How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home From Start to Finish?

Ron Contreras
Jul 9
2 min read

You’re ready to buy a home — but how long will it actually take?

The answer depends on your situation, the market, and how prepared you are. On average, the homebuying process takes 30 to 60 days once your offer is accepted — but the full journey can span 3 to 6 months or more from the time you decide to start looking.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at each stage:

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved (1–2 Weeks)

Before touring homes, getting pre-approved by a lender is essential. It gives you:

A clear budget
Credibility with sellers
An edge in competitive markets

Timeline: 2–7 days (or longer if your finances are complex)

Pro Tip: Start this ASAP to avoid delays when you find “the one.”

Step 2: House Hunting (2–8+ Weeks)

This is the most flexible stage. Some buyers find a home in a week. Others take months.

What affects your search time:

Your must-haves and flexibility
Inventory in your price range
Market conditions (competitive markets = faster decisions)

Timeline: 2–8 weeks on average

Working with a proactive agent can cut your search time in half.

Step 3: Make an Offer & Negotiate (1–5 Days)

Once you find the right home, your agent will help you craft an offer. The seller may:

Accept
Counteroffer
Reject

Timeline: 1–5 days for back-and-forth negotiation

Being pre-approved and responsive can speed this up.

Step 4: Under Contract to Closing (30–45 Days)

This is when the real work begins behind the scenes. It includes:

Home inspection
Appraisal
Loan approval (underwriting)
Title search
Final walkthrough

Most mortgage lenders need 30–45 days to finalize your loan and clear you for closing.

Timeline: 4–6 weeks from accepted offer to keys in hand

Delays can happen if there are financing issues, appraisal gaps, or repair negotiations.

Total Estimated Timeline: 6 to 12 Weeks (Typical)

Here’s a sample scenario:

Pre-approval: 1 week
Home search: 4 weeks
Offer & acceptance: 3 days
Closing: 5 weeks

Total time: ~10 weeks (2.5 months)

What Can Delay the Process?

Incomplete financial documents
Low appraisal
Major inspection issues
Title complications
Seller delays (if they need to find a new home first)

How to Speed Things Up

Get pre-approved early
Respond quickly to your agent, lender, and escrow team
Be clear on your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
Work with a knowledgeable, responsive real estate agent
Choose a reliable lender

Final Thoughts

Buying a home isn’t an overnight process — but it doesn’t have to drag on either. With the right planning and team in place, you could be unlocking the door to your new home in just a few months.

Ready to start your homebuying journey? Let’s talk about your goals and get you moving!