A financed home purchase in Maryland, DC or Virginia typically takes about 20 to 45 days from ratified contract to closing. ICE's May 2026 Mortgage Monitor found the average purchase loan nationally closed 36.8 days after application in March 2026.
The Stages
- Pre-approval: Before you make an offer, a mortgage company reviews your income, assets and credit.
- Contract and application: After ratification, you apply in full; the CFPB's TRID rule requires a Loan Estimate within three business days.
- Appraisal and title: The appraisal is typically ordered once you signal intent to proceed, and the settlement company searches title.
- Underwriting and conditions: An underwriter usually issues a conditional approval; you supply remaining items such as updated pay stubs.
- Closing Disclosure: TRID requires you to receive it at least three business days before closing; A new three-day wait applies only if the APR rises beyond tolerance, the loan product changes or a prepayment penalty is added.
- Closing: You sign, funds are disbursed and the deed is filed for recording.
What Slows Things Down
Late documents, new debt or a job change, a low appraisal, required repairs, title problems such as unreleased liens, and condo reviews. Down payment assistance adds its own review: in DC, DCHFA asks for DC Open Doors files at least five business days before closing, and HPAP buyers need a Notice to Proceed.
Local Settlement Practices
Maryland: Closing is called settlement. The Maryland Insurance Administration notes that licensed title insurance producers usually conduct it, file the deed and pay off liens.
DC: The Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking describes settlement by settlement agencies, settlement attorneys or title and escrow companies.
Virginia: The Code of Virginia requires settlement agents, such as licensed attorneys or title insurance agents, to register.
DC rentals: The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) can give tenants a chance to buy and a right of first refusal. DHCD says single-family rentals are exempt unless occupied by qualifying elderly or disabled tenants, but owners must still notify tenants within three calendar days of an offer. Where TOPA applies, tenant response periods can delay settlement.
A Typical Week-by-Week Timeline
- Week 1: Contract ratified, application completed, Loan Estimate received, appraisal and title ordered.
- Weeks 2 to 3: Appraisal visit, title search, processing and underwriting.
- Weeks 3 to 5: Conditional approval, conditions cleared, clear to close.
- Final week: Closing Disclosure at least three business days ahead, walk-through, settlement.
Next Steps
With a complete application and all documents up front, we can often close in about two weeks, depending on the appraisal, title and loan program.
Rules and timelines change. Last reviewed September 2026.
Contact us with questions about your timeline, or start your application.
Written by
Mortgage Link Services LLC
NMLS #2017350 · Licensed in MD, VA, DC, and PA
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