What does the home-buying timeline look like?

Buying a home is a big decision that can take a lot of time and effort. It’s not as simple as finding a house you like and moving in the next day. There are many different stages involved, and the length of time each stage takes can vary depending on a variety of factors. In this blog post, we’ll break down the home-buying process into its different stages and discuss how long each one typically takes.

Find a trusted real estate agent: 1-2 weeks

The first step in the home-buying process is finding a trusted real estate agent. This can take some time, as it’s important to work with an agent who understands your needs and can help guide you through the process. It’s a good idea to interview a few different agents before making a decision, which can take up to a week or two.

Get a pre-approval letter: 1-2 weeks

Before you start looking at homes, it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This can take a week or two, depending on the lender. Getting pre-approved will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home and will make the rest of the process smoother.

Come up with your non-negotiables list: 5 minutes to 3-5 days

The next step is to come up with your non-negotiables list, which is a list of the things you absolutely must have in a home. This step can take as little as a few minutes or as long as a few days, depending on how clear you are on your priorities.

Tour homes: 1 week – 4 months

Once you have your list of non-negotiables, it’s time to start looking at homes. The amount of time it takes to find the right home can vary widely. Some buyers find their dream home in a week or two, while others may need to look for several months. It all depends on what’s available on the market and how picky you are.

Make an offer and negotiate the deal: 1-3 days

Once you’ve found a home you like, it’s time to make an offer and negotiate the terms. This process can take a few days, depending on how many counteroffers are made and how quickly the seller responds.

Get your loan approved and inspections completed: 7-10 days

After your offer is accepted, you’ll need to get your loan approved and have the home inspected. This can take up to a week or two, depending on how quickly the lender and inspector can work.

Close on your home: 1-2 weeks from the removal of conditions

Once the conditions of the sale have been met, the final closing process can take a week or two. This involves signing all the necessary paperwork and transferring ownership of the property.

Overall, the home-buying process can take anywhere from a month to several months, depending on your individual circumstances. It’s important to be patient and not rush into anything. On the quick end of things, it’s possible to buy a home in as little as four weeks. However, it’s more common for the process to take a few months. Just remember that buying a home is a big decision, and it’s important to take the time to do it right.