Last updated: September 2025
Quick Answer
The average VA loan takes around 50 days to close; however, with the right steps—such as early preapproval, expedited appraisal ordering, and a VA-experienced lender—you can close in 30 days or less.
What is the average VA loan closing timeline?
In 2025, the typical VA home loan takes 45 to 55 days to close from contract to funding. This is slightly longer than conventional or FHA loans due to VA-specific requirements such as the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), VA appraisal, and residual income calculations.
Residual income — the money you have left after monthly bills — helps the VA confirm you can comfortably afford the loan.
While the average is around 50 days, it’s entirely possible to close within 30 days if you take the right steps early and work with a VA-savvy lender.
Key milestones in the VA loan timeline
Understanding the full VA loan process helps you identify opportunities to streamline it. Here’s how the timeline typically breaks down:
| Step | Estimated Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Preapproval | 1–3 days |
| Purchase contract signed | Day 0 |
| VA appraisal ordered | Within 2–5 days |
| Appraisal completed | 7–14 days |
| Underwriting (initial review) | 3–7 days |
| Conditional approval issued | Around day 10–15 |
| Conditions submitted | 2–5 days |
| Final underwriting review | 2–4 days |
| Clear to close | Around day 20–25 |
| Closing disclosure signed | 3-day waiting period |
| Final closing + funding | Around day 25–30 |
Each of these steps can be delayed or accelerated based on your preparation and your lender’s experience with VA loans.
Why VA loans can take longer to close
There are a few reasons why VA loans tend to have slightly longer timelines than conventional mortgages:
- VA appraisal: Ordered through the VA portal, not directly by the lender, which can slow down scheduling.
- Residual income review: VA loans require a review of your remaining income after fixed debts and housing costs.
- Manual underwriting: If your file doesn’t receive automated approval, it may require manual review.
- Lack of lender experience: Some lenders who don’t specialize in VA loans may process them inefficiently.
However, these delays are not inevitable. With the right steps, you can compress the VA loan timeline and close in 30 days or less.
Tips to close your VA loan in 30 days or less
1. Get preapproved before shopping
The fastest VA loan closings start with full preapproval, not just prequalification. This means your lender has already:
- Pulled your credit
- Verified your income and assets
- Collected your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Preapproval puts you in a position to submit an offer quickly and move right into underwriting once you go under contract.
2. Choose a VA-experienced lender
VA loans have unique guidelines, and working with a VA-savvy lender makes a big difference. They know how to:
- Request the COE efficiently
- Order the VA appraisal early
- Navigate residual income rules
- Push your file through underwriting without delays
Lenders unfamiliar with VA loan nuances are more likely to hit roadblocks that extend your closing.
3. Order the VA appraisal immediately
The VA appraisal is often the slowest part of the timeline, especially in busy real estate markets. To avoid bottlenecks:
- Ask your lender to order the appraisal as soon as the contract is signed
- Avoid delaying with “wait-and-see” strategies
- Make sure the appraiser has fast access to the property
Delays in scheduling or completing the appraisal can push your closing back by a week or more.
4. Respond to conditions fast
Once your file hits underwriting, you’ll likely receive a conditional approval. The faster you return documents, the faster the lender can issue a clear to close.
Common conditions include:
- Updated bank statements
- Verification of employment
- Letter of explanation for credit items
- Signed disclosures
Even one missing form can delay the closing process, so be prompt and proactive in uploading any requested items.
5. Work with a responsive real estate agent
Your agent plays a key role in maintaining your loan timeline.
Make sure they:
- Submit the purchase contract quickly
- Help schedule inspections fast
- Coordinate with the seller’s agent on access for appraisal
- Stay in close contact with your lender and title company
An agent familiar with VA transactions can also help avoid pitfalls, such as non-compliant properties or delays caused by seller misunderstandings.
6. Avoid large purchases or job changes
VA underwriting requires stable income and assets. Significant financial changes during the loan process, such as purchasing a car, changing jobs, or opening new credit lines, can trigger re-underwriting and delay the closing.
To stay on track:
- Don’t finance large items before closing
- Avoid switching jobs or income sources
- Don’t co-sign for loans or take on new debt
Streamlined VA loan closings: Additional tools
Some lenders offer enhanced technology and processes designed to streamline the VA loan. These may include:
- Digital disclosures and e-signatures
- Automated document collection
- Instant verification tools for income and assets
- Dedicated VA loan processing teams
Choosing a lender that invests in this infrastructure can significantly reduce your closing timeline.
What if your VA loan is taking too long to process?
If your VA loan is stuck in the pipeline, here are the most common causes, and what you can do:
| Cause of Delay | How to Resolve |
|---|---|
| Appraisal scheduling issues | Ask lender to escalate or reassign |
| Missing documentation | Submit requested items immediately |
| Inexperienced lender | Consider switching lenders early |
| Title or escrow delays | Have agent coordinate directly |
| Funding fee calculation errors | Confirm exemption or amount early |
If the seller has tight timelines or backup offers, delays can cost you the deal. That’s why a fast-closing plan is critical from day one.
FAQ: VA Loan Timeline
The average VA loan takes 45 to 55 days to close, but it is possible to close in 30 days or less with proper preparation and lender support.
Yes. If you are preapproved, your appraisal is ordered early, and your lender specializes in VA loans, a 30-day closing is achievable.
Appraisal delays, missing documents, manual underwriting, and inexperienced lenders are the most common sources of delay.
Immediately after the purchase contract is signed. Early appraisal ordering is one of the best ways to shorten the VA loan timeline.
Yes. Full preapproval allows the lender to move right into underwriting once you’re under contract, cutting several days off the process.
Want to close your VA loan in 30 days or less?
Closing a VA loan quickly requires smart planning, proactive communication, and a lender who thoroughly understands the VA process.
If you're ready to buy and want to keep your timeline tight, the team at Salute Mortgage is here to help you close fast—without cutting corners.
