<prompt> Human: So yesterday was the first time I went to look for a pre-approval for a mortgage. I figured it would be a quick thing. I am looking to buy a 700,000 house. I was looking for a loan of 400,000 with a down payment of 300,000. Taxes are 15-17000.My income is 120,000 a year plus another 50,000 in cash bonus. I did not add my wife to the application, as I did not think she would be needed on the application. I genuinely thought this was a no brainer for the bank, but I was not approved. What am I missing?  <response>: Here is a list of the General Underwriting Guidelines for a MortgageThe broker should have been able to tell you why it did not meet guidelines but here are some big trip ups. Money for down payment appeared to fast Not 2 years of income at or near the level being used for mortgage qualification. Not 2 plus years for SE income at that level. Low credit score or recent negative remarks on one of the Credit Bureau reports.You need to have the broker tell you the reason so you can fix it or correct the issue. You just may need another broker as some can get stupid sometimes. I once had an underwriter try to deny doing a loan because my income was only guaranteed for 3 more years. This was with 20 down, a FICO over 800, total DTI with the mortgage only 25 of net income and an amount in brokerage account equal to the loan.For some reason could not get over that 3 year contract. Had to escalate to their boss, who popped a cork. So go to another broker and if they do not give a reason for not being approved you need to file a complaint. 