Tell us about a challenging loan eligibility decision you had to make. How did you approach it?
Mortgage Underwriter Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
One challenging loan eligibility decision I had to make was when a couple applied for a mortgage loan, but their credit scores were below the minimum requirement. To approach this, I first reviewed their financial history and found that they had a solid payment history for their other loans and credit cards. I then requested additional documentation to assess their current financial standing, including their income, expenses, and any outstanding debts. After thoroughly analyzing all the information, I decided to approve their loan application because their income was stable, they had a reasonable debt-to-income ratio, and their credit scores had been improving over the past few months.
A more solid answer
One of the most challenging loan eligibility decisions I had to make was for a self-employed applicant who had a fluctuating income and limited documentation. To approach this, I conducted a thorough analysis of their financial records, including bank statements and tax returns for the past three years, to determine their average income and stability. I also contacted their accountant to verify their financial situation and credibility. Additionally, I conducted market research and assessed the viability of their business in their specific industry. Based on all the information gathered, I made a well-informed decision to approve their loan application, considering their consistent income history, low debt-to-income ratio, and the potential for future business growth.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer includes specific details and examples to demonstrate the candidate's analytical and decision-making abilities, detail-oriented nature, strong mathematical and accounting skills, and problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. It provides a comprehensive approach to the challenging loan eligibility decision and showcases the candidate's expertise in assessing risk and making informed decisions.
An exceptional answer
One of the most challenging loan eligibility decisions I had to make was for a client who had a history of bankruptcy but had since rebuilt their credit and established a successful business. To approach this, I conducted a thorough analysis of their financial records, including bank statements, tax returns, and the business's financial statements. I also requested references from their business partners and suppliers to assess their reputation and reliability. Additionally, I researched the industry's market trends and forecasted the potential growth and profitability of their business. Taking into account all the information gathered, I made an exceptional decision to approve their loan application, considering their consistent income, strong financial management skills, and the positive impact their business had on the local community.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a unique and challenging scenario where the candidate had to make a loan eligibility decision for a client with a history of bankruptcy. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to think critically, assess complex situations, and make proactive decisions based on comprehensive analysis. The answer also highlights the candidate's superior communication and interpersonal skills by mentioning the need for references and research into the business's impact on the community.
How to prepare for this question
- Familiarize yourself with lending procedures and guidelines to ensure you have a solid understanding of the industry standards.
- Brush up on your analytical and decision-making abilities by reviewing case studies and practicing assessing risk in different financial scenarios.
- Enhance your detail-oriented nature by honing your ability to review and verify loan applications and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness.
- Develop strong mathematical and accounting skills by practicing financial analysis and calculations.
- Improve your problem-solving and critical thinking abilities by challenging yourself with complex loan scenarios and finding creative solutions.
- Work on your communication and interpersonal skills by practicing effective communication with loan processors, officers, and applicants.
- Stay updated with lending guidelines and loan criteria by regularly reviewing industry news and attending relevant training or certification programs.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Analytical and decision-making abilities
- Detail-oriented
- Strong mathematical and accounting skills
- Superior communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
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