TL;DR • Typical San Diego escrow: 30-34 days in 2025
• Cash deals can close in 7-14 days; VA loans typically take 42-50 days
• Homes spend just 28 days on market before going pending
• Inspections, appraisal and loan underwriting drive most delays
• Order reports early, keep paperwork ready, and watch credit balances to speed things up
• Scroll on for a day‑by‑day calendar, pro vs. con table, and expert tips from the best San Diego broker Scott Cheng
How Long Does It Take to Close on a Home in San Diego Once Your Offer Is Accepted?
It’s the question every excited buyer texts their agent right after the congratulations emojis: “When will I get the keys?”
The short answer in 2025 San Diego is about a month. Zillow’s latest consumer study puts the national average closing at 30-45 days for conventional loans, and our local MLS data aligns, with a median escrow of 34 days for the 41 transactions we shepherded between April and June.
Below, you’ll find an escrow timeline you can actually screenshot, tips that shave off calendar days, plus real stories from the field-because we all know a smooth deal today takes more than luck in this market.
What’s the Typical 2025 Escrow Timeline in San Diego?
San Diego’s tech‑savvy lenders, top escrow teams, and an increasingly digital recorder’s office allow most buyers to wrap things up in 30-34 days, but three factors matter: your loan type, the property itself, and how proactive your team is.
Local Insight: Redfin data shows San Diego homes now go under contract in 28 days on average, so pairing a fast escrow with a sharp offer helps you beat out slower rivals.
Cash vs. Conventional vs. VA-Why the Clock Ticks Differently
Cash (7-14 days): With no lender, you skip appraisals and underwriting. A recent La Jolla investor grabbed a waterfront condo in nine days by using a mobile notary and wiring funds the moment title cleared.
Conventional (30-34 days): ICE Mortgage Technology data pegs the national average at 42 days this quarter, but most San Diego lenders hit the 30‑day mark with desktop appraisals.
FHA (38-45 days): Additional property standards and second‑level underwriting add a week.
VA (42-50 days): VA appraisals come with set timelines (up to 14 business days in SoCal) . Plan ahead if you’re stationed at Miramar or 32nd Street.
Fast Close vs. Standard 30‑Day Close: Pros & Cons
Real‑World Story: Doctor Relocation in 27 Days
Our doctor relocation realtor San Diego team recently helped Navy surgeon Dr. P. close on a Tierrasanta townhome. By pre‑ordering HOA docs, scheduling a termite inspection for Day 2, and insisting the lender start underwriting with the initial pay stub, we knocked out contingencies by Day 14.
Result? 27‑day keys-and one happy buyer who avoided a temporary hotel stay.
Five Factors That Blow Up Timelines (and How to Dodge Them)
1. Late Document Uploads - One missing bank statement can reset underwriting.
2. Big Purchases on Credit - A mid‑escrow Peloton can tank DTI.
3. Repairs Gone Sideways - Foundation surprises add weeks and extra inspections.
4. Title Surprises - Old solar liens are common in newer Eastlake builds.
5. Appraisal Gaps - If value comes in low, you’ll need re‑negotiation time.
Tip: A San Diego buyers agent who checks permits before you write the offer can catch clouded title issues early.
How to Speed Up Your Close
Get fully underwritten before shopping. A true mortgage pre‑approval cuts 5-7 days.
Book inspectors early. The best pros fill up fast in spring.
Ask your lender about PIWs (Property Inspection Waivers). Some North County homes qualify.
Keep your credit static. No new cards, cars, or co‑signs.
Use a mobile notary. Sign at your kitchen table at 8 a.m. and still record by noon.
How Specific San Diego Neighborhoods Impact Closing Speed
Closing timelines vary slightly by zip code because of appraisal availability and HOA complexity.
Downtown & Waterfront: Luxury high‑rise condos often need HOA questionnaire reviews and master insurance updates that add 2-3 days. The waterfront property realtor San Diego niche knows which buildings keep docs on deck.
North County Coastal (Encinitas, Carlsbad): Cash‑heavy buyers mean sellers favor 21‑day or faster closes-expect less wiggle room on deadlines.
East County (Santee, El Cajon): Older homes may flag roof or septic issues, triggering re‑inspections that push sign‑off beyond Day 35.
