How Long Does It Take to Close on a House?

Most closings take 30–45 days, but the type of deal (cash vs. conventional/FHA/VA) and any contingencies can speed up or slow down your timeline. Here’s what to expect—and how to avoid delays.

⏱ Typical Closing Timelines by Deal Type

  • Cash purchase: ~7–14 days (no lender underwriting; still need title search/closing docs).
  • Conventional loan: ~25–40 days (appraisal + underwriting + docs).
  • FHA/VA loan: ~30–45+ days (stricter appraisal/condition checks; possible longer underwriting).
  • With contingencies: add 5–20 days depending on inspection, appraisal, sale-of-home, financing, etc.

🧭 The Closing Process at a Glance

  1. Contract signed (earnest money deposited).
  2. Inspection window (repairs/credits negotiated if applicable).
  3. Appraisal ordered (for financed deals) and underwriting begins.
  4. Title search & payoff figures; HOA/condo docs if applicable.
  5. Clear to close → closing disclosure → signing & funding.
  6. Recording with county → keys delivered.

Note: Some states are attorney-close states; others use escrow/title companies. That can affect scheduling.

🏆 How Deal Type Affects Your Timeline

  • Cash → fastest: no loan, no lender appraisal requirement (you may still choose one).
  • Conventional → moderate speed: lender appraisal + underwriting; responsive buyer/docs are key.
  • FHA/VA → often longest: condition-related appraisal requirements and extra documentation can add days.

Tip: Appraisal delays are common. Ordering early and ensuring access helps.

🧩 Contingencies That Can Add Time

  • Inspection (common): usually 5–10 days + time to negotiate repairs/credits.
  • Appraisal (for loans): scheduling + report turn-time, typically 1–2 weeks.
  • Financing: buyer qualification/conditions; varies by lender workload.
  • Sale-of-home: buyer must sell another property first—can add 2–4+ weeks.
  • Title issues: liens, probate, divorces, boundary disputes may add days/weeks.

📍 Regional & Seasonal Factors

  • Attorney vs escrow/title states: attorney scheduling can add lead time.
  • HOA/condo docs delivery windows differ by state.
  • Seasonality: heavy spring/summer pipelines can slow appraisals and underwriting.

🚀 How Brokerless Keeps You on Schedule

  • MLS accuracy to avoid rework and appraisal confusion.
  • Fast edits to listing terms and disclosures when needed.
  • Clear contact paths so agents and buyers reach you quickly. See How Buyers Contact Sellers.

Need exposure now? Compare Flat Fee MLS plans.

✅ Closing Checklist to Prevent Delays

  • Order required disclosures and HOA/condo docs early.
  • Schedule inspection quickly; agree on repairs/credits in writing.
  • Ensure lender has all buyer docs (W-2s, bank statements, LOE, etc.).
  • Provide payoff statements and any lien releases to title.
  • Confirm appraisal access and utilities on for inspection/appraisal.
  • Review the Closing Disclosure promptly and schedule signing.
Ready to go live and keep your closing on track? 🚀
📋 View Flat Fee MLS Plans

❓ Closing Timeline FAQs

Is cash always faster?

Usually. Without lender underwriting, cash deals often close in 7–14 days, pending title work and scheduling.

Why do FHA/VA loans take longer?

They often require stricter condition appraisals and extra documentation, which can add days to the process.

Which contingencies add the most time?

Inspection and appraisal are the big ones; a sale-of-home contingency can add several weeks depending on that buyer’s progress.