And what to do if it expires
Getting pre-approved is one of the most important steps in the homebuying journey—but many buyers don’t realize that pre-approvals have an expiration date. They aren’t permanent. They’re snapshots of your financial picture at a specific moment in time.
Understanding how long a pre-approval lasts (and what can shorten or extend it) helps buyers shop confidently and avoid delays once they’re ready to make an offer.
How Long Does a Pre-Approval Typically Last?
Most mortgage pre-approvals are valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on the lender and loan program. At Affinity Home Lending, this window gives buyers plenty of time to shop without the numbers becoming outdated.
Why this timeline?
Because lenders rely on current income, credit, and assets. Over time, those things naturally change, so the pre-approval needs to be refreshed.
What Can Shorten the Validity?
Even if you’re still within the typical time frame, certain changes may require a new review:
✔ Credit Score Changes
A major credit score drop—or even a significant jump—can affect eligibility or loan terms.
✔ Job or Income Adjustments
Changing jobs, switching pay structures, or experiencing a reduction in hours can all impact the loan.
✔ New Debt
New credit cards, car loans, personal loans, or higher balances can alter debt-to-income ratios.
✔ Large Financial Moves
Unexpected deposits or withdrawals may require documentation, especially for funds used toward the down payment.
Pre-approval shouldn’t be treated like a one-and-done task. Life happens—and lenders need updated information to keep numbers accurate.
What Happens If Your Pre-Approval Expires?
Good news:
Updating a pre-approval is simple and fast, especially if your finances haven’t changed dramatically.
Most of the heavy lifting was done during the initial review. To refresh it, lenders usually need:
- An updated credit pull
- Recent paycheck stubs
- The latest bank statements
- Any changes to your employment or financial situation
It’s more like a tune-up than a full rebuild.
How to Stay Ahead of Expiration
If you know your home search may take a while, stay in communication with your lender. At Affinity Home Lending, we regularly check in to keep pre-approvals updated so buyers can write strong offers without delays.
A refreshed pre-approval is your best tool for staying competitive—and staying ready.