How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home? Step-by-Step Guide

Key chain featuring a house-shaped charm resting on a rustic wooden board

Are you wondering about how long it takes to buy a home? Don’t worry, you are not alone in this. It is a complex and time-consuming process. However, once it’s carried out, it brings nothing but joy. Understanding each phase can help you plan better. Also, you’ll know what to expect.

Preparing to Buy a Home: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are wondering how long it takes to buy a home, Realtor Tom Gilliam at Homes 2 move you‘s guide will walk you through the typical timeline.

1.    Figuring Out the Finances

First things first: get your finances in shape. Similarly, this means saving up money for a down payment and making sure your credit is looking good. You might also want to talk to a lender to see how much you can borrow. Additionally, this whole process can take a while, so it’s a good idea to start early.

2.    Finding a Real Estate Agent

Once you know your budget, it’s time to find a real estate agent. A good agent can help you find the perfect home. It might take some time to find the right person, so don’t rush it. Furthermore, you should look for someone who really listens to what you want and knows the area well.

3.    Looking for a House

Now comes the fun part: house hunting! Looking at different homes can be exciting. However, it also takes time. Depending on the market and what you’re looking for, it might take a few weeks or even a couple of months to find the perfect place. You’ll want to check out lots of options and think about things like where the house is, how much it costs, and its overall condition.

4.    Time to Make an Offer

Once you find a home you love, it’s time to make an offer. Your real estate agent can help you write up a formal offer. Moreover, it usually takes a day or two to get this ready. Then, you’ll wait to see if the seller accepts your offer. Fingers crossed!

5.    Checking Out Your New Home

Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to make sure the house is what you expect. You’ll schedule a home inspection to check for any problems. Similarly, this usually takes a few hours to complete. You’ll also need an appraisal to figure out the home’s value. That can take about a week or two.

6.    Getting Your Loan Ready

While the house is being checked out, your bank will be busy reviewing your finances to make sure you can get a loan. Hence, this process is called underwriting and can take a few weeks.

7.    Closing the Deal

If everything looks good with the house and your loan, it’s time to finalize the sale. Therefore, this is called closing. You’ll sign a bunch of paperwork and hand over the money.

Factors That Can Affect the Timeline

  • Market Conditions
  • Loan Type

Buy Your Dream Home with Homes 2 Move You

If you’re ready to start your home-buying journey, contact our experienced real estate agents today to get started. We can help you find the perfect home. Realtor Tom Gilliam at Homes 2 Move You will guide you through every step of the process. Call us now!