Craig PornoreySelling your home can feel like a whirlwind—from listing and staging to negotiating and signing on the dotted line. But one question often lingers for sellers: how long does it actually take to close once you accept an offer? Spoiler: it’s not instant. There are several key steps between accepting an offer and handing over the keys.
Let’s walk through what you can expect, how long each phase typically takes, and how to speed things up.
The Full Home Closing Timeline: What Sellers Should Expect
So, what’s the typical home closing timeline? On average, it takes about 30 to 60 days from offer acceptance to closing, according to Zillow. That’s assuming everything runs smoothly—which isn’t always the case. Factors like loan approvals, inspection findings, and title issues can stretch the process.
According to ICE Mortgage Technology, the average time to close on a home is about 44 days. But that’s just the closing period. Add in roughly 20 days on the market (per the National Association of Realtors), and you’re looking at two months from listing to sale.
Let’s break down the timeline sellers should be prepared for:
1. Offer Accepted (Day 0)
This is when things get real. Once you accept an offer, a formal contract is signed. The buyer usually submits an earnest money deposit and both parties agree on key deadlines, including inspection and financing contingencies.
Want to save time here? Be ready to respond quickly to offers and counteroffers. And if house price negotiation drags on too long, it can delay the entire process.
2. Home Inspection (Days 3-10)
Buyers typically schedule a home inspection within a week of the offer being accepted. This is their opportunity to evaluate the home’s condition—and possibly renegotiate.
Tips for sellers:
- Get a pre-inspection before listing to address issues in advance.
- Keep the house clean and accessible for inspectors.
- Be transparent about repairs or upgrades.
If issues arise, this phase can lead to re-negotiation or repair requests, adding several days or even weeks to the timeline.
3. Appraisal (Days 10-20)
If the buyer is financing the purchase, their lender will require a home appraisal. This ensures the property’s value supports the loan amount.
According to Quicken Loans, delays here can stem from scheduling issues or appraisals that come in lower than expected. Low appraisals often lead to re-negotiations or deal cancellations, which can stretch the closing period significantly.
4. Title Search and Underwriting (Days 15-35)
A title company conducts a search to confirm the property has no legal claims, liens, or ownership disputes. Meanwhile, the lender completes underwriting to finalize loan approval.
According to Opendoor, this phase can take up to two weeks or more, depending on the complexity of the title or the buyer’s financial situation.
What sellers can do:
- Provide HOA documents or property records early.
- Resolve any known title issues in advance.
5. Final Walkthrough (1-3 Days Before Closing)
Just before closing, the buyer will do a final walkthrough to ensure the home’s condition hasn’t changed and that agreed-upon repairs are complete.
Sellers should:
- Be moved out before the walkthrough.
- Complete any promised repairs.
- Leave the house clean and empty.
Problems here could cause last-minute delays.
6. Closing Day (Day 30-60)
Finally, the closing! Both parties sign documents, funds are transferred, and keys are handed over. If the buyer is using a mortgage, expect this to occur around Day 43 to 54, per HomeLight. For cash buyers? It could be done in as little as 7 to 14 days.
Pro tip: Sellers should bring all required documents (photo ID, keys, garage remotes, etc.) to avoid delays.
What Can Delay a Home Closing?
Even the best-laid plans can run into hiccups. Common reasons for delays include:
- Financing issues
- Low appraisals
- Problems uncovered during the home inspection
- Title complications
- Buyer or seller scheduling conflicts
In fact, according to Quicken Loans, VA loans take around 53 days to close due to stricter guidelines.
Tips to Speed Up the Process as a Seller
Want to close faster? You can’t control everything, but you can be proactive.
Here’s how:
- Price it right from the start. Overpricing leads to longer time on market.
- Get pre-listing inspections. Knowing issues early prevents surprises.
- Be responsive. Quickly reply to agent, buyer, and title company requests.
- Prepare your documents. Deed, mortgage payoff info, repair receipts—have them ready.
- Work with experienced professionals. A seasoned agent and reliable title company make a world of difference.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Be Flexible
Closing on a home as a seller can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, depending on the buyer’s financing, inspection outcomes, and title clearance. On average, expect around 44 days from contract to closing—and about two months total from listing to final handshake.
To keep things moving:
- Understand each step of the process.
- Communicate early and often.
- Have your paperwork in order.
- Stay flexible—and expect the unexpected.
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, you can move through the home closing process smoothly and confidently.
