How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home?
- By Jim Blackburn
- on
- 100 first time home buyer FAQs
1. House Hunting: The Search Begins
The first stage is finding the right home—and this part depends entirely on you. Some buyers fall in love with the first house they tour. Others might take a few months to find “the one.” Your timeline will depend on your budget, your wishlist, and how competitive the local market is. Pro tip? Having a pre-approval letter in hand speeds this up.
Before you start house hunting, know exactly what you can afford. Calculate your Conventional Purchase Loan Payment now to understand your budget range and narrow your search to homes that fit your financial comfort zone.
2. Making an Offer + Getting a Mortgage (30–45 Days)
Once you’ve found the right home and made an offer, the real countdown begins. If your offer is accepted, the next 30–45 days will be a whirlwind of appraisals, inspections, paperwork, and loan processing. During this time, your lender works behind the scenes to finalize everything — and we’ll guide you through every step so you’re never in the dark.
Need help finding trusted professionals to keep your timeline on track? Get An Introduction to experienced inspectors, appraisers, and title companies who can expedite the 30-45 day process without cutting corners.
3. Closing Day: Time to Get the Keys
The final step is Closing Day — when you sign the final documents, pay any remaining closing costs, and finally get the keys to your new home. It’s the finish line of your buying journey, and the beginning of your next chapter. 🎉
Want to understand the complete homebuying process from start to finish? Visit our Buy a House page for comprehensive resources about timelines, milestones, and what to expect at each stage of your journey.
Want a Step-by-Step Timeline Personalized to You?
At Stairway Mortgage, we help you move smart, not rushed. Your home is waiting — let’s make a plan to get there.
📘 Download our homebuyer guides with timeline roadmaps.
🧮 Know your budget with our Conventional Purchase Calculator.
🏠 Learn more on our Buy a House page.
📊 Check Current Rates to start your journey.
Ready to Take Your First Step?
Skip the guesswork. Take our quick Discovery Quiz to uncover your top financial priorities, so we can guide you toward the wealth-building strategies that fit your life.
- Takes just 5 minutes
- Tailored results based on your answers
- No credit check required
Need a Pre-Approval Letter—Fast?
Buying a home soon? Complete our short form and we’ll connect you with the best loan options for your target property and financial situation—fast.
- Only 2 minutes to complete
- Quick turnaround on pre-approval
- No credit score impact
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Let’s talk it through. Book a call and one of our friendly advisors will be in touch to guide you personally.
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