How long does it take a mortgage lender to make a decision?

Asked by: Eino Kilback DVM  |  Last update: August 12, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (18 votes)

complete the mortgage approval process Some lenders may take 1 - 2- days, others may take as long as a few months to give their final approval. The delay could be due to the borrower's financial situation, or just the business of the market and the lender.

How fast can a lender approve a mortgage?

On average, the mortgage approval process takes 30 to 60 days — although it can be significantly shorter or longer, depending on the situation.

How long do lenders take to approve a mortgage?

How long does a mortgage application take to be approved? The average time for a mortgage to be approved is usually 2 to 6 weeks. It can take as little as 24 hours but this is usually rare. You should expect to wait two weeks on average while the mortgage lender gets the property surveyed and underwrites your mortgage.

How long does it take to know if you are approved for a mortgage?

You'll be looking for conditional approval within 2-3 days. FULL approval however, will more likely be 30-45 days. The main reason for this is that the bank isn't just reviewing your credit/income/assets, they are also reviewing the collateral backing up the loan, ie the house you want to buy.

How long does it take for the underwriter to make a decision?

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.

How long does it take for the underwriter to make a decision?

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How fast can an underwriter approve a loan?

Approval or denial: 1 to 3 days

If the underwriter determines that your overall risk profile is acceptable, you'll receive a letter of commitment detailing the terms and conditions of the loan. You'll also receive a closing disclosure within three business days of closing on your mortgage loan.

Can you be denied after underwriting?

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.

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.

How likely is it to get denied after pre-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 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.

How long does it take for a lender to make a decision?

Some lenders may take 1 - 2- days, others may take as long as a few months to give their final approval. The delay could be due to the borrower's financial situation, or just the business of the market and the lender.

How do you know when a mortgage is approved?

A mortgage offer is a confirmation that your application for a mortgage has been checked and approved. You only get a mortgage offer letter once you've completed the mortgage application process. This includes providing your lender with all the necessary information about your finances and the property you want to buy.

Can anything go wrong after a mortgage offer?

Yes, a mortgage offer can be withdrawn, even after acceptance. It's rare, but until you've completed the purchase, the offer isn't guaranteed. Lenders have the right to withdraw under certain conditions detailed in the offer terms. If this happens to you, don't panic.

How quickly do you get a mortgage decision?

Timeline: 2-4 weeks

However, when it comes to how long does it take to get a mortgage approved, the exact amount of time can vary by lender, the house you're buying, the findings of the mortgage valuation survey and your personal and financial circumstances.

How long does it take to close after underwriting?

Underwriting can take a few days to a few weeks before you'll be cleared to close. Understanding how underwriting works and the average timeline of the process can help you feel more prepared to handle any issues that may arise while your loan is being underwritten.

Can I get approved for a mortgage in a day?

¹Better Mortgage's One Day Mortgage® promotion offers qualified customers who provide certain required financial information/documentation to Better Mortgage within 4 hours of locking a rate on a mortgage loan the opportunity to receive a conditional underwriting determination from Better Mortgage within 24 hours of ...

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

Can My Security Deposit Be Returned If My Mortgage Is Denied At Closing? If you have a contingency in place that includes an offer and purchase contract, you may be able to get your earnest money back. However, if you don't have it, you could lose it.

How can I speed up my pre-approval?

Five tips to help you get pre-approved for a home loan faster
  1. Have your documents prepared beforehand. ...
  2. Sign and return any forms as quickly as possible. ...
  3. Research how much you can borrow. ...
  4. Know your credit score. ...
  5. Look for a lender with fast pre-approval times.

Is no news good news for mortgage underwriting?

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.

What is the 3 7 3 rule in mortgage?

Timing Requirements – The “3/7/3 Rule”

The initial Truth in Lending Statement must be delivered to the consumer within 3 business days of the receipt of the loan application by the lender. The TILA statement is presumed to be delivered to the consumer 3 business days after it is mailed.

Can I move in on closing day?

Some buyers may be able to negotiate an immediate possession date. This means as soon as the transaction is closed and the deed is recorded, the buyer can move in. A few other common buyer possession dates may be 15 days, 30 days, 60 days, or even 90 days after closing, depending on how much time the seller needs.

How long does it take an underwriter to approve a mortgage?

Underwriting—the process by which mortgage lenders verify your assets, check your credit scores, and review your tax returns before they can approve a home loan—can take as little as two to three days. Typically, though, it takes over a week for a loan officer or lender to complete the process.

What is the number one reason mortgage applications are denied?

High debt-to-income ratio. According to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, high debt-to-income (DTI) ratios were the number one reason mortgages were denied in 2018, accounting for 37% of all denials. Basically, your DTI consists of how much of your monthly income goes toward paying off any outstanding debt.

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 far back does underwriter look?

Underwriters and loan officers typically check the previous two months' bank activity in your bank statements. For self-employed mortgage applicants, however, they may go back up to 12-24 months.