# How long does the home buying process actually take? By Opendoor Editorial Team | 2019-12-16 > The time it takes to buy a house depends on your personal situation, goals and where you’re looking. ## Key Takeaways # How long does the home buying process actually take? Buying a home isn't like ordering something online — there's no "Buy Now" button that delivers keys to your door the next day. The process involves multiple stages, each with its own timeline, and knowing what to expect can help you plan around a lease ending, a job relocation, or the sale of your current home. This guide breaks down how long each phase typically takes, what can cause delays, and how to keep your purchase moving smoothly from pre-approval to closing day. [Get your offer](#) ## Key takeaways on the home buying timeline Buying a house typically takes about four to five months from start to finish. That timeline includes getting your finances ready, searching for a home, and closing once you're under contract. The closing process itself usually runs 30 to 60 days after a seller accepts your offer. A few things shape how long your journey will take: - **Mortgage vs. cash:** Buyers using a mortgage typically close in 45 to 60 days. Cash buyers can sometimes close in as little as two weeks. - **The home search varies most:** Some buyers find their home in a few weeks. Others look for months, especially in competitive markets with limited inventory. - **Preparation speeds everything up:** Buyers who get pre-approved and organize their documents early tend to move through the process with fewer delays. ## Average time to buy a house from start to finish The home buying process breaks into four main phases. Each one has its own pace, and knowing what to expect at each stage helps you plan around a lease ending, a job relocation, or the sale of your current home. The preparation phase often starts long before you browse listings online. Meanwhile, the search phase is where timelines differ most. Some buyers get lucky quickly, while others take months to find the right fit. ## How long does it take to buy a house with a mortgage Most buyers finance their purchase, which means working within a lender's timeline. Once your offer is accepted, expect the [closing process](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-long-does-closing-take) to take roughly 45 to 60 days. During that window, the lender verifies your finances, orders an appraisal, and completes underwriting. Here are a few terms worth knowing: - **Pre-approval:** A lender reviews your income, assets, and credit to confirm how much they're willing to lend. This usually takes a few days and results in a letter that shows sellers you're a qualified buyer. - **Underwriting:** The lender's team takes a deeper look at your financial documents to finalize loan approval. Many delays happen here, often because of missing paperwork or questions about income. - **Appraisal:** The lender orders an [independent assessment of the home's value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/home-appraisal-process) to confirm it supports the loan amount. - **Clear to close:** Once underwriting wraps up and all conditions are met, you receive this status. Closing day is usually just a few days away at that point. Staying organized and responding quickly to lender requests can shave days off this phase. ## How long does it take to buy a house with cash Cash purchases move faster because there's no lender involved. Without mortgage approval, appraisal contingencies, or underwriting, a cash buyer can close in [as little as two weeks](https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/are-cash-offers-better-for-sellers) under the right conditions. The title company still conducts a title search to confirm clear ownership, and you'll still want a home inspection. But you skip the back-and-forth with a mortgage lender entirely, and that eliminates the longest single phase of a traditional purchase. Cash offers also tend to be more attractive to sellers, which can speed up negotiations. In fact, [33% of home buyers](https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/are-cash-offers-better-for-sellers) (including real estate investors) financed their purchases with cash in early 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors. If you're selling your current home to Opendoor and receiving a cash offer, that certainty can help you move forward on your next purchase with confidence. ## Step-by-step timeline for buying a house ### 1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage Pre-approval is different from pre-qualification. Pre-qualification gives you a rough estimate based on information you report yourself. Pre-approval involves the lender actually [verifying your income, assets, and credit](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/mortgage-preapproval), and it results in a letter that carries real weight with sellers. You'll typically provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. The process usually takes a few days, though having your documents organized beforehand speeds things up. ### 2. Search for your home This is the most unpredictable phase of the entire process. Some buyers tour a handful of homes and make an offer within weeks. Others spend months searching, especially in competitive markets with limited inventory. Your flexibility on location, your price range relative to the market, and how quickly you can schedule tours all affect how long this takes. Working with an experienced agent who knows the local market can help you move efficiently. ### 3. Make an offer and negotiate Once you find a home you love, your agent helps you put together an offer. This includes the purchase price, any contingencies (like inspection or financing), and earnest money. Earnest money is a deposit that shows the seller you're serious about the purchase. Negotiations might wrap up in a day or stretch over a week, depending on how many counteroffers go back and forth. In competitive situations, you might make multiple offers before one is accepted. ### 4. Schedule and complete the home inspection A home inspection is an independent evaluation of the property's condition. An inspector examines the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and more, then provides a detailed report. Most contracts include an inspection contingency period, typically 7 to 10 days. According to Zillow's 2023 Buyer Consumer Housing Trends Report, [67% of buyers](https://www.ahit.com/home-inspection-career-guide/are-home-inspectors-in-demand/) said