When Does the Seller Get Money After Closing? What to Expect and How Long It Takes

Quick answer: Most sellers receive their money within 24–48 hours after closing, though timing can vary depending on:
– The type of closing: Wet closings may allow same-day payment, while dry closings can take several business days.
– How the seller is paid: Wire transfers are typically faster than cashier’s checks, though bank processing timelines apply.
– Recording and banking requirements: Deed recording, cut-off times, weekends, and holidays can all affect when funds are released.

Selling a home is a major financial milestone, and one of the first questions sellers ask is when does the seller get money after closing? In most cases, sellers receive their proceeds within 24 to 48 hours, though some transactions pay out the same day while others take several business days.

Whether you’re selling a home in Kansas City, MO, Portland, OR, or Los Angeles, CA, understanding how and when you’ll receive your funds can help you plan your next move with confidence. In this Redfin guide, we’ll explain when sellers get paid after closing, how wire transfers work, what can delay payment, and what to expect along the way.

What happens between accepting an offer and getting paid

After accepting an offer, several required steps must be completed before a seller can receive their money. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days and explains why payment usually happens shortly after closing, not immediately.

Before funds can be released:

• The buyer completes inspections, appraisal, title work, and secures final loan approval.
• The seller signs closing documents and ownership officially transfers once the deed is recorded.
• The escrow or closing agent confirms the buyer’s funds have cleared.
• The seller’s mortgage, commissions, and closing costs are paid.

When sellers typically get paid after closing

Once the transaction is finalized, sellers are usually paid shortly after closing. The exact timing depends on how the sale is completed and how funds are processed.

The timeline below shows when sellers typically receive their proceeds across common closing scenarios.

Closing scenario	When seller typically gets paid
Wet closing + wire transfer	Same day or within 24 hours
Wet closing + cashier’s check	1–3 business days
Dry closing	2–5 business days
Wire sent after bank cut-off time	Next business day
Weekend or holiday closing	1–3 additional business days

Because these steps can take time to process, sellers are generally paid after closing rather than at the signing table. It’s best to wait until funds are deposited before making major purchases or scheduling another home closing.

How long does a wire transfer take after closing?

A wire transfer after closing typically takes the same day to 48 hours, depending on bank processing times and when the transfer is initiated.

In many transactions, funds move in two steps:

• The buyer’s lender wires funds to the escrow account.
• Escrow wires the seller’s proceeds to the seller’s bank.

Several factors can affect wire transfer timing:

• Bank cut-off times (often between 2–4 p.m.)
• Whether the transfer is domestic or international.
• Weekends and federal holidays.
• Additional security verification by the bank.

Wire transfer vs. cashier’s check: which is faster?

Sellers are typically paid by either wire transfer or cashier’s check, and the method chosen can affect how quickly funds become available after closing.

Wire transfer

• Usually the fastest option.
• Funds often available the same day or next business day.
• Requires careful verification to avoid wire fraud.

Cashier’s check

• Must be deposited and cleared.
• Banks may hold funds for up to seven business days.
• Often considered safer due to fraud concerns.

How wet and dry closings affect seller payment

The terms “wet” and “dry” closing describe when funds are released relative to document signing, which can influence whether a seller is paid the same day or several days later.

Wet closing

• Funds are released immediately after documents are signed.
• Sellers may get paid the same day.
• Required in most states.

Dry closing

• Documents are signed first.
• Funds are released days later.
• Requires agreement from all parties.

Dry closings are allowed in the following states, where payment typically takes 2–5 business days:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Oregon
• Washington

Why a seller might not get paid immediately after closing

While most sellers are paid shortly after closing, delays can occur in certain situations. These delays are typically administrative and temporary, and often relate to processing or verification requirements.

Common reasons include:

• Deed recording delays at the county level.
• Buyer’s lender funding delays.
• Outstanding liens or payoff verification.
• Wire transfer initiated after a bank’s cut-off time.
• Weekend or holiday closures.
• Dry closing agreements.

What if the buyer’s funds don’t clear?

It’s rare for a buyer’s funds not to clear, but delays can occasionally occur due to financing, lender, or banking issues.

When this happens:

• The escrow officer notifies all parties.
• Funds are not released until the issue is resolved.
• Seller protections outlined in the contract typically apply.

The bottom line: when does the seller get money after closing?

Most sellers receive their money within 24 to 48 hours after closing, though the exact timing depends on the closing type, payment method, and bank processing rules. Understanding how wire transfers work and planning for possible delays can help ensure a smoother, more predictable payout. With the right preparation, you’ll know what to expect and be ready to move forward confidently after your home sale.

FAQs: How long does a wire transfer take after closing?

1. Do sellers get paid the same day as closing?

In some cases, yes – especially with wet closings and early wire transfers. Most sellers, however, are paid within 24 to 48 hours.

2. How long does a wire transfer take after closing?

Wire transfers typically take the same day to 48 hours, depending on bank cut-off times and holidays.

3. Can a seller get paid before the deed is recorded?

Usually not. Most states require the deed to be recorded before funds are released.

4. What’s the fastest way for a seller to get paid?

A wire transfer initiated before the bank’s cut-off time in a wet closing state is usually the fastest.

5. Do weekends and holidays delay payment?

Yes. Banks and county offices are often closed, which can delay fund disbursement.