How Long Do Title Companies Take to Close?

One of the most common questions homebuyers and sellers ask is, “How long will it take to close?” While every transaction is different, understanding how title companies manage their part of the closing can help you set realistic expectations and plan ahead. In this article, we’ll walk you through how long closing typically takes, what happens on closing day, what issues can cause delays, and how our team at Close with Nest works to keep everything on track.

How Much Time Does Closing Take at a Title Company?

When you work with a title company, the process begins as soon as the order is placed. At Close with Nest, we generally provide a title commitment within five to ten business days after receiving all required property information. This step involves searching public records to confirm who owns the property and to identify any liens, easements, or other issues that need to be cleared before closing.

In some cases, such as when a property has an extensive ownership history or unresolved legal matters, the title search may take a little longer to complete. If that happens, we will always keep you updated, provide honest timelines, and communicate regularly so you are never left wondering about the status of your closing.

Once the title is cleared, the closing process typically takes about thirty to forty-five days from the time the purchase agreement is signed. This timeline can vary based on the complexity of the transaction, lender requirements, or whether any issues arise during the process.

What Can Delay Closing at a Title Company?

Most real estate closings stay on schedule, but certain title-related issues can cause unexpected delays. Some common problems that might slow down the process include:

Liens or Judgments: If there are unpaid debts tied to the property, such as tax liens or court judgments, these must be cleared before closing can move forward.
Unresolved Probate or Ownership Issues: When a previous owner has passed away and proper estate documentation is missing, extra steps may be needed to confirm who legally owns the property.
Errors in Public Records: Mistakes in legal descriptions, misspelled names, or recording errors can hold up the transaction until corrections are made.
Survey Disputes or Boundary Concerns: Conflicts over property lines or encroachments may need to be settled before the title can be considered clear.
Unreleased Mortgages: Sometimes old loans appear in public records as unpaid when they have actually been satisfied. These must be properly released before closing.

Identifying and resolving these issues early helps keep the closing moving forward and cuts down on unexpected delays.

What Closing Costs Should You Expect?

Typical closing costs include:

Title insurance premiums
Settlement or escrow fees
Recording fees charged by the county
Transfer taxes, where applicable
Courier and wire transfer fees
Title search and examination fees

We’re always happy to provide a detailed fee quote or a preliminary Closing Disclosure so you and your client can plan ahead.

What to Expect at the Title Company on Closing Day

Closing day is when all the final steps come together. Here’s what typically happens when you close at a title company:

All necessary documents are signed by both the buyer and the seller.
Earnest money and closing funds are collected and distributed according to the settlement statement.
The title company ensures that the transfer of ownership is correctly recorded with the county.
The buyer officially becomes the new owner of the property.

At Close with Nest, we offer flexible closing options, including mobile closings with certified notaries. This means you can complete your closing at home, at work, or at another convenient location without having to visit our office. We understand that flexibility can make a big difference, and we are happy to accommodate your needs whenever possible.

Special Situations We Handle

At Close with Nest, we regularly handle complex closings, including properties held in trusts or estates. These closings often involve extra steps and additional paperwork to make sure everything is handled correctly.

We also work with 1031 exchanges and simultaneous closings. Both require careful timing and detailed coordination to meet the specific rules that apply. Our experience with these complex transactions helps us move the process along smoothly and with confidence.

Final Thoughts

So, how long do title companies take to close? Most closings in Tennessee take about thirty to forty-five days, but the process can move faster or slower depending on the property and the circumstances. A smooth closing depends on proactive title work, timely communication, and the ability to resolve issues quickly.

At Close with Nest, we understand that every closing is important. Whether you need a quick turnaround, a mobile closing, or help with a complex transaction, our team is here to keep the process clear, efficient, and stress-free from start to finish. Contact us today to get started.