If you're buying a home in the Des Moines metro, one question that comes up often is:
How fast can you actually close on a house?
The answer depends on the buyer, the property, the loan program, and how prepared everyone is going into the transaction.
But here's a recent real-world example:
Contract Date: July 24
Closing Date: August 14
21 calendar days. Just 16 business days.
And these weren't deals where we cut corners to get them done quickly. The goal was to have everything prepared upfront so the transactions could move efficiently once the contracts were signed.
Speed Starts Before the Offer
One of the biggest misconceptions about a fast mortgage closing is that everything happens after the buyer finds a house.
In reality, a smooth closing often starts well before an offer is written.
I want my buyers prepared upfront. That means reviewing income, assets, credit, and the overall loan structure before they're under contract.
For buyers who use our fully underwritten preapproval option, the file can go through an underwriter during the preapproval stage rather than waiting until after they have an accepted offer.
That preparation can make a huge difference once the clock starts ticking.
Why a 21-Day Closing Matters in the Des Moines Market
Price isn't the only thing sellers consider when reviewing an offer.
Certainty matters, too.
A buyer who is well prepared and working with a lender who can confidently meet the contract timeline may be able to present a stronger offer, especially when a seller is comparing multiple buyers.
That's one reason I spend so much time preparing buyers before they start writing offers.
I also encourage my buyers to reach out before submitting an offer on a specific property. We can run the actual numbers, review the estimated payment and cash needed to close, and make sure they're comfortable with the financial side before they commit.
The goal isn't simply to close quickly.
The goal is to eliminate surprises.
Can Every Mortgage Close in 21 Days?
No, and that's important to say.
Every transaction is different.
Appraisals, inspections, title work, documentation, loan programs, property issues, and changes to a borrower's financial situation can all affect the timeline.
But when the buyer, lender, real estate agent, title company, and other parties are prepared and communicating, a fast closing can absolutely be possible.
These recent transactions are a good example.
July 24 to August 14.
21 calendar days. 16 business days.
Preparation made the difference.
Looking to Buy a Home in the Des Moines Metro?
Whether you're buying your first home, moving up, relocating to Central Iowa, or simply trying to understand what you can afford, getting prepared early can make the entire process easier.
Before you start worrying about how quickly you can close, focus on how prepared you can be before you write the offer.
That's where a great closing starts.
Dan Buchholz | Dan The Mortgage Man
HomeServices Lending
Des Moines Metro & Central Iowa Mortgage Loan Officer
