U.S. banks aren't relying solely on computerized credit scores to make loan decisions but have reinstated the human equation to underwriting, analysts say.

Chastened by their moves to throw caution to the wind during the real estate bubble to gain market share, lenders have now moved to make it much tougher to qualify for home loans, using a multitude of interrelated elements to make decisions, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.

The newspaper said underwriting parameters have been sorted into the 'Five Cs': capacity, character, capital, collateral and compliance. Capacity is the ability to make monthly payments, where lenders scrutinize an applicant's occupation, employment history and opportunities for the future.

Character demonstrates a borrower's ability to handle debt and make timely payments, the Times said. Capital looks at a borrower's liquid assets, including the cash on hand to make a down payment and pay the required closing costs.

Collateral is defined as the value of the property you want to buy, and compliance, the final step, is where the lender moves to make sure the loan meets its eligibility standards, the newspaper reported.