Classification is not dependent on the amount being lower than requested by the borrower. Anytime you would change the request up or down it would be considered a counteroffer because it is not what they requested at the time of application.
specifically HMDA Comments for 1003.4 Paragraph 4(a)(6) 9. Action taken – Counteroffers states “If a financial institution makes a counteroffer to lend on terms different from the applicant’s initial request (for example, for a shorter loan maturity, with a different interest rate, or in a different amount)”
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