Withdrawn applications reflect an increasing proportion of non-approved first-lien mortgage applications as denials have become relatively less numerous. A decade ago, based on 2009 HMDA data, denials comprised just over one-half (53 percent) of non-approved first-lien applications. Denials fell to less than one-third (31 percent) of non-approvals a decade later. Over the same timeframe, withdrawn applications increased from under one-half to over two-thirds of non-approvals.
As withdrawals become more numerous, understanding the reason(s) for these consumer decisions plays an increasingly important role in identifying potential Fair Lending risk. In this article, we pose and offer an answer to the question: What are the possible reasons for a withdrawal and how can these reasons be used to inform Fair Lending modeling design?
About the Author
Paul Strasberg, Ph.D.
Paul is ADI’s Senior Economist and lead consultant in ADI’s Fair Lending analyses to accurately measure potential Fair Lending risk.
Have a question? You can contact Paul at pstrasberg@adiconsulting.com or 703.740.4907.