EstatePass
Ethics & Fraudmedium18% of exam

An applicant's overtime income varied substantially over the last two years. Before relying on it to qualify the borrower, what should the originator ensure?

Correct Answer

A) That the income is documented and evaluated under reasonable underwriting standards

Why this is correct: Underwriting standards require that income used for qualification be stable, verified, and likely to continue. For variable overtime income, the originator must ensure that the income is documented and evaluated under reasonable underwriting standards. This typically involves analyzing a two-year history and using an average or other conservative measure to project its continuance. Why the other choices are wrong: Using the highest month without review is incorrect because it does not represent a sustainable income level and violates prudent underwriting. Relying on the property value covering the loan addresses collateral, not repayment ability, which is the purpose of income verification. Having the applicant sign a promise the overtime will continue is insufficient; a promise does not substitute for objective verification and historical analysis. Exam tip: For variable income, think 'history and continuance.' Document the pattern and use a conservative average, not a peak month.

Answer Options
A
That the income is documented and evaluated under reasonable underwriting standards
B
That the highest month is used without review
C
That the property value covers the loan
D
That the applicant signs a promise the overtime will continue

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Why this is correct: Underwriting standards require that income used for qualification be stable, verified, and likely to continue. For variable overtime income, the originator must ensure that the income is documented and evaluated under reasonable underwriting standards. This typically involves analyzing a two-year history and using an average or other conservative measure to project its continuance. Why the other choices are wrong: Using the highest month without review is incorrect because it does not represent a sustainable income level and violates prudent underwriting. Relying on the property value covering the loan addresses collateral, not repayment ability, which is the purpose of income verification. Having the applicant sign a promise the overtime will continue is insufficient; a promise does not substitute for objective verification and historical analysis. Exam tip: For variable income, think 'history and continuance.' Document the pattern and use a conservative average, not a peak month.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Ethics & Fraud Questions

In a closing-readiness check, a disclosure specialist sees facts tied to Appraisal Fraud Detection. What should the file reflect?

An MLO recommends a loan with a low initial payment that will increase sharply in two years. The borrower says retirement income will be fixed and asks whether the payment can change. What is the appropriate response?

An MLO alters a bank statement to make the applicant's account balance appear higher and submits it to underwriting. Which response is appropriate?

A branch manager asks about a loan file because marketing proposes a rate the company is not prepared to offer. What should happen?

A borrower wants cash for necessary home repairs. A proposed refinance provides $15,000 cash but adds $12,000 in costs and extends repayment by 15 years. What is the best next step for the MLO?

Before closing, the team discovers that an ad shows an interest rate but omits the APR presentation. What is the safest compliant answer?

The loan team is resolving Privacy and Confidentiality during a quality-control sample. Which action best fits the rule?

A house last sold for $185,000 in January. In March it changes hands 3 times in 9 days, reaching $410,000, with the same appraiser and the same closing agent on every leg. Assuming the parties colluded to inflate appraisals without improvements to support the higher prices, what fraud scheme does this pattern illustrate?

For closings involving federally related mortgage loans, a title company pays a real estate brokerage $75 for each referred client who closes. The brokerage only passes along the client’s name and number. Does this referral payment comply with RESPA Section 8?

Before closing, the team discovers that a loan officer wants different terms because of a protected applicant characteristic. What is the safest compliant answer?

People Also Study

Related Study Resources

Practice More MLO Questions

Access all practice questions with progress tracking and adaptive difficulty to pass your SAFE MLO exam.

Start Practicing