The home purchase process typically takes 30-45 days from accepted offer to closing, and the appraisal happens early -- usually within the first week. Your lender orders it to confirm the home is worth the loan amount, and the result can make or break the deal.
Day 1: Offer Accepted
You've agreed to terms:
- Purchase price: $500K
- Appraisal contingency: Yes (protects you)
- Inspection contingency: Yes (protects you)
- Closing date: 30-45 days
Days 2-5: Inspection and Appraisal Ordered
Your lender orders an appraisal (required for mortgage).
Your inspector (if you hired one separately) schedules inspection.
Appraisal scheduling: 2-5 days Inspection scheduling: 2-7 days
Days 5-12: Inspection and Appraisal Completed
Inspector visits, documents condition, provides report.
Appraiser visits, documents property, researches comps, prepares report.
Both take 5-10 days total from order to delivery.
Days 12-15: Appraisal Report Delivered
Your lender receives appraisal. You should receive copy.
If appraisal comes in at or above $500K: Great. Proceed.
If appraisal comes in below $500K: You have options (renegotiate, waive contingency, or walk).
Days 15-20: Title and Underwriting
Title company researches title, ensures there are no liens or claims.
Lender reviews all documents:
- Appraisal
- Inspection report
- Your financial documents
- Property documents
Underwriting typically approves (or requests more info).
Days 20-30: Final Preparations
Final walk-through (3 days before closing) to ensure property is as agreed.
Final underwriting approval (2-3 days before closing).
Title insurance quote (2-3 days before closing).
Closing disclosure sent to you (3 business days before closing) showing all costs.
Days 30-45: Closing
Final documents signed.
Money wired.
Deed recorded.
You get keys.
Appraiser's Role
The appraisal typically happens in days 5-12 of this timeline.
It's a critical juncture. If the appraisal is low, it can delay or derail the transaction.
This is why getting a pre-purchase inspection helps. You know the house's condition before appraisal.
Timeline Factors
Some closings are faster (15 days):
- Simple transactions
- Experienced agents/lenders
- Straightforward financing
Some closings are slower (45-60 days):
- Complex financing
- Title issues
- Multiple contingencies
- Appraisal disputes
My Advice
Plan for 30 days minimum from offer to closing.
If your lender says 15 days, great.
But plan for 30 days. It's less stressful.
Appraisals typically happen in weeks 1-2 of the process.
If your appraisal is ordered late, you risk timeline delays.
Make sure your lender orders it immediately after offer acceptance.
Bottom Line
The home purchase timeline is predictable:
- Week 1: Inspection and appraisal ordered
- Week 2: Inspection and appraisal completed
- Week 3: Underwriting and title
- Week 4: Final preparations and closing
Understanding where you are in the timeline helps you stay calm and manage expectations.
And getting the appraisal done early in the process keeps everything moving.