Securing a mortgage often requires providing detailed explanations for any financial inconsistencies or unusual activity in your credit history. A well-crafted letter of explanation can make the difference between approval and denial. Lenders scrutinize applications carefully, and addressing potential red flags proactively demonstrates your responsibility and transparency. This article provides 17 sample letters addressing common lender concerns, offering templates you can adapt to your specific situation.
These samples cover a wide range of scenarios, including explanations for late payments, large deposits, employment gaps, credit inquiries, and derogatory marks. Remember to tailor each letter to your individual circumstances, providing accurate and complete information. Supporting documentation, such as bank statements or pay stubs, can further strengthen your explanation. By understanding the lender’s perspective and providing clear, concise answers, you significantly increase your chances of mortgage approval.
Sample Explanation Letters for Mortgage Lenders
1. Explanation for Late Payment
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Late Payment on [Account Name and Number]
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to explain a late payment on my [Account Name and Number] account in [Month, Year]. This was due to [Briefly explain reason, e.g., a temporary job loss, unexpected medical expenses, or travel]. I have since [Explain corrective action, e.g., resumed regular payments, set up automatic payments]. I understand the importance of timely payments and have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Explanation for Large Deposit
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Large Deposit on [Date]
Dear [Lender’s Name],
This letter explains a large deposit of $[Amount] made into my account on [Date]. The funds were from [Source of funds, e.g., a gift from family, sale of a personal asset, or bonus from work]. Enclosed is [Supporting documentation, e.g., gift letter, sales receipt, or pay stub] as proof of the source. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
3. Explanation for Employment Gap
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Employment Gap
Dear [Lender’s Name],
This letter explains a period of unemployment between [Start Date] and [End Date]. During this time, I [Explain reason for gap, e.g., focused on family matters, pursued further education, or was actively seeking employment]. I am now employed with [Current Employer] since [Start Date] and am earning $[Salary]. I am committed to maintaining stable employment. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Explanation for Credit Inquiry
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Credit Inquiry on [Date] from [Company]
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to explain a recent credit inquiry from [Company] on [Date]. I initiated this inquiry to [Explain reason for inquiry, e.g., compare interest rates for a car loan, explore refinancing options]. I did not proceed with [The loan or credit application] at that time. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
5. Explanation for Derogatory Mark (e.g., Collection)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Collection Account with [Collection Agency]
Dear [Lender’s Name],
This letter explains a collection account with [Collection Agency] from [Date] for $[Amount]. This resulted from [Explain reason for the collection, e.g., a disputed medical bill, an oversight due to relocation]. I have since [Explain resolution, e.g., paid the debt in full, settled the debt for a lesser amount, or am disputing the debt]. [If paid/settled, provide proof of payment]. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
6. Explanation for Charge-Off
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Charge-Off Account with [Creditor]
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to explain a charge-off account with [Creditor] that occurred in [Month, Year]. The charge-off was a result of [Explain the circumstances that led to the charge-off, such as a job loss, illness, or unexpected financial hardship]. Since then, I have [Explain what steps you’ve taken to improve your financial situation, such as securing new employment, creating a budget, or working with a credit counseling agency]. I am now committed to managing my finances responsibly. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
7. Explanation for Bankruptcy (if applicable)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Past Bankruptcy Filing
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to address my past bankruptcy filing, which was discharged on [Date]. The bankruptcy was a direct result of [Explain the primary reason for the bankruptcy, such as a major medical event, a business failure, or an overwhelming amount of debt]. Since the discharge, I have [Explain the steps you’ve taken to rebuild your credit and manage your finances, such as maintaining a stable employment record, paying bills on time, and avoiding new debt]. I am now in a much stronger financial position. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
8. Explanation for Divorce/Separation impacting finances
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Financial Impact of Divorce/Separation
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to explain the impact of my divorce/separation, finalized on [Date], on my financial situation. The divorce/separation resulted in [Explain the specific financial impacts, such as a decrease in income, division of assets, or assumption of new debts]. I have since [Explain how you’ve adjusted to the financial changes, such as finding new employment, creating a budget, or refinancing debts]. I am now managing my finances independently and responsibly. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
9. Explanation for Short Sale/Foreclosure (if applicable)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Past Short Sale/Foreclosure
