How long does final mortgage approval take?

Asked by: Sasha Abshire  |  Last update: November 14, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (43 votes)

Underwriting is the process where a mortgage lender evaluates a borrower's income, credit history and the value of a property to determine whether to approve a mortgage loan and under what terms. Underwriting can take a few days to a few weeks before you'll be cleared to close.

What does final approval mean for a mortgage?

Get Final Approval and Prepare for Closing

An underwriter will do one final review to ensure your loan is financially sound. We may request additional information or documentation to clear any remaining conditions. Then, your loan will receive final approval and move to closing.

Can mortgage be denied after final approval?

Simply, if you're preapproved for a mortgage there is still a possibility you could be denied after. In fact, approximately 5,741 VA loans were preapproved but not accepted according to 2022 HMDA data. Let's explore more about what it means to be preapproved for a home loan and why you could be denied after.

How long should final underwriting take?

The mortgage underwriting process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The timeline varies depending on whether the underwriter needs more information from you, how busy the lender is and how streamlined the lender's practices are.

Is final approval the same as clear to close?

No. Clear to close only means that the underwriter has cleared your mortgage application to move forward with signing the documents to close, but it is not final approval. There are a few more steps and actions to take before final approval, like an appraisal and inspection.

Final Underwriting Approval - Part 2 - Before and During Closing

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How long after final approval is closing?

How long from clear to close is closing? Once your loan is approved and cleared to close, the mortgage team will have 3 days to finalize all of your closing documents so you're ready to complete the transaction.

What comes after final approval?

What's Next in the Mortgage Process? Once the final underwriting approval is issued the file will be assigned to a Closer. The lender's Closer will work with the attorneys to prepare closing instruction and send docs to title.

Do they pull your credit the day of closing?

Credit is pulled at least once at the beginning of the approval process, and then again just prior to closing. Sometimes it's pulled in the middle if necessary, so it's important that you be conscious of your credit and the things that may impact your scores and approvability throughout the entire process.

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.

How many days before closing do you get mortgage approval?

Most buyers won't have to wait very long to meet at the closing table once they're clear to close. You should expect the process to follow the clear-to-close 3-day rule, where you receive your Closing Disclosure 3 business days before your closing date.

What is the final step in mortgage approval process?

Once your loan is approved and your inspection, appraisal and title search are complete, your lender will set a closing date and let you know exactly how much money you'll need to bring to your closing. Close on your home.

Can you be denied on closing day?

To begin with, yes. Many lenders hire external companies to double-check income, debts, and assets before signing closing documents. If you have significant changes in your credit, income, or funds needed for closing, you may be denied the loan.

Do lenders check credit after final approval?

Final steps in the mortgage process

Your lender will conduct a final review, double-checking to make sure your documents are correct. The lender will probably do a quality control check, pulling your credit report and verifying your employment one last time.

What does final approval status mean?

Once all the conditions have been met, your mortgage lender will issue you a final approval. This means that the loan has been approved and you can now close on the property.

Who owns the property on the day of closing?

On closing day, the ownership of the property is transferred to you, the buyer. This day consists of transferring funds from escrow, providing mortgage and title fees, and updating the deed of the house to your name.

What happens when you make your final mortgage payment?

The lender will send you a closing letter and a discharge note to confirm you have paid off your mortgage. You will also receive some paperwork that will need completing. After this is complete, your mortgage lender will remove the charge on your property.

Will I lose my deposit if I am denied a mortgage?

The contract may also specify you have a limited number of days to secure financing and failure to do so by the deadline if your loan is denied earnest money deposit may be lost.

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.

What if the underwriter says no?

If your loan is denied in underwriting, you can double-check your paperwork, talk to your loan officer or other lenders, look into different loan programs, or find a cosigner. Your loan can be denied if you have incomplete or missing information on your loan application or don't meet minimum mortgage requirements.

How long does it take to get final approval from an underwriter?

How Long Does Underwriting Take, On Average? Underwriting typically takes 30 – 45 days, but every home buyer's situation is different. In some cases, the process may only take a few days.

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.

Do lenders check your bank account the day of closing?

Lenders typically do last-minute checks of their borrowers' financial information in the week before the loan closing date, including pulling a credit report and reverifying employment.

What is a final approval order?

Final Approval Order and Judgment means an order and judgment that the Court enters after the Final Fairness Hearing, which finally approves the Settlement and dismisses Defendants with prejudice and without material change to the Parties' agreed-upon proposed final approval order and judgment attached hereto as ...

Do mortgage underwriters work on weekends?

Underwriters normally work regular business hours. They may occasionally need to work nights or weekends when they need to meet deadlines. An underwriter's salary may depend on their experience and certifications. The size, type and location of the business in which they work could also affect their salary.