How Long Does It Take to Close on a Home?
One of the most common questions home buyers have is: How long does it take to close on a home?
While every transaction is different, if you're purchasing a resale home with a mortgage, you can generally expect the process to take about 6–8 weeks from going under contract to closing.
Here's what that timeline typically looks like:
1. Attorney Review: About 3–5 Business Days
Once your contract is fully signed, it goes to the attorneys for review. This process typically takes about 3–5 business days.
During attorney review, the attorneys make sure the contract accurately reflects the terms of the transaction and address any necessary changes.
2. Home Inspection: Within About 10 Days
After attorney review, the next major step is typically the home inspection contingency. The inspection is generally completed within about 10 days of going under contract.
If the inspection goes smoothly, you can continue moving forward with the transaction. If issues are discovered, however, there may be additional conversations about repairs, estimates, or potential fixes. Depending on the situation, this can add another week or more to the process.
3. Mortgage & Appraisal: About 30–45 Days
For buyers obtaining a mortgage, the lender will begin working through the financing process. One of the first major steps is the appraisal, which helps the lender determine the value of the property.
After the appraisal, the lender continues finalizing the buyer's mortgage. From the time you go under contract to receiving your mortgage commitment, the process typically takes around 30–45 days, give or take.
4. Closing: About 6–8 Weeks After Going Under Contract
Once the inspection, appraisal, mortgage, title work, and other necessary steps are completed, you're ready to move toward closing.
All said and done, a typical resale home purchase with a mortgage takes approximately 6–8 weeks from going under contract to getting the keys to your new home.
Of course, every transaction is unique. Inspection issues, financing delays, appraisal concerns, title issues, or other unexpected circumstances can affect the timeline.
The good news? Having an experienced real estate team guiding you through each step can help you understand what's happening, what comes next, and what to expect along the way.
Thinking about buying a home? Our team is here to help you navigate the process from contract to closing.