How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?

Key takeaways

Buying a home can take anywhere from two weeks to three months 

If you’re buying with cash – as little as two weeks

If you’re buying with a mortgage – about 45-60 days

If you’re buying a short sale property – at least three months

Among all the excitement and anticipation that comes with buying a home, it’s important to keep a realistic timeline of just how long it takes to purchase a house. The truth is, the timeline for buying a house can vary due to a number of factors, like financing needs and the type of home you’re searching for. However, in most cases, once a seller has accepted your offer, the closing process typically takes 30 to 60 days – unless you made an all-cash offer.

In this Redfin article, find out how long it takes to buy a house based on the three most common scenarios – a cash offer, a mortgage, and a short sale. Whether you’re buying a home in Boston, MA, or a condo in Milwaukee, WI, here’s what you can expect at each step of the process.

What to do before buying a home

Before you start searching for a home, there are several steps you’ll need to take to prepare. Getting your finances in order, saving for a down payment, and improving your credit score can all add to the time it takes to buy a house.  

First, it’s important to know how much house you can afford. Your budget will depend on your income, recurring expenses and debt, and available funds for a down payment. Some things to do are:

Check your credit score and credit report

Improve your credit score and reduce debts if needed

Determine your monthly budget and household expenses

Save for a down payment and closing costs.

Collect paperwork for a mortgage

If you’re planning on financing your home purchase with a mortgage, you’ll likely need to save for a down payment. How much a down payment is depends on a variety of factors, such as how much you can afford, your credit score, what mortgage loans you qualify for, and whether you are eligible for down payment assistance.

Many homeowners think they need a 20% down payment to buy a home. However, there are many low- and no-down payment loans available, like FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Some conventional loans even offer lower down payment options.

If you can afford it, there are still benefits to a 20% down payment on a conventional loan. For example, you won’t need to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI). But if you are struggling to save money for a 20% down payment, a low down payment may be beneficial. Remember, you’ll still have to save for closing costs, which can be as much as 5% of the purchase price. 

1. How long does it take to buy a house with a mortgage? 45+ days

Buying a house with a mortgage usually takes longer than an all-cash purchase due to the loan approval process. Once an offer is accepted, the timeline involves securing financing, completing inspections, and meeting lender requirements before closing day. While the process often takes around 45 to 60 days, it can vary based on factors like lender speed, appraisal results, and the transaction’s complexity. 

Here’s a step-by-step look at the typical mortgage timeline:

A step-by-step process for buying a house with a mortgage:

StepTimingDescription1. Do your research1-14 daysResearch the local market, find out how much house you can afford, and note your must-haves in a home.2. Find a real estate agent1-7 daysYour agent will support you through the homebuying process. Take advantage of their neighborhood expertise and industry knowledge. They’ll be aware of housing market trends and potential red flags. They’ll help you make a good offer and assist with the negotiating process.3. Get pre-approved1-3 business daysA mortgage pre-approval confirms that the lender or mortgage broker has reviewed your finances and is willing to lend a specific amount of money.4. Begin touring homesFew days to a few monthsStart looking at homes in your budget and tour houses in your desired neighborhoods.5. Make an offer and negotiateA few daysWork with your agent to determine how much to offer and which contingencies, if any, to include. You can check the estimate of a home’s value online and ask your agent for a comparative market analysis (CMA). This will show the list and final sale prices for similar homes that recently sold in the area. Some sellers will have an offer-review date while others will be open to any offers that come in.6. Apply for a mortgage and begin the closing process30-45 daysOnce you and the seller agree on the terms, you’ll enter the closing process or escrow. You’ll officially apply for a mortgage loan. Expect to be in very close communication with your agent, lender, and escrow agency during this time.7. Get a home inspection3-7 days to schedule, few hours to inspectIf the seller accepts your offer the next step is to schedule a home inspection, which will identify any major issues with the property. 8. Have a home appraisal15 minutes to 5 daysAn appraisal will make sure that the home is worth the full purchase price. Your lender wants to be sure they aren’t lending you more than the home’s value.9. Conduct a final walkthrough1 hour, the day before closingA final walkthrough ensures the house is in the same condition as when they agreed to purchase it and any agreed-upon repairs to the property have been fulfilled. If something isn’t right, you should ask the seller to fix the problem before the sale is closed.10. Close on the house and get the keysA few hoursClosing day involves signing papers, transferring the deed, paying closing costs, and officially getting the keys.

