Once you learn about how long it takes to close home loans, you start to realize how important fast closing times are in the home buying process. How much control do you have over the closing process as a home buyer? If you’re not aware of what the process entails and how long, realistically, it could last — probably not much. This is where a mortgage expert comes in handy. They have working relationships with many mortgage lenders, and they also have experience working with selling agents.