Once a seller accepts your offer, you are in escrow. In California a typical purchase closes in about 30 days, and your contract lists exact dates for each step. Here is the usual rhythm.
Days 1 to 3: get moving
Your earnest money deposit goes to the escrow company, commonly about 3% of the price. Your agent opens escrow and the seller delivers the required disclosure documents. Book your inspections right away.
Days 1 to 17: your investigation period
In the standard California contract, your inspection, disclosure review and loan contingencies commonly run for 17 days from acceptance, though the dates can be negotiated. This is your time to learn everything about the home. - Order the general home inspection, and any specialists it suggests (roof, sewer line, pool, termite). - Read every disclosure and the HOA documents if there is an association. - Work with your lender on your loan application and the appraisal.
Around day 10 to 17: negotiate and decide
If the inspection turns up items, you can ask the seller for repairs or a credit, or move ahead as is. When you are comfortable, you remove your contingencies in writing. See inspections and disclosures.
Days 17 to 25: lock in the loan
Your lender finishes underwriting and issues a final approval, called clear to close. Your homeowners insurance policy needs to be in place. Your agent tracks each deadline so nothing slips.
The last week: prepare to close
Review your closing figures, send your final funds to escrow by wire or cashier's check as your escrow officer instructs, and schedule the final walk-through a day or two before closing.
Closing day
You sign the loan and escrow documents. When your lender funds the loan and the deed is recorded with the county, escrow closes and you get the keys, often the same day or the next.
Talk to a lender. Rates, loan programs and approvals come from lenders, not from websites or real estate agents. Talk to your own mortgage broker, or use our preferred lender, Rodrigo Ballon with CrossCountry Mortgage, at 858-735-0255. You are always free to choose any lender you like, and you can verify any lender’s license at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
Every contract is different. Your agent will give you a personal calendar with your exact dates.
More in Buyer Guides
- First-Time Buyer: The 10 Steps — A friendly checklist from first budget to keys, built for people buying for the first time.
- Working With a Buyer's Agent: The Written Agreement and How It Works — What the buyer representation agreement covers, how agents are paid, and what to expect from a great one.
- Loan Types and 2026 Limits: Conventional, FHA, VA and Jumbo — A simple tour of your loan options, with this year's official San Diego County and Orange County limits.
- Down Payment Help: Programs Worth Checking — Where buyers look for down payment and closing cost help in California and San Diego County.
- Property Taxes, Mello-Roos and HOA Dues: Know Your Monthly Number — How California property tax works, what special assessments and HOA dues are, and how to budget them.
- Homeowners Insurance: Get Your Quote Early and Keep It Simple — What a home policy covers, how to shop quotes, and why lining it up early makes closing smooth.
- Inspections and Disclosures: Your Information Advantage — The reports and forms that tell you everything about a home, and how to use them with confidence.
- Writing an Offer That Wins (and Still Protects You) — How to build an offer that stands out through price, terms and timing, with your interests protected.
- Closing Costs Explained — Every line on your closing statement, in plain English, with realistic ranges.
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Programs, rules and limits change, so confirm details with your lender, escrow officer, attorney or tax professional.