…“When’s the Ink Dry After Your Offer Is Accepted”
You’ve got the house. The offer’s accepted. You’ve told your family, picked out paint colours, and maybe even started scoping out where the Christmas tree’s going to sit. But now comes the part that isn’t quite as exciting but is absolutely crucial — locking down your written mortgage commitment.
I get this question all the time: “How soon can I get it in writing from the bank that they’re going to give me the money?” The answer isn’t complicated, but the timing can make or break your peace of mind (and your deal). This article will walk you through when and how that magic commitment happens, and what you can do to keep the process moving like clockwork.
Allow me to cover:
What a Written Mortgage Commitment Actually Means
What’s Required to Get a Written Commitment
How to Keep Things Moving (and Avoid Delays)
What a Written Mortgage Commitment Actually Means
A written mortgage commitment isn’t just a polite nod from the lender — it’s a formal document that says, “We’re prepared to lend you this money for this property, under these specific terms, as long as you meet these final conditions.”
It’s your green light to feel more confident about waiving your financing condition (if you’re not already firm) and your signal that things are on track to close. It outlines:
- The loan amount
- Interest rate
- Term and amortization
- Payment schedule
- Any conditions (like income confirmation, appraisal, down payment verification)
But here’s the catch: It’s not funding. It’s a commitment — if you follow through on your end.
What’s Required to Get a Written Commitment
Lenders aren’t in the business of handing out money on handshakes and optimism. They need to see the full picture, and that picture has to be crystal clear. Here’s what I gather and organize to make sure they can issue your commitment quickly and without fuss:
- The Accepted Offer: Including all schedules and amendments.
- MLS Listing: Helps the lender understand the property.
- Income Verification: Pay stubs, T4s, job letters, NOAs, etc.
- Down Payment Proof: 90-day bank statements, gift letters (if needed).
- Identification: Government-issued photo ID.
- Consent for Credit Check: Full bureau report pulled.
- Appraisal (if needed): Some lenders require this upfront; others issue the commitment subject to it.
When I have everything complete and clean, your file is positioned to fly through underwriting.
How Long It Typically Takes
If I have all your documents organized and ready from Day 1, here’s how it usually goes down:
- First 1-2 days: I review and package your file to the lender’s exact specs (no sloppy submissions here).
- Days 3-5: Lender reviews, asks clarifying questions, and underwrites.
- Days 5-10: Written commitment is issued — sooner with some lenders, slower with others depending on volume.
In a 90-day close scenario, you should realistically have your written commitment within the first two to three weeks. This leaves lots of time to satisfy conditions and avoid last-minute stress.
NOTE: Different lenders and different types of lenders take different amounts of time. Another factor is how complicated your application is. Are you a government employee buying a bungalow in a subdivision or are you and your partner self employed contractors with multiple business interests with multiple properties, a complex corporate financial structure, kids from different marriages where you receive and pay child support, purchasing a rural, split purpose property that you can live in, rent part of it out, and run a business out of as well?
How to Keep Things Moving (and Avoid Delays)
Here’s how you can help make this process smooth as butter:
- Be responsive: The faster you get me missing docs, the faster I can move things forward.
- Stay organized: Have your paperwork lined up before you even write the offer.
- Be honest: Disclose debts, changes in employment, or anything relevant upfront. Surprises kill timelines.
- Don’t take new credit: No car loans, no furniture financing, no “I thought I’d sneak this in” credit cards.
- Trust the process: Let me do the heavy lifting. I know exactly what lenders want, how they think, and how to keep them happy.
Example:
I had a client once who got me every piece of paperwork within 24 hours of their accepted offer. We had a written commitment back in five days flat. Compare that to another deal where it took three weeks to chase bank statements and job letters — that deal cut it uncomfortably close to their condition deadline. Speed and preparation matters.
Allen’s Final Thoughts
A written mortgage commitment isn’t something that just lands on your desk out of the blue. It’s the result of having your ducks in a row, working with a mortgage agent who knows how to package a file properly, and understanding the lender’s process.
If you want a smooth, stress-free homebuying experience, timing your commitment right is key. Early, organized, and clean documentation sets the tone for the entire transaction. No surprises, no scrambling, and no sleepless nights wondering if the financing will fall apart.
How I Help You (and Your Realtor, Too)
When you work with me, you’re not just getting access to lenders—you’re getting a partner who knows how to drive this process from offer to closing with precision. I:
- Ensure your documents are bulletproof before submission.
- Push lenders for fast, clear written commitments.
- Keep you and your realtor in the loop at every stage.
- Advise you on what to do (and what not to do) while we wait for funding.
My job is to make sure your financing goes from “accepted offer” to “keys in hand” without unnecessary drama. Let’s get it done right, together.
