🗺️ Buying

Home Buying Timeline

New to buying? This visual timeline walks you through the whole journey — from getting pre-approved to picking up your keys — with realistic timeframes for each step, so you always know what's coming next.

Your home-buying timeline

From "let's start looking" to keys in hand. Every purchase is a little different, but here's the path most buyers follow — usually about 30–45 days from accepted offer to closing.

🧭Get ready~1 week
→
🔍Find your home2–4 weeks
→
📝Under contract~30 days
→
✅Closingclosing week
→
🏡Move inafter closing
🧭

Get ready

~1 week
  1. Check your credit & budget

    1 day

    Know your credit score (aim for 640+) and settle on a comfortable price range and monthly payment.

  2. Get pre-approved

    2–3 days

    Share income and asset documents with a lender to lock in your price range, rate, and loan terms. We can refer you to trusted lenders on our team to help you land the best rates possible.

    Contact us for a lender referral →
  3. Hire your agent

    1 day

    Partner with us to guide your search, run comps, and negotiate on your behalf.

🔍

Find your home

2–4 weeks
  1. House hunting

    2–4 weeks

    Tour homes that match your must-haves and refine what matters most.

  2. Make an offer

    1 day

    Submit a purchase offer with price, closing date, and the contingencies that protect you.

📝

Under contract

~30 days
  1. Earnest money deposit

    within days

    Place a good-faith deposit into escrow to show the seller you're serious.

  2. Home inspection

    ~1 week

    A pro checks the home's condition — negotiate repairs or walk away if needed.

  3. Appraisal

    1–2 weeks

    Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home is worth the price.

  4. Loan underwriting

    1–2 weeks

    Finalize your paperwork; the lender verifies everything and issues final approval.

  5. Homeowner's insurance

    a few hours

    Line up a policy — your lender requires coverage in place before closing.

✅

Closing

closing week
  1. Review your Closing Disclosure

    3 days before

    Check your final loan terms and closing costs — you'll get this at least 3 business days before closing.

  2. Final walkthrough

    1 hour

    Confirm the home is in the expected condition right before you sign.

  3. Sign & wire your cash to close

    closing day

    Sign the paperwork and wire your funds (verify wire details by phone first).

🏡

Move in

after closing
  1. Get the keys & move in

    closing day

    Congratulations — you're a homeowner! Time to settle in.

  2. First mortgage payment

    ~1 month later

    Your first payment is usually due about a full month after closing.