How Long Does It Take to Close on a House?
Buying your first home can be an intimidating process if you don’t know what to expect. There are several professionals involved in the transaction, such as the buyer’s and seller’s agents, the lender, and the title company. Each professional plays a different role, but they all have the common goal of helping your transaction go as smoothly as possible.
Title Companies
A title company is a vital part of the home buying and selling process. Title professionals conduct searches to ensure that there aren’t any liens on your new home, and they verify that the seller legally owns it. They also secure earnest money deposits in transactions, issue title insurance as a protection to clients, and put together the documents needed for closing. They work closely with your agent and lender to ensure that you’re in a stable position to close on your new home.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Real estate transactions usually take between 30-45 days to close when a bank is involved. That can vary significantly depending on the home you’re purchasing, your financial situation, and the timeline of the lender. A complete residential title search usually happens within the first three days of this timeline.
For title insurance, it may take up to two weeks to get the policy in place, which is why the title company will reach out to you as soon as you’re under contract. The last step is to create all the closing documents. Waiting on any information from the lender or agents may delay the process.
What to Expect on Closing Day
When it’s time to close, you’ll have an in-person or virtual appointment with the title company to sign your documents. Your real estate agent may attend this meeting with you, but a title professional will walk you through the papers and help you understand them. At this point, you will already have wired your funds for your closing. After you’ve signed the documents and the change of ownership has been recorded with the county, you officially own your new home.
If you need help from a title company, get in touch with Scarab Title & Escrow Services, LLC in New Port Richey, FL. Serving Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area, these trustworthy professionals pride themselves on using the latest real estate technology to expedite your transaction. They also offer convenient optional services, such as virtual closings. See their frequently asked questions online or reach out to a friendly representative at (727) 378-4553.