By Donald Antoine November 3, 2022
You’ve found your dream home. You’ve been through the home-buying process, and everything is finally coming together. So, how long does it take to close on a house?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think. The home-buying process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months – it all depends on multiple factors.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the steps involved in the home-buying process and how long each typically takes. You’ll also get some tips on speeding up the process and closing on your dream home as soon as possible!
How Long Is The Home Closing Process?
The home closing process is the final step in the home-buying journey. Once you’ve found the perfect home and negotiated the purchase price, it’s time to close the deal.
The closing process usually takes 30 to 60 days after the offer is accepted. But, depending on the type of loan you’re getting and the current market conditions, it could take longer or shorter.
Here’s a typical timeline for the home closing process:
- Loan Application: 1-2 weeks
- Loan Approval: 1-2 weeks
- Home Inspection: 1-2 weeks
- Appraisal: 1-2 weeks
- Title Search and Insurance: 1-2 weeks
- Walk-Through: 1 day
- Closing: 1 day
You can ease your stress when you know what to expect when buying a home by knowing what to expect.
How Can You Speed Up the Closing Process?
Even though the home-buying process can take several weeks or even months, there are some things you can do to help speed up the process.
For starters, getting your financing in order is necessary before you even start looking for a home. This way, you’ll know exactly how much you can afford to spend, and you’ll be able to move quickly when you find the right property.
It’s also a good idea to have a pre-approval letter from a lender in hand when you make an offer on a home. This can sometimes make sellers more willing to accept your offer, as they know you’re already pre-approved for a mortgage.
Having a flexible closing date is another way to speed up the process. If the seller is looking to close quickly, you may be able to work with them to close even sooner.
Finally, gathering all the necessary documentation is always a good idea. This includes tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements. The more prepared you are, the sooner you’ll be able to close on your new home!
Does the Type of Loan Impact Home Closing?
The type of loan you choose can greatly impact how long it takes to close your home. Conventional loans typically take longer to close than FHA loans, for example.
How long it takes to close your home also depends on your chosen lender. Some lenders can close loans faster than others.
If you’re looking to close your home as quickly as possible, we recommend working with a lender specializing in fast closings.
The Loan Approval Process
Pre-approval for a mortgage is one of the first steps in home buying. A loan approval can take a few days to a few weeks.
The loan approval process starts with a loan application. You’ll need to provide your lender with basic information about your finances, employment history, and credit score.
Once your lender has this information, they’ll be able to give you a pre-approval letter. This letter will state the maximum loan amount you’re eligible for.
Getting pre-approved for a loan is a good idea for several reasons. First, it will help you narrow your home search to homes within your budget. Second, it will give you some negotiating power when making an offer on a home.
The Home Inspection
Once you’ve found a home you’d like to make an offer on, the next step is to have the home inspected. A home inspection typically takes one to two weeks.
During a home inspection, a trained inspector will look for any potential problems with the home. They’ll check for structural damage, pests, and electrical or plumbing issues.
You can avoid buying a home with hidden problems by getting a home inspection as part of the home-buying process.
The Appraisal
After the home inspection is complete, the next step is to have the home appraised. A home appraisal typically takes one to two weeks.
The purpose of a home appraisal is to determine the home’s value. The appraiser will look at the home’s location, size, and features.
The appraisal is critical because it will determine the loan-to-value ratio, which is used to determine the interest rate on your loan.
The Title Search and Insurance
After the appraisal, the next step is to do a title search and purchase title insurance. A title search typically takes one to two weeks.
A title search is a process whereby the lender looks for potential problems with the home’s title. The lender wants to verify that the home is free and clear of any liens or encumbrances.
Once the title search is complete, the lender will require you to purchase title insurance. Title insurance protects you against any problems that may arise with the title of the home in the future.
The Walk-Through
One of the final steps in the home-buying process is the walk-through. The walk-through typically takes place the day of or the day before closing.
During the walk-through, you’ll have a chance to inspect the home one last time to ensure everything is in order. Make sure any repairs agreed upon have been completed at this time.
Closing
Closing is the final step in the home-buying process. Closing typically takes place one to two weeks after the walk-through.
You’ll sign all the necessary paperwork to finalize the home’s purchase during the closing. This includes the loan agreement, the sales contract, and the deed.
You’ll also pay any remaining closing costs at this time. Closing costs are typically two to five percent of the price of the home.
Post-Closing
After closing, you’ll officially be the owner of the home! Congratulations!
Now, it’s time to start thinking about things like homeowners insurance and home maintenance. These are crucial factors to consider when you’re a homeowner.
We hope this blog post has helped to answer your question, “How long does it take to close on a house?” Remember, the home-buying process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months – it all depends on many factors.
References:
https://www.hud.gov/topics/buying_a_home
https://time.com/nextadvisor/mortgages/offer-time-and-closing-process/
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/how-long-does-it-take-to-close-on-a-house/
https://www.discover.com/home-loans/articles/10-steps-to-buying-a-home/
https://www.homeclosing101.org/the-closing-process/what-to-expect/
https://www.chase.com/personal/mortgage/education/buying-a-home/homebuying-process
https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/time-to-close-on-a-house
https://bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com/en/home-ownership/5-stages-of-the-home-buying-process
