Totally get this. The amount of times I had to explain random $10 transfers for splitting lunch or paying someone back for movie tickets... it’s wild. Here’s what worked for me:
- Pause all the “fun” transactions. No splitting bills, no random cash apps, just keep it super simple.
- If you *have* to move money, label it clearly. “Gift from Mom” is way easier to explain than “🍕🍕🍕”.
- Screenshot explanations as you go. I kept a folder on my phone with quick notes in case the lender asked.
- Don’t transfer between accounts unless you have to. Every move is another paper trail.
It’s a pain, but honestly, I’d rather over-explain than have them delay closing. Still, sometimes I wonder if they really care about that $12 for “taco night” or if it’s just a box they have to check...
Honestly, I get wanting to keep things tidy, but pausing all the “fun” transactions? That’s tough, especially if you’re juggling multiple deals or side hustles. I’ve had underwriters ask about my $8 Venmo for “dog-sitting” and then totally ignore a $2,000 transfer labeled “investment return.” Makes you wonder if they’re picking at random. Sometimes I just write “miscellaneous adulting” and hope they don’t ask... anyone else feel like it’s a bit of a lottery?
Honestly, I get why it feels random, but there’s actually a method to the madness—at least most of the time. Underwriters are laser-focused on anything that looks like it could be a loan or a gift, especially if it’s not clearly documented. That $8 Venmo for dog-sitting? It’s probably just because it had a weird note or came in at a weird time. The $2,000 “investment return” might’ve slipped through if it looked like a regular deposit or matched up with your other paperwork.
I know it’s a pain to pause all the fun stuff, but I’ve seen deals get delayed over a $50 transfer from a friend with a cryptic emoji in the memo. It’s wild. But if you keep your accounts super clean for a couple months—no side hustle money, no random transfers—it really does make things smoother. Not saying it’s fair, but it’s less of a lottery than it seems. The system’s just... picky in weird ways.
It’s wild how much scrutiny a random $12 Venmo with a pizza emoji can get, right? I’ve seen folks have to explain the most innocent transfers—like, “No, that wasn’t a secret down payment, just splitting brunch.” It’s frustrating, but you’re spot on: keeping things boring for a couple months really does help. The underwriters aren’t out to get us, but they sure make you feel like you’re on trial for buying coffee sometimes. Hang in there... it’s worth it when you finally get those keys.
The underwriters aren’t out to get us, but they sure make you feel like you’re on trial for buying coffee sometimes.
That’s honestly the perfect way to put it. I had to send in a whole explanation letter for a $20 transfer labeled “dog food”—it was literally just me paying my sister back, but apparently that needed documentation. It does feel excessive, but I get why they’re so thorough. Still, it’s a weird feeling having your daily spending picked apart. Keeping things “boring” financially for a while really is the safest bet, even if it feels a bit over the top.
