Timeline for Buying a Home
What Does the Home-Buying Process Look Like?
1. Meet With Your Real Estate Agent
Typical timeframe: 1–2 weeks
The first step is getting to know each other and talking through your goals. We will discuss what you are looking for in a home, your timeline, your budget, your preferred communities, and what is most important to you in your next home.
For relocation clients, this is also a great time to talk through the different communities and determine which areas may be the best fit for your lifestyle and commute.
2. Choose a Lender and Get Pre-Approved
Typical timeframe: 1–3 days
Once you have a better idea of what you are looking for, the next step is connecting with a reputable lender and getting pre-approved for a mortgage.
Your lender will review your financial information and provide an estimate of how much you may qualify to borrow. A pre-approval helps you understand your budget and allows you to move quickly when you find the right home.
3. Begin Your Home Search
Typical timeframe: Approximately 10 weeks, although this can vary
Now the fun begins.
We will search for homes that fit your needs, budget, and priorities. The amount of time this takes can vary significantly. Some buyers find the right home almost immediately, while others need more time to find the right fit.
My job is to help you understand the market, provide information about the homes you are considering, and help you evaluate each property so you can make an informed decision.
4. Make an Offer
Typical timeframe: 1–3 days
When you find the right home, we will work together to prepare and submit an offer.
I will help you understand the terms of the offer, current market conditions, and the strategies that may help make your offer competitive while still protecting your interests.
5. Complete the Home Inspection
Typical timeframe: 1–7 days
Once your offer is accepted, you will typically have the opportunity to complete a professional home inspection.
An inspection helps identify potential issues with the home's condition. It is an important part of the process and gives you additional information about the property before moving forward.
Depending on the home and your concerns, additional inspections may also be recommended.
6. Complete the Appraisal
Typical timeframe: 1–7 days
If you are financing your purchase, your lender will typically order an appraisal to determine the home's market value.
The appraisal helps the lender confirm that the property supports the amount being borrowed.
7. Loan Processing and Underwriting
Typical timeframe: 3–4 weeks
While you are completing the remaining steps of the transaction, your lender will continue processing your loan.
During underwriting, the lender verifies your financial information, reviews the property, and completes the requirements necessary to finalize your financing.
This part of the process can involve additional documentation, so responding to requests from your lender as quickly as possible can help keep everything moving forward.
8. Closing Day
Typical timeframe: 1 day
After all of the necessary steps are complete, you will sign the final paperwork and officially become the owner of your new home.
Closing day is the finish line! Congratulations, we made it!
