Why Loan Offer Amounts May Be Less Than Advertised
When borrowers explore loan options, they often encounter lenders’ marketing materials promising loan amounts “up to” a certain loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. However, it is not uncommon for borrowers to receive loan offers that fall below the advertised maximum. Let’s explore the reasons why lenders may offer less than the “up to” amount like debt service coverage ratio, creditworthiness, and property considerations. The Underwriting Process and Loan Limitations The underwriting process is an essential step in lending where lenders assess the borrower’s financial capacity and the risk associated with the loan. During underwriting, lenders evaluate various factors and may determine that offering less than the advertised maximum LTV ratio is prudent. This ensures responsible lending practices and mitigates potential risks. Factors that influence loan offers include: Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) One primary factor that influences a lender’...