Once an offer is accepted and the purchase agreement is signed, buyers who use a mortgage typically close in about 30 to 60 days, according to one national lender's guide updated in August 2026, which reports an average of about 42 days in 2025. Cash buyers can often close faster. That clock does not include the time before the offer, which depends on how long it takes to get pre-approved, search, and win a home. Timelines vary with the loan type, the appraisal, the lender, and the property, so treat these as general ranges, not promises, and ask your agent and lender for the schedule on your own purchase.
What Are the Steps, in Order?
Step | What happens | Rough timing (general) |
|---|---|---|
1. Get pre-approved | Lender reviews your documents and credit | Often 1 to 3 business days |
2. Search and tour | Narrow down homes with your agent | Varies widely |
3. Make an offer | Negotiate price and terms | Days |
4. Open escrow | Earnest money deposited, contract signed | Right after acceptance |
5. Inspection | Inspector reviews the home; you negotiate repairs | The inspection itself takes a few hours; the period is set in your contract |
6. Appraisal | Lender orders a value check | Often 1 to 3 weeks |
7. Underwriting | Lender verifies everything and issues final approval | Often 1 to 2 weeks for conditional approval, longer overall |
8. Closing Disclosure | You review final loan terms and costs | Must be received at least 3 business days before closing |
9. Final walk-through | Check the home's condition | 1 to 3 days before closing |
10. Closing | Sign, fund, and get the keys | About a day |
These durations overlap, so they do not simply add up. They come from one national source and are general guidance.
Why Do Some Purchases Take Longer?
- An appraisal or inspection issue that needs renegotiation. Our post on what happens when a home appraises low explains options.
- Missing documents or changes in your finances, such as a new job or a new debt. Our post on what not to do while under contract covers this.
- Title or HOA paperwork that takes time to arrive.
- A busy season when lenders, appraisers, and inspectors have full schedules.
- Loan-specific steps, such as VA appraisals or renovation loan requirements.
How Can I Keep Things Moving?
- Get pre-approved first and keep your documents current. Our post on pre-qualified vs. pre-approved explains the difference.
- Respond quickly to requests from your lender and title company.
- Avoid new credit or big purchases before closing.
- Schedule inspections early and ask your agent for the dates in your contract.
- Ask for a timeline from your agent and lender at the start, and check in at each stage.
Local Context: Nevada Buying
Nevada transactions commonly use a title or escrow company to hold funds and paperwork, and your contract will list the specific deadlines for inspection, repairs, and closing. Your agent can explain the dates that apply to your contract and any Nevada-specific forms.
Related Reading
Our post on the first-time buyer process with no down payment saved explains the early steps, and our post on what not to do while under contract covers the stretch between offer and keys.
This post reflects general information as of publication and is not legal or financial advice. Closing timelines vary by loan type, lender, property, and market conditions, and no timeline is guaranteed. Confirm the schedule with your agent and lender. Speak with Sherwyn or Ferguz Colonia about buying in the Las Vegas Valley.
Sherwyn Colonia, NVRE License #S.185645 | Ferguz Colonia, NVRE License #S.199036 FIV Realty | (702) 234-5985 | thecoloniateam.com This is not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. We are committed to compliance with the Fair Housing Act and the Nevada Real Estate Division's licensing and advertising regulations. Sherwyn and Ferguz Colonia guide first-time and repeat buyers across the greater Las Vegas Valley.
