How Long Does It Really Take to Close on a Home in Orlando?

Tips and Tricks & Things to Know When Closing on a Home in Orlando

TL;DR

• Typical escrow period: 30 to 45 days in Central Florida, sometimes up to 60

• Actual closing day: Usually takes 1 to 2 hours to sign and finalize

• Best time for final walk-through: 24 to 48 hours before closing

• Common delays: Inspections, appraisals, loan funding

• Pro tip: Work with a top Orlando real estate agent to avoid surprises

What’s the Average Timeline to Close in Orlando?

In the Orlando area—including hot markets like Winter Park, Lake Nona, and Clermont—closing on a home typically takes 30 to 45 days from the time your offer is accepted. However, depending on the complexity of your financing or inspection issues, it’s not uncommon for the timeline to stretch to 60 days.

On the actual closing day, signing your documents and transferring ownership usually takes just 1 to 2 hours, but the process leading up to that point requires coordination between agents, lenders, title companies, and sometimes HOAs.

Buyers working with an experienced Orlando agent often close faster thanks to better local knowledge, strong relationships with inspectors and lenders, and proactive planning.

What Happens Between Offer and Closing?

Once you're under contract, here's what typically happens in Central Florida real estate:

1. Finalize Your Loan – Pre-approval speeds things up.

2. Schedule Inspection & Appraisal – Typically within the first 10 days.

3. Title Work Begins – Searches for liens, easements, and ownership issues.

4. Underwriting Process – Can take 2 to 3 weeks depending on your lender.

5. Review Closing Disclosure – A federally required 3-day review period.

6. Final Walk-Through – Ideally 24–48 hours before closing to avoid last-minute surprises.

Working with a responsive Orlando title company and lender team is key to avoiding unnecessary delays.

Why Walk-Through Timing Is a Big Deal

A common question: “Can I do my final walk-through on closing day?”
Technically, yes—but it’s not recommended in Florida.

That’s because funding and recording often happen early in the day. If you find issues during the walk-through, there may not be time to fix them before everything is finalized.

Best practice: Schedule your walk-through 1 to 2 days before closing so you can address problems, request repairs, or pause the process if needed.

Quick Story: Smooth 30-Day Close in Winter Garden

A recent client of Realtor Ted Moseley purchased a home in the Moss Park area of Lake Nona. Their offer was accepted on April 3. By staying proactive—locking in their rate, ordering inspections immediately, and working closely with a preferred lender—they were able to close by May 5th.

Their final walk-through was done two days early. Closing day lasted about 90 minutes, and they had the keys by noon the next day. Almost exactly 30 days from contract to keys accounting for the weekend.

Common Closing Delays in the Orlando Market

Even in a smooth transaction, things can pop up. Some typical roadblocks include:

• Appraisal issues during busy seasons

• Loan approval delays from missing paperwork or credit concerns

• Post-inspection repair negotiations

• Title issues like old liens or survey disputes

• HOA documentation delays (especially in Kissimmee, Lake Mary, and condo communities)

Out-of-town buyers may face additional delays due to Florida’s unique disclosure rules or lack of familiarity with local timelines.

Fast Closings: Good or Risky?

Pros of a fast closing:

• Move in sooner

• Lock in a better rate

• Keep sellers from entertaining backup offers

Cons:

• Less time for inspections and research

• Risk of rushing major decisions

• HOA or condo docs might be delayed

A 30–40 day closing window works well for most Central Florida buyers, especially when buying in master-planned communities like Horizon West or Oviedo, where HOA and CDD (Community Development District) fees may affect your closing costs.

Real Buyer FAQs – Orlando Edition

Q1. Can I do the final walk-through on closing day?
Not recommended. Give yourself a 24–48 hour buffer in case repairs or issues pop up.

Q2. How soon do I get the keys?
Usually within 24 to 48 hours, depending on when the county records the sale.

Q3. What if the seller hasn’t moved out?
Make sure your contract defines occupancy. Your agent should negotiate this upfront.

Q4. What if my loan isn’t ready in time?
Escrow may need to be extended. Keep communication tight with your lender.

Q5. Are closings faster in Orlando than other parts of Florida?
In many cases, yes—thanks to experienced agents, quick inspections, and electronic recording systems.

Q6. Can closing costs be negotiated?
Yes. Some fees are fixed, but sellers may offer concessions or credits to help offset them.

Lender & Escrow Tips for Orlando Buyers

Avoiding delays starts with preparation:

• Choose a local lender who knows the Orlando market.

• Respond to requests from underwriting within 24 hours.

• Avoid new debt or big purchases before closing (no new cars or credit cards!).

• Lock your rate with enough buffer time.

Mid-week closings are ideal. Friday closings can delay key pickup until Monday if recording isn’t completed in time.

What to Know About Title & Recording in Florida

Title companies in Central Florida often submit documents electronically to the county for same-day recording. But that depends on timing.

If your file isn’t submitted early enough on a Friday, recording may not happen until Monday—meaning a weekend delay in getting your keys.

Closing Cost Snapshot – Central Florida (as of July 2025)

• Median home price in Orlando metro: $445,000

• Days on market: 19

• Average escrow period: 35 days

• Closing costs: Typically 2–3% of the purchase price

Buyers should budget for:

• Title insurance

• Escrow fees

• Lender and origination charges

• Prepaid taxes and insurance

• HOA or CDD transfer fees (if applicable)

Some buyers may qualify for down payment assistance or closing cost grants, especially in Orange and Seminole counties.

Ready for a Smooth Closing in Central Florida?

If you're looking for expert guidance to help you close on time—and with confidence—reach out to Ted Moseley at Orlando Nest. As a seasoned Orlando-area agent with Real Broker, LLC, Ted brings the local experience, relationships, and systems to get you to the finish line smoothly.