What is typically assessed to quantify a borrower's creditworthiness?

To determine a borrower's creditworthiness, credit scoring is the most common and widely accepted method. Credit scoring involves evaluating the borrower's credit history, including their record of paying bills, outstanding debts, and other financial behaviors, to generate a numerical score. This score helps lenders assess the risk associated with lending to the borrower, enabling them to make informed decisions about loan approval and interest rates.

While the debt-to-income ratio is a relevant factor in understanding a borrower's financial obligations versus their income, and employment history provides insight into stability, these elements typically serve as supporting information rather than the primary measurement of creditworthiness. A property appraisal, on the other hand, is concerned with determining the value of the property being purchased or refinanced and does not directly assess the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.