Top 5 Ways to Speed Up Your Loan Approvals

Author

George Tsividakis
May 12, 2025

Shave days 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.