Most St. Augustine purchases close in about 30 to 45 days with financing, and faster with cash. Here is the St. Augustine closing timeline we follow for homes across St. Johns County, and what you can do to keep it on track.
How Long Does It Take to Close on a Home in St. Augustine? Quick Answer
A financed purchase in St. Augustine usually closes 30 to 45 days after the contract is signed; a cash purchase can close in one to two weeks once the title search and any HOA or condo estoppel come back. The steps that most often cause delays are the HOA estoppel, open permits or liens found in the title search, and the appraisal and insurance on coastal homes.
Week 1: Contract, Escrow Deposit and Title Order
As soon as the contract is signed, send it to your title company. The buyer delivers the escrow deposit within the time set in the contract, usually three business days. We open the file, order the title search from the St. Johns County Official Records, and request the HOA or condo estoppel if the property is in an association, which most newer St. Augustine neighborhoods are. Always call us at a known number before wiring money. We never change wire instructions by email.
Weeks 1 to 2: Title Search, Liens and Permits
The title search shows the owner of record, open mortgages, liens, judgments and unpaid taxes. On older homes in and around the historic district and in Davis Shores we also look closely at open or expired building permits and at unresolved probate issues, because these are the items that slow a closing down. Read more in our guide to buying in the St. Augustine historic district.
Weeks 1 to 3: Inspections, Insurance and Wind Mitigation
During the inspection period, get your home inspection, a four-point and wind mitigation report if the home is older, and a homeowners insurance quote early. Coastal properties on Anastasia Island and near the Matanzas and Intracoastal may also need flood insurance. See our St. Augustine flood zone guide.
Weeks 2 to 4: Survey, Appraisal and the St. Augustine Closing Timeline Crunch
The lender orders the appraisal, and the buyer usually orders a survey. In newer communities such as SilverLeaf, Shearwater, Beachwalk and Rivertown, we check the survey against the plat for easements and confirm any community development district (CDD) assessments. Read St. Augustine CDD fees for more.
Final Week: Clear to Close, Closing Disclosure and Signing
Once the lender issues clear to close, the buyer receives the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before signing. We prepare the settlement statement, collect payoffs and estoppel amounts, and schedule signing with a mobile notary, by remote online notarization, or at our office. After funding, we record the deed and mortgage electronically with the St. Johns County Clerk, usually the same day.
How to Keep Your St. Augustine Closing on Schedule
- Send the signed contract to the title company the same day.
- Sellers: share HOA contact information and any payoff or permit details early.
- Buyers: line up insurance during the inspection period, not the last week.
- Answer lender and title requests within 24 hours.
Want to know what you will pay? Try our Florida title insurance calculator. Jump back to the St. Augustine closing timeline steps above.
Closing in St. Augustine?
Title Company of Florida handles title searches, title insurance and closings across St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, World Golf Village and all of St. Johns County. Sign with a mobile notary, by remote online notarization, or at our Jacksonville office, and we record electronically with the county.
Learn more about our St. Augustine title company services.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. County procedures, fees and statutes can change; confirm with the office named or your attorney. Title Company of Florida is a Florida licensed title agency (License #G324751).
Ask a St. Augustine Title Question
Send us your question or contract below and a closer will get back to you.
Our Family of Companies
- Homes for sale in St. Augustine and Nocatee with Tanya Cosmini, Broker/Owner
- Realty ONE Group Elevate, a full-service real estate brokerage with offices in Jacksonville and St. Augustine
- Rental Property Partners, property management in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Ponte Vedra
Affiliated business disclosure: Realty ONE Group Elevate is owned by Tanya Cosmini. Title Company of Florida is owned by her husband, Sam Gorniak, and Rental Property Partners is owned within the same family. Because of these family relationships, the owners may benefit when you use more than one of these companies. You are not required to use any of them and are free to choose other providers.