That’s a good point about not needing to freeze every little transaction. I do think people underestimate how much even small changes—like a side gig deposit or a new subscription—can raise questions, especially with borderline credit. Has anyone here actually had an underwriter ask for more documentation on something minor? Curious how detailed they get in practice.
I do think people underestimate how much even small changes—like a side gig deposit or a new subscription—can raise questions, especially with borderline credit.
That’s definitely true. I’ve seen underwriters ask for explanations on things as minor as a $50 Venmo transfer, especially when the credit score is on the edge. Out of curiosity, has anyone had a lender question recurring transfers between personal accounts? Sometimes those get flagged, even if they’re just moving money around.
Had a client last year who got tripped up by this exact thing. She was moving money between her checking and savings every couple weeks, just to keep track of her budget, but the underwriter flagged it. They wanted a letter explaining the recurring transfers, even though it was all her own money. It felt a bit over the top at first, but with “borderline credit,” like you said, they really do scrutinize everything.
Sometimes those get flagged, even if they’re just moving money around.
That’s been my experience too. It’s not always logical—sometimes it’s just the system picking up patterns and asking for backup. I always tell folks: if you’re prepping for a mortgage with a lower score, try to keep things as simple as possible for a few months before applying. The fewer questions you have to answer, the smoother it usually goes. Even little things can lead to big delays if you’re not ready to explain them.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen underwriters let stuff like that slide if the rest of the file is strong. Sometimes it just depends on who’s reviewing it and how clear the paper trail is. I had a guy with a 590 score who moved money around a lot, but because he kept good records and we explained it upfront, it didn’t slow things down. It’s not always a dealbreaker, just a hassle if you’re not prepared.
Yeah, I’ve seen underwriters get picky about the weirdest things, then let other stuff slide like it’s no big deal. My last refi, I swear they cared more about my dog’s vet bills than my actual credit score. If you keep your docs organized and can explain any weirdness, you’ve got a shot—even with a 580. Just be ready for a little extra paperwork circus.
