Honestly, sometimes you gotta be the squeaky wheel. I swear they wait to see who’ll actually follow up.
This is spot on, but I’d add—don’t just rely on calls. Written follow-ups (email, even certified mail if things get hairy) create a documented trail that’s hard for them to ignore or “lose.” In my last refi, I kept every email and cc’d the branch manager once things stalled. Suddenly, everyone was eager to help. It’s frustrating, but tracking everything really does pay off.
Honestly, I’ve seen lenders suddenly “find” missing paperwork the minute you put things in writing. But does anyone else wonder if too much documentation ever backfires? Like, is there a point where they just see your name and groan? I get that a paper trail is protection, but sometimes I worry it turns into a game of who blinks first. Is it just me, or does it feel like the process is almost designed to test our patience?
Man, I totally get what you’re saying. Last year, I had a refi where it felt like every time I sent in one doc, they’d “discover” something else missing. At one point, I half-joked with my broker that they must have a dartboard for picking which paperwork to ask for next. I do think the paper trail helps if things go sideways, but yeah, it can feel like overkill. Sometimes I wonder if they drag it out just to see who gives up first...
At one point, I half-joked with my broker that they must have a dartboard for picking which paperwork to ask for next.
That dartboard theory feels way too accurate sometimes. But honestly, have you ever asked them *why* they need each new doc? Sometimes it’s legit—like a missing signature or a date that doesn’t match up—but other times, it does seem like they’re just covering every possible base. I get the need for a solid paper trail, but I do wonder if some lenders are just extra cautious (or maybe disorganized?). Ever notice if it’s worse with certain banks or brokers?
I totally get the dartboard feeling. Been through a couple refis myself and it’s wild how they’ll ask for the same pay stub twice or suddenly want an updated utility bill out of nowhere. I’ve actually asked a broker once about all the random requests and he basically said, “Yeah, sometimes the underwriter just wants extra backup for their own checklist.” Not super reassuring, but at least it’s not just you.
I do wonder if some lenders are just extra cautious (or maybe disorganized?).
Honestly, I think it’s a mix. Some banks are just more old-school and want every ‘i’ dotted, others seem like they’re figuring it out as they go. I had one experience where the smaller local lender was actually way faster and less nitpicky than the big national guys. It’s frustrating, but hang in there—it really does wrap up eventually, even if it feels endless right now.
