How long does it take to buy a house?

BRIAN BIRK | 4-MINUTE READ

3/28/2023 

The timeline for buying a house can vary depending on several factors, such as the local real estate market, the availability of homes that meet your criteria, and the complexity of the transaction.

Here is a general timeline of the home buying process:

  1. Pre-approval (1-2 weeks): Before you begin searching for homes, it’s recommended to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks and involves gathering financial documentation and undergoing a credit check.
  2. Home search (varies): The duration of the home search process can vary widely depending on the availability of homes that meet your criteria and your personal preferences. This could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
  3. Offer and negotiation (1-2 weeks): Once you find a home you like, you’ll need to make an offer and negotiate with the seller. This process usually takes 1-2 weeks.
  4. Inspection and appraisal (2-4 weeks): After your offer is accepted, you’ll typically have 2-4 weeks to complete a home inspection and appraisal.
  5. Closing (1-2 months): The final stage of the home buying process is the closing, which typically takes 1-2 months after your offer is accepted. This involves finalizing the mortgage, signing the necessary paperwork, and transferring ownership of the home.

Overall, the home buying process typically takes around 2-3 months, although this can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of your transaction.

Get a FREE Mortgage Consultation with the Smart Mortgage Team and see how fast we can get you into a new home.

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About Brian Birk