MILITARY & VA
How long does a VA loan take to close?
By Steve Lockhart
The short answer
The honest range for a VA purchase closing in Las Vegas is roughly 30 to 45 days, which is not meaningfully different from a conventional loan when the file is handled the right way. What moves the number is preparation, not the program.
Full answer
The honest range for a VA purchase closing in Las Vegas is roughly 30 to 45 days, which is not meaningfully different from a conventional loan when the file is handled the right way. What moves the number is preparation, not the program.
The VA-specific tasks are the appraisal and the entitlement paperwork. The appraisal is assigned through the VA's pool and cannot be rushed or waived, so one to two weeks of the timeline belongs to it. The certificate of eligibility is usually quick, but can take longer in manual-review cases, so requesting it early removes it from the critical path entirely.
The rest of the clock is standard mortgage work: the lender's underwriting, your document conditions, the title work, and scheduling the closing. That part goes fast when the file is complete on day one, and slowly when the buyer is still gathering pay stubs at day 25.
Two strategies keep the VA clock short. First, get the certificate and the pre-approval before you ever make an offer, which is the single biggest time saver. Second, choose a lender who does VA volume, because their team runs VA appraisals and conditions weekly and their timelines reflect it. With both in place, your offer can carry a 30-day closing and compete with anyone.
Go a little deeper
Frequently asked
Questions service members often follow up on
Can a VA loan close in under 30 days?
Yes, when the stars align: a prepared file, a VA-experienced lender, and an appraisal that comes back quickly. It is a reasonable goal for a well-prepared offer, but we set expectations honestly rather than promising a date the appraisal could move.
What usually delays a VA closing?
The appraisal schedule, repair requirements from the Minimum Property Requirements, and slow document gathering are the usual culprits. All three are predictable, and all three are handled by starting early.
Does the VA loan take longer than FHA or conventional?
Not when compared fairly. The VA adds the appraisal requirement, and FHA and conventional add their own steps. Well-prepared VA files close on the same street as anyone else, and often faster because VA lenders run the process every week.
The Lockhart Method
The Lockhart Method
Your Home | My Strategy | Proven Results
My strategy: compress the calendar before the contract exists. Certificate, pre-approval, and a VA-heavy lender all line up before you shop, so the 30-day offer you make is a promise you can actually keep, and closeout lands ahead of reporting dates, not behind them.
Schedule a Consultation