How long does it take for an underwriter to give final approval?

Asked by: Mohammad Halvorson PhD  |  Last update: May 17, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (64 votes)

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.

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

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 is the final stage in the underwriting process?

Decision. 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.

How long between final approval and 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 happens after final underwriting?

What happens after underwriting? Assuming everything goes smoothly, you'll be cleared to close. You'll receive a document known as a “closing disclosure,” which outlines the terms of the loan, including: Amount of the loan.

Final Underwriting Approval - Part 2 - Before and During Closing

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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.

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.

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.

Do underwriters pull credit again?

And of course, they will require a credit check. I am often asked if we pull credit more than once. The answer is yes. Keep in mind that within a 45-day window, multiple credit checks from mortgage lenders only affects your credit rating as if it were a single pull.

What takes the longest when closing on a house?

The average is 54 days, but the process could take more or less time depending on factors like your loan type, how busy inspectors and appraisers are in your area, and what the title search uncovers. Ultimately, the slowest step in the home buying process is usually the mortgage.

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.

What is the last step in the closing process?

You've made it to the last step in the house closing process: signing the final paperwork. Closings usually take place at a title company with a closing agent and any co-borrower(s). There are also options now that allow you to do all of this online.

Do they pull your credit 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. You don't want to encounter any hiccups before you get that set of shiny new keys.

How long does an underwriter take to make a decision?

Once you've submitted your application, there's not much you can do but wait patiently for a decision. Most underwriters complete their assessment within a week, but often you'll hear from them sooner.

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.

Are underwriting decisions final?

After looking at all this info, the underwriter makes a final decision about whether you can be approved for coverage and how much it'll cost. Moser says, “The underwriter wants to help the applicant. Even if they can't offer you the rate you applied for, they want to offer you something.”

Do underwriters watch your bank account?

Mortgage underwriters pay close attention to recurring withdrawals on your bank statements and compare them to the debts listed in your loan application. If any withdrawals seem inconsistent with the provided information, they will seek clarification.

Can a loan fall through during underwriting?

A conditional approval happens when most everything in your loan application looks good, but there are a few conditions that must be met before you can get final approval. A loan may fall through during underwriting if an underwriter assesses your financial information and recommends the lender not give you a loan.

What percentage of loans fail 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 long does the final stage of underwriting take?

Approval or denial: 1 to 3 days

The last step of the underwriting process is deciding whether your loan application will be approved or denied. 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.

Who makes the final decision on loan approval?

A mortgage underwriter is the person that approves or denies your loan application. Let's discuss what underwriters look for in the loan approval process. In considering your application, they look at a variety of factors, including your credit history, income and any outstanding debts.

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.

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.

What does it mean when a loan is sent to underwriting for final approval?

During the underwriting stage, your application moves from the loan processor to the mortgage underwriter. The underwriter will ensure your financial profile matches your lender's qualification guidelines and loan criteria. Then, the underwriter will make the final decision to approve or deny your loan application.