How Long Does It Take to Buy a House from Start to Finish?

by Barrington Virgo

How Long Does It Take to Buy a House from Start to Finish?

Wondering how long does it take to buy a house? You're not alone. For most buyers, it's a process filled with excitement, confusion, and a lot of waiting. Knowing the timeline can help you plan, avoid surprises, and make smart moves along the way.

Here’s a breakdown of how long it typically takes to buy a house from start to finish, and what happens at each step.

Before you even start looking, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This step shows sellers you’re serious and helps you know how much house you can afford. If your paperwork is in order, it can be done in just a few days.

Pro tip: You’ll need recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and your credit score.

This is the fun part—and sometimes the most frustrating. How long does it take to buy a house often depends on how quickly you find the right one. Some buyers fall in love with the first home they tour. Others take weeks or even months.

Things that affect timing:

Your budget and must-haves

The current market (fast-moving or slow?)

Inventory in your desired area

Once you find "the one," your agent will help you submit an offer. The seller may accept, reject, or counter. How long does it take to buy a house can speed up or slow down based on this back-and-forth.

Once your offer is accepted, you’re under contract. Now the real work begins. Here's what happens during this phase:

Home inspection (1–3 days after contract)

Appraisal ordered by your lender (usually within 7 days)

Title search and insurance

Final loan approval (called "clear to close")

Delays can happen due to:

Repair negotiations

Low appraisal values

Missing paperwork

You’ll sign a mountain of paperwork, pay your down payment and closing costs, and finally get the keys. Congrats!

Most buyers can expect the full process to take 30 to 90 days, depending on the market, financing, and how picky you are.

If you’re paying cash and find a home quickly? You could close in 2–3 weeks.
If you need financing and have specific needs? Expect closer to 60–90 days.

If you’re still asking, "how long does it take to buy a house," the answer is: it depends. But with the right agent, lender, and plan, you can make the process smooth and low-stress.

Need help getting started? Reach out today and let’s talk about your goals and how I can help you buy with confidence.