Why It Takes 20-30 Days to Close on a Home Purchase | Behind the Scenes

#AskElla SHOW

In this revealing episode, senior loan officer Ella Gurfinkel pulls back the curtain on what really happens during the mortgage closing process. With 30 years of experience and over 2,000 families served, Ella explains why closing on a home purchase takes 20-30 days (sometimes longer) and why rushing this process could cost you your dream home.

What You'll Learn:

• The detailed timeline of what happens during each phase of the 30-day closing process
• Why those first 3 days are critical and how delays in signing disclosures can derail your timeline
• What happens behind the scenes during days 4-14 when your documentation is being verified
• How underwriters examine your finances with microscopic detail (including bank statements line by line)
• Why "conditional approval" doesn't mean you're done - and what happens during days 15-22
• The final steps that must occur before you can sign closing documents and get your keys
• Common issues that cause delays: self-employment documentation, property issues, title problems
• Why changing jobs or taking on new debt during the process can completely derail your closing
• Real examples of unexpected challenges (like IRS payment plans and misidentified "bats" in attics)
• Why promises of 10-15 day closings are often unrealistic and potentially dangerous

Join Ella as she demystifies the mortgage closing process, providing an honest look at the complex coordination required between multiple parties to successfully close your loan and get you into your new home.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or experienced purchaser, this conversation offers essential insights into how the closing timeline works, why certain delays are unavoidable, and how you can help ensure your closing stays on track by understanding what's happening behind the scenes.