How do you know if underwriting is approved?

Asked by: Lorna Johns DVM  |  Last update: September 24, 2025
Score: 5/5 (42 votes)

Once all conditions are satisfied, your file is submitted to underwriting for the final review. If everything is in order, the underwriter issues a Clear to Close (CTC), signaling that your loan is fully approved and ready for closing.

How do you know when underwriting is complete?

Once the underwriter has determined that your loan is fit for approval, you'll be cleared to close. At this point, you'll receive a Closing Disclosure.

What are the four stages of underwriting?

There are four basic elements that an underwriter evaluates, which are:
  • Income. Income refers to both gross and net income. ...
  • Appraisal. Appraisals ensure the property or other purpose of the loan is worth the requested amount. ...
  • Credit score. ...
  • Assets. ...
  • Loan underwriting. ...
  • Securities underwriting.

How long does it take for the underwriter to approve?

The mortgage underwriting process can take up to 60 days. The standard turnaround time to take a mortgage purchase loan from contract to funding usually takes 30 to 45 days, but most lenders will work to have the mortgage underwritten within 30 days to meet the agreed upon closing date set in the purchase contract.

Is underwriting the last step before closing?

Once the mortgage underwriter is satisfied with your application, the appraisal and title search, your loan will be deemed clear to close. At that point, you can move forward with closing on the property.

Initial Underwriting Approval & Conditions

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How likely is it to get denied during underwriting?

Federal Housing Administration loans: 14.4% denial rate. Jumbo loans: 17.8% denial rate. Conventional conforming loans: 7.6% denial rate. Refinance loans: 24.7% denial rate.

How fast can you close after underwriting?

Working through each step is part of the reason why it can take 30 – 45 days on average to move from underwriting to closing.

What not to do during underwriting?

5 Mistakes to Avoid During the Underwriting Process
  • Not responding to emails from the lender. ...
  • Buying an improperly valued home. ...
  • Exceeding loan limitations. ...
  • Lying to your lender. ...
  • Frivolous purchases while your home is pending.

How do you know if your loan will be approved?

Lenders typically consider various factors before approving a loan application. By focusing on building a good credit score, reducing debt, improving your debt-to-income ratio, and providing accurate documentation, you can enhance your eligibility for loan approval.

Do underwriters check bank statements before closing?

Do mortgage lenders look at bank statements before closing? Your loan officer will typically not re-check your bank statements right before closing. Mortgage lenders only check those when you initially submit your loan application and begin the underwriting approval process.

How many loans fall through in underwriting?

A mortgage underwriter typically denies about 1 in 10 mortgage loan applications. A mortgage loan application can be denied for many reasons, including a borrower's low credit score, recent employment change or high debt-to-income ratio.

Do underwriters look at spending habits?

Spending habits

And they will look to see if you are regularly spending less than you earn consistent with the savings you are claiming. No matter how frugal you might be most lenders have adopted a floor on the living expenses they will accept.

How do underwriters make decisions?

An underwriter will take an in-depth look at your credit and financial background in order to determine your eligibility. During this analysis, the bank, credit union or mortgage lender assesses whether you qualify for the loan before making a decision on your application.

Do underwriters have the final say?

Underwriters are the decision makers because they look at your application and will determine whether you receive approval. They usually have the final say as to whether you'll receive a loan or insurance policy.

How many days before closing do you get mortgage approval?

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.

What is the end of the underwriting period?

The underwriting period ends upon delivery by the issuer of the securities to the underwriters (i.e., the bond closing) if the underwriters no longer retain an unsold balance at such time.

How do I check my loan approval status?

Most banks have a dedicated section on their website where you can track your loan application status. Simply log in to your account using your credentials, go to the loan section, and click on the 'Track Application Status' link to check the status.

How do I know if I'll get approved for a mortgage?

Here are some strong signs your loan will be approved: Your credit score is above 620. You have a down payment of 3-5% or more. Your existing debts are low.

How long does underwriting take?

Each situation is different, but underwriting can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Missing signatures or documents, and issues with the appraisal or title insurance are some of the things that can hold up the process.

What gets you denied in underwriting?

Underwriters can't approve a loan application with missing or unverifiable information. Although this might seem obvious, it was one of the top reasons for loan denial in 2020. You can't prove your income or employment history is stable. Most loan programs require a two-year history of steady earnings and employment.

How worried should I be about underwriting?

There's no reason for a borrower to worry or stress during the underwriting process if they get prequalified. They should keep in contact with their lender and try not to make any major changes that could have a negative impact on this critical process. That includes taking out new debt or making a big purchase.

Can you lose a loan in underwriting?

The underwriter decides whether a lender will approve your loan and works with you to make sure you've submitted all your paperwork. Ultimately, the underwriter will guarantee you don't close on a mortgage you can't afford. If you don't meet the lender's requirements, the mortgage underwriter will deny the loan.

What happens 3 days before closing?

When the Know Before You Owe mortgage disclosure rule becomes effective, lenders must give you new, easier-to-use disclosures about your loan three business days before closing. This gives you time to review the terms of the deal before you get to the closing table.

How long do underwriters take to make a decision?

Generally speaking though, mortgage underwriting should take no longer than 3-4 working days and almost all applications are complete within a week - though this can easily be extended if more information is requested.

How often do loans fall through in underwriting?

You may be wondering how often underwriters denies loans? According to the mortgage data firm HSH.com, about 8% of mortgage applications are denied, though denial rates vary by location and loan type. For example, FHA loans have different requirements that may make getting the loan easier than other loan types.