Closing Timeline

No two closings are the same, but the timeline below will give you a general idea of what to expect and when.

Activity Typical Timeline
Contract to the Title Company and Lender Effective date of the contract (the date the contract was signed by all parties)
Earnest Money Deposited Within 3 calendar days of the effective date
Additional Earnest Money Deposited (if applicable) Within 10 calendar days of the effective date
Mortgage Loan Application Within 5 calendar days of effective date
HOA Application (if applicable) Within 5 calendar days of effective date
Shop for Home Insurance After loan application complete
Home Inspection Per contract; “X” calendar days after effective date – ideal to be less than 10 days
Repairs Complete (if applicable) ASAP (work with Buyer/Seller on timing depending on specific repairs needed)
Appraisal Ordered After successful inspection
Title Insurance Commitment 15 days prior to closing date if financed, 5 days if it’s a cash transaction 
Financing Contingency Ends Per Contract – usually 30 days
Loan Approval Received Within 30 calendar days of effective date (If loan approval period is 30 days)
Loan Approval Communicated to Seller Upon approval
Survey Ordered 10 days before closing, after successful appraisal 
Flood Zone/Elevation Certificate  Ordered with survey by Title Company if seller doesn’t have one and it’s required
Closing Scheduled Coordinate with Buyer/Seller/Title/Lender – 7 days prior to closing
Fill out Applications for Utilities 7 days before closing
Closing Disclosure 3 days prior to closing (does not include Sundays or federal holidays; Saturday is included)
Walkthrough Complete Day of closing
Closing  BIG DAY!!!!
Transfer Utilities  Day of Closing