Which of the following is a common reason for a lender to deny a mortgage application?

A high debt-to-income ratio is a critical factor in mortgage underwriting decisions. This ratio compares a borrower's total monthly debt payments to their gross monthly income, and a high ratio indicates that a borrower may be over-leveraged or not have enough income to manage additional debt responsibly. Lenders typically have thresholds for acceptable debt-to-income ratios, as a higher ratio suggests increased risk of default.

In contrast, excessive cash reserves can actually be viewed positively, as it indicates a borrower's ability to manage mortgage payments and unexpected expenses. A strong credit history is a sign of reliability and responsible borrowing behavior, while employment stability adds to a lender's confidence in the borrower's ability to maintain steady income. Each of these factors plays a role in the overall assessment of a mortgage application but does not typically lead to denial in the way that a high debt-to-income ratio would.