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How long does mortgage pre-approval last?
We're pre-approved for a mortgage. We looked for houses in the Fall, but nothing worked out. We want to search again in the spring. Do we need to get pre-approved again?
Asked By Jenny | Dayton, OH | 1163 views | Home Loans | 1 year ago
Answer(16)
Glenda X Bozett
RELI
30 to 45 days
- 1 year ago
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Gloria Mitchell
Wilkinson Triad Realty
Mortgage pre-approval typically lasts anywhere from 60 to 120 days – depending on the lender and other factors. To ensure the pre-approval is still valid, you may need to seek an updated pre-approval letter before you make an offer on a new home.
- 1 year ago
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Jim Crawford
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
If you have a preapproval and nothing in your finances or work history has changed, in most cases the lender is able to refresh your letter. Most listing agents want to see a letter with a date of 30 days or less.
- 1 year ago
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Jim Rossi
RE/MAX 2000
In a normal real estate market with stable interest rates, lenders will typically give a 60 day pre-approval because usually none of their information used to generate the pre-approval can be more then 60 days old but with fluctuating interest rates, its best to get it updated prior to entertaining the idea of going out shopping for a house. A good lender will get you an updated pre-qual within 48 hours unless they determine that there are some outstanding circumstances that need to be clarified first.
- 1 year ago
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Jeanine Wood
Allison James Estate And Homes
Jenny, yes I would get a new one, with changes in rates and lender requirements may have changed from last fall. Who knows you might qualify for more or get better terms. I am a Florida Realtor and my preferred lender recommended getting a seller credit as well to buy down the rate and that is something we were not doing last fall.
- 1 year ago
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Pauline Dent
Keller Williams Chantilly Ventures
Jenny this can vary tremendously dependent on what the lender or loan officer did to provide this status of pre-approval. Basically, nothing is solid until you get an underwriters approval...so use pre-approval as a basis to begin your search for a home but do not think this locks you in to any amount for any period of time at any price.
- 1 year ago
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Sean Black
LUXE Properties
You will likely need to be approved again.
- 1 year ago
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Thom Lemon
AustinHomeStore.com
A Mortgage Pre-Approval is to confirm your creditworthiness without having a purchase contract intact. You will complete a mortgage application and your lender will verify the information you provide to them. Your lender will perform a credit check. If you’re Pre-Approved, you’ll receive a Pre-Approval letter, which is an offer to lend you a specific amount, however it is not a commitment to lend. Typically a Mortgage Pre-Approval is good for 90 days.
Thom Lemon is a Broker in Texas and is also a REALTOR®. Thinking about buying or selling real estate in Austin, TX? Call/Text Thom at 512-346-7355 or email him at [email protected]
- 1 year ago
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Jennifer Tennant
RE/MAX Gold
Most lenders will want you to update your pre-approval at a minimum every 90 days as your credit report is only valid for 120 days for most loan programs (that allows for a 30-day escrow!). However, with the current volatility of interest rates, you will want to at least check in with your lender every 30 days and have them confirm whether your approved purchase price has changed with the fluctuating rates. You may be able to qualify for more now than you did in the fall! Best of luck with your home search in Ohio!
- 1 year ago
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Michael Padlo
Keller Williams Legacy Dearborn
Yes. You may not have to go through the entire process with you lender again, but if you use the same lender you were pre-approved with before, the process to update your pre-approval should not be as long as the first time.
- 1 year ago
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Irene Brinkmann
Coastal Key Group Real Estate Sales
Yes, you do. Your previous preapproval should have an expiration date on it. 3 months is usually the max it would be good for.
Once you are ready speak with the lender to see if lower rates change your upper limit that you qualify for and then ask him to issue a new one once you are close to making an offer.
Working with a local lender that you can reach easily and that your Realtor has a relationship with helps a lot in getting quick pre approvals when the time is right.
- 1 year ago
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Brinda Griffin
Griffin Realty Llc
Hi Jenny,
In todays market with the interest rate hikes, I advise my buyers to have a letter dated no more than 30 days, and updated once we find a home they want to write an offer on. As a listing agent I will require a letter dated no more than 2 days old.
Good Luck!
- 1 year ago
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Amy Andrews
Amy Andrews
Many Pre Approvals are 60 days. Check with your lender or the letter they have provided to make sure prior to making an offer.
- 8 months ago
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Victoria Valle
Danberry Co Realtors
Mortgage pre-approval typically lasts for about 60 to 90 days, although this can vary by lender. Here’s a more detailed look:
Typical Duration: Most pre-approvals are valid for 60 to 90 days. This time frame gives you a window to shop for homes without having to reapply for pre-approval.
Why It Expires: Lenders set this time limit because financial situations can change. Your credit score, employment status, and income could fluctuate, affecting your ability to qualify for the mortgage.
What Happens When It Expires: If your pre-approval expires before you find a home, you’ll need to update your financial information and potentially undergo another credit check to renew it. This process can usually be done quickly if your financial situation hasn’t changed significantly.
Keeping It Active: To avoid having to renew, stay in regular contact with your lender, especially if you anticipate the search taking longer than expected. Providing updated documents as needed can sometimes extend the pre-approval period.
Tips for Maintaining Pre-Approval
Avoid Major Financial Changes: Don’t take on new debt, make large purchases, or change jobs during the pre-approval period.
Monitor Your Credit: Keep an eye on your credit score and address any issues immediately.
Stay in Touch with Your Lender: Regular communication can help ensure a smooth process if you need to extend or renew your pre-approval.
If you’re actively searching for a home and worried about your pre-approval expiring, discuss your timeline and options with your lender to stay prepared.
- 6 months ago
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Brittany Williams
Beachfront Realty
You usually need a new pre-approval every thirty (30) days.
- 1 year ago
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