As an AE myself, I can definitely say this is the case lately. Alot of it has to do with quality control. Investors are tightening up guidelines, adding overlays, and it is to the lenders advantage to take their time and make sure everything in the file is complete. Non-delivery fees are expensive and can severerly cripple a warehouse line. Another reason is high volume that we are receiving.
One of the things I get a lot of though is a Broker asking to change a loan amount on an already approved FHA loan. What they fail to realize is it takes an FHA underwriter around 1.5 to 2.5 hours to underwrite a loan. Changing a loan amount isnt as easy as making a change in the 1003.
Best thing to do always is underpromise and overdeliver!