Your Home Closing Timeline In London

You found the right home in London and your offer was accepted. Now what? The time between yes and keys can feel fuzzy, especially if you are a first-time buyer or relocating to Madison County. You want clear steps, realistic timing, and a smooth path to closing.

This guide breaks down each stage from contract to closing, explains typical Central Ohio timelines, and flags local items that can add time around London. You will also get simple checklists and common delay busters so you can stay on track. Let’s dive in.

Your step-by-step closing timeline

Day 0: Offer accepted and contract

After acceptance, you and the seller sign the purchase agreement and open the file with the title company and your lender. You typically deposit earnest money within 1 to 5 business days based on your contract. Prompt delivery of all documents helps the entire timeline.

Days 0–7: Open title and preliminary search

The title company orders a title search and issues a title commitment. This checks for liens, judgments, easements, taxes, and other items that must be cleared before closing. In Central Ohio, a preliminary title commitment often arrives in 3 to 10 business days, but older properties or complex histories can take longer.

Days 1–10: Loan application and appraisal order

You submit your loan application and initial documents. These commonly include ID, income and asset statements, tax returns, and proof of homeowner’s insurance. Your lender orders the appraisal soon after application.

Days 5–14: Inspections and repair negotiations

You schedule a general home inspection and any specialized inspections you choose. Around London, buyers often add pest, radon, sewer scopes, and for rural homes, well water testing and septic inspections. Negotiations on repairs or credits typically take 1 to 2 weeks depending on findings and contractor schedules.

Days 7–30: Appraisal and underwriting

Appraisals usually return within 7 to 14 days after they are ordered, sometimes longer for FHA, VA, or rural properties. Underwriting reviews the file and issues conditions that must be cleared for final approval. Combined appraisal and underwriting often take 14 to 30 days for conventional loans, and 30 to 45 or more for FHA, VA, or USDA.

Days 7–30: Title clearing and payoffs

While financing progresses, the title company clears any title exceptions. They obtain payoff statements for the seller’s mortgages and collect HOA documents if needed. Payoffs and HOA paperwork can take several days to two weeks.

Days 21–35: Final approval and your Closing Disclosure

Once conditions are met, the lender issues clear to close and coordinates the closing date with the title company. By federal rule, the lender must provide the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. Build this timing into your expectations.

Closing day: Final walkthrough and signing

You complete a final walkthrough within 24 hours of closing to confirm the home’s condition and any agreed repairs. At the appointment, you sign documents, present a certified check or send a bank wire for closing funds, and the title company finalizes the settlement. Keys are released after funds are confirmed and documents are recorded.

Recording and keys: Same day to 1–3 days

The deed and mortgage are recorded with the Madison County Recorder. Many transactions fund and record the same day. If recording or funding is delayed, keys are delivered once the title company confirms both steps are complete.

How long closings take in Central Ohio

• Cash purchase: 7 to 21 days if title is clear and inspections are quick.
• Conventional loan: 30 to 45 days is most common.
• FHA, VA, USDA: 30 to 60 days is common given program requirements.
• New construction: Often 45 to 90 days depending on build stage and final inspections.

Remember, the Closing Disclosure must be delivered at least 3 business days before you sign. This rule often sets the earliest possible closing date.

London and Madison County specifics

Wells and septic outside city limits

Many homes outside London’s city utilities rely on private wells and septic systems. Water tests and septic inspections are common buyer contingencies and may be required by some loan programs. If repairs or permitting are needed, plan for extra days.

Rural and acreage considerations

Title work can surface agricultural easements, conservation restrictions, survey questions, or fencing boundary issues. Address these early to avoid last-minute title delays. Some rural properties may qualify for USDA loans, which can add time for appraisal and program review.

Who handles closings in Ohio

In Ohio, closings are often conducted by title companies, and attorneys may also handle them. Local custom varies, so ask what is typical in Madison County when you go under contract.

Title insurance and local practice

In many Central Ohio transactions, sellers often pay for the owner’s title policy and buyers pay for the lender’s policy. This is a custom and can be negotiated in your contract. Your agent and title company will confirm the norm for your specific deal.

Recording and real estate taxes

Recording occurs at the county level through the Madison County Recorder. Real estate taxes are prorated at closing based on the schedule set by the Madison County Auditor and Treasurer. Any tax delinquencies or special assessments must be addressed before closing.

Common delays and how to avoid them

• Appraisal issues: If the appraisal comes in low or requires repairs, be ready to negotiate or adjust timelines. Keep contractor access flexible for quick rechecks.
• Title exceptions and liens: Unreleased mortgages, judgments, or tax liens can stall closing. Order title early and have the seller request payoffs right away.
• HOA or condo documents: If applicable, request estoppels and transfer materials early. Build in time if the association is slow to respond.
• Loan underwriting conditions: Provide a complete, organized document package at application. Avoid new credit, large purchases, or job changes until after closing.
• Repair scheduling and re-inspections: Set realistic deadlines and consider credits or a home warranty if repairs risk pushing the date.
• Wire fraud risks: Always confirm wiring instructions by phone using a trusted number for the title company. Never rely on emailed instructions alone.

Your pre-closing checklists

Buyer checklist

• Submit all lender documents immediately and respond to any new requests fast.
• Secure homeowner’s insurance and provide the binder to your lender.
• Confirm final cash-to-close and arrange a certified check or bank wire.
• Bring a government photo ID for every signer at closing.
• Set utility start dates for closing day and coordinate movers.
• Schedule your final walkthrough within 24 hours of closing.
• Stay in close contact with your lender, title company, and agent.

Seller checklist

• Request mortgage and judgment payoff statements early.
• Complete agreed repairs and provide receipts or warranties.
• Plan your move for closing day and confirm how keys will be transferred.
• Sign required disclosures, affidavits, and deed as instructed.
• Arrange final utility readings and transfer where needed.

Title and closing company tasks to expect

• Title search, title commitment, and title insurance policies.
• Payoff demands for seller’s mortgages and any liens.
• HOA estoppel and governing documents if applicable.
• Recording setup, verified wire instructions, and draft settlement statement.
• Any required local certificates or filings.

What to expect on closing day

Plan for 60 to 90 minutes to sign documents, review the settlement statement, and complete funding. You will either provide a certified check or send a bank wire per instructions from the title company. Once the deed and mortgage are recorded and funds are disbursed, you receive keys and can start your move.

Ready to plan your move?

If you want a calm, organized path from accepted offer to keys, our team brings step-by-step guidance and proven systems to every closing. Whether you are buying your first home or relocating to Central Ohio, we coordinate the details so you can focus on your move. Connect with Home Connections Group - Home Central Realty. Let's Get You Home.

FAQs

How long does a home closing take in London, OH?

• Most conventional loans take about 30 to 45 days. Cash closings can be faster, and FHA, VA, or USDA loans often take 30 to 60 days.

Who conducts the closing in Madison County, Ohio?

• Many Ohio closings are handled by title companies, and attorneys also conduct closings. Local custom varies, so ask your agent what is typical for your property and contract.

Do I need a septic or well inspection near London?

• Possibly. Many rural properties use private septic and wells. These inspections are common contingencies and may be required by some lenders.

What is a title commitment and when will I get it?

• It is the title company’s report showing what it will insure and any exceptions. A preliminary commitment is often ready within several business days to two weeks.

What is the 3-day Closing Disclosure rule?

• Lenders must provide the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. This rule sets the earliest possible signing date.

What are common last-minute issues that delay closing?

• Unreleased liens, delayed payoffs, appraisal shortfalls, outstanding lender conditions, and wire fraud attempts are the most common.