What Happens If My Mortgage Pre-Approval Expires

Getting pre-approved is one of the smartest first moves you can make before diving into the homebuying process. It gives you a clear idea of how much you can afford and shows sellers you mean business. But what happens if your mortgage pre-approval expires before you find that perfect home? You'll need to update your documents and possibly go through another credit check to get a new one. But don’t stress, this is totally normal, and there are a few ways to handle it depending on your situation.

What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval, Anyway?

A pre-approval is when a lender takes a look at your financial profile (your income, credit score, debt, assets, and employment) and gives you a ballpark figure for how much they’d be willing to lend you. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s pretty close. You’ll get a letter showing your pre-approved amount, which you can then use while house hunting.

It’s kind of like getting a golden ticket that tells sellers, “Hey, I’m serious and I’ve got my financing lined up.

But here’s the thing: that golden ticket comes with an expiration date.

How Long Does a Pre-Approval Last?

Most mortgage pre-approvals are good for 30 to 90 days. Some lenders offer up to 120 days, but that’s not super common.

The reason? Your financial picture isn’t frozen in time. Lenders want to make sure your income, credit score, and debts haven’t changed since they first looked you over. Life happens , jobs change, credit card balances shift, unexpected expenses pop up.

So if you’re still on the house hunt after that time frame, your pre-approval may be toast.

What Happens If My Mortgage Pre-Approval Expires?

When your mortgage pre-approval expires, it doesn’t mean you’re back to square one , but it does mean it’s time to refresh your paperwork. Here's what typically goes down:

Your lender will ask for updated documents. This usually includes your most recent pay stubs, bank statements, and possibly tax info.

They may pull your credit again. Yep, another hard inquiry. If your score hasn’t changed much, it won’t be a big deal. But if it dropped, that could affect how much you qualify for.

Your pre-approval amount could change. If you took on new debt, your income changed, or your credit score dipped, you might get approved for less , or more.

Reapplying isn’t complicated, especially if you’re working with a responsive lender (more on that in a sec), but it’s smart to be prepared.

Can You Extend a Mortgage Pre-Approval?

Sometimes. Some lenders are chill and will offer a short extension if your info hasn’t changed. Other times, they’ll want to go through the whole thing again. It really depends on the lender and how long it’s been since your original pre-approval.

Here’s a tip: if you’re nearing the end of your pre-approval window and haven’t found a place yet, reach out and ask about extension options. Better to be proactive than caught off guard when you find the one and need a fresh letter fast.

Should You Wait to Get Pre-Approved?

If you’re just casually browsing listings, it might make sense to hold off until you’re ready to get serious. Pre-approvals have a shelf life, so don’t burn through that time unless you’re gearing up to make offers.

But , and this is a big but , if you’re in a fast-moving market like the RGV, it’s better to be ready than to miss out. Sellers won’t wait for you to get your paperwork in order.

What If I Want to Reapply With a Different Lender?

Totally fair game. A pre-approval doesn’t tie you down to that lender. If your letter expires and you want to shop around for better rates or service, you can reapply elsewhere. Just keep in mind that applying with multiple lenders could mean more credit checks.

Pro tip: If you submit all your mortgage applications within a 30-day window, they usually count as one hard inquiry on your credit report. So go ahead and compare your options , just be strategic about the timing.

Looking for a Mortgage in the RGV?

Whether you're buying your first home in McAllen or upgrading to something bigger in Mission, Movement Mortgage RGV has your back. Our team is local, responsive, and ready to walk you through every step , including re-upping your pre-approval if your search takes longer than expected.

Want to work with one of the best mortgage lenders in the Rio Grande Valley? Let’s make it happen.

Does a Pre-Approval Expiring Hurt Your Credit?

The act of letting a pre-approval expire doesn’t ding your credit. It’s the credit check itself that might cause a tiny drop (usually less than five points). So if you get pre-approved again, you could see a small dip , but it’s not the end of the world.

Lenders expect buyers to get multiple pre-approvals during their search. As long as you’re not applying for five different credit cards at the same time, you’re fine.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic If Your Pre-Approval Expires

It’s frustrating when your pre-approval runs out before you’ve locked in a deal, but it’s not the end of the road. Real talk: most buyers don’t get their first offer accepted. This process takes time. Getting a new letter is just part of the journey.

If your finances haven’t changed much, renewing your pre-approval is usually quick. Just gather your latest documents, stay in touch with your lender, and keep your eyes on the prize.

Schedule your consultation with Movement Mortgage RGV today and take the next step toward owning your dream home.

At Movement Mortgage RGV, we’re proud to serve the vibrant, diverse communities of the Rio Grande Valley. We believe in making homeownership simple, accessible, and impactful. Backed by a team that’s been shaking up the mortgage game since 2008, we’re not just here to close loans , we’re here to open doors.