Your path to the keys, from start to finish
Who does what, week by week, once the seller says yes.
The short version
With a loan, closing usually lands about 30 to 60 days after mutual acceptance. In Washington you sign with escrow a few days early, and the house is officially yours when the deed records with the county.
Who's doing what, and when
A typical financed purchase. Your contract sets the real dates, and I'll send you your own version.
On a phone, swipe the chart sideways to see every week.
Your closing team
Your broker
That's me. I keep the deal moving, watch the deadlines, and keep you posted.
Lender
Turns your pre-approval into a real loan.
Escrow officer
The neutral middle person who holds the money and runs the signing.
Title company
Checks ownership history and insures your title.
Inspector
Tells you what's really going on with the house.
Appraiser
Confirms the value for your lender.
Questions I hear a lot
What's the difference between signing and closing?
In Washington you usually sign your papers at escrow a few days before closing. Closing happens when the loan funds and the deed records with the county. That's when it's officially yours.
What's the final walkthrough for?
It's your chance to make sure the home is in the condition you agreed to, any promised repairs are done, and nothing new went wrong.
When do I get the keys?
On the possession date in your contract. That's often closing day, but sometimes a few days later if the seller needs time to move.
Ready to start looking?
Grab a coffee with me and we'll map out your own plan. No pressure, no homework.
General information for Washington buyers and sellers, not legal, tax or lending advice. Every home and every deal is a little different, so let's talk about yours. Updated October 2026.