Why Is Calling The House Taking So Long Explanations Updates

In real estate, few phrases spark more anticipation—and frustration—than “We’re waiting to call the house.” What should be a straightforward step between offer acceptance and closing often stretches into days or even weeks of silence, confusion, and unanswered questions. Buyers and sellers alike wonder: Why does calling the house take so long? The answer isn’t simple, but understanding the behind-the-scenes processes can bring clarity and reduce anxiety during this critical phase.

What Does \"Calling the House\" Actually Mean?

The term “calling the house” refers to the formal process where the buyer’s lender finalizes their approval of the property as collateral for the mortgage loan. It typically occurs after the appraisal, inspection, and underwriting are complete. At this stage, the lender contacts the title company or closing attorney to confirm that all conditions have been met and authorizes the closing to proceed. Despite sounding like a quick phone call, it involves multiple verification steps and coordination among several parties.

This step is not automatic. Even if everything appears in order, lenders must reconfirm details such as insurance coverage, title status, borrower employment, and final loan terms. Any discrepancy—even a minor one—can delay the call.

Tip: Stay proactive by checking in weekly with your loan officer and real estate agent to stay ahead of potential roadblocks.

Common Reasons for Delays in Calling the House

Delays aren't always due to negligence. The modern homebuying process is highly regulated and interdependent. A single missing document or unresolved condition can halt progress. Below are the most frequent causes:

• Underwriting Re-Verification: Lenders often re-check employment, bank accounts, and credit just days before closing. A job change, large deposit, or credit inquiry can trigger new documentation requests.
• Title Issues: Unresolved liens, heir claims, or boundary disputes can prevent clear title transfer, requiring legal resolution before closing.
• Insurance Gaps: If homeowner’s insurance isn’t bound or doesn’t meet lender requirements (e.g., sufficient coverage), the call is delayed.
• Appraisal Contingency Follow-Up: If the appraisal came in low and the seller didn’t lower the price, lenders may require additional review or a second appraisal.
• Third-Party Coordination Failures: Appraisers, inspectors, title companies, and attorneys must all deliver reports and documents on time. One late submission stalls the entire chain.

“Lenders don’t ‘call the house’ until every box is checked. One missing signature or expired form can push closing back a week.” — Daniel Reeves, Mortgage Compliance Officer with 18 years of experience

Timeline Breakdown: From Offer to Closing Call

Understanding the typical timeline helps set realistic expectations. While some closings happen in 15 days, the national average is 40–50 days. Here’s a detailed look at what happens during that window:

1. Days 1–7: Contract Signed & Due Diligence Begins
   Inspections scheduled, appraisal ordered, and initial underwriting file opened.
2. Days 8–14: Inspection & Appraisal Reports Received
   Repairs negotiated, appraisal gaps addressed, and any contingencies resolved.
3. Days 15–30: Underwriting Deep Dive
   Lender reviews income, assets, credit, and property details. Conditional approval issued.
4. Days 31–40: Clear to Close Preparation
   Final documents prepared, insurance verified, and title work finalized.
5. Days 41–45: Calling the House
   Lender gives final authorization to close. Funds are wired, and closing scheduled.

The final “call” usually happens 1–3 business days before closing. But if last-minute issues arise—like a borrower’s account being flagged for fraud or a survey showing an encroachment—the timeline resets.

Checklist: How to Avoid Delays in Calling the House

To keep the process moving smoothly, follow this actionable checklist:

• Respond to lender requests within 24 hours
• Avoid making large purchases or opening new credit lines
• Confirm homeowner’s insurance is active and meets lender specs
• Review title commitment for errors early
• Ensure all repair credits or agreements are documented and signed
• Keep contact information updated with all parties
• Attend final walkthrough prepared to report issues immediately

Case Study: The Delayed Closing in Austin, TX

In spring 2023, a couple in Austin made an offer on a historic bungalow. The contract was signed on May 5th with a planned June 14th closing. Everything seemed on track until June 10th—just four days before closing—when their loan officer said, “We haven’t called the house yet.”

The issue? A routine employment re-verification revealed the husband had switched jobs two weeks prior but hadn’t informed his lender. Although the new role was stable and higher-paying, the underwriter required updated contracts, pay stubs, and a letter from HR. Gathering these took three days. The closing was pushed to June 17th, forcing the buyers to pay extra for temporary lodging.

The takeaway: Even positive life changes need to be communicated immediately to the lender.

Do’s and Don’ts During the Final Stretch

Do’s	Don’ts
Stay responsive to emails and calls from your agent and lender	Make large deposits without informing your lender
Lock in your interest rate early if possible	Assume everything is fine because you’ve been pre-approved
Double-check closing costs with your loan estimate vs. closing disclosure	Sign documents without reading them thoroughly
Schedule the final walkthrough with a checklist	Request major repairs at the last minute

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to call the house?

Once all conditions are satisfied, calling the house typically takes 1–3 business days. However, if last-minute issues arise—like a failed flood certification or missing payoff statement—it can take longer. The actual “call” is fast, but the preparation isn’t.

Can I close without the house being called?

No. “Calling the house” is the lender’s green light to fund the loan. Without it, the title company cannot disburse funds or record the deed. No call = no closing.

Who makes the call—the lender or the title company?

The lender (or their investor relations department) makes the call to the title company or closing attorney to confirm final approval. The title agent then schedules and conducts the closing based on that authorization.

Conclusion: Patience and Preparation Pay Off

Calling the house may sound like a minor administrative step, but it represents the culmination of dozens of moving parts aligning perfectly. When delays occur, they’re rarely about bureaucracy for its own sake—they’re safeguards designed to protect both the borrower and the financial system.

The best way to minimize wait time is through consistent communication, prompt responses, and disciplined behavior during escrow. Avoid financial changes, stay organized, and treat every request from your lender as urgent.

💬 Have you experienced a delayed closing? Share your story or advice in the comments—your insight could help someone navigate their own housing journey.