How Long Does It Take to Close On a House?
Buying a house is exciting, but the closing process can feel like a waiting game. After your offer is accepted, you’re probably thinking, “How long until I get the keys?” The answer depends on a few things, like your loan type, how fast paperwork moves, and whether any hiccups pop up along the way.
On average, closing takes about 30 to 45 days, but every home purchase is different. Some deals move fast, while others hit delays. The good news? Knowing what to expect can help you avoid common roadblocks and speed things up.
The first step to closing is starting with a mortgage preapproval. Start the process of getting preapproved with Rate today!
How Long Does It Take to Close On a House?
The timeline for closing on a home can vary, but understanding each step can help you stay prepared and avoid delays. Here’s what to expect at each stage of the process.
Loan Application Submission (Average 1 Day)
Once you’ve found the home you want and chosen a lender, the first step is submitting your mortgage application. This usually takes just a day, but how quickly you complete it depends on how prepared you are. You’ll need to provide personal and financial details, including your income, debts, and assets.
Accuracy matters here. If anything is incomplete or incorrect, your lender may need to follow up, which can cause delays. Before submitting your application, double-check that all information is correct and that you have the necessary documents ready for the next steps.
Loan Disclosure Review (Around 1 Week)
Once your application is in, your lender will send you a Loan Estimate, which breaks down your loan details, including the interest rate, monthly payment, and closing costs. You’ll need to review and acknowledge these disclosures, which usually takes a few days but no more than a week.
It’s important to go through everything carefully. If something looks off or you don’t understand a term, ask your lender before signing. Once you confirm the details, your lender can move forward with the underwriting process.
Documentation Submission (Around 1 Week)
Your lender will require proof of income, assets, and debts to verify the information in your application. Common documents include tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and identification. The faster you provide these, the quicker your lender can process your loan.
This step typically takes less than a week, but it depends on how organized you are. Missing or incomplete documents can slow things down, so it’s a good idea to gather everything ahead of time.
If your lender requests additional information, respond as soon as possible to keep things moving.
Home Appraisal (Close to 1 – 2 Weeks)
Your lender will schedule an appraisal to determine the fair market value of the home. This protects both you and the lender, ensuring that the home is worth what you're paying for it.
Appraisals typically take one to two weeks, depending on the availability of the appraiser and how quickly the report is completed. If the appraisal comes back lower than expected, renegotiations may be needed, which could add more time.
To avoid surprises, review comparable home sales in the area before the appraisal takes place.
Underwriting Process (A Few Days)
Underwriting is one of the most important steps in the closing process. This is when your lender reviews all your documents, credit history, and financial background to determine whether to approve your loan.
The process typically takes one to three days, but it can take longer if the underwriter needs more information. If they request additional documents, such as an explanation of a large deposit in your account, responding quickly can help prevent delays.
Underwriters look for financial stability, so avoid big purchases or taking on new debt during this time.
Conditional Approval (A Few Weeks)
Once underwriting is complete, you may receive conditional approval, meaning your loan is almost finalized but has a few outstanding requirements. These conditions might include additional bank statements, explanations of financial activity, or updated employment verification.
This step can take one to two weeks, depending on how quickly you meet the lender’s conditions. Some conditions are straightforward, like signing an extra form, while others require more time, such as resolving a credit issue.
Staying in close communication with your lender can help ensure there are no unnecessary hold-ups.
Clearance to Close (About 3 Days)
After all conditions are satisfied, you’ll receive the clear to close, which means your lender has approved your loan, and you’re ready for closing day. By law, your lender must send you a Closing Disclosure at least three days before closing.
This document includes the final details of your loan, such as your exact closing costs, interest rate, and monthly payments. It’s essential to review this carefully—if anything looks incorrect, notify your lender immediately to avoid last-minute complications. Once the waiting period is over, you’re ready to close.
Closing and Funding (Usually 1 Day)
Closing day is when everything comes together. You’ll meet with your lender, real estate agent, and possibly a closing attorney to sign all final paperwork and officially transfer ownership of the home.
You’ll also pay any remaining closing costs and the down payment, which must be done via a wire transfer or cashier’s check.
This process typically takes a few hours, but once everything is signed and the lender releases the funds, the home is officially yours. At this point, you’ll receive the keys and can finally move into your new place.
How to Avoid Delays During Closing
Closing on a home should be exciting, but nothing takes the wind out of your sails faster than unexpected delays. The good news? Many delays can be avoided with a little preparation and quick action. If you want to close on time (and keep stress levels low), here’s what you need to do.
Get Preapproved Before House Hunting
One of the biggest mistakes homebuyers make is waiting too long to get preapproved. You might be eager to start touring homes, but without preapproval, you could run into problems later.
Sellers take preapproved buyers more seriously, and lenders can move through your application faster if they've already checked your finances.
Think of preapproval as getting a head start. It helps you avoid surprises, like finding out you qualify for less than expected or hitting snags that could slow things down when you're under contract. The earlier you do this, the smoother the process will be.
Respond to Lender Requests Quickly
Every day counts when you're closing on a house. If your lender asks for something, like updated pay stubs, proof of funds, or explanations for large deposits, don’t put it off.
Even a short delay in sending documents could slow down underwriting, push back your closing date, or even cause your loan approval to expire.
A good rule of thumb? Check your email often and keep all your financial documents organized. The faster you respond, the faster your lender can move forward. Waiting too long can turn a 30-day closing into a 45-day one—and no one wants that.
Avoid Major Financial Changes
Once you're under contract, treat your finances like they’re frozen in time. Taking on new debt, quitting your job, or making big purchases (like buying furniture or a new car) can create red flags for your lender.
Even if you’re still technically qualified for the loan, any major financial change could require additional approval and add days, or weeks, to your closing timeline.
It’s best to wait until after closing to do things like open new credit lines or move large sums of money. Your lender will run a final credit check right before closing, and any sudden changes could cause last-minute complications. Play it safe, wait until the keys are in your hand.
Schedule the Home Appraisal Early
A home appraisal might seem like a formality, but it’s a make-or-break moment in the closing process. If the appraisal comes in lower than expected, your lender won’t approve the loan amount unless the price is adjusted or you cover the difference.
Since appraisers are often booked out days or weeks in advance, the sooner you schedule it, the better. A delayed appraisal can cause a ripple effect, pushing back underwriting, approval, and closing day.
If you’re in a competitive market, getting this step done quickly can help keep everything on track.
Double-Check Closing Documents for Errors
You’d be surprised how many closings get delayed over small but costly mistakes. A misspelled name, an incorrect loan amount, or a missing signature can all cause last-minute scrambling, and that’s the last thing you want on closing day.
A few days before closing, you’ll receive your Closing Disclosure, which outlines your final loan terms, interest rate, and total costs. Read it carefully. If something doesn’t match what you expected, speak up immediately.
Fixing errors in advance prevents unnecessary back-and-forth on closing day and ensures a smooth handoff of the keys.
How to Prepare for Closing Day
Closing on a home is the final step before you get the keys, and being prepared makes all the difference. Reviewing your documents, double-checking funds, and doing a final walk-through can help avoid last-minute surprises.
The sooner you get everything in order, the smoother the process will be. And if you’re looking to speed things up, Rate’s Same Day Mortgage could help you get ahead of the game. With a faster approval process, you’ll be one step closer to closing on your dream home - without the long wait.
