How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage?
Quick Answer
30–45 days from application to closing for most borrowers. Pre-approval takes 1–3 days.
Typical Duration
Step-by-Step Timeline
Lender reviews credit, income, and assets and issues a pre-approval letter
Respond to condition requests quickly to avoid delays
Federal law requires a 3-day review of the closing disclosure
Quick Answer
The mortgage process from application to closing takes 30–45 days for most borrowers. Pre-approval can be done in 1–3 days. VA loans and complex financial situations may take 45–60 days. The timeline depends heavily on how quickly you provide documentation and whether any issues arise during underwriting.
Mortgage Timeline Step by Step
| Step | Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-approval | 1–3 days | Lender reviews credit, income, assets; issues pre-approval letter |
| Home shopping & offer | Varies | Find a home and get offer accepted |
| Loan application | Day 1 | Submit full application with purchase contract |
| Disclosures & docs | Days 1–3 | Receive Loan Estimate; submit tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements |
| Appraisal ordered | Days 3–7 | Lender orders home appraisal |
| Appraisal completed | Days 7–14 | Appraiser visits property; report submitted |
| Underwriting | Days 14–25 | Underwriter reviews everything; may request additional documentation |
| Conditional approval | Days 20–30 | Approval with conditions (e.g., explain a deposit, provide a letter) |
| Clear to close | Days 25–40 | All conditions met; final approval |
| Closing disclosure | 3 days before closing | Review final terms (legally required 3-day waiting period) |
| Closing day | Days 30–45 | Sign documents, fund the loan, get keys |
Timeline by Loan Type
| Loan Type | Average Days to Close | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 30–40 days | Most common; straightforward |
| FHA | 35–45 days | Extra appraisal requirements |
| VA | 40–55 days | VA appraisal + Certificate of Eligibility |
| USDA | 45–60 days | Additional USDA approval step |
| Jumbo | 35–50 days | Stricter documentation requirements |
| Refinance | 30–45 days | No purchase contract, but appraisal still needed |
What Causes Delays
| Issue | Added Time | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Slow document submission | 1–2 weeks | Have all docs ready before applying |
| Low appraisal | 1–3 weeks | May need renegotiation or second appraisal |
| Employment verification issues | 1–2 weeks | Don’t change jobs during the process |
| Title problems | 1–4 weeks | Title search may reveal liens or disputes |
| Underwriting conditions | 3–10 days | Respond to requests immediately |
| Rate lock expiration | May restart process | Ensure lock period covers expected timeline |
How to Speed Up the Process
- Get pre-approved before house hunting.
- Have all financial documents organized: 2 years of tax returns, 2 months of pay stubs, 2 months of bank statements.
- Respond to lender requests within 24 hours.
- Don’t open new credit accounts, make large purchases, or change jobs during underwriting.
- Choose a lender with a strong track record of on-time closings.
- Lock your rate early to avoid delays from rate volatility.
Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification
| Feature | Pre-Qualification | Pre-Approval |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Minutes | 1–3 days |
| Credit check | Soft pull or none | Hard pull |
| Document review | Self-reported | Verified |
| Strength with sellers | Weak | Strong |
| Accuracy | Estimate | Reliable |
Pro Tips
Get fully pre-approved before house hunting; a verified pre-approval is far stronger with sellers than a pre-qualification.
— AmeriSave
Do not open new credit accounts, make large purchases, or change jobs during underwriting, as any of these can reset your approval.
— Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Lock your interest rate early enough that the lock period comfortably covers your expected closing date to avoid costly extensions.
— Bankrate
Estimated Cost
$6,000 – $15,000
Closing costs typically run 2-5% of the loan amount; shown here for a $300,000 loan, excluding the down payment.
| Loan origination fee (~1%) | $3,000 |
| Appraisal | $600 |
| Title insurance and search | $2,000 |
| Recording, escrow, and third-party fees | $2,400 |