How Long Does a Mortgage Pre-Approval Last?
If you’re shopping for a home in the Kansas City Metro, one of the most common questions is:
“How long is my mortgage pre-approval good for?”
The short answer:
Most mortgage pre-approvals last 60 to 90 days.
The technical answer:
Credit reports are typically valid for 120 days, which is often the true expiration timeline behind the scenes.
The real-world answer:
With the right mortgage team, your pre-approval isn’t something you “set and forget.” It’s monitored and updated proactively — and your credit is refreshed only when needed.
In a competitive Kansas City housing market, understanding how long your mortgage pre-approval lasts (and how to keep it current) can make the difference between winning and losing a home.
What Determines How Long a Pre-Approval Lasts?
A mortgage pre-approval is based on several key factors:
Credit report
Income documentation
Employment verification
Asset documentation
While credit reports are generally usable for 120 days, other documents — like pay stubs and bank statements — also have expiration timelines. Because of this, most lenders structure pre-approvals within a 60–90 day window to ensure documentation remains accurate and compliant.
If you’re actively house hunting in Kansas City, this timeframe matters.
What Happens If Your Pre-Approval Expires?
If your mortgage pre-approval expires before you go under contract, don’t panic. In most cases, the update process is straightforward.
You may need to:
Refresh your credit report
Provide updated pay stubs or bank statements
Confirm employment status
Review any changes to debt
If nothing significant has changed, the process is typically quick and smooth. However, major changes — such as switching jobs, taking on new debt, or large deposits — can impact your approval.
That’s why ongoing communication with your lender is key.
Important: Pre-Approval Is Not a Rate Lock
This is one of the biggest misconceptions among Kansas City homebuyers.
A mortgage pre-approval confirms that you qualify based on your financial profile.
A rate lock happens only after you have a signed purchase contract on a home.
In a market where interest rates can shift and inventory can move quickly, timing matters. Working with a lender who keeps your approval updated proactively ensures you’re ready to act the moment the right home hits the market.
How to Stay Competitive in the Kansas City Market
In high-demand areas like:
Overland Park
Lenexa
Olathe
Brookside
Lee’s Summit
Homes can move quickly — sometimes within days.
Buyers with fresh documentation and an updated mortgage pre-approval are positioned to:
Submit stronger offers
Move faster during negotiations
Avoid last-minute financing delays
A good rule of thumb: Check in with your lender every 45–60 days if you haven’t found a home yet. Keeping your file current makes you more competitive and reduces stress once you’re under contract.
Final Thought: A Pre-Approval Is a Living Document
A mortgage pre-approval isn’t a one-time event — it’s a living document that should evolve as your home search continues.
If you’re actively house hunting in Kansas City — or thinking about starting — now is the time to make sure your approval is current, accurate, and competitive.
The right preparation today can be the reason you win the right home tomorrow.
Jim Yarrington
Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
First State Bank Mortgage
👉 Apply online
📞 Call or text: 913-915-1855
All loans subject to approval. Equal Housing Lender.