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

Asked by: Alycia Anderson  |  Last update: July 10, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (58 votes)

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 long does it take to hear back from a lender?

Generally, once the loan application and all related documents are submitted to the bank, the rest of the process can take anywhere from two weeks to six months.

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 does a lender have to make a credit decision?

Once a creditor has obtained all the information it normally considers in making a credit decision, the application is complete and the creditor has 30 days in which to notify the applicant of the credit decision.

How long does it take for a lender to respond?

You've got an Agreement in Principle and the seller has accepted your offer. Now you can apply for your mortgage. It can take on average two to six weeks for a lender to approve your full mortgage application. You can apply for your mortgage online if you have an Agreement in Principle.

Explaining The Process Of Exchange Of Contracts

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How long does a loan decision take?

The loan approval process can vary from lender to lender and will depend on the type of loan you're applying for and your circumstances. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a week or so depending on the type of loan and lender you choose.

What to do if lender is not responding?

If you cannot resolve the issue with your lender, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Examples of common mortgage complaints include: Applying for a mortgage. Receiving loan estimates and closing documents.

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.

What will most likely cause a lender to deny credit?

A poor credit history or low credit score can prevent you from getting approved for a personal loan. Too much monthly debt relative to your income—your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)—can lead to a lender rejecting your loan application.

Can a lender back out after approval?

Mortgage approvals are at risk of last-minute reversals because most lenders not only verify your credit, income, and employment at the beginning of the process; they also typically re-verify those factors within a week of your closing date.

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 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.

Why do loan approvals take so long?

Different lenders have different processes in place for loan approvals. Some lenders take a little longer to review your materials and process your application. They may also take longer to approve larger loan amounts. In many cases, the type of lender you use can also impact your approval timeline.

How long does lending approval take?

Most loan applications only take a few minutes to complete, and funding can be delivered electronically to your bank account within one to three business days. But the exact timeline depends on the type of lender you work with and its underwriting process.

What happens after lender approval?

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.

What to expect when talking to a lender?

When shopping for a mortgage, be prepared to answer questions about your income, debt, down payment amount and more. You'll need to back up your answers with documentation. Lenders ask questions to assess your risk level as a potential borrower.

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.

Can a pre-approved loan be denied?

If you apply for a pre-approved offer you'll usually be successful, but it's not guaranteed as the lender always has the final say. There are a few different reasons why your pre-approved offer may be rejected: Delay completing your application (as your circumstances may have changed in the meantime)

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 many days will it take for loan approval?

The approval procedure is initiated by the lender once you submit the loan application with the necessary documents. Based on the lender you choose, it can take two to three working days to get the approval and may take longer if you fail to submit the right documents.

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 you know if your loan is denied?

Within 30 days of receiving a completed application from a consumer, your bank should notify you, in writing, of its action—and either the reasons for that action or instructions on how to request a statement of the specific reasons for that action—on your application.

What not to tell a lender?

10 Things Not To Say To Your Mortgage Broker | Loan Approval
  • 1) Anything untruthful.
  • 2) What's the most I can borrow?
  • 3) I forgot to pay that bill again.
  • 4) Check out my new credit cards.
  • 5) Which credit card ISN'T maxed out?
  • 6) Changing jobs annually is my specialty.

How long do lenders take to respond?

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.

Can a loan be denied right before closing?

If your financial situation changes or your credit score takes a hit before closing day, the lender could deny your mortgage.