2. How long does it take to buy a house with cash? As little as two weeks

Nearly one-third of homes in the U.S. are bought with all cash, according to a Redfin study from October 2025. If a buyer has the cash available and provides proof of the funds, buying a house with an all-cash offer can happen in as little as two weeks under ideal conditions. 

Here’s a breakdown of the steps and timeline involved when buying a home with an all-cash offer:

A step-by-step process for buying a house with cash:

StepTimingWhat to know1. Find a trusted real estate agentA few daysMake sure to find and interview a few agents before choosing a real estate agent for your home search.2. Search for a homeA few days to a few monthsTalk to your real estate agent about what you’re looking for in a home. They’ll find houses that fit your criteria and set up viewing appointments to see the house in person.3. Seller verifies that the buyer has the cash to buy the house24-48 hoursWith a mortgage, the bank will confirm that you have money for the down payment. Since there isn’t a mortgage involved, the seller will be required to request proof of funds and earnest money.4. Secure title and escrow services1 dayThe escrow company ensures that all conditions of your real estate transaction are met. They’ll hold on to the earnest money until the deal is done. Your agent should be able to recommend a title company.5. Conduct a title search3 daysA title search ensures there are no outstanding liens or heirs listed in the title history.6. Schedule a home inspection1 week to bookIt’s always recommended to schedule a home inspection so you know exactly what you’re buying.7. Have the home inspected1-4 hoursA home inspector will test the plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling, and check the roof, the foundation, and the home’s exterior. The inspector’s job is to take note of the house’s current condition.Optional: Have the property appraised15 minutes to 5 daysAn appraisal will make sure that the home is worth the full purchase price. However, cash buyers aren’t working with a lender, so you have the option to skip or ignore an appraisal.8. Conduct a final walkthrough1 dayYou and your agent will walk through the home to make sure the house is in the same condition that it was when you agreed to buy it and to confirm that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed.9. Close on the home1-2 hoursWithout mortgage paperwork, closing is fairly straightforward.

3. How long does it take to buy a short sale property? At least three months

Contrary to their name, short sales can take many months. In the best-case scenario, expect at least three months. In the worst case, it could take a very long time. Often buyers don’t apply for the mortgage until after the seller’s lender gives approval of the short sale. This approval can take a month at the earliest to get. 

Below is a step-by-step overview of what to expect when purchasing a short sale property:

A step-by-step process for buying a short sale property:

StepTimingDescription1. Find an experienced agent2-3 daysFinding a great agent is key to any real estate purchase, especially short sale transactions.2. Get pre-approved for a mortgageAbout 1 weekFind a lender and get preapproved for a mortgage. This will speed up the closing process.3. Find a property to purchaseAt least 1 weekTour homes available for short sale and narrow down your options.4. Write an offer and sign a contract1-2 weeksWork with your agent to determine an appropriate offer.5. Send short sale packet to the lender for approvalUp to 12 monthsFill out paperwork and make your offer to the seller’s bank.6. Have the home inspected1 dayIt’s recommended to always schedule a home inspection so you know exactly what you’re buying.7. Have the property appraised1 weekThe lender will request a property valuation.8. Get approval and close on the property1 week to 1 monthOnce approved, the closing process can be rather quick.

FAQs about the homebuying process

What can delay the homebuying process?

Low credit scores, missing or incomplete financial documents, discrepancies during the home appraisal process, and home inspection issues that require negotiation or repairs are some factors that can delay the homebuying process. 

Can you speed up the mortgage approval process?

Yes, getting pre-approved before making an offer, promptly submitting all required financial documents (such as tax returns, bank statements, and pay stubs), and choosing a lender known for efficient processing can all help. 

Is a cash offer always better than a mortgage?

Cash offers are not always better for every buyer. Using a mortgage allows buyers to keep cash available for investments, home improvements, or emergencies. However, cash offers can provide leverage in competitive markets and potentially lead to a lower purchase price.

What happens if my mortgage isn’t approved before closing?

If your mortgage isn’t approved in time, it could delay or jeopardize the closing process. Whether the deal falls through depends on the contingencies outlined in the purchase agreement, as some contracts allow for extensions. 

Do I need a home inspection if I’m buying with cash?

While a home inspection isn’t legally required for cash purchases, it’s still highly recommended. An inspection can reveal potential issues like structural problems, outdated systems, or safety hazards that might not be visible during a walkthrough.