What are the steps in the mortgage application process?

Asked by: Andre Bailey  |  Last update: February 22, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (51 votes)

The Mortgage Process: A 10-Step Guide
  1. Estimate how much home you can afford. ...
  2. Get a mortgage preapproval and gather your financial documents. ...
  3. Find a home and make an offer. ...
  4. Get a home inspection. ...
  5. Finalize your mortgage lender and lock your rate. ...
  6. Schedule a home appraisal. ...
  7. Finalize your underwriting approval.

What are the 5 steps of the mortgage process?

  • Get Your Pre-Approval. Before you can go house shopping, you need to secure your pre-approval from a mortgage lender. ...
  • Find a Property. ...
  • Apply for a Mortgage. ...
  • Complete Loan Processing. ...
  • Go Through the Underwriting Process. ...
  • Close on the Property.

What are the stages of the loan approval process?

The 5 basic steps of the loan approval process
  • Step 1: Gathering and Submitting Application & Required Documentations. The first step in obtaining any loan is to complete an application and submit the required documents. ...
  • Step 2: Loan Underwriting. ...
  • Step 3: Decision & Pre-Closing. ...
  • Step 4: Closing. ...
  • Step 5: Post Closing.

How long does it take for mortgage processing?

On average, the mortgage approval process takes 30 to 60 days — although it can be significantly shorter or longer, depending on the situation.

How long does a mortgage application take?

It can take on average two to six weeks for a lender to approve your full mortgage application.

Mortgages Application Process || Explained in 3 Minutes || UK || 2023

19 related questions found

What is the last stage in the mortgage process?

The “closing” is the last step in buying and financing a home. The "closing,” also called “settlement,” is when you and all the other parties in a mortgage loan transaction sign the necessary documents. After signing these documents, you become responsible for the mortgage loan.

How do you know 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.

What are the steps of the approval process?

Here are the steps you can take to create an approval process:
  • Define the work task. ...
  • Set approvers, permissions and due dates. ...
  • Assign the work task. ...
  • First approver receives work. ...
  • First approver approves or rejects work. ...
  • Submit to final approver. ...
  • Publish or accept work.

What are the 5 C's of loan approval?

The 5 Cs are Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions. The 5 Cs are factored into most lenders' risk rating and pricing models to support effective loan structures and mitigate credit risk.

What is the 3 7 3 rule in mortgage?

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.

Can a loan fall through during underwriting?

Key takeaways about mortgage denials in underwriting

Your loan can be denied if you have incomplete or missing information on your loan application or don't meet minimum mortgage requirements. Denials are less common on mortgage loan applications.

Is the appraisal the last step before closing?

Appraisals to Closing Costs: You're Nearly There

The appraisal is one of the last steps in the mortgage process; first, borrowers should learn about what they qualify for.

What are the stages of getting a mortgage?

There are 6 simple steps to a successful mortgage application: pre-application, initial application, assessment and affordability checks, valuation, offer, completion.
  • Pre-Application. ...
  • Initial Application. ...
  • Assessment and Affordability Checks. ...
  • Valuation. ...
  • Offer. ...
  • Completion.

How likely is it to get denied after pre-approval?

Simply, if you're preapproved for a mortgage there is still a possibility you could be denied after. In fact, approximately 5,741 VA loans were preapproved but not accepted according to 2022 HMDA data. Let's explore more about what it means to be preapproved for a home loan and why you could be denied after.

How will closing cost expenses be determined?

How Much Are Closing Costs? Closing costs are typically 3% – 6% of the loan amount. This means that if you take out a mortgage worth $200,000, you can expect to add closing costs of about $6,000 – $12,000 to your total cost. Closing costs don't include your down payment, but you may be able to negotiate them.

How to speed up the approval process?

Speed up your review and approval process in 9 simple steps
  1. Define who needs to be involved in the process.
  2. Set your review dates.
  3. Keep all your file versions organized.
  4. Track stakeholder sign-off.
  5. The typical nine-step review and approval process.
  6. How to master every review and approval process.
  7. Conclusion.

What is the sequence of approvals?

An approval sequence is the order in which approval requirements are activated.

What does an approval process look like?

An approval process is like a decision journey. It typically involves submitting a request, and routing it to relevant approvers, who review and make a decision. If approved, the process continues; if not, it may require revisions or further steps.

How long does mortgage approval take?

How long does a mortgage application take to be approved? The average time for a mortgage to be approved is usually 2 to 6 weeks. It can take as little as 24 hours but this is usually rare. You should expect to wait two weeks on average while the mortgage lender gets the property surveyed and underwrites your mortgage.

What is the last step in the mortgage loan process?

15. Closing time. Once your mortgage application has been approved, you'll take the last steps to officially close on your home. After you've put your signature on the last line on the last page, you're a proud new homeowner!

How long does final mortgage approval take?

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.

Can I move in on closing day?

Some buyers may be able to negotiate an immediate possession date. This means as soon as the transaction is closed and the deed is recorded, the buyer can move in. A few other common buyer possession dates may be 15 days, 30 days, 60 days, or even 90 days after closing, depending on how much time the seller needs.

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.

What is the mortgage closing process?

The mortgage closing process is the final step in the mortgage process. This is when the ownership of the property is officially transferred, or the mortgage is paid-off. The process involves multiple parties, including the buyer, seller, lender, and sometimes a real estate agent.