Home Closing Process Guide: What to Expect from Contract to Keys
Complete guide to the home closing process. Learn what happens after your offer is accepted, what documents you'll sign, and how to prepare for closing day.
Table of Contents
Congratulations — your offer was accepted! Now the real work begins. The closing process involves multiple parties working together to transfer ownership of the property to you. Here's everything you need to know to navigate it successfully.
The Closing Timeline
A typical closing takes 30-45 days from accepted offer to keys in hand. Here's what happens during that time:
Week 1-2: Inspections and Appraisal
What Happens
- Home inspection: Hire an inspector to evaluate the property (see our Inspection Checklist)
- Specialized inspections: Termite, radon, mold, sewer scope as needed
- Appraisal ordered: Your lender orders an appraisal to verify the home's value
- Title search begins: Title company researches property ownership history
What You Need to Do
- Schedule and attend your home inspection
- Review the inspection report carefully
- Negotiate repairs or credits based on findings (see Negotiation Tips)
- Provide any additional documents your lender requests
- Get homeowner's insurance quotes
Week 2-3: Title and Loan Processing
What Happens
- Appraisal completed: Appraiser submits their valuation report
- Title search completed: Title company verifies clear ownership
- Loan processing: Underwriter reviews your complete application
- Conditions cleared: You provide any additional documentation requested
What You Need to Do
- Respond quickly to any lender requests
- Avoid making large purchases or opening new credit
- Don't change jobs if you can avoid it
- Secure homeowner's insurance and provide proof to lender
⚠️ Important: Do NOT make any major financial changes during this period. No new cars, no new credit cards, no large deposits without documentation. Any of these can delay or derail your closing.
Week 3-4: Final Approval
What Happens
- Clear to close: Lender issues final loan approval
- Closing Disclosure issued: You receive final loan terms and costs (must be at least 3 days before closing)
- Closing scheduled: Date, time, and location confirmed
- Wire instructions sent: Secure instructions for transferring closing funds
What You Need to Do
- Review Closing Disclosure carefully — compare to your Loan Estimate
- Ask questions about any discrepancies or items you don't understand
- Arrange for closing funds (cashier's check or wire transfer)
- Schedule your final walkthrough
- Start planning your move
Understanding Your Closing Disclosure
The Closing Disclosure (CD) is a 5-page document that outlines the final terms of your loan and all closing costs. You must receive it at least 3 business days before closing.
Key Sections to Review
- Page 1 - Loan Terms: Interest rate, monthly payment, prepayment penalties
- Page 2 - Closing Costs: Itemized breakdown of all fees
- Page 3 - Cash to Close: Total amount you need to bring
- Page 4 - Loan Disclosures: Important loan features and terms
- Page 5 - Loan Calculations: Total payments over life of loan
💡 Pro Tip: Compare your Closing Disclosure to the Loan Estimate you received when you applied. The interest rate, loan amount, and most fees should be the same or very close. If something seems off, ask immediately.
The Final Walkthrough
Schedule your final walkthrough 24-48 hours before closing. This is NOT another inspection — it's your chance to verify the property is in the agreed-upon condition.
Final Walkthrough Checklist
- All agreed-upon repairs have been completed
- All fixtures and appliances that should stay are present
- Seller has removed all personal belongings
- No new damage has occurred since inspection
- All utilities are working (lights, water, HVAC)
- Garage door openers, keys, and remotes are available
⚠️ What if something is wrong? Don't close until issues are resolved. You can delay closing, request a credit, or have funds held in escrow until repairs are complete.
Closing Day: What to Expect
Closing typically takes 1-2 hours. You'll meet with a closing agent (often at a title company or attorney's office) to sign documents and transfer ownership.
What to Bring
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Cashier's check or wire transfer confirmation for closing costs
- Proof of homeowner's insurance
- Any additional documents requested by your lender or title company
Documents You'll Sign
- Promissory Note: Your promise to repay the loan
- Mortgage/Deed of Trust: Secures the loan with the property
- Closing Disclosure: Final acknowledgment of loan terms
- Deed: Transfers ownership from seller to you
- Title Insurance Policy: Protects your ownership rights
- Various affidavits, disclosures, and certifications
After Closing: First Steps as a Homeowner
Immediately After Closing
- Collect all keys, garage remotes, and security codes
- Make copies of all closing documents
- Store original documents in a safe place
First Week
- Change all locks (you don't know who has copies of the keys)
- Set up utilities in your name
- Update your address with USPS, employer, banks, and subscriptions
- Locate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Meet your neighbors
First Month
- File for homestead exemption (if applicable in your state)
- Set up automatic mortgage payments
- Start a home maintenance schedule
- Build your emergency fund back up
Ready to Start the Process?
Create a professional purchase offer and get one step closer to closing day.
Start Your Offer — It's FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How long does closing take after offer accepted?
The typical closing timeline is 30-45 days from accepted offer to closing day. Cash purchases can close faster, sometimes in 2-3 weeks. Delays can occur due to appraisal issues, title problems, or financing complications.
What do I need to bring to closing?
Bring a government-issued photo ID, a cashier's check or wire transfer confirmation for your closing costs and down payment, and proof of homeowner's insurance. Your closing agent will provide a specific list of what you need.
Can I do a final walkthrough before closing?
Yes, you should always do a final walkthrough 24-48 hours before closing. This is your opportunity to verify the property is in the agreed-upon condition, repairs were completed, and the seller has vacated.
What are closing costs and how much are they?
Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the purchase price. They include lender fees (origination, appraisal), title fees (search, insurance), prepaid items (property taxes, homeowner's insurance), and recording fees. You'll receive a Closing Disclosure at least 3 days before closing showing exact amounts.