additional paperwork may be needed depending on employment type and income sources. Self-employed applicants often need to provide two years of tax returns along with a year-to-date profit and loss statement.

Outdated or incomplete documents can also cause delays. Bank statements typically need to cover the most recent two to three months, and large, unexplained deposits may trigger further scrutiny. Lenders want to confirm that funds used for down payments or closing costs come from acceptable sources, such as personal savings or gifts from family, rather than undisclosed loans. If a gift is involved, a formal gift letter may be required.

Discrepancies between documents can lead to further questions. If reported income on a W-2 differs from what appears on tax returns, lenders may request additional verification, such as a letter from the employer. Rental income, alimony, or investment earnings must be documented with supporting evidence, such as lease agreements or brokerage statements. Inconsistent details can prolong the process.

Possible Fraud Flags

Lenders are required to detect and prevent fraudulent activity, and even unintentional inconsistencies in an application can raise red flags. Income misrepresentation is a key concern. If reported earnings seem inflated compared to tax documents, underwriters may request additional proof, such as IRS Form 4506-C, which allows them to pull tax transcripts directly from the IRS. Discrepancies between stated and verified income can lead to loan denial or, in severe cases, accusations of mortgage fraud under federal law.

Employment verification issues are another concern. Lenders contact employers directly or use third-party databases like The Work Number. If an applicant lists a company that cannot be reached, or if the employer’s address is a personal residence, further investigation may follow. Self-employed borrowers face even greater scrutiny, as lenders assess business legitimacy through state registrations, business bank statements, and invoices.

Property-related fraud risks also play a role, especially in real estate transactions. Appraisal inflation, where a home’s value is artificially increased to secure a larger loan, violates appraisal standards. Straw buyer schemes—where someone applies for a loan on behalf of another person who may not qualify—can result in legal consequences if government-backed loans are involved.

Missed Deadlines

Loan applications operate within strict timelines, and missing key deadlines can halt progress or even lead to denial. Lenders set expiration dates for rate locks, document submissions, and conditional approvals. Mortgage rate locks typically last 30 to 60 days, and if they expire before closing, borrowers may face a higher interest rate unless they pay for an extension.

Delays in providing requested information can also cause complications. If updated pay stubs or bank statements are not submitted on time, underwriters may be unable to finalize approval. This is especially problematic in competitive real estate markets where sellers impose strict closing deadlines. Missing a contract closing date can result in penalties, such as losing an earnest money deposit. For government-backed loans like FHA or VA, delays in meeting program-specific requirements may require reapplying, further prolonging the process.

Lender Eligibility Conflicts

Each lender has unique criteria beyond general credit and income requirements, and conflicts with these guidelines can prevent approval. Some financial institutions only work with borrowers who meet specific residency or membership qualifications. Credit unions, for example, often require applicants to be members before applying for a loan.

Loan programs also have restrictions based on property type and intended use. Many lenders impose stricter terms for investment properties compared to primary residences, often requiring larger down payments and higher interest rates. Condominiums may face additional scrutiny, particularly if the homeowners association has financial instability or a high percentage of non-owner-occupied units. For government-backed loans, properties must meet specific condition standards; FHA loans, for instance, require homes to pass a rigorous appraisal process to ensure they meet safety and livability requirements.