What To Do When Your Pre-Approval Expires

A mortgage pre-approval doesn’t last forever. Most expire in about 90 days, and that surprises many buyers the first time they experience it. You start your home search with confidence, and then suddenly your lender tells you that your pre-approval needs an update.

The good news?

This is completely normal.

Pre-approvals expire because your financial picture is a living, changing thing — and lenders need the most up-to-date version before finalizing a loan.

Here’s what to do, what’s required, and how to renew smoothly.

Why Pre-Approvals Expire

A pre-approval is based on your most current income, assets, and credit at the time it was issued. Lenders need to refresh these items because:

• Pay stubs age quickly

• Bank accounts change

• Credit scores update monthly

• Guidelines shift

• Market conditions move

An expired pre-approval doesn’t mean anything is wrong.

It simply means your lender needs updated documents to keep your file accurate and ready.

In fast-moving markets — including many parts of the Central Valley — renewing your pre-approval is a normal part of the buying process.

Gather Your Updated Pay Stubs

Lenders typically need your most recent 30 days of income documentation. If your pre-approval expired, the old stubs are no longer valid.

You’ll need fresh copies if:

• You’ve received new pay periods

• Your income changed

• Bonuses or overtime were paid

• You switched jobs

Even if nothing changed, lenders still need updated documents.

Think of it as keeping your file “fresh” so you’re always ready to write a competitive offer.

Provide New Bank Statements

Bank statements are used to verify:

• Down payment funds

• Closing cost funds

• Reserves (if required)

• Recent deposits

• Account stability

If your pre-approval expired, the lender will need your latest 1–2 months of statements.

This step often helps you as well. Many buyers use the renewal period to:

• Add clarity to their savings plan

• Rearrange accounts

• Clean up small overdrafts or transfers

• Confirm their cash-to-close goals

The updated statements give everyone a clearer picture of where things stand.

Refresh Your Credit

Credit scores update regularly, so lenders must check your credit again to ensure it still aligns with the loan program and rate structure.

A refresh might show:

• No change (most common)

• A slight improvement from paying balances down

• New accounts

• Reduced balances

• Score adjustments from recent activity

The credit refresh is typically soft or minimal in impact. It’s simply part of keeping your file current.

Update Your Loan Options If Needed

When renewing your pre-approval, it’s smart to revisit your loan scenarios:

• Do you want to adjust your budget?

• Did your timeline shift?

• Have rates changed since your first pre-approval?

• Do you want to explore different down payment options?

Pre-approval renewal isn’t just paperwork — it can also be a helpful reset.

Many buyers feel more prepared the second time around because they’ve had time to compare neighborhoods, view homes, and learn what feels right.

Reconfirm Your Home Search Strategy

A renewed pre-approval can reshape your search in positive ways:

• Adjusting your price range

• Reassessing must-haves vs. nice-to-haves

• Getting clearer on the neighborhoods you prefer

• Refining your timeline

A good lender will walk through the updated numbers with you so the search stays aligned with your current goals.

Keep Your Documents Organized Going Forward

Once everything is refreshed, make it easier on yourself by keeping a small “homebuying folder” (digital or physical) where new pay stubs, statements, and important docs are stored.

This way, if another update is needed, you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

A pre-approval expiring is not a setback — it’s part of the process.

Homes take time to find. Markets shift. Plans evolve.

Renewing your pre-approval keeps your file current, strengthens your offer, and ensures your financing matches your most up-to-date goals and life circumstances.