How long do bank closings take when buying a home?

The amount of time needed for a bank closing on a home purchase varies based on a variety of factors, says About.com. These factors include the approval status of the buyer and the completeness of the purchasing records.

When a buyer pre-qualifies for a loan, the length of time to closing is significant less, notes About.com. If complete records exist, closing occurs within a week or two at most. For a purchaser without pre-qualification, closing takes a little longer. Mortgages arranged through federal programs close in approximately 30 days, while a special mortgage program takes between 30 and 45 days to close.