Yeah, I’ve had buyers get flagged for stuff like Venmo coffee runs. Last year, one client had to write a letter explaining a $70 Zelle transfer from their mom—just birthday money. Do you think underwriters are getting stricter, or is it just more digital footprints now?
Last year, one client had to write a letter explaining a $70 Zelle transfer from their mom—just birthday money.
- Seeing the same thing lately. Had a buyer flagged for a $50 PayPal from her sister—literally labeled “lunch.”
- Feels like it’s less about stricter underwriters and more about tech catching everything now.
- Manual letters for every random deposit... definitely slows things down.
- Honestly, five years ago, nobody cared about this stuff. Now, even splitting a dinner bill can trigger questions.
I get what you’re saying about tech flagging everything, but is it really just the software? Or are lenders actually tightening up because of all the fraud and money laundering concerns lately? I mean, yeah, the systems catch more, but I’ve noticed some underwriters are just way more intense than others. Some barely ask about small stuff, others want a letter for every $25 Venmo.
Honestly, I kind of wonder if it’s also about covering their own backs. Like, if something goes sideways, they can say they checked every little thing. I get it, but it’s wild that birthday money or splitting a pizza now needs a paper trail. Makes me think twice before moving money around at all during the process.
Is this just a phase, or are we stuck with this level of nitpicking from now on?
Makes me think twice before moving money around at all during the process.
I get that. I had a deal last year where an underwriter asked for a letter about a $40 transfer from my mom—literally just her paying me back for groceries. It felt over the top, but apparently, with all the new tech and rules, they’re just playing it safe. I’ve found it helps to keep your accounts super clean for a couple months before applying—no random transfers, no Venmo pizza splits, just to avoid the hassle. It’s a pain, but I’m not sure it’s going away anytime soon. The fraud stuff makes everyone extra jumpy, I guess.
Yeah, the scrutiny is wild these days. When I refinanced last summer, I had to explain a $25 Zelle from my brother—he was just paying me back for movie tickets. I remember thinking, “Does every little thing need a paper trail now?” I get why they’re cautious, but it does feel a bit much. Has anyone actually had a transfer flagged that caused a real delay, or is it usually just extra paperwork?
