Closing Timeline in St. Paul: Step-by-Step

Buying or selling in Saint Paul and wondering how long closing will take? You are not alone. The process has several moving parts, and each step affects your timeline. In this guide, you will see a clear, local step-by-step path from offer to keys, the typical timeframes in Ramsey County, and what you can do to avoid delays. Let’s dive in.

Closing timeline at a glance

• Financed purchases: typically 30-45 days from offer acceptance to closing.
• Cash purchases: often 7-14 days, depending on title work and seller readiness.
• Core phases: earnest money, inspections, underwriting and appraisal, title search and clearing, Closing Disclosure and signing, recording and transfer.

Step-by-step Saint Paul closing process

1) Offer accepted and earnest money (days 0–1–3)

Once you have a fully executed purchase agreement, you deliver earnest money per the contract. In Saint Paul, buyers typically have 1-3 business days to deposit funds with the listing brokerage or the title/escrow company. Sellers and agents provide any immediate disclosures required by law or the agreement.

2) Open escrow and order title (days 0–3)

The title company opens the file, starts the title search, and requests payoff statements for any seller mortgages. If you are financing, your lender orders the appraisal after you submit your initial loan documents.

3) Inspection period and negotiations (about 7–14 days)

You usually schedule the general home inspection right away to stay within the contingency window. If needed, you can add specialty inspections like radon, sewer scope, or structural. You and the seller then negotiate repairs or credits based on the findings, following the timelines in your contract.

4) Loan underwriting and appraisal (about 2–4 weeks)

You provide pay stubs, bank statements, and any other documents your lender requests. The appraisal is typically scheduled within 1–2 weeks, with a few days for the report and lender review. Final underwriting and clear to close depend on how quickly you respond and whether any issues arise.

5) Title commitment and clearing issues (about 1–3 weeks)

The title company issues a title commitment that lists items to clear, such as liens or judgments. The seller often must provide payoff statements and resolve any issues. Straightforward files move quickly. Complex title problems can add days or weeks.

6) HOA or condo documents if applicable (about 7–14 days)

If the property is in an association, you receive an HOA disclosure packet. You review budgets, rules, and fees. Some contracts give you the option to cancel within a set number of days if documents are unsatisfactory, so act quickly.

7) Closing Disclosure and final approval (federal TRID timing)

Your lender must provide your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. For a plain-language explanation of this rule, see the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s overview of the Closing Disclosure. The CFPB explains the 3-day rule here. If material changes occur that require a revised disclosure, a new 3-business-day waiting period can apply.

8) Final walk-through and signing (day of closing or day before)

You complete a final walk-through to confirm the property is in the agreed condition. You then sign documents at the title company or attorney’s office. Funds are wired or provided as certified funds based on the title company’s instructions.

9) Recording and after closing (about 1–10 business days)

After signing and funding, the title company records the deed and any mortgage with the Ramsey County Recorder. For current local recording procedures, see the county’s page on recording property documents. The county then updates ownership and tax records with the Ramsey County Assessor. For property tax and assessment information, visit the Ramsey County Assessor’s pages.

Saint Paul and Ramsey County specifics

Certificate of Real Estate Value (CRV)

Minnesota requires a Certificate of Real Estate Value when property transfers. Title companies typically complete and file this form as part of the closing package. You can read the state’s guidance on the Certificate of Real Estate Value.

Property tax proration

Property taxes are prorated at closing based on Ramsey County schedules and the terms in your purchase agreement. Your title company shows the exact proration on the settlement statement. For local tax timelines, consult the Ramsey County Assessor information.

City and utility checks

The title company typically searches for municipal utility balances, special assessments, or code-related issues that need to be paid or addressed at closing. If you are a seller, gather permit records and utility information early so the title team can confirm the status.

What it costs to close

Closing costs vary by property and loan type, but here are the typical categories you can expect in Saint Paul and Ramsey County:

• Lender fees: origination, underwriting, appraisal, credit report.
• Title and escrow: title insurance (owner’s and lender’s policies if applicable), settlement fees.
• Recording and county fees: deed and mortgage recording charges set by Ramsey County.
• Prepaids: property taxes prorated at closing, homeowners insurance paid per lender requirement, and daily interest on your new mortgage.
• Seller-side: mortgage payoff, any agreed credits or repairs, title policy if negotiated, and listing broker commission per the listing agreement.

Minnesota does not have a statewide real estate transfer tax like some states, although local recording and transaction fees still apply. Exact amounts and who pays what will be set by your contract and local custom.

How to avoid delays

• Get fully preapproved, not just prequalified, before you write an offer.
• Send your lender every requested document quickly and completely.
• Deposit earnest money immediately and confirm the escrow holder received it.
• Schedule inspections the day your offer is accepted to preserve time for follow-ups.
• Ask the title company early about potential title issues and order seller payoff statements right away.
• Confirm wire instructions by phone with the title office to reduce fraud risk.

Quick checklists

Buyers: your first-week action plan

• Send earnest money within the contract deadline and keep your receipt.
• Complete your full loan application and upload pay stubs, statements, and IDs.
• Schedule the general inspection and any specialty inspections immediately.
• Shop for homeowners insurance and secure your binder per lender requirements.
• Confirm wire instructions with the title company and plan for certified funds if needed.
• Ask your agent about any known title, HOA, or municipal items to investigate early.

Sellers: what to prepare early

• Gather mortgage payoff details and authorize the title company to request payoffs.
• Compile HOA contacts and documents if your home is in an association.
• Collect permits or final inspection records for recent work if available.
• Complete agreed repairs promptly so buyers can verify at the walk-through.
• Confirm utility balances and be ready to settle any municipal charges.
• Decide on possession timing and discuss any post-closing occupancy needs with your agent.

Final week game plan

• Review your Closing Disclosure as soon as you receive it, at least 3 business days before closing. Verify names, loan terms, and cash to close.
• Schedule your final walk-through. Confirm that negotiated repairs or credits are complete.
• Arrange your funds to close by wire or certified check per title company instructions.
• Bring a government-issued photo ID to closing. Coordinate keys, garage openers, and access codes.
• Plan utilities. Buyers typically set up accounts to begin on the possession date per the contract.

Ready for a smooth closing?

Closing in Saint Paul is very manageable when you know the steps and deadlines. With a clear plan, responsive communication, and local expertise, you can move from accepted offer to keys in hand with confidence. If you want calm, process-driven guidance tailored to Ramsey County and the Twin Cities, connect with John Brekken to map out your timeline.

FAQs

How long does closing take in Saint Paul?

• Financed purchases usually take 30-45 days, while cash purchases can close in 7-14 days depending on title work and readiness.

Who records the deed in Ramsey County?

• The title or settlement agent prepares and records the deed and any mortgage with the Ramsey County Recorder after funding and signing.

When are property taxes prorated at closing?

• Taxes are prorated at closing based on Ramsey County schedules and your contract. Your settlement statement lists the exact proration.

What happens if the appraisal is low?

• You can renegotiate price, bring extra cash to cover the gap, or cancel if your financing contingency allows it under your contract.

Are lead-based paint disclosures required for older homes?

• Yes. For homes built before 1978, sellers must provide required disclosures and the EPA pamphlet. See the EPA’s page on lead-based paint disclosure.

When does the seller move out after closing?

• Possession timing is set in the purchase agreement. If the seller needs time after closing, both parties must agree to it in writing.