How Long Does It Take To Buy A House?

Buying a house is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with a big question: How long does it take to buy a house? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced one looking to streamline the process, understanding the timeline can help you plan ahead.

The homebuying journey can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, sometimes longer, depending on market conditions, financing, and potential delays. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear breakdown of each stage of buying a house, how long it typically takes, and tips to avoid common delays along the way.

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Key Takeaways 

Buying a house usually takes 30 to 60 days, but factors like market conditions and financing can affect the timeline.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage early can speed up the process and make you a stronger buyer.

Common roadblocks include low appraisals, loan approval issues, and home inspection concerns.

Keeping your financial documents ready and working with trusted professionals can help avoid delays.

Staying in touch with your real estate agent, lender, and seller ensures a smoother closing process.

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Pre-Purchase Preparation

Before you start searching for a home, it’s important to get your finances in order. Being financially prepared can help speed up the homebuying process and reduce the chances of unexpected delays.

Organizing Your Finances

One of the first steps is gathering the necessary financial documents. 

Lenders will require proof of income and financial stability, so it’s important to have the following documents ready:

Recent pay stubs from the last 30–60 days

Bank statements from the last two to three months

The last two years of tax returns

W-2s or 1099s, especially if you’re self-employed

Your credit score also plays a significant role in determining your mortgage eligibility and interest rate. Before applying for a loan, check your credit report for any errors and take steps to improve your score if needed. A higher credit score can help you secure better loan terms and lower monthly payments.

Next, determine how much house you can afford by calculating your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Lenders typically look for a DTI below 43%, as it indicates that you can comfortably manage your mortgage payments.

It’s also important to set a realistic budget, considering not just the purchase price but also additional costs such as:

Timeline to Buy a House: Step-by-Step

The homebuying process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, but the exact timeline depends on various factors, including market conditions, financing approval, and potential delays. 

Here’s a breakdown of each step and how long it typically takes.

Step 1: Get Preapproved (1–3 Days)

Before you start house-hunting, it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage. A preapproval shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer and gives you a clear idea of your budget.

• Why it’s important: Sellers are more likely to accept an offer from a preapproved buyer, and it helps you avoid wasting time on homes outside your price range.
  
  
• What you need: Pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a credit check.
  
  
• Possible delays: Issues with credit scores, missing documents, or debt-to-income ratio concerns.

Step 2: Go House-Hunting (2–6 Weeks)

Once preapproved, you can start looking for homes that fit your needs and budget. The length of this step depends on the local housing market and how specific your requirements are.

• How long it takes: If inventory is low or competition is high, finding the right home may take longer.
  
  
• Tips: Work with a real estate agent to streamline your search and get access to new listings faster.
  
  
• Possible delays: Limited inventory, indecision, or bidding wars in competitive markets.

Step 3: Make an Offer (1–3 Days)

Once you find the right home, your real estate agent will help you submit an offer. This step can move quickly, but negotiations may extend the timeline.

• What happens: Your agent submits a written offer to the seller, who can accept, reject, or counteroffer.
  
  
• Common delays: Multiple offers, counteroffers, or waiting for the seller’s response.

Step 4: Go to Contract and Schedule a Home Inspection (1–2 Weeks)

If your offer is accepted, the next step is signing a purchase agreement and scheduling a home inspection.

• What happens: A contract is finalized, and a licensed inspector checks the home for any issues.
• Common delays: If the inspection reveals major problems, negotiations for repairs or price adjustments may take extra time.

Step 5: Apply for a Mortgage (2–4 Weeks)

Even if you’re preapproved, you still need to formally apply for a mortgage. This process includes underwriting, an appraisal, and final approval.

• What happens: The lender reviews your financial documents, orders an appraisal, and ensures the home meets lending standards.
  
  
• Common delays: Low appraisals, missing paperwork, or additional verification requests.

Step 6: Close and Get the Keys to Your New House (1–2 Weeks)

The final step is the closing process, where you’ll sign documents, pay closing costs, and officially take ownership of your new home.

• What happens: The title is transferred, final payments are made, and you receive the keys.
  
  
• Common delays: Last-minute financing issues, title problems, or delays in getting the final loan approval.

By understanding this timeline you can navigate the homebuying process smoothly and move into your new home as soon as possible. 

How to Avoid Delays When Buying a House

The homebuying process can be unpredictable, but taking the right steps can help you avoid unnecessary delays. Here’s how to keep things moving smoothly:

1. Get Preapproved Early

A mortgage preapproval speeds up the financing process and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. This can also help you identify any financial issues before you start house-hunting.

2. Stay Organized 

Keep all required financial documents, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements, easily accessible. Missing paperwork is one of the most common causes of delays.

3. Work with a Reliable Lender 

Choose a mortgage lender known for efficient processing and clear communication. A lender with a strong track record can help ensure your loan moves through underwriting without unnecessary hiccups.

4. Be Flexible 

Unexpected issues, like inspection problems or appraisal discrepancies, can extend your timeline. Being prepared to adjust your plans can reduce stress and keep the process on track.

5. Communicate Regularly 

Stay in close contact with your real estate agent, lender, and any other key parties. Prompt responses to emails and document requests can help keep things moving forward.

Closing and Final Steps

Once the seller accepts your offer, the final stretch of the homebuying process begins. 

Here’s what to expect as you approach closing day.

Finalizing the Loan and Closing Process

The closing process officially starts when the house is under contract. The timeline varies based on your loan type and how quickly all required documentation is completed.

• Most homebuyers close within 50 days, from pre-approval to signing the final paperwork.
• Your lender or broker may request additional documents during underwriting. Responding promptly can help prevent delays.
• The lender will finalize the loan, ensuring all conditions are met before setting a closing date.

Post-Closing Responsibilities

On closing day, you’ll sign a significant amount of paperwork and settle your final payments.

You can expect to spend at least two hours signing documents.

You’ll likely need a cashier’s check to cover closing costs.

After closing, review all loan documents to confirm everything is accurate.

Update your address with the U.S. Postal Service, banks, and other important institutions.

Once the closing is complete, you’ll receive the keys to your new home! Now it’s time to move in and make it yours. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to close on a house?

Most closings take 30 to 60 days, but this can vary depending on financing, inspections, and other factors.

What’s the fastest way to buy a house?

Getting preapproved, working with a reliable lender, and staying flexible can speed up the process.

Can I buy a house in cash to speed up the process?

Yes, you can. Cash buyers can often close in as little as two weeks since there’s no loan approval process.

What’s the longest part of the home-buying process?

The mortgage approval process usually takes 2–4 weeks, depending on lender requirements and documentation.

What happens if my loan isn’t approved in time?

You may need to extend the closing date or, in some cases, risk losing the house if the contract expires.

Conclusion

Buying a home is an exciting journey, but it takes time and planning. From getting preapproved to closing the deal, the process typically takes 30 to 60 days. However, it can sometimes take longer depending on the market and financing. 

The key to a smooth experience is preparation, organization, and working with the right team.

Having a trusted financial partner can make all the difference. At Truss Financial Group, we simplify the mortgage process so you can focus on finding your dream home without the stress.

Let’s get you preapproved and one step closer to the keys. Contact us today!