The short answer is yes. Industry data show that FHA loans do take longer to close than conventional, at least on average. But the difference between their average closing times is typically just a matter of days.
Factors Affecting Timelines
Variables that prolong FHA closing to between 45 days and 60 days include a high number of applications with the lender; incomplete or inaccurate loan application or supporting paperwork; and appraisal problems such as a low value or needed repairs on the home.
When you apply for this type of mortgage, the underwriter will make sure that your application meets both the lender's standards as well as the standards set forth by the FHA. FHA loans take an average of 55 days to close. For home purchases, the average is 54 days.
FHA loans take about the same amount of time to be processed as a conventional or VA loan, approximately 45 days. That includes the entire process, from the loan application to the final approval and closing.
Reasons for an FHA Rejection
There are three popular reasons you have been denied for an FHA loan–bad credit, high debt-to-income ratio, and overall insufficient money to cover the down payment and closing costs.
When it comes to mortgage lending, no news isn't necessarily good news. Particularly in today's economic climate, many lenders are struggling to meet closing deadlines, but don't readily offer up that information. When they finally do, it's often late in the process, which can put borrowers in real jeopardy.
Sellers often believe, too, that buyers who need a lower down payment might not be able to afford any home repairs. Sellers worry that FHA buyers because of their lack of cash might be more willing to walk away from an offer if the home inspection turns up any problems. For FHA buyers, these are both cause for concern.
It's possible to close faster than the national average closing time of 49 days. In fact, some buyers close in as few as 30 days, though you'd need to have a very straightforward mortgage application and no complications with the sale to do so.
Can a mortgage be denied after the closing disclosure is issued? Yes. Many lenders use third-party “loan audit” companies to validate your income, debt and assets again before you sign closing papers. If they discover major changes to your credit, income or cash to close, your loan could be denied.
Q: Do lenders pull credit day of closing? A: Not usually, but most will pull credit again before giving the final approval. So, make sure you don't rack up credit cards or open new accounts.
Speed: We can close FHA Loans in 15 Days, easily. 3. Condition: FHA does not require a clear Section I. The condition requirements are the same as they are for conventional loans for the most part.
However, this number can fluctuate depending on your financial situation, your lender, and the seller who is moving away from the property. For example, if it takes longer for you to gather your paperwork and confirm your financial history, then you can slow down the closing process by several days.
How many days before closing do you get mortgage approval? Federal law requires a three-day minimum between loan approval and closing on your new mortgage. You could be conditionally approved for one to two weeks before closing.
In most situations, the mortgage company can evaluate the appraisal and complete the loan application process within the time limits established in the purchase agreement. Days 25 to 45: Your lender will give you a final loan approval, and you will be considered clear to close on your new property.
Another common question is: How long does the FHA home appraisal process take? In most cases, the appraisal can be completed within a matter of days. But this will depend on the appraiser's workload, efficiency, and other factors. The property visit itself usually only takes a few hours.
An FHA loan can stay in the underwriting stage anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on how many issues come up. If you get a superstar underwriter, your file might clear his desk in a week or less.
How often do underwriters deny loans? Underwriters deny loans about 9% of the time. The most common reason for denial is that the borrower has too much debt, but even an incomplete loan package can lead to denial.
Lenders won't approve your home loan if you don't have enough income to make the loan's monthly payments. You may be able to quit a part-time job if you aren't using the income to qualify for your loan. But it's best to avoid any big changes until after the loan closes.
“Clear to close” simply means that you've met the requirements and conditions to close on your mortgage. At this stage, your lender has fully inspected your documents and verified that you meet the expectations of the type and amount of mortgage you're requesting.
The conditional approval process usually takes anywhere from 1 – 2 weeks, and the closing day comes shortly after that. The best way to ensure a fast closing process is to resolve any issues that come up with underwriting quickly. The faster you can resolve these issues, the sooner you'll be able to close on your home.
With that being said, yes, FHA loans can fall through for a number of reasons. It often happens during the underwriting process (explained here), when the borrower's application is scrutinized. They can also fall through shortly before the closing, though this is more rate.
Reasons Sellers Don't Like FHA Loans
Both reasons have to do with the strict guidelines imposed because FHA loans are government-insured loans. For one, if the home is appraised for less than the agreed-upon price, the seller must reduce the selling price to match the appraised price, or the deal will fall through.
An FHA-approved appraiser ensures that the home meets the government's safety and livability standards. The rules aren't onerous, but are a bit more strict than those that apply to some other loan types. FHA appraisal requirements can seem a little intimidating since they're key to getting your FHA mortgage.