When should you hear back from underwriting?

Asked by: Dr. Joan Gulgowski IV  |  Last update: September 4, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (44 votes)

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.

How long does it take to hear back from an underwriter?

How Long Does Underwriting Take, On Average? Underwriting typically takes 30 – 45 days, but every home buyer's situation is different. In some cases, the process may only take a few days.

How long do underwriters take to make a decision?

Generally speaking though, mortgage underwriting should take no longer than 3-4 working days and almost all applications are complete within a week - though this can easily be extended if more information is requested.

How do you know if underwriting is approved?

Once all conditions are satisfied, your file is submitted to underwriting for the final review. If everything is in order, the underwriter issues a Clear to Close (CTC), signaling that your loan is fully approved and ready for closing.

How long does an underwriting review take?

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

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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.

Is no news good news for mortgage underwriting?

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.

What are the four stages of underwriting?

There are four basic elements that an underwriter evaluates, which are:
  • Income. Income refers to both gross and net income. ...
  • Appraisal. Appraisals ensure the property or other purpose of the loan is worth the requested amount. ...
  • Credit score. ...
  • Assets. ...
  • Loan underwriting. ...
  • Securities underwriting.

Is underwriting the last step before closing?

Once the mortgage underwriter is satisfied with your application, the appraisal and title search, your loan will be deemed clear to close. At that point, you can move forward with closing on the property.

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.

How fast can an underwriter approve a loan?

Approval or denial: 1 to 3 days

If the underwriter determines that your overall risk profile is acceptable, you'll receive a letter of commitment detailing the terms and conditions of the loan. You'll also receive a closing disclosure within three business days of closing on your mortgage loan.

Do underwriters check your bank account?

Underwriters and loan officers typically check the previous two months' bank activity in your bank statements. For self-employed mortgage applicants, however, they may go back up to 12-24 months.

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.

Do underwriters talk to people?

Mortgage Loan Underwriters typically do not have direct communication with customers. Their primary role is to assess the financial risk associated with approving a mortgage application based on the lender's guidelines and industry standards.

What is the turnaround time for underwriting?

Underwriting—the process by which mortgage lenders verify your assets, check your credit scores, and review your tax returns before they can approve a home loan—can take as little as two to three days. Typically, though, it takes over a week for a loan officer or lender to complete the process.

How many days before closing do you get mortgage approval?

Most buyers won't have to wait very long to meet at the closing table once they're clear to close. You should expect the process to follow the clear-to-close 3-day rule, where you receive your Closing Disclosure 3 business days before your closing date.

What happens 3 days before closing?

When the Know Before You Owe mortgage disclosure rule becomes effective, lenders must give you new, easier-to-use disclosures about your loan three business days before closing. This gives you time to review the terms of the deal before you get to the closing table.

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.

What are the four C's of underwriting?

There are four main factors that are considered by underwriters when they are deciding whether or not to approve your loan application; collateral, character, capacity, and credit.

How many loans fall through in underwriting?

A mortgage underwriter typically denies about 1 in 10 mortgage loan applications. A mortgage loan application can be denied for many reasons, including a borrower's low credit score, recent employment change or high debt-to-income ratio.

What are the three C's of underwriting?

Mortgage Fundamentals: The Three C's of Underwriting - Credit, Capacity, Collateral.

Do underwriters work on Saturdays?

However, they may also be required to work overtime or on weekends to meet deadlines. Additionally, underwriters may have flexible schedules, allowing them to work from home or have a compressed workweek.

How long does it take to get final approval from an underwriter?

Getting your loan from conditional approval to final approval could take about two weeks, but there's no guarantee about this timeframe. You can help speed up the process by responding to your underwriter's questions right away. Submit the additional documents the same day of the request, if possible.

Do underwriters look at social media?

​Insurance underwriters research your business before issuing a quote or renewing coverage. They find clues about your day-to-day operations in customer reviews, social media profiles, and even the image gallery on your website.

Do underwriters have the final say?

Underwriters are the decision makers because they look at your application and will determine whether you receive approval. They usually have the final say as to whether you'll receive a loan or insurance policy.