Many Washington purchase contracts give the buyer 30 days or more to close, and lenders often quote 30 to 45 days. But very little of that time is required work. At LoanZilla, we routinely close purchases in as little as 10 to 14 days when everyone in the transaction responds quickly. Here’s what has to happen, where the time usually goes, and how to keep your loan moving.
What has to happen before you get the keys
- Application and documents. You apply and send income, asset and ID documents so underwriting can start.
- Valuation. The lender orders an appraisal, or confirms the loan qualifies for an appraisal waiver.
- Underwriting. An underwriter reviews the file and issues conditions: anything else they need to see before approving it.
- Title and escrow. In Washington, an escrow company runs the closing and a title company confirms the seller can transfer clean title.
- Closing Disclosure. Federal rules require you to receive your final Closing Disclosure at least three business days before you sign.
- Signing, funding and recording. You sign with escrow, the lender funds, and the deed is recorded with the county. In Washington, the sale is final when the deed records.
Only one of these steps has a fixed waiting period: the three-business-day Closing Disclosure rule. Everything else moves as fast as the people involved.
Where the time usually goes
- Waiting on documents. A missing bank statement page or an unexplained deposit can stall a file for days. This is the most common delay, and the easiest to prevent.
- Appraisal scheduling. In busy markets, appraisers can be booked a week or more out. Rural properties and unusual homes can take longer.
- Condos and HOAs. Condo loans need the building’s questionnaire, budget and insurance, and some associations are slow to respond.
- Title surprises. Old liens, unrecorded easements or estate issues can take time to clear.
- Complex income. Self-employment, bonus, commission and stock income all need extra documentation. It’s workable, but it has to be assembled carefully.
How we close faster
- We underwrite up front. Before you make an offer, we review your income and assets the way an underwriter will, so conditions don’t show up late.
- We collect everything at once. One complete document request, instead of a drip of follow-ups.
- We order the appraisal right away, and check whether an appraisal waiver is available for your loan.
- We choose the lender for the timeline. As a broker, we compare dozens of wholesale lenders, including how quickly each is turning files right now, not just its pricing.
- We stay on the phone with escrow and title, so the Closing Disclosure goes out the moment the loan is approved.
What you can do to help
- Gather your documents before you shop. Our document checklist covers the usual list.
- Answer requests the same day, even if it’s just to say when something is coming.
- Don’t change jobs, open new credit or make large purchases until after closing.
- Keep large deposits documented, and move down payment funds into one account early.
- Line up homeowners insurance as soon as your offer is accepted.
- Tell us about anything unusual early: a recent job change, a gift from family, a property you’re selling.
What this means for you
If your offer depends on a short closing — or you’re competing against cash buyers — talk to us before you write it. We’ll tell you honestly what timeline your file can support and what it will take to hit it. Call 425.659.3388 or get a quote.
This article is general information, not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Programs, guidelines and eligibility change; talk to a LoanZilla loan officer about your situation. Super T Financial Inc. dba LoanZilla, NMLS #67412. Equal Housing Opportunity.