their final offers were contingent on a property passing inspection. If the inspection reveals significant issues, you can negotiate repairs, request a credit, or in some cases, walk away from the deal. ### 5. Finalize your mortgage and underwriting After your offer is accepted, you formally apply for your mortgage. Even with pre-approval, the lender conducts a fresh review of your finances and orders an appraisal of the property. During underwriting, it's wise to avoid making large purchases, opening new credit accounts, or changing jobs. Any of those can trigger additional verification and delay your closing. Responding promptly to document requests is where proactive communication really pays off. ### 6. Close on your new home and get the keys Closing day involves signing a stack of documents, paying your closing costs (typically via cashier's check or wire transfer), and officially taking ownership. Plan for the appointment to take at least a couple of hours. Before closing, you'll do a final walkthrough to confirm the home is in the agreed-upon condition. Once everything is signed and funds are transferred, you receive the keys. ## What can delay the home buying process Even well-prepared buyers run into bumps along the way. Knowing what can go wrong helps you anticipate and avoid common pitfalls. ### Financing and appraisal problems If the appraisal comes in lower than your offer price, you face what's called an appraisal gap. You might renegotiate the price, bring extra cash to closing, or walk away. Changes to your employment or credit during underwriting can also derail financing. ### Title issues and legal complications A title search examines the property's ownership history. If the search uncovers liens, boundary disputes, or unclear ownership, those issues require resolution before closing can proceed. That can add weeks to the timeline. ### Inspection repairs and renegotiations Major inspection findings, like a failing roof, foundation cracks, or outdated electrical, often lead to repair requests or price negotiations. If buyer and seller can't agree, the deal may fall through entirely. ### Buyer or seller personal circumstances Life happens on both sides of a transaction. A seller's own home purchase might fall through, delaying their ability to move out. A buyer might experience a job change or family emergency. These situations are harder to predict but can extend timelines significantly. ## How to speed up the home buying process ### Prepare your finances before you start shopping Check your credit report for errors, pay down outstanding debts, and start [saving for your down payment and closing costs](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-much-to-save-for-house) well in advance. ### Get pre-approved early and stay organized Having a pre-approval letter in hand before you tour homes puts you in a stronger position to make offers quickly. Keep your financial documents accessible, since you'll likely provide updated versions during underwriting. ### Work with experienced real estate professionals A knowledgeable agent can help you navigate competitive markets, spot potential issues early, and keep your transaction on track. Similarly, a responsive lender who communicates clearly can prevent delays during underwriting. ### Consider a cash offer for faster closing If you're also selling a home, receiving a [cash offer on your current property](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/what-is-a-cash-offer-in-real-estate-and-why-consider-it) can simplify your buying timeline dramatically. With Opendoor, you can get a cash offer on your home and choose your closing date, giving you the flexibility to buy your next home without the stress of coordinating two uncertain transactions. ## How to coordinate selling your home while buying another This is one of the [trickiest timing challenges](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-to-sell-and-buy-a-house-at-the-same-time) in real estate. You want to avoid paying two mortgages at once, but you also don't want to end up without a place to live. Traditional options include: - **Sale contingency:** Your offer to buy is contingent on selling your current home first. This protects you but can make your offer less competitive. - **Bridge loan:** A short-term loan that covers the gap between buying your new home and selling your old one. Bridge loans come with additional costs and interest. - **Sell first, then buy:** You gain certainty on your sale proceeds but may need temporary housing while you search for your next home. There's another path worth considering. With Opendoor, you can request a cash offer on your current home and choose a closing date that aligns with your purchase timeline. This approach removes the uncertainty of waiting for a traditional buyer and lets you move forward on your terms. ## Move forward on your terms with a cash offer Buying a home involves a lot of moving pieces. When you're also selling, the complexity multiplies. Having certainty on one side of the equation makes everything easier. Opendoor's cash offer gives you control over your timeline. Skip the showings, avoid the uncertainty of waiting for offers, and close when it works for you. Whether you're relocating for a job, upsizing for a growing family, or simply ready for your next chapter, you can move with confidence. [Get a free, no-obligation cash offer](https://www.opendoor.com/address-entry) [Get your offer](#) ## FAQs about how long it takes to buy a house ### How long does it take to buy a new construction home? New construction typically takes longer than buying an existing home because you're waiting for the builder to complete the property. However, the purchase process itself can be simpler, since many builders offer in-house financing and handle much of the paperwork directly. ### Can you buy a house in two weeks? It's possible with a cash purchase and motivated parties on both sides. For financed purchases, two weeks is extremely rare due to lender timelines for appraisal and underwriting. ### How do market conditions affect the home buying timeline? In [competitive markets](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/when-is-the-best-time-to-buy-a-house) with low inventory, you may spend more time searching and making multiple offers. Once under contract, though, transactions often move quickly. In slower markets, you might find a home faster but face longer negotiation periods. ### How long is a mortgage rate lock