Once your offer is accepted, the countdown to closing officially begins. For most homebuyers, the biggest time delays involve the financing process. To help you know what to expect so you can plan your move, this post answers the question: How long does it take to close a home loan? We’ll show you a typical timeline and provide tips to help things move faster and avoid surprises.
Based on data from Freddie Mac and ICE Mortgage Technology, on average, it takes about 43 days to close a home loan after an offer is accepted. Some loans close sooner, often in the 30-day range, while others may take 50 days or longer, depending on your financing, property details, and how quickly you’re able to complete the required steps. This timeline typically begins once both you and the seller have signed the purchase agreement. From there, your lender verifies or reconfirms your financial information, orders third-party reports such as an appraisal and title search, and completes final underwriting. Inspections and negotiations also take place during this time. Many of these steps overlap, but delays in any one area can extend your overall closing timeline. While it can feel like progress slows after the initial excitement of getting your offer accepted, much of the work during this phase happens behind the scenes. Here’s an abbreviated look at what typically happens after the seller says “yes.” Complete your mortgage application and underwriting (30–50 days total)
Your lender verifies your income, assets, credit, and debts to confirm you qualify for the loan and issues initial underwriting conditions. This process can run throughout most of the timeline. If your lender pre-approved your home loan, the total number of days can often be reduced. Submit your earnest money deposit (1–3 days after offer acceptance)
You’ll deposit earnest money with the escrow or title company to show good faith. The amount and deadline are set in your purchase agreement, and the funds are later applied toward your cash to close if the sale moves forward. Wait for the home appraisal (7–14 days)
An independent appraiser evaluates the home’s value to confirm it supports your agreed-upon purchase price. Schedule and complete your home inspection (7–14 days)
You’ll review the home’s condition and decide whether to request repairs, credits, or concessions based on what’s found. You may want to request a specialized home inspection (e.g., roof, chimney, HVAC, septic system). Respond to conditional approval requests (5–20 days)
Your lender reviews updated documents, clears conditions, and may ask you for additional information before issuing final approval. Title search and clearance (1–3 days once started)
The title company confirms legal ownership and resolves any liens or claims tied to the property. More complex title issues can extend this stage. Receive final loan approval and clear to close (1–2 days)
Once all conditions are met, your lender authorizes the loan to move forward. Review your closing disclosure (minimum 3 business days)
You’ll receive your final loan terms and closing costs, and must review them before you can sign closing documents. Federal law requires lenders to provide this information in writing at least three business days before the scheduled closing date. Final walk-through and closing appointment (1 day)
During the final walk-through, you’ll confirm the home’s condition, check that agreed-upon fixtures and appliances are in place, sign final paperwork, and officially complete your purchase.How long does it take to close a home loan?
A step-by-step closing timeline
