Want to know how long does it take to close on a house?

Closing on a house is the final stretch in the homebuying marathon, but it can feel like a confusing, paperwork-laden maze if you’re not prepared. One of the most common questions homebuyers have is: How long does it take to close on a house? 

The answer is nuanced, and the timing depends on several moving parts, including your mortgage lender, home inspections, insurance, and even the seller’s schedule.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the full closing process, from offer to key handover, explain why delays happen, and share actionable tips to help you speed up the process. We’ll also touch upon vital elements such as homeowners’ insurance, home appraisal, title insurance, and mortgage loan approval. So, let’s dive in right away!

How long does it take to close on a house, on average?

Industry experts say the average time to close on a purchase loan is around 30 to 60 days. However, this number can vary widely based on location, the type of home you want, the buyer’s financing, and the real estate professionals’ efficiency. For example, all-cash purchases can sometimes close in as little as 7 to 14 days, while government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA) can take longer due to additional paperwork and inspections. 

What happens during the closing process? 

Here’s a step-by-step timeline of the closing process for your convenience. 

Mortgage application and pre-approval

Before even starting the closing process, most buyers get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of your budget and reassures home sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

Once your offer is accepted, you’ll complete a formal mortgage application. The lender will then:

• Review your credit history, income, and employment
• Request tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements
• Evaluate your debt-to-income ratio

This part of the process can take several weeks, depending on how responsive you and your loan lender are.

Home inspection

While it may not be a legal requirement in all states, a home inspection is strongly recommended. The typical timeline for this is 3-7 days after offer acceptance. A certified inspector examines the home’s major systems, such as plumbing, electrical, roofing, foundation, HVAC, etc. The purpose is basically to uncover any glaring defects that could affect the home’s value or safety. Keep in mind that if major issues are found, the negotiations for home repairs or credits could delay closing.

Home appraisal

Lenders order a home appraisal (typically within the first week after signing the purchase agreement) to ensure the property is worth the sale price. This appraisal protects the lender from over-financing an overvalued property. The home buyer can expect the appraisal process to last about 7-10 business days.

Remember that if the appraisal value comes in lower than the sale price, it can create complications:

• Your lender may reduce the loan amount to match the appraised value, minimizing their risk in case of foreclosure.
• You may need to renegotiate with the seller, asking them to lower the price or cover the difference.
• A second appraisal might be required, which can add time to your closing process.

Title search and title insurance

A title company or real estate attorney will conduct a title search to confirm that the seller owns the property and that there are no liens, judgments, unpaid taxes, or ownership disputes. This can take about 1-2 weeks.

Remember, title insurance protects the buyer and lender from future title disputes. It’s almost always a requirement of the mortgage lender. 

Homeowners insurance

Your mortgage lender will require you to purchase a homeowners’ insurance policy before closing. This policy protects your property against risks such as fire, theft, and natural disasters. And here’s a tip for you: shop for a good insurance plan early, ideally right after your offer is accepted. Waiting too long can delay the closing date if proof of insurance isn’t submitted in time

Underwriting and final loan approval

During underwriting, the mortgage lender will verify all your documentation again, sometimes requesting additional information. The underwriter ensures that the loan meets all requirements and home loan guidelines. Once all conditions are satisfied, your loan is marked as “clear to close”.

This can take 1-3 weeks, depending on workload and complexity. Keep in mind that any missing documents, large recent deposits, or changes in employment status can cause delays in the closing process. 

Final walkthrough

This is your last chance to inspect the home before you take ownership. Usually done 24-48 hours before the closing date, you’ll check that any agreed-upon repairs have been made and that nothing has changed since your last visit.

Closing day

This is when the transaction is officially finalized. You will:

• Sign the loan documents and legal disclosures
• Pay your down payment and closing costs
• Receive your new house keys once the loan is funded and the deed is recorded

You can expect to spend at least 1-2 hours at the closing table. Once everything is complete, you will officially close on a home!

What are some common reasons that can delay closing?

