Buyer Resource Center › The Home Buying Process › From Contract to Closing
Getting your offer accepted is a great feeling, but there's still work to do before you get the keys. In Oregon and Washington, the time between an accepted offer and closing usually runs about 30 to 45 days on a VA loan. Here's what happens along the way, and what you can do at each step to keep things on track.
8 Steps From Accepted Offer to Keys
Earnest Money and Opening Escrow
Once your offer is accepted, your earnest money is deposited with the escrow or title company named in the contract. In Oregon and Washington, a neutral escrow officer handles the paperwork, holds the funds, and coordinates the closing, so you usually won't sit around a big conference table with the seller.
Your Inspection Period
Schedule your home inspection right away, along with any specialty inspections like a sewer scope, roof, or oil tank scan. Once the reports are in, we'll decide together whether to ask for repairs, request a credit, renegotiate, or move forward as is.
The VA Appraisal
Your lender orders the VA appraisal, which confirms the home's value and checks the VA's minimum property requirements for safety and soundness. If the appraiser flags required repairs, they need to be completed and confirmed before closing.
Finalizing Your Loan
Underwriting reviews everything about you and the property. Expect requests for updated pay stubs, bank statements, or letters explaining deposits. You'll also need to choose and pay for homeowners insurance before closing.
Your Closing Disclosure
At least three business days before you sign, your lender must send your Closing Disclosure. It shows your final loan terms, monthly payment, and the exact amount you need to bring to closing. Compare it with your Loan Estimate and ask about anything that changed.
Planning Your Move
Line up movers early, especially in summer, and schedule utilities to start at the new home on your closing date. Update your address with the post office, your bank, insurance, and anyone else who sends you mail.
The Final Walkthrough
Shortly before closing, we'll walk through the home to confirm it's in the condition agreed in the contract, that any agreed repairs are done, and that included items like appliances are still there.
Signing, Recording, and Keys
In Oregon and Washington, you'll usually sign your loan and closing documents at the escrow office a day or two before closing. The loan funds, the deed is recorded with the county, and the home is officially yours. Keys are typically released once recording is confirmed.
The bottom line: Most closings that go sideways do it because of surprises: a missed document, new debt, a late repair, or a wire scam. Stay responsive, keep your finances steady, and lean on your agent and escrow officer. I'll keep you updated at every step so you always know what's next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to close on a VA loan?
Most VA purchases in Oregon and Washington close in about 30 to 45 days from an accepted offer. The timeline depends on the appraisal, any required repairs, and how quickly documents are provided to the lender.
Do I need an attorney to close in Oregon or Washington?
Usually not. Oregon and Washington are escrow states, where a neutral escrow officer handles the closing paperwork and funds. You can always hire an attorney if you want legal advice on your contract.
When do I get the keys to my new home?
Typically once the loan has funded and the deed is recorded with the county, which is often a day or two after you sign. Your contract spells out exactly when possession transfers.
What is a Closing Disclosure?
It's a five page form from your lender showing your final loan terms, monthly payment, and closing costs. You must receive it at least three business days before you sign, so you have time to review it and ask questions.
Can I close if I'm deployed or out of state?
Often, yes. Depending on your lender and escrow company, options can include a mobile notary, remote signing, or signing with a power of attorney. VA loans have specific power of attorney rules, so plan this with your lender well before closing.
What happens if the VA appraisal comes in low?
The VA amendatory clause means you aren't required to buy the home or lose your earnest money. You can renegotiate the price, request a reconsideration of value, pay the difference in cash, or walk away.
Keep Reading
4 FAQs About Closing
Who's there, what you sign, and what to bring on closing day.
Read more ›The Home Inspection Process
What an inspector checks, how to get the most from your inspection, and how VA appraisals differ.
Read more ›Don't Be a Victim of Real Estate Wire Fraud
How scammers target closing funds and how to protect yours.
Read more ›
Meet Your Veteran Realtor
Troy Doty, Principal Broker
Troy Doty is a Principal Broker with Northwest Realty Source in Portland, with 25 years in real estate and over 1,000 homes sold across the Portland metro and SW Washington. As a Marine Corps veteran, Troy has a true passion for helping Portland veterans and active duty military families buy and sell homes, whether you're PCSing in, transitioning out, buying your first home, investing in a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, or right sizing later in life.
Schedule a Call or Video Meeting ➜ More About Troy ➜ Free Veteran Buyer E-BookPrefer to call or email? 503.997.4169 · troy@nwrealtysource.com
Troy Doty, Principal Broker, Northwest Realty Source. Licensed in Oregon and Washington. ABR®, MRP, and SRES® are credentials of the National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliates. CIAS™ is a designation of U.S. Realty Training. Content adapted in part from ABR® consumer resources. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice.
