How Long is a Mortgage Pre-Approval Valid? 2025 Timeline Guide
Quick Answer: Mortgage pre-approval is typically valid for 60-90 days. Most lenders use 60 days as standard. If your pre-approval expires before closing, you'll need to renew it (usually free) or reapply.
You just got your mortgage pre-approval letter. Great! But now you're wondering: "How long is this actually good for?" and "What happens if it expires?"
Pre-approval timing is critical. Apply too early and it expires before you find a home. Apply too late and you're rushing to close. This guide shows you exactly how long pre-approval lasts and the best timing to apply.
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⏱️ How Long is Pre-Approval Valid?
Standard
60 Days
Most common pre-approval duration
Extended
90 Days
Some lenders offer longer periods
Range
30-120
Varies by lender and program
📊 Pre-Approval Duration by Lender
📅 Pre-Approval Timeline: When to Apply
✅ BEST TIME: 60-90 Days Before You Want to Close
This gives you the full pre-approval period to find a home and close without rushing.
⚠️ OKAY: 30-45 Days Before You Want to Close
You have time to find a home, but less buffer if things move slowly.
❌ TOO EARLY: 120+ Days Before You Want to Close
Your pre-approval will expire before you're ready to close. You'll need to renew.
❌ TOO LATE: Less Than 30 Days Before You Want to Close
You're rushing. If anything delays closing, your pre-approval expires mid-process.
⏰ What Happens When Pre-Approval Expires?
Scenario 1: Pre-Approval Expires Before Offer Accepted
What happens: You can't make an offer. Sellers want proof you can actually get a mortgage.
Solution: Renew your pre-approval (usually free) or reapply (takes 24 hours).
Cost: Usually FREE to renew
Scenario 2: Pre-Approval Expires During Underwriting
What happens: Your lender will automatically renew or extend your pre-approval. This is normal.
Solution: Contact your lender. They'll extend your pre-approval to cover closing.
Cost: Usually FREE (lender covers it)
Scenario 3: Pre-Approval Expires Before Closing
What happens: Closing is delayed. Your pre-approval expires. You need to renew immediately.
Solution: Ask your lender to extend. They usually will for free if you're already in process.
Cost: Usually FREE, but some lenders charge $100-$300 for extension
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I renew my pre-approval for free?
A: Yes, most lenders renew for free if you're still in the same financial situation. Just ask!
Q: Does renewing pre-approval hurt my credit?
A: No. Renewing is just a formality. No hard inquiry needed.
Q: What if my financial situation changes?
A: Tell your lender immediately. They may need to re-verify income/employment.
Q: Can I get multiple pre-approvals?
A: Yes! Getting 2-3 pre-approvals within 45 days only counts as ONE hard inquiry on your credit.
Q: Is pre-approval the same as pre-qualification?
A: No. Pre-qualification is informal (no credit check). Pre-approval is formal (hard inquiry, verified income).
✅ Best Practices for Pre-Approval Timing
1. Apply 60-90 Days Before You Want to Close
This gives you the full pre-approval period without rushing.
2. Get Pre-Approved Before House Hunting
You'll know your budget and can make competitive offers immediately.
3. Ask Your Lender About Extension Options
Some lenders offer 90-day pre-approvals or free extensions.
4. Monitor Your Pre-Approval Expiration Date
Mark your calendar. Contact your lender 2 weeks before expiration if needed.
5. Don't Make Major Financial Changes
Avoid new debt, job changes, or large purchases during pre-approval period.
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⏰ Real Scenarios: What Happens When Pre-Approval Expires
✅ Scenario: Perfect Timing (No Issues)
Timeline:
- • Day 1: Get pre-approved (60-day lock)
- • Day 15: Find home, make offer
- • Day 20: Offer accepted
- • Day 45: Underwriting complete
- • Day 55: Clear to close
- • Day 60: CLOSING (pre-approval expires same day)
Result: Perfect! You closed right before expiration.
⚠️ Scenario: Delayed Closing (Need Extension)
Timeline:
- • Day 1: Get pre-approved (60-day lock)
- • Day 20: Offer accepted
- • Day 50: Appraisal comes in LOW
- • Day 55: Renegotiating price
- • Day 60: PRE-APPROVAL EXPIRES
- • Day 65: Closing delayed to Day 70
Action Needed: Contact lender immediately. Request 10-day extension (usually free).
❌ Scenario: Too Early Pre-Approval (Expires Before Offer)
Timeline:
- • Day 1: Get pre-approved (60-day lock)
- • Day 30: Still house hunting
- • Day 50: Found perfect home
- • Day 60: PRE-APPROVAL EXPIRES
- • Day 61: Make offer (but no pre-approval!)
Problem: Seller won't take offer seriously without pre-approval. You lose the house to another buyer.
Solution: Renew pre-approval immediately (usually free) or reapply (takes 24 hours).
🔍 Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification: What's the Difference?
| Factor | Pre-Qualification | Pre-Approval |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Check | ❌ Soft inquiry (no impact) | ✅ Hard inquiry (small impact) |
| Verification | ❌ Self-reported only | ✅ Income/employment verified |
| Time to Get | ⚡ 5-10 minutes | ⏱️ 24-48 hours |
| Validity | 5-7 days | 60-90 days |
| Seller Acceptance | ❌ Not taken seriously | ✅ Highly respected |
| Cost | FREE | FREE (most lenders) |
Bottom line: Always get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) before making offers. Sellers want to see verified approval.
❌ 5 Common Pre-Approval Timing Mistakes
Mistake #1: Getting Pre-Approved Too Early
What happens: You get pre-approved 120 days before you want to close. It expires before you find a home.
Mistake #2: Getting Pre-Approved Too Late
What happens: You get pre-approved 2 weeks before closing. Any delays and it expires mid-process.
Solution: Apply at least 60 days before you want to close. This gives you buffer time.
Mistake #3: Not Monitoring Expiration Date
What happens: You don't know when your pre-approval expires. It expires and you don't realize until closing is delayed.
Solution: Mark your calendar. Contact lender 2 weeks before expiration to discuss extension options.
Mistake #4: Making Major Financial Changes
What happens: You get pre-approved, then open new credit cards or take out a car loan. Pre-approval becomes invalid.
Solution: Don't make ANY major financial changes during pre-approval period. No new debt, no job changes, no large purchases.
Mistake #5: Assuming Pre-Approval Guarantees Closing
What happens: You think pre-approval means you're definitely approved. Then appraisal comes in low and lender backs out.
Solution: Pre-approval is conditional. Lender still needs to verify appraisal, title, and final underwriting. Stay in good financial standing.
🎯 Get Pre-Approved & Understand Your Timeline
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Get Pre-Approved FREE →✓ No credit impact ✓ Instant approval ✓ Valid 60-90 days