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to address the short sale/foreclosure of my property at [Address] on [Date]. This unfortunate event was caused by [Explain the circumstances leading to the short sale/foreclosure, such as a job loss, illness, or a decline in the housing market]. Since then, I have [Explain the steps you’ve taken to rebuild your credit and financial stability, such as securing new employment, saving for a down payment, and improving your credit score]. I am now in a much stronger financial position and am ready to become a homeowner again. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
10. Explanation for Gift Funds Used for Down Payment
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Gift Funds Used for Down Payment
Dear [Lender’s Name],
This letter is to confirm that $[Amount] of the funds for my down payment are a gift from [Donor’s Name], my [Relationship to donor]. These funds are a gift and are not expected to be repaid. A gift letter from [Donor’s Name] is attached for your review, along with [Donor’s bank statement or other supporting documentation, if requested]. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
11. Explanation for Self-Employment Income Fluctuations
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Fluctuations in Self-Employment Income
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to explain the fluctuations in my income as a self-employed [Your Profession]. While my income may vary from month to month, my overall business has been consistently profitable. The fluctuations are primarily due to [Explain the reasons for the income variations, such as seasonality, project-based work, or changes in the market]. I have attached my tax returns for the past two years, as well as my profit and loss statements, to provide a comprehensive overview of my income. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
12. Explanation for Co-signed Loan
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation Regarding Co-signed Loan
Dear [Lender’s Name],
This letter explains that I co-signed a loan for [Name of borrower] on [Date] for [Purpose of loan, e.g., a car loan, student loan]. While I am responsible for the debt if [Name of borrower] defaults, they have been consistently making timely payments and are fully responsible for the loan. [Optional: You can add any further information about the borrower’s financial stability or your understanding of their ability to repay the loan]. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
13. Explanation for Underemployment
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Underemployment
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to explain that currently I am underemployed, working at [Current Job], whereas previously I worked in [Previous Job] earning [Salary]. I am now working to get into a better position to do the work I’ve previously done. [Explain in detail why you’re underemployed, what you’re doing to get back into the field, and the time expectations]. I’m committed to continue providing timely and accurate payments for my bills and accounts. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
14. Explanation for Identity Theft
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Identity Theft
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to explain I was the victim of identity theft which is the cause of recent accounts or debts that you are reviewing with my loan. I have since contacted the Credit Bureaus for lock down services to not allow new accounts to be opened. Please note that [List the Accounts and reasons you know or believe are opened due to identity theft]. I am committed to correcting my financials and maintaining timely and accurate payments for my bills and accounts. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
15. Explanation for Gambling Losses
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Gambling Losses
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to explain recent gambling losses that you may see in my account history. I have stopped gambling and am receiving or have completed counseling services regarding responsible financial decisions. I am committed to rebuilding my financials and maintaining timely and accurate payments for my bills and accounts. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
16. Explanation for Unusually High Spending
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Unusually High Spending
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to explain recent higher than usual spending that you may see in my account history. This was due to [Explain briefly the higher than usual spending reasons.] [If an account has been closed] I have since contacted and closed that account and have committed to staying within my means for spending. I am committed to maintaining timely and accurate payments for my bills and accounts. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
17. Explanation for Cash Deposits without Clear Source
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Lender’s Name]
[Lender’s Address]
Subject: Explanation for Cash Deposits without Clear Source
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing to explain recent cash deposits without a clear source in my account history. These are the results of sales from various activities [Explain briefly the reasons of cash deposits like hobbies, and personal sales.] I am committed to being more diligent about documenting and accounting for future cash deposits. I am committed to maintaining timely and accurate payments for my bills and accounts. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling letter of explanation is a crucial step in the mortgage application process. By addressing potential lender concerns directly and providing clear, honest explanations with supporting documentation, you can significantly improve your chances of approval. Remember to tailor each letter to your specific situation and seek professional advice if needed. Utilizing these sample letters as a starting point will help you present yourself as a responsible and trustworthy borrower, ultimately bringing you closer to achieving your homeownership goals.