Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a lengthy process with many steps involved. From finding the perfect property to securing financing and finalizing the paperwork, the timeline can vary significantly depending on various factors.
If you're planning on buying a home soon, we created a breakdown of the typical timeframe for each stage of the home-buying journey, providing you with a better understanding of what to expect.
Finding a Real Estate Agent (A Few Days to a Few Weeks)
The first step in the home-buying process is finding a reliable and experienced real estate agent. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how much research you need to do and how quickly you can schedule initial consultations. A good agent will guide you through the entire process and help you find properties that meet your criteria.
Getting Mortgage Pre-Approval (At Least 2 Weeks)
Before you start actively searching for homes, it's important to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This process involves submitting your financial information and documentation to a lender, who will then assess your creditworthiness and determine how much you can borrow. Pre-approval can take up to two weeks, but it's a crucial step that shows sellers you're a serious buyer.
Home Showings (30 Minutes to 1 Hour)
Once you've been pre-approved and have an agent on your side, the fun part begins - viewing potential homes. Each showing typically lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the size of the property and how many questions you have. The number of showings you attend will depend on your specific needs and how quickly you find the right fit.
Getting Your Offer Accepted (3 Days)
After finding the perfect home, your agent will help you draft and submit an offer. The seller then has a few days to review, negotiate, and decide whether to accept or reject your offer. This process can take up to three days, depending on the negotiations involved.
Home Inspections (2 to 3 Hours, Results Come out After 3 Days)
If your offer is accepted, the next step is to schedule a home inspection. This process typically takes two to three hours, during which a professional inspector will thoroughly examine the property for any issues or potential problems. The inspection results will be available within three days, giving you the opportunity to renegotiate or walk away if significant problems are found.
Home Appraisal (2 Weeks)
Your lender will require a home appraisal to ensure the property's value matches the loan amount. This process can take up to two weeks, as an appraiser will need to schedule a visit, inspect the home, and prepare a detailed report.
Closing on a Home (50 Days)
Once the inspection and appraisal are complete and all the necessary paperwork is in order, you'll be ready to close on your new home. The closing process can take up to 50 days, during which time the title company will handle the transfer of ownership, and you'll sign the final paperwork and make any remaining payments.
