How long does it realistically take to buy a house?

On average, it takes 4 and a half months to buy a home, plus an additional 30 to 45 days to close a home once it's under contract. But, of course, the time frame can vary widely based on factors such as the time of year, your financing needs, the type of housing you are looking for, and the inventory in your local market. A homebuying schedule can be difficult to predict. It usually takes four weeks at the lower end to six months (or longer) to buy and close a home.

But it can be faster if you make a strong bid right away in a fast-moving market or slower if you struggle to find the right place or continue to be outbid. According to Zillow research, about half of shoppers searched for less than three months, but 13% made purchases for seven months to a year. How long does it take to buy a home? A lot depends on how much time you spend buying one. But once you have a contract, it takes an average of 50 days to close a home.

The definitive timeline ensures the smoothest transitions. Check to see if your state's insurance department publishes a comparison of homeowners insurance premiums. They may have done the shopping for you. Homebuyers who buy home loans can avoid leaving money on the table.

Virtual steps in buying a home can save time, but learn how to get the full picture. On average, it takes four to five months to buy a home. That range includes the two or three months it takes to find the right home, 1 and another one to two months to go from contract to closing, 2.

Alisa Carrino
Alisa Carrino

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