Mortgage Process Timeline

A clear, stage-by-stage view of what happens between the day you apply and the day you sign at closing.

The short answer

Most purchase loans close in 30 to 45 days. Your application and disclosures take a day or two, processing and appraisal usually run one to two weeks, underwriting adds another week, and the final approval, closing disclosure and signing take the last week. Delays almost always come from missing documents or appraisal timing, not from the lender itself.

Key things to know

  • Application and disclosures: 1-2 days
  • Processing and document collection: 3-7 days
  • Appraisal ordered and returned: 7-14 days
  • Underwriting review and conditions: 5-10 days
  • Clear to close, closing disclosure and signing: 3-5 days

    • How it works, step by step

  • 1 Apply Submit your application and sign initial disclosures.

    • Apply

    Submit your application and sign initial disclosures.

  • 2 Process We collect income, asset and identity documents and order the appraisal.

    • Process

    We collect income, asset and identity documents and order the appraisal.

  • 3 Underwrite An underwriter reviews the file and issues conditions.

    • Underwrite

    An underwriter reviews the file and issues conditions.

  • 4 Close Final approval, closing disclosure, signing and funding.

    • Close

    Final approval, closing disclosure, signing and funding.

    Read the full guide

    What Happens After You Apply: The Mortgage Process Timeline Explained

    Keep exploring

    Closing Costs Explained

    A plain-language breakdown of every fee on your Loan Estimate and which ones you can actually shop.

    Mortgage Document Checklist

    Everything a lender will ask for, gathered in one place before you apply.

    Credit Score to Buy a House

    What score you need by program, and what to do if you are close but not quite there.

    How Much Down Payment Do You Need?

    Real minimums by program, and the trade-off between a smaller down payment and monthly cost.

    Have a question about your situation?

    Talk with a licensed mortgage broker serving CA, CO, TX and WA. No SSN required to get started.