CRAM ARCADE Open App

During a loan application review, an MLO notices that a borrower's pay stubs show a monthly income of $4,200, but the loan application lists monthly income of $6,800. The borrower explains that the difference represents 'side jobs.' What is the MOST appropriate action for the MLO to take?

Ethics · 18% of the SAFE exammedium

Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: Request documentation supporting the additional income, such as two years of tax returns showing the side income

When a discrepancy exists between documented income and stated income, the MLO must require proper documentation before using the higher figure. For self-employment or irregular income, lenders typically require two years of tax returns to verify consistency and sustainability of that income. Simply accepting an unverified explanation would constitute participation in potential income fraud. Denying without investigation is premature. Averaging the figures without documentation is equally unsupportable and could constitute fraud.

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