As summer winds down and cooler weather makes its way to Mid-Missouri, the real estate market enters a new season, too. Fall buyers are often thinking beyond summer curb appeal and backyard.
The Timeline from Contract to Close: What to Expect When You’re Under Contract
Dated: June 16 2025
Views: 4752
Breaking down the process, step by step — no stress, no surprises.
So… you’ve found the one. You made an offer. It was accepted (yay!). Now what? ?
From contract to closing day, the homebuying process moves fast—but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At House of Brokers, we walk with you every step of the way to make sure everything stays on track, clear, and as stress-free as possible.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens after you go under contract:
✅ 1. You’re Under Contract
Once both parties sign the purchase agreement, you're officially under contract. The clock starts ticking—and most closings take about 30 to 45 days from this point.
? 2. Earnest Money is Paid (Usually Day 1-3)
You’ll submit your earnest money deposit—a good-faith payment that shows you're serious about buying the home. This is usually held in an escrow account until closing.
? 3. Home Inspection (Usually Days 3–10)
Next comes your home inspection. A licensed inspector will check the property’s condition so you know what you’re buying. If repairs are needed, this is when you and your agent negotiate with the seller on what should be fixed or credited.
? 4. Appraisal & Loan Process (Days 10–25)
If you're using a mortgage, your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home is worth what you're paying. Meanwhile, they’ll be working behind the scenes to finalize your loan approval.
Your job? Provide any paperwork they request as quickly as possible—W2s, bank statements, etc.—to keep everything moving smoothly.
? 5. Title Work & Insurance (Days 15–30)
A title company will ensure there are no ownership disputes or outstanding liens on the property. You’ll also need to purchase homeowners insurance, which is required before closing.
? 6. Final Loan Approval & Clear to Close (Around Days 25–35)
Once your loan is fully approved and all conditions are met, your lender will issue the magic words: “Clear to Close.” That means you're almost there!
? 7. Final Walkthrough & Closing Day (Usually Days 30–45)
You’ll do a final walkthrough of the home, usually the day before or morning of closing, to make sure everything looks good and agreed-upon repairs are done.
Then it’s time for closing day—when you sign all the final documents, the loan funds, and you get your keys! ?
? In Summary: Your Contract-to-Close Timeline
Day 1–3: Earnest money deposit
Day 3–10: Home inspection
Day 10–25: Appraisal & loan processing
Day 15–30: Title & homeowners insurance
Day 25–35: Final loan approval
Day 30–45: Final walkthrough & closing day
? Let’s Make It Easy
Don’t worry—you’re not doing this alone. Your agent, lender, and title team are here to guide you through every step.
Have questions about where you are in the process? Just ask—we’re here to help make your journey to homeownership simple, smooth, and successful.
? Ready to take the next step toward buying or selling? Reach out today!
Alana Nyhart
I serve as the Director of Marketing for Weichert, Realtors® – House of Brokers, where I lead our brand strategy, agent marketing, company events, and community engagement efforts. My passio....
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Heart Of Missouri Board Of REALTORS® All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
