Yeah, it’s pretty much the norm now. Every time I thought I was done, they'd ping me for another pay stub or some random statement from months ago. Honestly, if you’re not on them constantly, your file just gets buried. I get why they’re cautious, but it feels like they’re just dragging it out sometimes. I started calling every other day—things moved a lot faster after that. If you want to save money on rate locks and fees, you’ve gotta be pushy, even if it’s annoying.
I get what you’re saying about having to be pushy, but I always wonder—how much is too much? Like, is there a point where calling every day just annoys them and makes things worse? I’ve heard stories where people got “lost in the shuffle” for weeks, but then again, I’ve also heard that being too persistent can backfire if you get the wrong person on the phone.
Also, do you think it’s just the lenders dragging their feet, or is it more about all the regulations now? I keep seeing stuff about stricter underwriting, but it feels like half the time they’re just waiting for someone to actually look at your file. I’m all for saving on fees, but sometimes I wonder if the stress is even worth it... anyone actually had a lender speed things up without having to chase them constantly?
is it more about all the regulations now? I keep seeing stuff about stricter underwriting, but it feels like half the time they’re just waiting for someone to actually look at your file.
Honestly, I think it’s a mix. Regulations definitely slow things down, but sometimes files just sit because someone’s overloaded or out sick. Have you ever tried asking if there’s a specific person assigned to your file? Sometimes just knowing who to nudge makes a difference. Curious if anyone’s had luck with that approach?
Waiting Forever On My Refinance Loan Approval—Is This Normal?
You’re not imagining things—sometimes it really is just a matter of your file sitting in a digital pile, waiting for someone to have a free minute (or, let’s be honest, a free hour) to look at it. Regulations are definitely part of the slowdown, but I’ve seen plenty of files get stuck just because the underwriter’s juggling too many at once or someone’s out on vacation. It’s like the DMV, but with more paperwork and less fluorescent lighting.
Asking if there’s a specific person assigned can help, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Sometimes you get a name and they’re super responsive, other times it’s like you’ve just thrown your question into the void. I’ve had clients who called every other day and suddenly their file “magically” moved up the queue. Then again, I’ve also seen folks get told to wait their turn, no matter how many times they check in.
One thing I’ve noticed lately is that lenders are way more cautious about double-checking everything. Even if you sent in your pay stubs three times, someone will still ask for them again. It’s not personal—they’re just terrified of missing something and getting dinged in an audit. Doesn’t make it any less annoying, though.
If you’re feeling stuck, sometimes it helps to ask for a status update in writing. Not because it’ll always speed things up, but at least you’ll have a paper trail if things go sideways. And if you ever get the “we’re waiting on one last thing” line, don’t be afraid to ask exactly what that is. Sometimes it’s something simple, like a missing signature, and you can fix it in five minutes.
Long story short: yes, it’s normal to feel like your loan is lost in the Bermuda Triangle. But sometimes a little polite persistence can nudge things along... or at least get you some answers.
Ever notice how the “one last thing” is never actually the last thing? I’ve seen files get hung up for weeks because someone in processing flagged a minor typo, or the underwriter wanted a letter of explanation for something that was already documented. Out of curiosity—have you actually been told what’s holding yours up, or is it just radio silence? Sometimes a quick, direct question like “What exactly is outstanding on my file?” gets a more concrete answer than just asking for an update.
Also, are you working with a broker or directly with the lender? In my experience, brokers can sometimes nudge things along if they have good relationships internally. But if you’re stuck in a big bank’s system, it’s often just waiting your turn. Just wondering if you’ve tried escalating to a supervisor or if that feels like overkill at this point.