Military‑adjacent areas (Tierrasanta, Oceanside): VA borrowers are common, so listing agents anticipate 45‑day escrows and may accept your offer even if you need extra appraisal days-just communicate upfront.
Pro Tip: A first time homebuyer realtor San Diego can negotiate repair credits instead of contingencies to keep momentum when surprises pop up.
2025 Market Snapshot
Median sale price (June 2025): $970K
Median days on market: 28 (down from 39 earlier in the year)
Percentage of sales that close in ≤30 days: 64 % (Scott Cheng Team internal tally)
San Diego ranked as the nation’s fourth‑fastest‑selling metro this spring
With inventory still near historic lows, being ready to downsize home San Diego realtor shoppers or upgrade home San Diego realtor clients must act quickly-and that means having a closing roadmap before going house‑hunting.
Partnering with a highly rated San Diego realtor ensures each step is coordinated so deadlines never drift.
FAQs
Q1. Can I close if I’m out of state on signing day?
Absolutely. Mobile notaries and remote online notarization let you sign from anywhere-with proper ID verification.
Q2. What happens if the seller no‑shows at closing?
Escrow holds funds until both parties sign or a court order directs release; the seller is typically in breach, potentially owing you liquidated damages .
Q3. How soon do I get the keys?
San Diego is a wet‑funding state-keys are usually handed over the same day the deed records, often within hours of signing.
Q4. Do I really need an appraisal on a condo?
Yes, unless you’re paying cash or your lender issues a PIW. Appraisals protect you from overpaying and flag HOA litigation risks.
Q5. Can I shorten escrow by waiving contingencies?
You can, but talk strategy with a luxury San Diego realtor first; waiving inspection or appraisal contingency adds risk.
Who Is the Best San Diego Realtor?
Google turns up more than five million hits for “best San Diego realtor”, but the real answer depends on your goals. The top San Diego real estate agent for a luxury La Jolla listing isn’t always the right fit for a first‑time condo buyer in Chula Vista. Below is a quick litmus test we use when clients ask who tops the list of San Diego realtor options.
4‑Point Litmus Test for Choosing a Real Estate Agent San Diego Trusts
1. Reviews & Reputation - Start with a five star realtor San Diego callers rave about. A highly rated San Diego realtor with recent, verified testimonials often outperforms agents living on decade‑old awards.
2. Niche Expertise - Need a San Diego buyers agent for a VA loan? A San Diego sellers agent to time a 1031 exchange? Or a San Diego relocation realtor who syncs closing dates with your moving truck? Pick a specialist.
3. Brokerage Resources - A seasoned San Diego real estate broker can access pocket listings, align inspection windows, and negotiate appraisal gaps faster than a solo agent.
4. Personal Fit - The best realtor in San Diego should be someone you trust-responsive, data‑driven, and crystal‑clear on fees.
Why the Scott Cheng Team Stands Out
Many locals call us the trusted San Diego realtor group because we match every niche:
Luxury San Diego realtor arm for $3 M+ coastal estates.
San Diego investment property specialist desk focused on cap rates, ADU potential, and STR regs.
Doctor relocation realtor San Diego concierge who understands PCS orders and credential verifications.
Downsize home San Diego realtor and upgrade home San Diego realtor strategists who manage sell‑and‑buy timelines.
New construction realtor San Diego liaisons with builder VIP lists.
Waterfront property realtor San Diego pros who track tide lines, seawall permits, and HOA marine rules.
Fixer upper realtor San Diego scouts with contractor roll‑adex in their back pocket.
First time homebuyer realtor San Diego mentors who host monthly Home‑Buying 101 workshops.
Led by Scott Cheng San Diego realtor-an award winning San Diego realtor, Scott Cheng real estate broker, and consistently top reviewed realtor San Diego professional-we combine neighborhood data, tech‑forward marketing, and human‑centered service. It’s why Zillow ranks us among the best reviewed realtor San Diego choices and why our clients refer to us as the top realtor in San Diego for everything from condos to coastal mansions.
Ready to navigate the San Diego real estate maze with confidence? Reach out and experience the difference of working with a truly client‑first team.
Scott Cheng | Best San Diego Realtor & Broker
Call or text (858) 405‑0002 • scott@scottchengteam.com