valid? Rate locks typically last 30 to 60 days, though some lenders offer longer periods for an additional fee. Coordinating your lock timing with your expected closing date helps you avoid expiration. ### What happens if you need to move before your home purchase closes? Options include arranging temporary housing, negotiating early occupancy with the seller, or setting up a rent-back agreement with the buyer of your current home. Planning ahead for this possibility can reduce stress if timelines don't align perfectly. | **City** | **Explore Opendoor guides to neighborhoods in your area** | | Raleigh | [Historic Oakwood](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/historic-oakwood-raleigh), [Downtown](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/downtown-raleigh), [Boylan Heights](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/boylan-heights-raleigh), [Cameron Village](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/cameron-village-raleigh), [Five Points](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/five-points-raleigh), [North Hills](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/north-hills-raleigh), [Stonehenge](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/stonehenge-raleigh), [Wakefield](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/wakefield-raleigh), [Brier Creek](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/brier-creek-raleigh) | | Charlotte | [Uptown](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/uptown-charlotte), [Dilworth](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/dilworth-charlotte), [South End](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/south-end-charlotte), [Elizabeth](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/elizabeth-charlotte), [Belmont](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/belmont-charlotte), [Plaza Midwood](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/plaza-midwood-charlotte), [NoDa](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/noda-charlotte), [Camp North End](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/camp-north-end-charlotte), [Eastover](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/eastover-charlotte), [Myers Park](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/myers-park-charlotte), [Providence Plantation](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/providence-plantation-charlotte), [Ballantyne](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/ballantyne-charlotte) | | Plano | [Whiffletree](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/whiffletree-plano), [Legacy West](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/legacy-west-plano), [Kings Ridge](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/kings-ridge-plano), [Deerfield](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/deerfield-plano), [Shoal Creek](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/shoal-creek-plano), [Ridgeview Ranch](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/ridgeview-ranch-plano), [Willow Bend](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/willow-bend-plano), [West Plano](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/west-plano-plano), [Lakeside on Preston](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/lakeside-on-preston-plano), [Avignon Windhaven](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/avignon-windhaven-plano) | | Dallas | [Uptown](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/uptown-dallas), [Highland Park](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/highland-park-dallas), [Knox-Henderson](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/knox-henderson-dallas), [Lower Greenville](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/lower-greenville-dallas), [Bishop Arts District](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/bishop-arts-district-dallas), [Lakewood](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/lakewood-dallas), [Oak Lawn](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/oak-lawn-dallas), [Victory Park](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/victory-park-dallas), [Deep Ellum](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/deep-ellum-dallas), [Preston Hollow](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/preston-hollow-dallas) | | Fort Worth | [Downtown](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/downtown-fort-worth), [West 7th/Cultural District](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/west-7th-cultural-district-fort-worth), [Arlington Heights](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/arlington-heights-fort-worth), [Rivercrest](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/rivercrest-fort-worth), [TCU/University](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/tcu-university-fort-worth), [Fairmount](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/fairmount-fort-worth), [Ridglea Hills](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/ridglea-hills-fort-worth), [Benbrook](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/benbrook-fort-worth), [North Richland Hills](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/north-richland-hills-fort-worth), [Keller](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/keller-fort-worth) | | Phoenix | [Willo](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/willo-phoenix), [Encanto](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/encanto-phoenix), [Arcadia](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/arcadia-phoenix) | | Mesa | [Eastmark](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/eastmark-mesa) | | Scottsdale | [Old Town Scottsdale](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/old-town-scottsdale-scottsdale) | | Los Angeles | [Silver Lake](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/silver-lake-los-angeles), [Los Feliz](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/los-feliz-los-angeles), [Studio City](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/studio-city-los-angeles) | | Oakland | [Upper Dimond](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/upper-dimond-oakland), [Laurel](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/laurel-oakland) | | Seattle | [Capitol Hill](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/capitol-hill-seattle) | --- *Originally published at [https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-to-buy-a-house](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-to-buy-a-house)*