Selling your home is a major milestone—and a big commitment of time and energy. One of the most common questions sellers ask is, “How long does it really take to close on a house?” The answer depends on several factors, but here’s the good news: when you’re informed, you can better prepare for each step of the process and avoid surprises.

So, let’s dive into what sellers can expect, how long the timeline really is, and what might cause delays along the way.

The Typical Closing Timeline: What the Numbers Say

From listing to closing, the average U.S. home sale takes about 64 days. That’s just over two months. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 20 days on the market before going under contract (NAR, August 2023)
• 44 days from contract to closing (according to ICE Mortgage Technology)

Keep in mind this is just the average. Every sale is different.

If you’re wondering how long it takes to close, the timeline varies based on your buyer, their financing, and even how responsive your title company is.

Step-by-Step: The Home Closing Process for Sellers

Understanding each phase of the closing process can make the waiting game feel more manageable.

1. Accepting the Offer

You’ve listed your home, had some showings, and had a few offers. Now you’ve accepted an offer! It’s great, but it’s just the beginning of the entire process. Once under contract, the countdown to closing starts.

2. Home Inspection

Within a few days, the buyer will usually schedule an inspection. This can lead to requests for repairs, credits, and negotiations. A quick and open communication during this phase is the key to keeping things moving forward.

3. Appraisal

If the buyer is financing, their lender will order an appraisal. Appraisals are a critical part of the home-buying process when financing is involved. If your home appraised value comes in lower than the agreed-upon offer, the buyer’s lender will typically only finance up to the appraised amount. This situation can lead to several outcomes:

1. Renegotiation: The buyer may request the seller to lower the sale price to match the appraised value.
2. Additional Financing: The buyer might choose to cover the difference between the appraised value and the offer price out of pocket.
3. Deal Cancellation: If both parties cannot reach an agreement, the buyer might walk away from the deal.

It’s important for both buyers and sellers to understand the appraisal process and its potential impacts on the transaction. Sellers may want to consider pricing their home appropriately and possibly getting a pre-listing appraisal to avoid surprises. Buyers can also do their due diligence to ensure they are making a reasonable offer based on market conditions.

4. Title Search and Insurance

Next step is the title. Ensuring theat there are no liens, disputes, or ownership issues is a crucial part of the closing process. Title companies typically conduct a title search to verify that the property is free from any legal claims that could interfere with the buyer’s ownership.

If any issues are identified during the title search, it may require additional time to resolve. This could involve negotiating with lien holders, clearing up disputes, or ensuring that all parties are in agreement.

5. Loan Approval and Underwriting

This is the behind-the-scenes phase where lenders verify income, debts, and other financials. Rocket Mortgage notes that this stage is often the most time-consuming, especially for FHA or VA loans.

6. Final Walkthrough & Closing Day

Just before closing, buyers will walk through your home to confirm everything is in good condition. Then, it’s time to sign documents, hand over keys, and officially close the deal.

How Financing Affects the Timeline

Not all buyers are created equal when it comes to timelines. Here’s what you can expect based on the buyer’s financing method:

• Conventional loan: ~42 days (LendingTree)
• FHA loan: ~43 days (slightly longer due to extra requirements)
• VA loan: 40–50 days
• Cash buyer: as fast as 14 days (Opendoor)

Cash buyers skip the mortgage process entirely, which removes a major source of delay.

Common Reasons for Closing Delays

Even the smoothest deals can hit speed bumps. Here are the most common causes of delays:

• Title issues – like unresolved liens or ownership disputes
• Low appraisal – leading to renegotiations
• Inspection problems – requiring time for repairs or credits
• Unresponsive parties – a buyer, agent, or lender who doesn’t move quickly can slow everything down
• Paperwork problems – missing documents, miscommunications, or loan errors

According to Opendoor, these are the top culprits sellers should watch out for.

Tips to Help Sellers Close Faster

While some delays are out of your control, you can speed up the process on your end. Here’s how:

• Be flexible with inspections and walkthroughs
• Respond quickly to requests from your agent or title company
• Fix obvious issues before listing (loose railings, roof leaks, etc.)
• Provide all paperwork promptly
• Work with an experienced real estate agent who knows how to keep things on track

What If the Buyer Asks for an Extended Closing?

Sometimes buyers request a later closing—maybe to align with their own home sale or a relocation timeline. It’s okay to agree if it works for you, but know that the longer the deal drags, the higher the risk of something going wrong.

Pro tip: if you’re okay with a longer close, ask for a non-refundable deposit to protect your interests.

Final Thoughts: What Sellers Should Expect

Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful—but it does require patience. Most closings take around 44 days, but depending on your buyer and circumstances, it could be as fast as two weeks or stretch past two months.

The good news? When you understand the process, you’re better prepared to handle the unexpected.

Remember:

• Most homes go under contract in 20 days
• The average closing time is 44 days
• Cash deals close faster, often within 14 days
• Common delays include appraisals, title issues, and inspections

Stay flexible. Stay responsive. And surround yourself with pros who can help guide you through.