Top 5 Ways to Speed Up Your Loan Approvals

Shave days—or even weeks—off the closing table by following these proven tactics.

At LoanFunders.com we review hundreds of fix-and-flip, rental, and construction packages every month. The files that jump to the front of the line all share the same five habits. Whether you’re a broker pitching deals or an investor submitting your own, tighten up these areas and watch closings arrive faster than ever.

1️⃣ Assemble a “No-Surprises” Document Packet

Why it matters: 60–70 % of underwriting delays come from chasing missing docs.

Do this:

  • Property Folder – Signed contract, address, photos, current rent roll or rehab budget.

  • Borrower Folder – FICO screenshot, experience résumé, entity docs (LLC articles/operating agreement).

  • Financial Folder – Two months of bank statements or proof of funds, payoff statement for refis, tax bill & insurance quote.

Pro Tip: Drop everything in a single cloud link named “Smith 123 Maple – Complete Package.” One click = underwriter delight.

2️⃣ Nail the Numbers Before You Press “Send”

Nothing sends a file to the bottom of the pile faster than unrealistic valuations or fuzzy rehab costs.

  • ARV & Rent Comps: Pull three closed sales or three active leases within one mile and ±10 % square footage.

  • Line-Item Rehab Budget: Labor + materials, including contingencies (10 %).

  • DSCR / LTC / LTV Calculations: Show your work so the analyst can confirm, not recreate, the math.

Rule of Thumb: If your numbers match what the eventual appraisal will say ±5 %, you’ve saved 48–72 hours of back-and-forth.

3️⃣ Pre-Clear Title, Taxes, and Permits

Waiting until post-term-sheet to discover a surprise lien or open permit can add a week—or kill the deal.

  • Title Search (Preliminary): A $100–$150 expense that exposes liens early.

  • Tax Receipts: Show current-year taxes paid or payment plan in place.

  • Permit Status: For ground-ups or heavy rehabs, have city permit numbers on hand—or confirmation none are required.

Broker Angle: Presenting a “clean-title” memo impresses lenders and moves your pipeline ahead of sloppier submissions.

4️⃣ Keep Communication in a Single Thread

Scattered emails, texts, and portal uploads create version control nightmares.

  • Choose One Channel: Portal messaging, Slack, or an email thread with a clear subject line (e.g., “Brown 4-Plex DSCR – Conditions”).

  • Date-Stamp File Names: “Budget_v3_2024-06-02.xlsx” lets everyone know it’s current.

  • Respond Inside 24 Hours: Each day you wait, the underwriter may move to the next file.

LoanFunders.com Tip: Our portal auto-pings borrowers when new conditions post—stay in that feed, not in text chains.

5️⃣ Leverage Your Lender Relationship Early

Experienced lenders can spot red flags that derail approvals. Use them.

  • Pre-Underwriting Call: Ten minutes with your account executive often reveals missing items before formal submission.

  • Ask for the “Top-3 Conditions List:” Each program has repeat sticking points; get them up front.

  • White-Label & Preferred Broker Status: Consistent, clean files earn fast-track privileges and fee discounts.

Remember: Speed isn’t just paperwork—it’s people. A trusted broker gets the “rush” stamp more readily than a newcomer.

Rapid-Approval Checklist

  1. Complete Doc Packet 📁

  2. Verified Numbers & Comps 📊

  3. Title / Tax / Permit Cleared ✅

  4. Single Communication Thread 📧

  5. Early Touchpoint with Lender 🤝

Print it, pin it, and watch your approval times shrink.

Need a Lender Who Moves as Fast as You Do?

LoanFunders.com offers 24-hour term sheets on clean files and dedicated underwriters for our preferred brokers. Ready to turn “pending” into “approved”?

Speed wins deals—let’s win more together.