Key Takeaways
- A Letter of Explanation clarifies unusual information in your mortgage application.
- Lenders request it for employment gaps or unusual financial activity.
- A well-written LOE can lead to mortgage approval.
- It helps lenders understand and assess your financial situation better.
Article Summary
A Letter of Explanation is a document that clarifies details within a home buyer's mortgage application that may raise questions with their mortgage lender.
Letter of Explanation: Explained in Plain English
A Letter of Explanation is a way for home buyers to clarify aspects of their mortgage application that may not be clear to a lender. The common mortgage acronym for Letter of Explanation is LOE.
Lenders request that buyers write a letter of explanation whenever there is unusual or unclear information in the context of the mortgage application, including:
- Employment gaps or job changes
- Large deposits or unusual financial activity
- Credit report discrepancies or late payments
Letters of explanation describe irregularities in a mortgage application and give mortgage lenders context, which makes it easier to get the mortgage approved. You can find free mortgage letter templates for various situations including employment gaps, credit issues, and large deposits.
A well-written LOE can be the difference between a lender accepting or rejecting a mortgage application, especially when the home buyer's credit profile does not neatly fit into standard mortgage underwriting criteria. Since lenders vary in how strictly they apply underwriting standards, check these mortgage lenders to find which is most flexible with your situation.
Letter of Explanation: A Real World Example
Imagine a first-time home buyer who recently applied for a mortgage. In their mortgage application, there is a six-month period when the home buyer was unemployed.
Upon reviewing the application, the lender is concerned about this six-month employment gap, which may indicate financial instability.
The buyer writes a three-sentence Letter of Explanation, clarifying that during the period in question, they took time off work to care for an ailing family member and had sufficient savings to manage finances. They also provided evidence of re-employment and steady income after that.
The letter of explanation helps the lender understand the buyer's situation, removing concerns about financial stability.
How To Write A Letter of Explanation
Writing a letter of explanation is simple when you have the right tools, and we made an LOX maker to provide home buyers and refinancing households with templates for the most common LOX scnearios, including:
- Employment gaps or job changes
- Credit issues or late payments
- Large deposits or unusual bank activity
Each LOX template is fill-in-the-blank using language lenders want, and a digital block for signature. Pick the template that matches your need, add your LOX details, and download or email your PDF.
Try our free Letter of Explanation Generator →
Letter of Explanation Generator
Choose from 25+ free LOX templates. Get a signed PDF ready for your lender. No registration required.
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Common Questions About Letter of Explanation
Get answers to frequently asked questions about letters of explanation, including what to include, how to write them, and when they are required.
What should be included in a Letter of Explanation?
A Letter of Explanation should clearly, concisely, and honestly address the specific issue or question raised by the lender. It should include relevant dates, specific details, and any supporting documentation when appropriate.
How long should a Letter of Explanation be?
The length of a Letter of Explanation can vary, but it should be as brief as possible while fully addressing the lender's concerns. Usually, a few sentences are sufficient.
What types of mortgages require LOEs?
A letter of explanation could be required for any mortgage type, including conventional loans, FHA loans, USDA loans, VA loans, and others.
Is a Letter of Explanation legally binding?
No, a Letter of Explanation is not legally binding. However, it is crucial to be honest and accurate in the information provided, as any false statement can affect the mortgage application's outcome or lead to legal repercussions.
Does a Letter of Explanation guarantee mortgage approval?
No, a Letter of Explanation does not guarantee mortgage approval. However, it provides clarity to the lender, which can positively influence their decision.
