Why is my loan taking so long in underwriting?

Asked by: Nash Eichmann  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.5/5 (56 votes)

Underwriting is the most intense review. This is when the mortgage lender's underwriter (or underwriting department) reviews all paperwork relating to the loan, the borrower, and the property being purchased. ... It's another reason why mortgage lenders take so long to approve loans.

How long does it take an underwriter to approve a loan?

Depending on these factors, mortgage underwriting can take a day or two, or it can take weeks. Under normal circumstances, initial underwriting approval happens within 72 hours of submitting your full loan file. In extreme scenarios, this process could take as long as a month.

How long does it take to go through underwriting?

How long does underwriting take? Underwriting—the process by which mortgage lenders verify your assets, and check your credit scores and tax returns before you get 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.

How long does it take an underwriter to deny a loan?

Generally, it takes about 30-45 days from the start of underwriting to the closing of the loan. However, that timeline can be impacted by a number of factors, including the complexity of your financial situation, whether more documentation is needed and how many loan applications are currently on the lender's plate.

Can an underwriter deny a loan?

Underwriters can deny your loan application for several reasons, from minor to major. ... Some of these problems that might arise and have your underwriting denied are insufficient cash reserves, a low credit score, or high debt ratios.

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

23 related questions found

Is no news good news in 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.

How do you know when 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.

How long after underwriting is closing?

Clear To Close: At Least 3 Days

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.

Do underwriters want to approve loans?

An underwriter will approve or reject your mortgage loan application based on your credit history, employment history, assets, debts and other factors. It's all about whether that underwriter feels you can repay the loan that you want. ... But a seasoned loan originator is the integral part of the whole process, he says.

What comes after underwriting?

Once your loan goes through underwriting, you'll either receive final approval and be clear to close, be required to provide more information (this is referred to as “decision pending”), or your loan application may be denied.

Is underwriting the last step?

No, underwriting is not the final step in the mortgage process. You still have to attend closing to sign a bunch of paperwork, and then the loan has to be funded. ... The underwriter might request additional information, such as banking documents or letters of explanation (LOE).

Do underwriters look at spending habits?

Banks check your credit report for outstanding debts, including loans and credit cards and tally up the monthly payments. ... Bank underwriters check these monthly expenses and draw conclusions about your spending habits.

Do underwriters work on weekends?

It depends on the work load and the company. Working weekends is required sometimes. A smaller company or broker may be more inclined to underwrite on weekends.

Why would an underwriter deny a loan?

An underwriter may deny a loan simply because they don't have enough information for an approval. Letters of explanation may go a long way to clarify gaps in employment, a debt that's paid by someone else or a large cash deposit in your account.

Is final approval the same as clear to close?

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 before closing is final loan approval?

Final Approval & Closing Disclosure Issued: Approximately 5 Days, Including a Mandatory 3 Day Cooling Off Period. Your appraisal and any loan conditions will go back through underwriting for a review and final sign off.

What should you not do during underwriting?

Tip #1: Don't Apply For Any New Credit Lines During Underwriting. Any major financial changes and spending can cause problems during the underwriting process. New lines of credit or loans could interrupt this process. Also, avoid making any purchases that could decrease your assets.

Can your loan be denied at closing?

Can a mortgage loan be denied after closing? Though it's rare, a mortgage can be denied after the borrower signs the closing papers. For example, in some states, the bank can fund the loan after the borrower closes. ... This may also happen during a refinance closing because borrowers have a three-day right of rescission.

How difficult is underwriting?

An underwriter's job is difficult. According to a risk assessment, they should establish the acceptable degree of danger and what one is permitted to acknowledge. When evaluating complicated circumstances, an underwriter may need to conduct an extensive study and gather much data.

Why is my clear to close taking so long?

There are certain government-mandated waiting periods to create transparency and prevent fraud. The underwriter can also take longer if they need to confirm your paperwork and buying contingencies on your loan. The closing process can wrap up in 30 days or take longer than 60 days.

How long does underwriting take after appraisal?

Underwriting your loan typically takes a week or two, but any third parties involved in the underwriting process – such as the appraiser – can slow this down.

Why is my mortgage application taking so long?

A poor credit history doesn't provide the lender with much assurance that you will be able to make the repayments and so the lender will likely take longer doing a more intense check into the credit history, which will naturally slow the process down.

Can underwriting be done before the appraisal?

Mortgage underwriting is usually the next stage that occurs, once the appraiser has completed his or her report. ... Home appraisal: The mortgage lender will order an appraisal shortly after the purchase agreement has been signed, in most cases.

Is it normal to not hear from your loan officer?

The loan officer may feel like there is nothing to update you on until the underwriting process is complete so you may not hear back from her or him. ... In short, rather than communicate bad news, the loan officer communicates nothing at all. This is an unfortunate outcome but I have seen it many times.

Can underwriters make exceptions?

There are typically two types of loan exceptions: 1) Policy exceptions and 2) underwriting exceptions. ... When a borrowers credit score, debt-to-income ratio, or loan-to-value ratio do not meet the organization's defined standards, an underwriting exception occurs.