Maryland Home Closing Timeline: From Contract To Keys

How long does it really take to go from a signed contract to keys in hand in Rockville and greater Montgomery County? If you are buying or selling, the countdown can feel both exciting and stressful. You want a clear timeline, fewer surprises, and confidence that you are hitting the right milestones on time. This guide breaks down the Maryland settlement process into simple, local steps so you can plan with clarity and close with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Maryland settlement basics

In Maryland, the signing appointment is called “settlement.” Most financed purchases close in about 30 to 45 days, while cash purchases can move faster. Your exact timeline depends on your contract terms, lender speed, title work, and any contingencies like inspections or appraisal.

From offer to closing, you will move through key stages: contingencies, mortgage underwriting and appraisal, title search and title insurance, document prep and disclosures, the Closing Disclosure review period, a final walk-through, and recording of the deed. In Montgomery County, settlement is typically handled by a title company or settlement attorney, and keys are commonly released at or after recording.

A 30-day financed contract is common in our area. Here is how that usually unfolds.

Days 0–3: Contract and kickoff

1. Ratify the contract and deposit earnest money with the named escrow or title company.

2. Apply for your mortgage if you have not already. Your lender issues a Loan Estimate within 3 business days of application.

3. Schedule inspections, often within 5 to 7 days per your contract.

4. The title company opens the file and starts the title search.

Days 4–10: Inspections and appraisal order

1. Complete the home inspection and negotiate any repairs or credits within your contingency timeline.

2. The lender orders the appraisal after receiving your contract and property details.

3. Title work continues toward a preliminary title commitment.

4. You provide any additional documents your lender requests.

Days 11–17: Appraisal visit and underwriting review

1. The appraiser visits the home and delivers the report, typically within 3 to 10 business days.

2. The underwriter reviews your file and may request conditions like updated bank statements or verifications.

3. The title company issues a title commitment and flags any items to clear, such as mortgage payoffs or liens.

4. If applicable, you review HOA or condo documents.

Days 18–24: Conditions, repairs, and insurance

1. Finalize inspection items and confirm any agreed repairs.

2. Work with your lender to clear remaining underwriting conditions.

3. Title work is finalized and preliminary closing figures are estimated.

Days 25–30: CD, walk-through, and settlement

1. Your lender must deliver your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before settlement for most mortgages.

2. Complete your final walk-through 24 to 48 hours before settlement.

3. Attend settlement at the title company or attorney’s office. Bring wired or certified funds per the settlement agent’s instructions.

4. The title company records the deed and mortgage with Montgomery County Land Records. Keys are released at settlement.

Cash buyer timeline: 7 to 14 days

Cash purchases remove the financing contingency and often skip the appraisal. You still need a title search, title commitment, and settlement. If everyone moves quickly and there are no title issues, you can often close in 1 to 2 weeks.

Who does what in a Maryland closing

Buyer

1. Apply for financing, submit documents, and respond to underwriting requests.

2. Complete inspections and negotiate repairs within contract timelines.

3. Secure homeowner’s insurance and bring closing funds.

4. Attend the final walk-through and settlement.

Seller

1. Provide marketable title, including payoff statements for any existing loans.

2. Complete agreed repairs or provide credits.

3. Deliver required disclosures and sign the deed and settlement documents.

4. Prepare keys, remotes, and codes for transfer.

Lender

1. Order the appraisal and underwrite the loan.

2. Clear final conditions and issue the Closing Disclosure.

3. Fund the loan at or after settlement.

Title company or settlement agent

1. Open escrow, hold the earnest money, and conduct the title search.

2. Order the property location drawing on behalf of the buyer.

3. Issue the title commitment, coordinate payoffs, and clear title issues.

4. Prepare the settlement statement and handle recording.

5. Issue title insurance policies after recording.

Key milestones and rules to know

1. Earnest money is typically deposited within a few business days after ratification with the escrow holder named in the contract.

