Is appraisal done before underwriting?

Asked by: Morgan Tillman  |  Last update: February 14, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (6 votes)

Before a loan can be approved, it must go through a phase called underwriting. This phase happens after the initial mortgage document review, but before you receive a property appraisal and are cleared to close on your new home. (The property appraisal typically happens while your file is in the underwriting process.)

Does appraisal happen before or after underwriting?

While the underwriting process is happening, the lender will order an appraisal, typically conducted by a licensed appraiser, to assess and evaluate the property a borrower wishes to purchase.

Can a loan go to underwriting without appraisal?

2. Limited Appraisal Waivers. Certain lenders, like large banks or credit unions, have the capability to offer limited appraisal waivers on eligible transactions, typically for pre-approved buyers in very strong financial standing. This allows them to approve loans without the condition of an appraisal.

What comes first appraisal or loan approval?

If you are refinancing your own home, the appraisal is part of loan processing and takes place before final approval.

Is the appraisal the last thing before closing?

When you're buying a home and are under contract, the appraisal will be one of the first steps in the closing process. If the appraisal comes in at or above the contract price, the transaction proceeds as planned. If the appraisal comes in below the contract price, it can delay or derail the transaction.

How Does A Home Appraisal Work?

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How fast is closing after appraisal?

The appraisal to closing timeline may vary, but it generally takes two to five weeks to close after completing the home appraisal. How fast can you close on a house? While closing on your new house sooner than the average 43 days is possible, it requires a streamlined closing process.

What if the appraisal is higher than the offer?

If A House Is Appraised Higher Than The Purchase Price

Your mortgage amount doesn't change because the selling price won't increase to meet the appraisal value.

Does loan get approved after appraisal?

If the appraised value creates any sort of obstacle or inability for the buyer to purchase the property with the approved loan amount, loan-to-value, or down payment requirement, it opens the door for the loan to be denied.

What is the underwriting process?

Underwriting is the process by which the lender decides whether an applicant is creditworthy and should receive a loan. An effective underwriting and loan approval process is a key predecessor to favorable portfolio quality, and a main task of the function is to avoid as many undue risks as possible.

What comes after appraisal?

More commonly, though, a home appraisal is being ordered by a lender as part of a residential real estate transaction. As such, the next step that will occur is the mortgage underwriting process.

Can a loan be denied after appraisal?

If an appraisal inspection uncovers a major issue, like a bad foundation, the loan may be denied as the home would be seen as a bad investment.

How long after underwriting is closing?

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.

What gets you denied in underwriting?

Underwriters can't approve a loan application with missing or unverifiable information. Although this might seem obvious, it was one of the top reasons for loan denial in 2020. You can't prove your income or employment history is stable. Most loan programs require a two-year history of steady earnings and employment.

When should an appraisal be done?

Once your offer is accepted on a home, you'll have a few weeks to conduct a full home inspection and appraisal before closing on the house.

How long do underwriters take to approve a mortgage?

Mortgage underwriting can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your application and financial situation. During the underwriting process, the mortgage lender will verify your income, assets, debts, credit and expenses.

What's the fastest you can close on a house?

However, some mortgage lenders promise speedy closing timelines, as fast as seven to 10 days in some cases. The fastest closing timelines are typically when the buyer pays cash and can skip the appraisal process. Your best bet? Budget for a 45-day closing process, from accepted offer to closing day.

Does underwriting mean you are approved?

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 not to do during underwriting?

5 Mistakes to Avoid During the Underwriting Process
  • Not responding to emails from the lender. ...
  • Buying an improperly valued home. ...
  • Exceeding loan limitations. ...
  • Lying to your lender. ...
  • Frivolous purchases while your home is pending.

Do underwriters look at spending habits?

Spending habits

And they will look to see if you are regularly spending less than you earn consistent with the savings you are claiming. No matter how frugal you might be most lenders have adopted a floor on the living expenses they will accept.

Is appraisal last step in underwriting?

The appraisal is typically ordered by the buyer's lender once their initial loan application package has been submitted and is under the early stages of underwriting review.

How close to closing after appraisal?

The length of time from an appraisal to closing can vary. While mortgage timelines can differ based on individual situations, some lenders estimate that this period typically takes about 30 to 45 days.

What comes first, appraisal or underwriting?

If the appraisal comes in or above the contract price, then the loan proceeds like normal. The next step is the underwriting process, which is where the loan evaluation and conditions are finalized.

Can you walk away if appraisal is lower than offer?

Yahoo Finance tip: Your purchase contract must include an appraisal contingency, which states you can back out if the appraised amount is too low. Otherwise, you will forfeit the earnest money you put into the deal if you walk.

Do appraisals usually come in at asking price?

In the world of property purchases, it's pretty standard for the sales price listed on the contract to be on par with the appraised value. This makes sense, as the agreed price usually mirrors the going rates in the current market.

Can a seller be home during an appraisal?

During the appraisal process, a licensed appraiser will visit the home and review MLS sales data in order to render an opinion on the property's value. Unlike the home inspection, we very often advise our sellers to be present when the appraiser visits their home.