Underwriter denied me for potential owner occupancy fraud

[Mattaniah Yip]

Hey guys! My husband and I currently own an owner occupied duplex in Los Angeles. We found another duplex .6 miles away we planned move into and finance via FHA. We were in escrow for about 20 days and everything seemed to be going smoothly. Then I was given the run around for another week and was just denied because they didn't believe we were going to move into the new duplex. We explained to them that the new place is in a better area. If you know LA; .6 miles can make a difference in the quality of neighborhood. Has anyone experienced being denied because bank assumes you are committing fraud? Can anyone recommend a loan officer who can handle something like this?

[Stephanie Cederdahl]

@Mattaniah Yip I'm a FHA and conventional underwriter. Your issue is going FHA. I recommend going conventional (you don't have to put down 20%). Your statement of intent to occupy as primary and a detailed explanation that you are moving for safety reasons should be sufficient to the underwriter.