One of the most common questions agents get from clients is: "How long does it take to close?" While every transaction is different, most residential real estate closings follow a predictable timeline of 30-45 days from contract acceptance.
Here's a week-by-week breakdown of what typically happens — and what a transaction coordinator manages at each stage.
Week 1: Contract Acceptance & Kickoff
What happens:
- The offer is accepted and the executed contract is distributed to all parties
- Earnest money is submitted (usually within 1-3 business days)
- The lender receives the contract and begins processing the loan
- Introduction emails go out to all parties involved
Key deadlines to watch:
- Earnest money deposit deadline
- Loan application deadline (if specified in the contract)
TC's role: Open the file, send introductions, track the earnest money deposit, add all deadlines to calendars, and kick off communication with the lender and title company.
Week 2: Inspections & Due Diligence
What happens:
- Home inspection is scheduled and completed
- Buyer reviews the inspection report
- Negotiation of repairs or credits (if needed)
- Title search is ordered and underway
- Appraisal is ordered by the lender
Key deadlines to watch:
- Inspection contingency deadline
- Repair request deadline
TC's role: Help schedule inspections, track the inspection deadline, monitor repair negotiations, and follow up with the lender on the appraisal.
Week 3: Appraisal & Title Work
What happens:
- Appraiser visits the property
- Appraisal report is completed and reviewed
- Title commitment is received and reviewed for any issues
- Any title exceptions or clouds are addressed
- Lender continues processing the loan file
Key deadlines to watch:
- Appraisal contingency deadline
- Any title-related deadlines
TC's role: Review the title commitment, send it to the appropriate parties, follow up on appraisal results, and conduct lender check-ins to ensure the loan is on track.
Week 4: Loan Processing & Final Details
What happens:
- Loan moves through underwriting
- Any conditions from underwriting are addressed
- Home warranty is ordered (if applicable)
- Remaining contingencies are satisfied or waived
- Final loan approval ("clear to close") is targeted
Key deadlines to watch:
- Financing contingency deadline
- Any remaining contingency deadlines
TC's role: Regular lender check-ins, assist with home warranty orders, track remaining contingencies, and send deadline reminders.
Week 5 (or Final Week): Pre-Closing & Closing
What happens:
- Preliminary closing disclosure (ALTA/HUD) is prepared by the title company
- Both parties review the closing statement for accuracy
- Final walk-through is scheduled and completed
- Closing documents are prepared
- Buyer arranges funds for closing
- Closing day — signatures, keys, and celebration!
Key deadlines to watch:
- Final walk-through date
- Closing date and time
TC's role: Request and review the ALTA for accuracy, coordinate the final walk-through, confirm closing logistics, obtain the CDA, remind the buyer to transfer utilities, and send a review request on closing day.
When Things Take Longer
Some transactions take longer than 30-45 days. Common reasons include:
- Cash deals are often faster (2-3 weeks) since there's no lender involved
- FHA/VA loans may take slightly longer due to additional requirements
- Title issues (liens, boundary disputes) can add weeks
- Appraisal problems may require renegotiation or a second appraisal
- Repair negotiations that go back and forth can extend timelines
The Value of Professional Coordination
With so many moving pieces, it's easy to see why transactions sometimes fall apart or get delayed. A professional transaction coordinator keeps every task organized, every deadline tracked, and every party informed — dramatically reducing the chance of surprises at the closing table.
At Selling Simplified, we've guided over 500 transactions through this exact process. Our job is to make sure yours goes smoothly from start to finish.
Ready to experience a stress-free closing? Let's talk about how we can help.