What to expect when you buy
From pre-approval to keys in about 30–45 days. Here is every step, in order, and who handles it.
Every purchase follows the contract's own calendar, but most Highlands County closings take 30 to 45 days from signed contract to keys. Here is what happens, in order, and who is responsible for each step.
Before the offer
Get pre-approvedYouLender
If you're financing, a lender reviews your income, credit and assets and tells you how much you can borrow. Sellers take pre-approved offers more seriously.
Choose an agent and find the homeYouAgent
Your agent helps you set a budget, tour homes and compare recent sales. Ask about flood zones, HOA rules and the age of the roof — they all affect insurance cost.
Make an offerYouAgent
The purchase contract sets the price, the deposit, the inspection period, the financing deadline and the closing date. Every date that follows runs off this contract.
Under contract
Deposit and file openedYouSouth Ridge
Your escrow deposit is due within the contract deadline — often just a few days. We hold it in escrow, open the title order and order payoffs, estoppels and the title search. Call us to confirm wiring instructions before you send money.
InspectionsYou
Hire a home inspector (and a wind-mitigation and four-point inspection if your insurer wants them) inside the inspection period. Negotiate repairs or credits through your agent and tell us about any changes.
Loan approval and appraisalYouLender
Your lender orders the appraisal and works toward final approval. Answer their document requests quickly — this is the step that most often moves a closing date.
Title commitmentSouth Ridge
We search the public records and issue the title commitment, which lists what the policy will cover and anything that must be cleared before closing. We clear it — old liens, payoffs, probate gaps — so you don't have to.
Homeowner's insuranceYou
Bind a homeowner's policy (and flood insurance if required) effective on the closing date. Lenders won't fund without it, so start shopping early.
Closing week
Closing Disclosure and settlement statementLenderSouth Ridge
With a mortgage, you'll receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. We send our settlement statement too. Read both and ask questions now, not at the table.
Final walk-throughYouAgent
Confirm the home is in the condition the contract requires and agreed repairs are done.
Send your funds — safelyYouSouth Ridge
Wire or bring a cashier's check for the amount on your statement. We will never send or change wiring instructions by email or text. Call us at a number you already trust before you wire.
Closing day and after
SignYouSouth Ridge
Bring a government photo ID. You'll sign the note, mortgage and closing documents; the seller signs the deed. Can't be here? Ask about remote online closings.
Recording and keysSouth Ridge
We disburse funds, record the deed and mortgage with the Highlands County Clerk, and the keys are yours.
Your title policySouth Ridge
Your owner's title policy and recorded deed follow by mail. Keep them with your important papers — the policy protects you for as long as you own the home.
Ready to open a file?
Order online in two minutes, or call and talk to a closer today.