What can stop mortgage approval? The most common issues include credit problems, high debt ratios, income changes, missing assets, undocumented deposits, and property appraisal issues.

Mortgage approval is based on a combination of credit, income, assets, debt obligations, and property qualifications. Even strong buyers can run into problems if something changes during the loan process or if key documentation is missing.

Common issues that can stop mortgage approval include:

Low credit scores
High debt-to-income ratios
Insufficient income
Employment changes during the loan process
Insufficient assets for closing
Large undocumented deposits
Property appraisal issues
Recent late payments or collections
New credit accounts or large purchases

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is changing jobs, financing a vehicle, opening new credit accounts, or moving money between accounts during the mortgage process. These changes can affect your approval, even if you were originally preapproved.

The best way to avoid surprises is to get fully reviewed before shopping for a home. A mortgage preapproval can help identify possible issues early, before you are under contract.

Working with an experienced mortgage advisor can help you structure the loan correctly, avoid unnecessary delays, and improve your chances of a smooth approval.