First time home buyers and owners who are eager to sell often feel anxious when awaiting the outcome of their home loan application. These are the factors that influence how long the application process will take place.
Stanley Mabulu, Channel Management Head at FNB Home Loans says the amount of time it takes for a home loan application to be approved often depends on several factors, impacting both the bank and customers.
“Ideally, it should take a minimum of one week to get complete approval however, due to application backlogs, delays or customers not meeting certain requirements, the process can be delayed for at least two to four weeks at most,” adds Mabulu.
The home loan approval process by day
This is how long it normally takes a bank to grant a 100% home loan to a customer with a good credit profile, provided there are no interruptions:
• Day one: The applicant provides the bank with their personal details, three months’ bank statement, property description, proof of identification, address and income, as well as a signed offer to purchase.
The bank confirms receipt of the information and validate if all the documents submitted are in order.
• Day two: The bank will access the application taking into account the location, market value of the property, deposit, as well as the affordability and credit score of the customer.
• Day three: The customer is contacted and informed of the bank’s decision to approve the application ‘in principle’. This condition is subject to the bank assessing the property to ensure it is in good condition, and that the sale price aligns to its market value.
• Day four: The bank assigns an accessor to evaluate the property being purchased.
• Day five: If the evaluation has been successful, the bank then prepares a formal contract or quote detailing the terms and conditions of the home loan, as well as the interest rate to be charged.
Mabulu says before applying for a home loan, it is essential that you first understand how a credit record works and whether you are in good standing. You can also achieve this by requesting a pre-approval from your bank to determine how much you qualify for.
“When applying for a home loan it is important to ensure that you have provided the bank with all the information required. A majority of delays often result from the bank having to contact customers to get accurate or missing information,” adds Mabulu.
Consumers who require clarity about the home loan application process are encouraged to contact their bank for assistance.
Learn more about the home loan process : Home loan know how
