How long does a home loan take to be approved? I need help

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but let’s be honest—waiting for your home loan to be approved can feel like an eternity. So, how long does a home loan take to be approved? 

The answer depends on several factors, from the type of loan and the lender’s internal processes to how quickly you can provide the necessary documents. Let’s break it all down so you can get a clear picture of what to expect.

So, what is the average home loan approval timeline?

If you’re wondering, how long does a home loan take to be approved, the answer is anywhere from 30 to 60 days. However, in some cases, it could be quicker, especially if you’re already pre-approved and your financial information is in good shape. On the flip side, more complex situations can stretch the process out to 90 days or more.

This timeline includes:

• Submitting the loan application
• Underwriting
• Title search
• Appraisal
• Final approval

Each stage is crucial and may involve some back-and-forth between you and your home loan lender.

What are the steps from the loan application to approval?

Pre-approval (1 to 5 business days)

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a smart first step in the home-buying process. It shows sellers you’re serious and gives you an idea of how much house you can afford. This usually takes just a few business days, assuming you provide all required documents upfront, such as pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns.

Your lender will run your credit report and evaluate your credit score, income, debts, and overall financial situation.

Loan application submission (1 to 3 business days)

Once you’ve found your dream home and your offer is accepted, you’ll complete a full mortgage loan application. This includes details about the property, your employment history, assets, liabilities, and more.

Make sure your financial information is accurate and up to date to avoid delays.

Processing and underwriting (7 to 20 business days)

During this phase, your loan officer and processing team review your documents in detail. This is where they verify everything—your bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, employment status, and credit report.

Underwriting is the most critical (and often the slowest) part of the process. An underwriter evaluates your risk as a borrower. They may request additional documentation, clarification, or corrections. The faster you respond, the smoother this stage goes.

Home appraisal and title search (5 to 15 business days)

Your lender will order a home appraisal to ensure the property is worth the purchase price. Simultaneously, a title search is conducted to confirm there are no legal issues, such as liens or ownership disputes.

Both are essential for loan approval and can introduce delays if problems are found.

Final loan approval and closing (5 to 10 business days)

Once underwriting is complete and the appraisal and title search are cleared, your mortgage application goes to final approval. At this point, your lender will issue a “clear to close,” which means you’re ready to sign the paperwork and get the keys to your new home.

What can delay a home loan approval?

Even if everything seems to be on track, several factors can delay your home loan approval:

• Missing or outdated documents: Incomplete financial information, such as expired pay stubs or missing tax returns, can slow things down.
• Credit issues: Errors on your credit report or a sudden drop in your credit score may require explanation or correction.
• Employment changes: Changing jobs or income structure during the loan process can raise red flags for lenders.
• Large deposits or withdrawals: Unusual banking activity may require additional documentation.
• Title issues: Unresolved liens or disputes during the title search can hold up the process.

Working closely with your loan officer and responding quickly to document requests can help prevent these mortgage problems or delays.

How can I speed up the loan approval process?

While you can’t control every aspect of the timeline, there are things you can do to help speed things along:

• Get pre-approved early in your home search.
• Organize your documents ahead of time. This includes your tax returns, pay stubs, W-2s, bank statements, and ID.
• Avoid major financial changes during the loan process (such as taking out a new car loan).
• Respond quickly to lender requests.
• Keep your credit stable and avoid late payments.

If you’re self-employed, be extra thorough. You may need to provide more extensive documentation of your income and business operations.

Should you worry if your loan approval takes more than 60 days?

Not necessarily. In a competitive real estate market or if you’re applying for a more complex loan, it’s not uncommon for the process to extend beyond 60 days. For example, buyers using FHA or VA loans may face additional requirements. Also, during high-volume seasons, mortgage applications can stack up, causing delays across the board.

If you’re getting close to your closing date and haven’t heard from your lender, check in with your loan officer for updates.

What is your real estate agent’s role in loan applications?

Your real estate agent is more than just a house hunter—they can be instrumental in moving the loan process forward. They communicate with all parties involved (including your lender and title company) to keep things on track and help coordinate closing timelines.

How long does a home loan take to be approved? Final thoughts

Home loan approval isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. While the average timeline falls between 30 and 60 days, it can be shorter or longer depending on your financial situation, lender efficiency, and how quickly you respond to requests.

Being proactive—getting pre-approved, keeping your finances steady, and staying organized—will put you in the best position to get through the mortgage maze smoothly.

So, when you’re buying a home, think of your home loan not just as a hurdle, but as a process that you can navigate confidently with the right preparation, a trusted loan officer, and a knowledgeable real estate agent by your side.

Written by Ramona Sinha. April 20, 2025

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.