2. Inspection periods are negotiated in the contract. Common windows are 5 to 7 days, but timing varies.

3. Appraisals are ordered by the lender and typically take 7 to 14 days depending on appraiser availability.

4. Underwriting can be the biggest source of delay if additional conditions are required.

5. The Closing Disclosure must be delivered to you at least 3 business days before settlement for most closed-end consumer mortgages. This timing is set by federal TRID rules and cannot be shortened except in limited situations.

6. Recording occurs with Montgomery County Land Records after settlement. The title company handles this step and confirms once complete. Keys are commonly released at or after recording.

7. Maryland and Montgomery County assess transfer and recordation taxes and fees at settlement. Who pays what is determined by the contract and local custom. Your title company will calculate the exact amounts.

What can slow things down

1. Appraisal delays or value gaps that require renegotiation.

2. Underwriting conditions, third-party verifications, or last-minute document changes.

3. Title issues such as unpaid liens or missing releases that need to be cured.

4. HOA or condo document delays and extended review periods.

5. New construction scheduling, certificates of occupancy, or specialized loan programs.

Closing week checklist

Buyer checklist

1. Government-issued photo ID.

2. Secure homeowner’s insurance.

3. Closing funds wired per title company instructions. Always verify wiring details by phone with your settlement agent.

4. Final loan conditions satisfied and any documents your lender requests.

5. Schedule appropriate utility companies to start as of the closing date.

Seller checklist

1. Payoff information and contact details for any existing mortgages or liens.

2. Keys, garage remotes, access fobs, and alarm codes.

3. Documentation of completed repairs and any home warranties.

4. Final cleaning. 

5. Forwarding address for tax, HOA, and utility prorations.

6. Sign deed and settlement documents as instructed by the title company.

Rockville and Montgomery County notes

Local practice in Montgomery County relies heavily on experienced title companies or settlement attorneys to manage recording and tax calculations. Recording turnaround and exact transfer and recordation tax structures can vary over time. Your title company will quote current fees and confirm who pays based on your contract and local custom.

When you get the keys

Most buyers receive keys at or after recording, once the deed is officially entered into the county’s land records and funds are verified. Some contracts allow key transfer at settlement when funds are confirmed. Your agent and title company will align expectations so your move plans stay on track.

How Pearlman Meekin & Co. keeps you on time

A smooth closing hinges on early coordination. Our team tracks your milestones from day one, keeps your lender and title company in sync, and anticipates common bottlenecks so you can avoid last-minute stress. We help you schedule inspections quickly, review HOA documents, prepare for the Closing Disclosure timeline, and plan for recording and key transfer.

If you want a calm, on-schedule settlement in Rockville or anywhere in Montgomery County, we are here to guide each step. Connect with Pearlman Meekin & Co. to get started.

FAQs

How long to close after appraisal in Montgomery County?

1. Most transactions close 1 to 3 weeks after appraisal, depending on underwriting and final conditions.

When will I get my Closing Disclosure in Maryland?

1. Your lender must deliver it at least 3 business days before settlement for most mortgages.

Who pays transfer and recordation taxes in Montgomery County?

1. Payment is determined by your contract and local custom. Your title company will calculate exact amounts. That being said often it is split equitably between buyer and seller 50/50. 

When are keys released in Rockville closings?

1. Keys are commonly released at closing once funds and documents are confirmed.

What causes closing delays for buyers and sellers?

1. The most common issues are underwriting conditions, appraisal challenges, unresolved title defects, and slow HOA document turnaround.

How fast can a cash purchase close in Rockville?

1. Many cash closings can be completed in 7 to 14 days if title work and funds are ready.

Are there any benefits to being a first time home buyer in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland offers programs designed to help first-time buyers with down payment assistance, competitive loan terms, and closing cost support. Programs such as the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), along with Montgomery County–specific initiatives, may be available depending on income, purchase price, and loan type. Reviewing options early with a knowledgeable lender and real estate advisor is key.