How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?

How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home?

Buying a home is exciting but can take time, especially if a purchase falls through and you need to start over. On average, the process takes about four months. You can break it into three phases:

• The Search: about two months

• The Offer: about one month

• The Financing: about one month

Keep in mind that each step can take longer, so plan ahead.

The Search

In 2019, the National Association of Realtors found that most buyers spent four to ten weeks searching for a home. Buyers who searched online often took closer to ten weeks, while in-person searchers averaged four weeks.

Allow yourself about three months to find the right home without rushing. Working with a real estate agent can make your search faster and more efficient.

The Offer

After finding a home, you submit a purchase offer to the seller. If the seller accepts it without changes, the process can finish in a day. Often, buyers negotiate multiple times and wait for inspections before the offer is fully accepted. A real estate agent can negotiate on your behalf and help secure favorable terms.

The Financing

Once you have an accepted offer, most lenders suggest 30-45 days to complete financing. During this period, the lender appraises the property and reviews your financial documents through underwriting. This step confirms your ability to repay the loan.

Getting prequalified or preapproved before searching can save 1–2 weeks and may speed up negotiations with the seller. A seller is more likely to accept your offer if they see you are ready and financially reliable.

Closing

After underwriting approves your loan, the lender sends the Closing Disclosure documents. You must have three full days to review them before closing.

At closing, you sign the paperwork, and the lender hands you the keys. Congratulations! After months of preparation, you officially own your new home.