Is final approval the same as clear to close?

Asked by: Madelynn Wyman  |  Last update: January 17, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (30 votes)

Your loan officer will submit all your conditions back to the underwriter, who should then issue a “clear to close,” which means you're ready to sign loan documents. This last verification is your final approval.

How long after final approval is closing?

Conventional purchase: 47 days to close. Conventional refinance: 48 days to close. FHA purchase: 50 days to close. FHA refinance: 54 days to close.

What is final approval clear to close?

“Clear to close” means an underwriter has approved your loan documents and that any conditions that were required for the loan to be approved have been met. It also means your lender is ready to confirm your closing date with the title company or attorney.

Can a loan be denied after final approval?

Your Credit Score Drops

If one or more late payments or collections show up on a credit report after you've already been approved, your credit score could drop below the minimum required for your loan, and your loan could be denied.

What does final approval mean?

Loan funding: The “final” final approval

This means the lender has reviewed your signed documents, re-pulled your credit, and made sure nothing changed since the underwriter's last review of your loan file.

Underwriting, Conditions, Final Approval & Clear to Close[Under 5 Min]

37 related questions found

Can Lender cancel loan after closing?

Yes. For certain types of mortgages, after you sign your mortgage closing documents, you may be able to change your mind. You have the right to cancel, also known as the right of rescission, for most non-purchase money mortgages.

What happens between clear to close and closing?

“Clear to close” simply means that you've met the requirements and conditions to close on your mortgage. At this stage, your lender has fully inspected your documents and verified that you meet the expectations of the type and amount of mortgage you're requesting.

How do I know if my mortgage will be approved?

You'll have the best chances at mortgage approval if:
  1. Your credit score is above 620.
  2. You have a down payment of 3-5% or more.
  3. Your existing debts are low.
  4. You've had a stable job and income for at least two years.

Does closing on a house mean you get the keys?

Buyers often wonder: “Do you get the keys to the house at closing?” You signed all the paperwork. So, you get the keys right away, right? Not so fast. Signing your documents is just one part of a closing.

What does closing day look like?

What Happens at Closing? On closing day, the ownership of the property is transferred to you, the buyer. This day consists of transferring funds from escrow, providing mortgage and title fees, and updating the deed of the house to your name.

What not to do after closing on a house?

What Not To Do While Closing On a House
  1. Avoid Big Charges on a Credit Card. Do not rack up credit card debt. ...
  2. Be Careful with Trends. ...
  3. Do Not Neglect Your Neighbors. ...
  4. Don't Miss Tax Breaks. ...
  5. Keep Your Real Estate Agent Close. ...
  6. Save That Mail. ...
  7. Celebrate!

How soon after closing is your first mortgage payment due?

When you take out a mortgage to buy a home or refinance your existing home, your first payment will usually be due on the first of the month, one month (30 days) after your closing date.

Who actually approves a mortgage?

Step 2: Be patient with the review process.

Once you've submitted your application, a loan processor will gather and organize the necessary documents for the underwriter. A mortgage underwriter is the person that approves or denies your loan application.

Is no news good news when waiting for mortgage approval?

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 long is final underwriting?

Mortgage lenders have different 'turn times' — the time it takes from your loan being submitted for underwriting review to the final decision. The full mortgage loan process often takes between 30 and 45 days from underwriting to closing.

What do lenders check right before 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.

What happens after underwriting approval?

If your loan is approved, it means the underwriter has deemed you (and your co-borrower, if you have one) a trustworthy candidate and appropriate fit for the loan program you've applied for. At this point, you'll move forward to the next step of getting all your documents previewed and signed, then closing your loan.

What happens once mortgage is approved?

A mortgage offer is confirmation that your application for a mortgage has been checked and approved. You only get a mortgage offer letter once you've completed the mortgage application process and provided your lender with all the necessary information about your finances and the property you want to buy.

What are the stages of a mortgage application?

Most people go through six distinct stages when they are looking for a new mortgage: pre-approval, house shopping, mortgage application, loan processing, underwriting, and closing.

What is the best day to close on a house?

If you need to be occupying your home by a certain date to save on rent, it's a much better deal to close at the end of the previous month (for example, January 30) instead of the beginning of the current month (February 1).

What if my mortgage is due on a Sunday?

Yes. If your payment is due on a day on which mail is not delivered (such as a Sunday) and you mail your payment, you cannot be charged a late fee if your payment arrives on the next business day. However, if you pay online you must make your payment on the day it was due even if that day is a Sunday or holiday.

Is it better to close at the beginning or end of a month?

Your closing costs will be lower

That's because mortgage interest accrues from the date of closing through the last day of the month. So, with an end-of-month closing, there'll only be a small window for interest to accrue, and less for you to pay.

Can I spend money after closing on a house?

The wait is over. For a home purchase, it's best to wait at least a full business day after closing before applying for any new credit cards to make sure your loan has been funded and disbursed. “Until you have the keys, don't do anything,” Karetskiy said.

What is the first thing to do after closing on a house?

Endpoint recommends keeping your buyer's agent and purchase agreement, including any amendments; seller and closing disclosures; home inspection report; title insurance policy; and the property deed. This may be one of the first close things to do after closing on a house.

Do I get a copy of my deed at closing?

Generally, the lender sends the documents to be recorded after the closing. The recording fees are included in your closing costs. Typically, the lender will provide you with a copy of the deed of trust after the closing. The original warranty deeds are often mailed to the grantee after they are recorded.