Buying a home is exciting—but it can also feel like a race against the clock. Whether you’re lining up movers, timing your lease, or juggling school schedules, knowing how long the home-buying process really takes can help you plan with confidence.
While every situation is different, most buyers can expect the process to take between two and six months. Below, we’ll break down each key step so you know what to expect—and how to keep things moving smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Most home purchases take two to six months from start to finish.
- Key steps include preparing your credit, getting preapproved, house hunting, making an offer, and closing the sale.
- Keeping your credit strong and saving for a down payment can help you move faster and qualify for better mortgage rates.
How Long It Takes to Buy a House, Step by Step
Here’s how much time you should expect to wait for each step of your home sale as you plan out the next important steps in your life.
1. Preparing Your Credit for a Mortgage (0–12 Weeks)
Your credit score is one of the biggest factors mortgage lenders consider when deciding if you qualify for a loan and what rate you’ll receive. While each lender sets its own standards, having a good credit score gives you a better chance of securing a loan with a competitive interest rate.
If your credit is strong, you may not need much preparation. But if it needs work, improving your credit now can save you money in the long run. Here are a few steps to consider:
Review Your Credit Report for Accuracy
Request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—through AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for any mistakes that could be lowering your credit score, such as outdated balances or incorrect late payments. If you spot an error, follow the bureau’s dispute process to have it corrected.
Pay Down Balances to Lower Your Credit Utilization
Credit utilization, or the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total limit, plays a significant role in your score. Aim to keep your utilization below 30%. Paying down credit card balances or other high-interest debt can help improve your credit score and make you a more appealing borrower.
Set Up Autopay to Avoid Missed Payments
Payment history is one of the most significant factors in credit scoring. Setting up autopay ensures you won’t miss a due date, helping to keep your credit score on track. Even one late payment can impact your score, so it’s worth taking steps to prevent this.
Why Credit Matters for Your Mortgage Rate
The stronger your credit, the better the mortgage rate you’re likely to get. For example, a FICO score of 740 or higher can help you qualify for the lowest available rates, which can save you thousands over the life of the loan. Preparing your credit before you apply is a valuable way to make the home-buying process more affordable.
2. Getting Preapproved for a Mortgage (1–2 Days)
Once your credit is in good shape, the next step is mortgage preapproval. This lets you know how much you can borrow and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer—giving you an edge over others who haven’t taken this step.
Why Preapproval Matters
A mortgage preapproval is a lender’s commitment to lend you a specific amount based on a review of your credit and financial details. This not only helps you set a realistic price range for your home search but also strengthens your position when making an offer, as sellers are more likely to favor preapproved buyers.
Prequalification vs. Preapproval
While prequalification offers a rough idea of your budget, preapproval is a more detailed process where lenders verify your finances. Preapproval is necessary to move forward with a purchase and shows sellers you’re ready to buy.
Shopping Around for the Best Rate
Different lenders offer different terms, so it’s worth comparing options to find the best rate. Some websites allow you to enter your information once to receive multiple quotes, making it easy to compare interest rates and fees.
What You’ll Need for Preapproval
To get preapproved, you’ll need to provide:
- At least one month of pay stubs
- Employment information from the past two years
- Two years of W-2s
- One or two years of tax returns
- Three months of bank statements
- Additional information if you’re self-employed
Once you submit these documents, the lender will pull your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score. The preapproval process can take anywhere from a day to several weeks, so having these documents ready can speed things up.
With your preapproval letter in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to begin your home search, confident in your budget and borrowing power.
3. Searching for a Home and Making an Offer (Varies)
With a mortgage preapproval in hand and a clear idea of your budget, it’s time to start the search for your new home. The length of this step varies widely—you might find the right home on day one, or it could take months to locate a place that fits your needs.
Working with a Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent can be a valuable resource during your home search. They help you find homes within your price range, schedule viewings, and provide guidance on what to look for in each property. Having an agent’s expertise can make the process smoother and may even help you spot potential issues before making an offer.
Making an Offer
Once you find a home you’d like to buy, your agent can draft an offer that outlines your price and any terms. This stage can also take time, depending on how quickly the seller responds and if counteroffers come into play. Negotiations might go back and forth, with each party adjusting terms, which can extend the process by several days or even weeks.
Finding and making an offer on a home can be one of the most variable parts of buying a house, but being prepared with a preapproval and a clear budget can help keep the process on track.
4. Closing on Your New Home (30–50 Days)
Once you and the seller agree on terms, it’s time to move toward closing. This stage involves paperwork, inspections, and a few final steps before you get the keys.
Provide Updated Financial Documents
Your lender may ask for fresh bank statements, pay stubs, or other documents to confirm your financial situation hasn’t changed. The faster you respond, the more smoothly things will move.
Schedule a Home Inspection
Most buyers hire a home inspector during this phase. The inspection usually takes a few hours and can reveal issues you’ll want to address before closing. If repairs are needed, you may negotiate with the seller—this can add a few extra days to the process.
Get Ready for Closing Day
Most closings take 30 to 50 days, though timing can vary. Stay responsive to your lender and agent to avoid delays. On closing day, you’ll meet with the title company and other parties to sign final documents, pay closing costs, and provide your down payment.
Receive Your Keys
Once everything is signed and funds are transferred, the home is officially yours. You’ll get the keys—and can start planning your move.
Bottom Line
No two home purchases follow the exact same timeline. Some buyers close in just a couple of months. Others run into delays that stretch the process out much longer.
The best thing you can do is control what you can. Keep your credit strong, stay on top of your savings, and get your paperwork in order early. When the right home comes along, you’ll be ready to move quickly.
And remember—patience helps. Even if things take longer than expected, staying prepared can make the process a whole lot smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for closing costs?
Closing costs typically run between 2% and 5% of your home’s purchase price. This can include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, and more. Ask your lender for a loan estimate early on so you know what to expect.
Can I switch mortgage lenders after getting preapproved?
Yes, you can switch lenders even after getting preapproved, but doing so late in the process can delay closing. If you find better terms with another lender, weigh the savings against any potential delays or extra paperwork.
Does getting preapproved guarantee that I’ll get the mortgage?
No, preapproval is not a guarantee. The lender will fully verify your finances again during underwriting. To avoid surprises, don’t take on new debt, make large purchases, or change jobs before closing.
What happens if the appraisal comes in lower than my offer?
If the appraisal is lower than your offer, your lender may reduce the loan amount. You’ll need to either negotiate a lower price with the seller, pay the difference out of pocket, or walk away from the deal if you have an appraisal contingency.
How long should I lock in my mortgage rate?
Most rate locks last 30 to 60 days, which usually covers the closing timeline. If delays happen, you may need to pay for an extension. Ask your lender when to lock to avoid extra costs or losing your rate.
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