Boston Real Estate
How long does it take to close on a Boston downtown condo mortgage?
Obtaining a mortgage loan for Boston real estate means you’ll likely experience every possible emotion. Unfortunately, a word commonly used to describe the home loan process is “stressful”.
When buying or refinancing a Boston condo, anxiety can come from a number of reasons. More often than not, it’s not knowing what to expect.
The average amount of time to close a Boston condo loan
The average time to close a Boston condo mortgage can vary. According to Ellie Mae’s October 2020 Origination Report, the average time to get from application to closing is 47 days.
Largely due to the real estate market as well as the lending institution, this can easily extend to a month and a half, even two months.
Why does it take so long to close my Boston condominium loan?
Generally, there isn’t just one answer to why your mortgage application is taking longer than your neighbor’s. Everyone’s situation is different.
There are a number of common explanations that can cause a longer time to process your application.
- The new government imposed mortgage rules. In 2014, new regulations were set in place by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). These new rules significantly affected the way mortgage lenders originate home loans. It takes lenders longer to document and verify a homeowner’s ability to repay the loan.
- Appraisal standards. Pre-housing crisis, mortgage lenders had much more flexibility when it came to getting an appraisal completed. But appraisal standards changed significantly on a number of levels. Nowadays, appraisal management companies are required to follow stringent guidelines. This further delays an already time-consuming process.
- Title-related delays. Many homeowners don’t know everything that goes into obtaining a mortgage. Procedures such as making sure there’s a “clear title” to the property are important aspects of getting your loan closed. If there are any judgments or liens on the property, these need to be cleared up before you can close. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a quick fix.
- Stringent underwriting. Although underwriters have shown significant signs of loosening up in recent years, homeowners still go through a number of screening processes. The underwriting process can be intense. Underwriters will often request additional documentation based on the initial documentation presented. Even the most seasoned loan originators can’t always anticipate the items a stringent underwriter will require.
Ways to speed up your Boston real estate loan closing
Fortunately, there are ways to be proactive with your home loan process.
Some things have changed in the application process for sure. However, you can almost always count on some “old faithful’s” when it comes to the documentation your lender will request.
It helps to have the following items readily available to your lender:
- Copies of driver’s licenses and social security cards
- Most recent two months of paycheck stubs
- Most recent two year’s W2s
- Most recent two year’s tax returns (all pages)
- Most recent retirement account statements
- Most recent two month’s bank statements (all pages)
- Documentation to source any cash deposits into your bank accounts
- Contact information for your homeowners’ insurance
Your lender may request additional items, but having these items handy will save you lots of time
Boston Real Estate and the Bottom Line.
There will always be some areas that are out of your control when it comes to getting a Boston condominium mortgage loan. Just knowing this fact can bring some peace of mind. But being proactive and staying ahead of the process can help ensure a faster and smoother closing.
I hope this helps
