How long does the home buying process actually take?
Answered by Chris Deutsch, Founder & Editor
Licensed Minnesota Realtor #20382264 ·
The short answer
Timeline reality check: Pre-approval (1-3 days), home search (2 weeks to 3 months depending on pickiness and market), offer to close (30-45 days typical). Total: 2-5 months is common. But here's what changes things: If you're flexible on neighborhood, 4-6 weeks. If you're targeting one specific neighborhood with low inventory, 4-6 months. If you're paying cash, you can close in 2 weeks. The biggest delay isn't finding a home—it's getting your financial house in order. Start that today.
On stage The 60-second answer
Captions on · Transcript below
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What people in this spot usually ask next.
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From the editor's desk
“As Founder and Editor, I review, correct, and stand behind every answer.”
Is your situation more specific than the market? That's the one worth talking through.