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- What Can Delay Your Mortgage Closing and How to Speed It Up
- 1. Large deposits can set you back
- 2. You can’t hide from your past
- 3. Speaking of jobs…try to stick with yours a bit longer
- 4. Curb your spending before your mortgage closing
- 5. Know your credit status
- 6. Be proactive with your paperwork
- 7. Ask for updates to speed up your closing
A mortgage closing can take longer than you expect, and every delay adds stress and expense. The seven tips below can help you speed up your mortgage closing by avoiding delays on your end.
ICE Mortgage Technology (formerly Ellie Mae) reported that purchase loans took an average of 36.8 days to close in March 2026. That was the fastest since it began tracking in 2019.
Extended closing times require longer lock periods and greater expense. Still, there are things borrowers can do to speed up the process.
Check your home buying eligibility. Start here (Nov 7th, 2026)
What Can Delay Your Mortgage Closing and How to Speed It Up
If you’ve ever bought a home, or are buying one now, you know the process can drag on. That can be frustrating and scary.
By being proactive and staying ahead of the process, you can help ensure a smooth approval and home closing. Some elements might be out of your control. However, there are things you can do to avoid an unexpected delay or worse.
1. Large deposits can set you back
You need enough in the bank for closing costs and the down payment, plus savings left over for a rainy day. But lenders also want to know where those dollars came from.
If you make any large bank deposits in the months before your home loan application, you’ll need a valid explanation. Fannie Mae and FHA both treat a single deposit of more than 50% of your total monthly income as large. You’ll also need to show any necessary documentation to back it up. In other words, money hidden under your mattress, so to speak, isn’t going to fly.
If you received a large tax refund, you’re fine, since that’s easy to identify. But if a relative gives you a gift, you’ll most likely need a gift letter. It states that the money is indeed a gift, not a loan. If you’ve sold something, say an old car, you’ll have to show proof of the sale.
In short, be ready to hand over a paper trail if the lender questions any of your savings.
2. You can’t hide from your past
Your lender will no doubt ask you to explain anything significant from the last couple of years. That could be a big change in income or a big gap in your employment. Lenders look for consistency. As a result, borrowers with longer-term employment at the same company might speed through that portion of the application. It may take longer for a job hopper or someone with unsteady self-employment income.
Either way, be at the ready to verify anything questionable.
3. Speaking of jobs…try to stick with yours a bit longer
It’s probably not a great idea to make a big career change right before closing on a home. The same goes for starting that entrepreneurial endeavor you’ve always dreamt about. Your lender bases your loan approval on the information you provide in your initial application. So any change in the interim will surely cause a delay and a whole new round of paperwork.
4. Curb your spending before your mortgage closing
You might be tempted to buy a new patio set or living room furniture for your soon-to-be home. Even so, be careful about taking on new debt right before you close. The same goes if you’re due for a new car. Try to hold off on any major spending, since mortgage lenders will catch wind of it. They could then think twice about lending you money.
Don’t think your lender will find out? Think again. Lenders may recheck your credit before your loan funds. They check for any new accounts and even recent applications for new credit.
5. Know your credit status
So many people have no clue what their credit score is until they begin applying for home loans. You should know where you stand well before home shopping. That way, you have time to try to raise your scores and qualify for more favorable interest rates and terms. Ideally, check your credit score at least six months before applying for a mortgage. This helps you avoid surprises.
6. Be proactive with your paperwork
Expect to turn over pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements from at least the last couple of months. Put in any necessary requests with your HR department if need be. Also download or request copies of statements from your financial institutions.
7. Ask for updates to speed up your closing
You may be working with a knowledgeable mortgage broker and/or a real estate lawyer. If so, he or she should keep in touch to provide the next steps in the process. But if communication is lacking, ask a lot of questions. For example, ask what to expect for loan processing times and what delays could impact the closing. Right before you complete the transaction, touch base about any last-minute paperwork you need to provide. That way, you can have it ready the day of closing.
Doing your part to keep the process moving, and educating yourself, can help speed up your mortgage closing. At the least, you can avoid unnecessary delays from your end. Hopefully your home purchase will go off without a hitch… even if it takes a few extra days.
Check your home buying eligibility. Start here (Nov 7th, 2026)
