Which of the following is NOT considered a key financial factor for qualifying a borrower?

A history of employment advances is not typically considered a key financial factor for qualifying a borrower in the mortgage lending process. While a stable employment history is important, rapid advancements or promotions in a job does not directly impact a borrower's ability to repay a loan.

On the other hand, loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, good credit scores, and acceptable housing and debt-to-income ratios are all critical components in evaluating the risk associated with a mortgage application. An LTV at 80% or less indicates a lower risk for lenders because the borrower has a greater equity stake in the property. Good credit scores reflect the borrower’s creditworthiness, pointing to their likelihood of repaying debts. Acceptable housing and debt-to-income ratios help lenders assess whether a borrower can manage monthly mortgage payments in relation to their income and overall financial obligations.