What do underwriters do after appraisal?

Asked by: Eliane Douglas IV  |  Last update: November 5, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (26 votes)

The underwriter decides whether a lender will approve your loan and works with you to make sure you've submitted all your paperwork. Ultimately, the underwriter will guarantee you don't close on a mortgage you can't afford. If you don't meet the lender's requirements, the mortgage underwriter will deny the loan.

What is the next step after the appraisal is done?

After a property appraisal, the next steps typically involve review and evaluation by the lender or relevant party, potentially leading to loan approval or further actions.

How close to 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.

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

Each situation is different, but underwriting can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Missing signatures or documents, and issues with the appraisal or title insurance are some of the things that can hold up the process.

How likely is it to get denied during underwriting?

Federal Housing Administration loans: 14.4% denial rate. Jumbo loans: 17.8% denial rate. Conventional conforming loans: 7.6% denial rate. Refinance loans: 24.7% denial rate.

What Happens After an Underwriter Approves a Home Loan?

40 related questions found

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.

Does appraisal mean loan is approved?

The appraisal can affect the buyer's mortgage loan approval process in a couple of ways. In some cases, it can determine whether or not the loan goes through. And if the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, it might warrant another round of negotiations between buyer and seller.

What is the 3 day appraisal rule?

Section 1002.14(a)(1) requires that the creditor “provide” copies of appraisals and other written valuations to the applicant “promptly upon completion,” or no later than three business days before consummation (for closed-end credit) or account opening (for open-end credit), whichever is earlier.

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.

What is the final phase of an appraisal?

The final step in the appraisal process is the discussion and/or implementation of any next steps: a reward of some sort—a raise, promotion or coveted development opportunity—or corrective action—a performance plan or termination.

What comes first, appraisal or 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.

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.

What comes after the appraisal is done?

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.

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.

How do you know when underwriting is complete?

Once the underwriter has determined that your loan is fit for approval, you'll be cleared to close. At this point, you'll receive a Closing Disclosure.

How soon do you close 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.

How often is appraisal lower than offer?

Real estate experts estimate between 10-20% of appraisals come in lower than the sale price. But in today's competitive housing market, more homes are selling with multiple offers and the chances of an appraisal gap is increasing. When there is an appraisal gap you have five options. Renegotiate the deal.

Do sellers leave during 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.

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 appraisal is underwriting?

How long does it take after the appraisal to close? Mortgage underwriting and other closing procedures can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 45 days. On average, lenders tell borrowers to expect a 30-45 day window to finish processing everything.

Is appraisal part of closing?

Appraisal fee: This fee covers the work a licensed appraiser does to determine what the home is worth. The average appraisal fee for a single-family home is between $300 and $425, according to HomeAdvisor. While this is considered a “closing” cost, you typically pay it well before closing day.

Do underwriters watch your bank account?

Mortgage underwriters pay close attention to recurring withdrawals on your bank statements and compare them to the debts listed in your loan application. If any withdrawals seem inconsistent with the provided information, they will seek clarification.

What should you not tell a mortgage lender?

Telling your lender you've opened up or applied for several new credit cards may not go over so well. Wait until after you finish buying the home to make those big purchases. You don't want to come off as reckless with your spending before getting approval.

What do underwriters do all day?

Insurance underwriters typically do the following: Analyze information stated on insurance applications. Determine the risk involved in insuring a client.