Are lenders considering marriage on mortgage application regardless of spousal income?

[Anonymous]

This story struck me. Navy Federal's denial of discrimination despite the same points of comparison - debt-to-income, property values, and down payment amounts.

One of the few disparities not specifically identified was one applicant's admission that they only had a girlfriend and the other saying they were applying for themselves and a child.

Are mortgage lenders legally allowed to approve a mortgage application just based on the fact that a SPOUSE is listed on the application even if the spouse's income is something negligible?

After Spencer submitted his paperwork to Navy Federal, he ended up waiting weeks. He said he repeatedly emailed, called, and messaged his loan officer without any response. Then, finally, he heard back that the mortgage was denied, with a letter from the credit union that he showed CNN citing his credit history and debts.

“It was pretty much the 11th hour,” Spencer said. “I really thought we were going to lose the house.”

But like Otondi, Spencer found another mortgage lender who quickly approved him for a new loan, at a lower interest rate than Navy Federal was going to charge him – and he and his girlfriend were able to close on the loan only a week late.

[Anonymous]

Can you link to whatever news story this is because what you have written here doesn't provide enough context

[Anonymous]

Don't they give you better life insurance rates based on marital status? It's not a far stretch to think it would be something a lender would consider

[Anonymous]

Even if spouse isn't earning much, they still have two borrowers vs one so more people to hold responsible. Also you don't know if they don't have investments or savings.

Marriage also shows stability and commitment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Even if spouse isn't earning much, they still have two borrowers vs one so more people to hold responsible. Also you don't know if they don't have investments or savings.

Marriage also shows stability and commitment.

Yes.

[jsteele]

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1174217.page