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:
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:
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:
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.
