How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage Preapproval?
03/16/2026
By: Derek Chaney, Mortgage Lender
Mortgage Myth Monday: “The preapproval process is long, overwhelming, and requires a lot of paperwork.”
Many people put off getting preapproved because they assume the process will be stressful, time consuming, and full of complicated paperwork. The good news is that this is not true.
In most cases, completing a mortgage application takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you will only need to send a few basic documents. Once those are received, our team can often provide a same day preapproval, giving you the confidence to start house hunting without delay.
There is no mystery, no marathon paperwork session, and no need to feel overwhelmed. If you have been avoiding preapproval because it seems daunting, consider this your sign that it is far easier and faster than you might think.
To learn more about the preapproval process or to get started, contact local mortgage expert Derek Chaney at 417-986-8468.