How long does it take to be approved for a mortgage?
From application to approval and closing, getting a mortgage can take anywhere from 30 days to 60 days. However, some home purchases can take longer, depending on factors unique to the purchase transaction and the home loan processing time.
In the usual market, it takes an average of 30 days to get a mortgage. If there are problems with your application, getting your loan approved could take much longer. It is advisable to start the mortgage application process as soon as possible to shorten this process.
You can usually get a feel for whether you're mortgage-eligible by looking at your own personal finances and assessing your financial situation. You'll have the best chances at mortgage approval if: Your credit score is above 620. You have a down payment of 3-5% or more.
The pre-approval only takes two or three days, but the time it takes before you get to that step depends on you. Getting your mortgage approved also will not take that much time, but getting to that point in the process will. Considering all steps, the average approval could take about a month or so.
If you follow the 2.5 times your income rule, you divide the cost of the home by 2.5 to determine how much money you need to earn annually to afford it. Based on this rule, you would need to earn $100,000 per year to comfortably purchase a $250,000 home.
The minimum credit score needed for most mortgages is typically around 620. However, government-backed mortgages like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans typically have lower credit requirements than conventional fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).
Mortgages can get denied and real estate deals can fall apart — even after the buyer is pre-approved. If you're aware of the pitfalls, you'll reduce the chance it can happen to you!
Though it isn't common, lenders can deny your mortgage application after pre-approval. There are a few reasons this can happen, but all of them can be prevented with a little preparation and foresight.
If you're wondering how many pay stubs you need for a mortgage, usually, two will suffice for most lenders. Lenders will also look for payment information over the last 30 days to ensure you make enough to pay your mortgage bills.
How much house can I afford if I make $70,000 a year?
One rule of thumb is that the cost of your home should not exceed three times your income. On a salary of $70k, that would be $210,000. This is only one way to estimate your budget, however, and it assumes that you don't have a lot of other debts.
Once you've submitted your application, a loan processor will gather and organize the necessary documents for the underwriter. A mortgage underwriter is the person that approves or denies your loan application.
Mortgage lenders have become much stricter with their requirements, which makes it more difficult and confusing for buyers to qualify. In the past, borrowers could get approved with lower credit scores, but now they require at least a 700 credit score and a down payment of about 20%.
If you are pre-approved or credit pre-approved for a loan before you start the home shopping process, your mortgage could close in as little as two to three weeks after your offer is accepted on a home.
Yes, you could get denied after you've been cleared to close. In the days leading up to your closing, do your best to make sure nothing happens that makes you look like a riskier borrower. Your safest bet is to avoid making any financial moves during this period, such as: Apply for any new credit cards or loans.
Most underwriters complete their assessment within a week, but often you'll hear from them sooner. Keep refreshing your email inbox, and if your lender has requested additional documentation to support your application you can speed up the process by providing them with the requested information as soon as possible.
The 30% rule for home buyers
If your annual salary is $100,000, the 30% rule means you should spend around $2,500 per month on your house payment. With a 10% down payment and a 6% fixed interest rate, you could likely afford a home worth around $350,000 to $400,000 (depending on the cost of taxes and home insurance).
An individual earning $60,000 a year may buy a home worth ranging from $180,000 to over $300,000. That's because your wage isn't the only factor that affects your house purchase budget. Your credit score, existing debts, mortgage rates, and a variety of other considerations must all be taken into account.
If you have minimal or no existing monthly debt payments, between $103,800 and $236,100 is about how much house you can afford on $40K a year. Exactly how much you spend on a house within that range depends on your financial situation and how much down payment you can afford to invest.
| Interest rate | Monthly payment (15 year) | Monthly payment (30 year) |
|---|---|---|
| 6.75% | $1,770 | $1,297 |
| 7.00% | $1,798 | $1,331 |
| 7.25% | $1,826 | $1,364 |
| 7.50% | $1,854 | $1,398 |
How much can I borrow with a 580 credit score?
You can borrow anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $100,000+ with a 580 credit score. The exact amount of money you will get depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income, your employment status, the type of loan you get, and even the lender.
| Average FICO 8 Score by Generation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 2022 | 2023 |
| Generation Z (ages 18-26) | 679 - Good | 680 - Good |
| Millennials (27-42) | 687 - Good | 690 - Good |
| Generation X (43-58) | 707 - Good | 709 - Good |
Generally, lenders care more about your income, employment, and credit score. If the policy includes running a criminal background check and denying those with a criminal history, they can do it. Some policies might approve people with misdemeanors on their record but deny those with a felony conviction.
If your credit score drops before your loan is finalized, you could end up with a higher borrowing rate or even lose your new mortgage altogether.
You have signed all the papers necessary and have reached an agreement. Your lender is bound by law to stick to your contract. After closing, your lender cannot go back on the arrangement they have made with you. Your loan can be denied anytime from the point of application to the point of closing.
