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

Asked by: Cody Waelchi  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (12 votes)

Under normal circumstances, initial underwriting approval happens within 72 hours of submitting your full loan file. In extreme scenarios, this process could take as long as a month. However, it's unlikely to take so long unless you have an exceptionally complicated loan file.

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

Getting your loan from conditional approval to final approval could take about two weeks, but there's no guarantee about this timeframe. You can help speed up the process by responding to your underwriter's questions right away. Submit the additional documents the same day of the request, if possible.

Why is underwriting taking so long?

Underwriting is the most intense review. This is when the mortgage lender's underwriter (or underwriting department) reviews all paperwork relating to the loan, the borrower, and the property being purchased. ... It's another reason why mortgage lenders take so long to approve loans.

How long does the underwriting process take?

The underwriting process typically takes between three to six weeks. In many cases, a closing date for your loan and home purchase will be set based on how long the lender expects the mortgage underwriting process to take.

What happens after underwriting?

What Happens After my Mortgage Loan is Underwritten? Once your loan goes through underwriting, you'll either receive final approval and be clear to close, be required to provide more information (this is referred to as “decision pending”), or your loan application may be denied.

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

27 related questions found

Is no news good news in 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.

How do you know when your mortgage loan is approved?

How do you know when your mortgage loan is approved? Typically, your loan officer will call or email you once your loan is approved. Sometimes, your loan processor will pass along the good news.

How often do underwriters deny loans?

One in every 10 applications to buy a new house — and a quarter of refinancing applications — get denied, according to 2018 data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Is underwriting the last step?

No, underwriting is not the final step in the mortgage process. You still have to attend closing to sign a bunch of paperwork, and then the loan has to be funded. ... The underwriter might request additional information, such as banking documents or letters of explanation (LOE).

Do underwriters look at spending habits?

Banks check your credit report for outstanding debts, including loans and credit cards and tally up the monthly payments. ... Bank underwriters check these monthly expenses and draw conclusions about your spending habits.

Can you talk to the underwriter?

Underwriters Cannot Directly Ask You Anything

It is important to note that underwriters should not be in actual contact with you. All questions and discussions should be handled through your lender or loan officer. An underwriter talking to you directly, or even knowing you personally, is a conflict of interest.

How can I speed up my underwriting process?

The best way to speed up the process is to make sure your paperwork for the lender or underwriter is complete, which should allow your loan to sail through in as little as two to three days—if you're lucky, even in a single day.

Does underwriting happen before appraisal?

After a professional appraiser places a value on the property, the underwriter compares the appraisal to the amount of your mortgage. If the home is worth much less than the mortgage, your underwriter may suspend your application.

Do underwriters work on weekends?

It depends on the work load and the company. Working weekends is required sometimes. A smaller company or broker may be more inclined to underwrite on weekends.

How long does it take to get clear to close?

Get approved by underwriting.

Working through each step is part of the reason why it takes 30 – 45 days to close on average.

Does the underwriter make the final decision?

Mortgage underwriting is the process through which your lender verifies your eligibility for a home loan. The underwriter also ensures your property meets the loan's standards. Underwriters are the final decision–makers as to whether or not your loan is approved.

Can your loan be denied at closing?

Can a mortgage loan be denied after closing? Though it's rare, a mortgage can be denied after the borrower signs the closing papers. For example, in some states, the bank can fund the loan after the borrower closes. ... This may also happen during a refinance closing because borrowers have a three-day right of rescission.

Are underwriters strict?

Today, trained underwriters follow strict black-and-white guidelines intended to protect borrowers from taking on more mortgage responsibility than is safe for them. In other words, the guidelines help prevent borrowers from later defaulting on their loan.

How difficult is underwriting?

An underwriter's job is difficult. According to a risk assessment, they should establish the acceptable degree of danger and what one is permitted to acknowledge. When evaluating complicated circumstances, an underwriter may need to conduct an extensive study and gather much data.

How long does it usually take to get a mortgage approved?

In the usual market, it takes an average of 30 days to get a mortgage. If there are problems with your application, getting your loan approved could take much longer. It is advisable to start the mortgage application process as soon as possible to shorten this process.

Why would an underwriter deny a loan?

An underwriter may deny a loan simply because they don't have enough information for an approval. Letters of explanation may go a long way to clarify gaps in employment, a debt that's paid by someone else or a large cash deposit in your account.

How far back do Underwriters look?

Income and employment: Most of the time, underwriters look for around two years of steady income. They'll probably ask to see your previous tax returns or other records of income. You might have to provide additional paperwork if you're self-employed.

Can you rush an underwriter?

So, the best thing you can do when your loan is in–process is to remain available and accessible to your lender. Mortgage underwriters can't do their jobs without you so borrowers who respond quickly to requests for additional paperwork find themselves getting priority treatment from the bank.

Can you get denied a mortgage after being pre-approved?

So, for the question “Can a loan be denied after pre-approval?” Yes, it can. Borrowers still need to submit a formal mortgage application with the mortgage lender that pre-approved your loan or a different one.