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Insights

How Long Does It Take to Close on a House or a Refinance?

Reviewed by: Steven Reach, NMLS #389114 · Last reviewed October 19, 2026

Path with milestone icons leading to a house key, representing the steps to closing a mortgage.

How long does it take to close on a house or a refinance?

Timelines vary by loan type, lender and file. A purchase closing is tied to the date in your purchase contract, and a refinance moves at the pace of the lender's underwriting, appraisal, title, and required disclosure waiting periods. Turn Times, a licensed mortgage broker (NMLS #2099552), coordinates with participating wholesale lenders in California and Colorado; the lender's process drives the calendar. Turn Times does not guarantee closing dates and does not approve, lock, or fund loans.

Checklist clipboard with documents, representing getting paperwork ready to keep a loan moving.

Key facts

  • Closing timelines vary by loan type, lender, property, appraisal, and how quickly documents and conditions come in.
  • Purchase contracts set a closing date; the loan must be clear to close before then.
  • Refinances include federal requirements such as Closing Disclosure timing and, for many primary-residence refinances, a rescission period after signing.
  • Government loans (FHA, VA) and complex appraisals can add time.
  • Turn Times may charge an origination fee. All fees are disclosed on your Loan Estimate.

Purchase timeline: the steps

  1. Offer accepted: share the contract and start documentation with your broker.
  2. Application and disclosures: you receive a Loan Estimate from the lender.
  3. Processing: income, assets, credit, and employment are verified.
  4. Appraisal and title: scheduling and review often set the pace.
  5. Underwriting decision: the lender issues conditions or approval, not the broker.
  6. Clear to close: conditions are satisfied and the Closing Disclosure is delivered with its required waiting period.
  7. Signing and funding: funding typically follows the closing appointment; practices vary by state and title company.

Refinance timeline: the steps

  1. Goals: rate-and-term or cash-out (eligibility varies by lender and loan type).
  2. Application: documentation similar to a purchase, without a purchase contract.
  3. Appraisal, when required: some lenders may reduce or waive appraisal requirements on certain loans.
  4. Underwriting and conditions: lender-driven.
  5. Closing Disclosure: delivered within required timing before signing.
  6. Signing: for many primary-residence refinances, a rescission period applies before funds disburse.

Timelines vary by loan type, lender and file.

What helps keep a file moving

Things you control:

  • Uploading complete income and asset documents early.
  • Responding to lender conditions promptly.
  • Giving the appraiser quick access to the property.
  • Avoiding new debt or job changes mid-file, and telling your loan officer right away if something changes.

Things outside your control:

  • Appraisal scheduling in busy markets
  • Title or HOA document delays
  • Condos, unique properties, or repair requirements
  • Lender or agency guidelines on government loans

Turn Times' role in the timeline

Turn Times is a licensed mortgage broker, not a lender. We shop participating wholesale lenders and help keep documentation and conditions moving. The selected lender underwrites, approves, locks, and funds. We can't control every third-party or lender queue.

Be cautious with any advertised guaranteed closing date. Real files depend on appraisal, title, underwriting, and how quickly documents come in.

California and Colorado notes

  • Signing and funding customs can differ by state and title company; your settlement agent explains local logistics.
  • Busy appraisal markets in parts of California and Colorado can extend schedules.

Next step

Planning a purchase or refinance in California or Colorado? Schedule a Loan Options Consultation or call 844-999-8876 to map out the steps for your scenario. Educational guidance only, not a commitment to close by a specific date.

Sources

  • Freddie Mac My Home: purchase closing guidance.
  • CFPB: Closing Disclosure timing and mortgage process explainers.
  • NMLS Consumer Access: broker verification.

Internal links: /loan-options, /faq, /heloc, /about, /schedule, /insights/what-is-a-wholesale-mortgage-broker

Just Homes Inc. dba Turn Times · NMLS #2099552 · CA DFPI Financing Law License #60DBO-181268 · CO Mortgage Company Registration #2099552 · Equal Housing Opportunity Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license. Verify licenses at NMLS Consumer Access (nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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