Remember that even the best-laid plans can hit a few bumps. Here are the most common reasons a closing date might get pushed:

• Title issues (outstanding liens or disputed ownership)
• Low appraisal (discrepancy between appraised value and sale price)
• Loan denial (a mortgage loan can fall through even late in the process due to job changes or new debts)
• Unresponsive parties (delay in communication between the buyer, seller, or real estate agent can make the process slower)
• Home inspection findings (major repairs can take time to negotiate or complete)
• Missing paperwork (a single missing document can put the brakes on everything)

What are the tips to speed up the closing process?

If you’re on a tight timeline or just eager to move into your new home, here are some ways to speed up the process:

• Get mortgage pre-approval before shopping: This gives you a head start and shows home sellers you’re serious
• Stay organized: Keep your financial documents in one place and respond quickly to lender requests
• Hire an experienced realtor or agent: A good agent will anticipate problems and keep everything moving
• Schedule inspections early: Don’t wait to book your home inspection; the sooner it’s done, the better
• Order your home insurance promptly: Avoid last-minute scrambles by choosing a provider early on
• Avoid big financial changes: Don’t switch jobs, open new credit lines, or make large purchases during the mortgage process

How long does it take to close on a house? Bottom line

The time it takes to close on a house varies. However, knowing what to expect at each step can help you prepare and reduce the risk of delays. From mortgage application to final walkthrough, the closing process is a complex but manageable series of tasks.

By staying informed, organized, and proactive, you can minimize headaches and move into your new home on schedule. Whether you’re buying your first home or your third, understanding the closing timeline is important. It will ensure a smooth real estate experience for you and your family.

Remember: while some factors are out of your control, working with a reliable mortgage lender, a responsive real estate agent, and staying on top of requirements and documentation can make all the difference in how long it takes to close on a house.

FAQs

What’s the fastest you can close on a house?

The fastest possible closing time is around 10-14 days, but this requires:

• A cash buyer (no mortgage underwriting delays)
• A smooth title search with no issues
• No home inspection or appraisal contingencies
• A highly efficient mortgage lender (some offer “quick close” programs, but do your due diligence first)

Most home buyers take 30-45 days to complete a real estate deal due to loan processing and other steps.

What happens three days before closing?

Three days before your closing date, you’ll receive the Closing Disclosure (CD) from your lender. This document outlines:

• Final loan terms
• Exact closing costs
• Any last-minute changes to the sale price or fees

Federal law mandates this 3-day review period so you can verify all details before signing.

How long does it take to close on a house once you get the “clear to close”?

Once your lender gives the final approval, closing usually happens within 3-7 days. The exact timing depends on:

• Scheduling the final signing
• The title company’s availability
• Any last-minute verifications required

Do I need homeowners’ insurance before closing?

Yes! Lenders require homeowners’ insurance to be in place before closing. You’ll need to provide proof of insurance coverage at least a day or two before signing.

What’s the longest part of the closing process?

The mortgage underwriting phase is usually the longest, taking 2-5 weeks. This includes:

• Verifying income and credit
• Ordering the home appraisal
• Finalizing loan approval

Can I move in right after closing?

Yes! Once you sign the final paperwork and the deed is recorded, you get the keys and can move in immediately—unless the seller negotiated a rent-back agreement.

What if my closing date gets pushed back?

If there’s a delay closing, communicate with your real estate agent and lender to resolve issues quickly. Sometimes, both parties agree to extend the contract.

What if I get an inexperienced loan officer?

Working with an inexperienced loan officer can slow down your entire homebuying process. That’s why selecting an established, efficient lender is crucial. One way to protect yourself from last-minute hiccups is to request a dry closing, where you sign all documents first, then complete the funding transfer afterward.

This approach can help bypass delays caused by funding logistics or lender errors. Just keep in mind that you’ll need the seller’s agreement before opting for this strategy. A dry closing can be particularly valuable when working with newer loan officers who might still be refining their process.

Written by Ramona Sinha. April 24, 2025

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.