Credit score is one input among many. Mortgage underwriters build a full picture.
The five main categories - Credit (score, tradelines, derogatory history) - Capacity (income, DTI, employment stability) - Capital (down payment, reserves after closing) - Collateral (the property, its appraisal, its condition) - Conditions (loan type, occupancy, market)
Common surprises - Recent job change requiring a written verification - Large deposits requiring letters of explanation - Non-borrowing spouse credit in community-property states - Student loans in deferment counted at hypothetical repayment
Preparing all five buckets in parallel is what makes a smooth approval.