Episode notes
In this week’s episode of the Simply Authentic podcast, we pull back the curtain on the mortgage process with special guest Stephanie Elbin, Director of Mortgage Underwriting and Risk Management at Arvest Bank. While buyers typically work closely with their lender, it’s the underwriter—like Stephanie—who holds the final decision-making power when it comes to loan approval.
Stephanie walks us through what really happens once a mortgage file leaves the loan officer’s desk. From reviewing credit and income documentation to examining appraisals and spotting red flags, underwriters are the gatekeepers who ensure each loan meets strict standards before it ever reaches the secondary market.
We talk about the value factors that can make or break an approval, why lending has become more documentation-heavy in recent years, and the typ ...