Average Closing Time for an FHA Loan It takes around 47 days to close on an FHA mortgage loan. FHA refinances are faster and take around 32 days to close on average. FHA loans generally close in a very similar timeframe to conventional loans but may require additional time at specific points in the process.
Let's be honest. Government-insured mortgages kind of have a bad rap. People tend to think FHA loan requirements include heaps of additional paperwork, red tape, and a lengthy process. But one of the best little known benefits of FHA loans is a quick approval and ability to complete closing within 30 days.
FHA security instruments require a borrower to establish bona fide occupancy in a home as the borrower's principal residence within 60 days of signing the security instrument, with continued occupancy for at least one year.
However, FHA loans do come with some disadvantages. Aside from the higher cost of the loan, it could take longer to close on your loan too. And if there are any issues that pop up during the appraisal and inspection, it could delay or even derail your purchase.
It is technically possible to close on a home in 30 days, or even less, particularly if you are paying all-cash rather than getting a mortgage or dealing with a homebuying company or iBuyer. But in general, according to data from ICE Mortgage Technology it takes about 44 days to close on a home.
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.
The closing process on a home purchase can take anywhere from a week to 60 days, depending on the property type, whether or not you're buying with a mortgage and what type of loan you're taking out.
Some reasons a seller might refuse an FHA loan include misconceptions about longer closing times, stricter property requirements, or the belief that FHA borrowers are riskier.
FHA Loan: Cons
Here are some FHA home loan disadvantages: An extra cost – an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 2.25% of the loan's value. The MIP must either be paid in cash when you get the loan or rolled into the life of the loan. Home price qualifying maximums are set by FHA.
Because FHA closing costs include the upfront MIP, an FHA loan can have average closing costs on the higher end of the typical 3% – 6% range. That doesn't diminish in any way the value of getting an FHA mortgage, with its low down payment, lower interest rates and flexible underwriting.
When applying for an FHA loan, you'll also need to show that you have the usual debt-to-income ratios. If you plan to rent out the extra unit, you'll be able to use that rental income in order to qualify, but only up to 75% of it.
FHA loans have the same 10-payment rule. However, you can't pay down the balance to the 10-payment mark. Additionally, the payment has to be five percent or less of qualifying income. For example, the credit report shows a student loan payment of $400 and a balance of $2,400 (six payments).
FHA First Mortgage
Borrower must have owned property for 12 months AND if encumbered by a mortgage made payments for the last 12 months within the month due.
It is important to note that while average closing times might be 47 days for a purchase and 35 days for a refinance, most loans will actually take between 30 days and 75 days to close.
Closing on a house can typically take 30 – 45 days. According to an Origination Insight Report by ICE Mortgage Technology, as of September 2021, the average time to close on a home purchase was 50 days.
If you plan to purchase a flipped home with an FHA loan, you must abide by the FHA 90-day flipping rule. This rule states that a person selling a flipped home must own the home for more than 90 days before home buyers can purchase the property.
Can Home Sellers Refuse Offers Backed By An FHA Loan? Unfortunately, yes, they can. In a competitive seller's market, a home's seller might have their pick of many offers. They may even be able to choose an all-cash offer and avoid dealing with the mortgage process altogether.
An FHA loan is a government-backed conforming loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA loans have lower credit and down payment requirements for qualified homebuyers. For instance, the minimum required down payment for an FHA loan is only 3.5% of the purchase price.
The overall structure of the property must be in good enough condition to keep its occupants safe. This means severe structural damage, leakage, dampness, decay or termite damage can cause the property to fail inspection. In such a case, repairs must be made in order for the FHA loan to move forward.
Whether you're interested in a listing or touring an open house, here's a list of things buyers can look for that may be considered red flags to an FHA appraiser: Missing handrails. Cracked windows. Termite damage.
“Conventional loans have higher minimum requirements than FHA and require a larger down payment,” Yates said. “Sellers prefer a buyer with conventional financing over FHA financing because they feel the buyer is in a better financial position.”
Some home sellers see an FHA loan as a “riskier” loan compared to a conventional loan because of the FHA loan's stricter appraisal requirements. Also, the loan's lenient financial requirements for borrowers may leave the seller with a negative perception.
Use pre-approval to speed up closing time
Home buyers with a mortgage pre-approval in-hand when they make an offer will be signing final paperwork sooner. Often, a pre-approval can speed up closing by a week or more. This is possible because of the role which a pre-approval plays to a lender.
How many days before closing do you get mortgage approval? Federal law requires a three-day minimum between loan approval and closing on your new mortgage. You could be conditionally approved for one to two weeks before closing.
Mortgage underwriting (30–60 days)
The mortgage underwriting process takes the biggest chunk of time when closing on a home. This is where lenders assess the risk of giving you money (in other words, how likely you are to repay the home loan you borrow).