You've found the perfect house, made an offer, and it's been accepted. Congratulations! Now comes the question everyone asks: "When can I move in?"
The timeline for a real estate transaction can feel like a mystery if you've never been through it before. While the national average sits around 30-45 days from accepted offer to closing, that number tells only part of the story. Some deals close in three weeks, while others drag on for months.
Understanding what happens during a real estate transaction—and how long each step typically takes—helps you plan your move, coordinate with your current housing situation, and avoid last-minute surprises.
The Major Steps and Their Timelines
Getting Pre-Approved (1-3 Days)
Before you even make an offer, getting pre-approved for a mortgage sets the foundation for everything that follows. This isn't the same as getting pre-qualified, which is just a rough estimate. Pre-approval means a lender has actually reviewed your finances and committed to lending you a specific amount.
The process itself usually takes a day or two, but gathering your documents beforehand—tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements—makes it go faster.
Making an Offer and Negotiating (1-3 Days)
Once you've found your home, your agent prepares an offer. In a balanced market, you might hear back within 24 hours. In competitive markets, sellers sometimes give buyers deadlines to submit their best offers.
If the seller counters, negotiations can add another day or two. Back-and-forth on price, closing dates, or contingencies extends this phase, but most offers either get accepted or rejected within 72 hours.
Home Inspection (7-10 Days)
After your offer is accepted, you'll schedule a home inspection within the first week. The inspection itself takes a few hours, but you'll typically have 7-10 days total to complete it and decide whether to request repairs, ask for credits, or walk away if major issues surface.
This is where deals sometimes hit their first snag. If the inspection reveals problems, renegotiating with the seller can add several days to your timeline.
Appraisal (7-14 Days)
Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home's value matches the purchase price. Scheduling can take a few days, and the appraiser needs about a week to complete their report.
If the home appraises for less than your offer price, you'll need to renegotiate, bring more cash to closing, or request that the seller lower the price. These conversations can add another week to your timeline.
Loan Processing and Underwriting (2-3 Weeks)
While inspections and appraisals happen, your lender processes your mortgage application. The underwriter reviews your financials, the property details, and the appraisal. They'll probably ask for additional documentation—another bank statement, an explanation for a large deposit, or a letter from your employer.
This phase overlaps with other steps but typically takes two to three weeks. Responding quickly to your lender's requests keeps things moving.
Title Search and Insurance (1-2 Weeks)
The title company searches public records to confirm the seller actually owns the property and that no liens, claims, or legal issues could prevent the sale. Most title searches go smoothly, but occasionally they uncover problems—an unpaid contractor's lien, an unclear property boundary, or an heir who needs to sign off on the sale.
Resolving title issues can delay closing by days or even weeks, depending on the complexity.
Final Walkthrough (1 Day)
Usually scheduled 24 hours before closing, the final walkthrough lets you confirm the home's condition hasn't changed and that any agreed-upon repairs were completed. This step rarely causes delays unless you discover new damage or missing items that require negotiation.
Closing (1 Day)
On closing day, you'll sign a mountain of paperwork, transfer funds, and receive the keys. The actual signing takes about an hour, though coordinating everyone's schedules and ensuring all documents are ready can push closing back if something's missing.
What Makes Transactions Take Longer?
Several factors can extend your timeline beyond the typical 30-45 days:
Financing complications top the list. If your lender needs additional documentation, if your financial situation changes, or if the appraisal comes in low, expect delays. Cash buyers typically close faster because they skip the entire loan process.
Inspection negotiations often add time. When buyers request repairs and sellers push back, both parties need time to agree on solutions. Multiple rounds of negotiation can add one to two weeks.
Title issues occasionally surface, requiring legal work to clear liens or resolve ownership questions. These problems are unpredictable and can add anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Seller delays happen when the current owner needs more time to move out or hasn't secured their next home yet. Sometimes sellers request a rent-back agreement, where they stay in the home after closing and pay you rent until they're ready to leave.
Market conditions play a role too. In hot markets with multiple offers, transactions sometimes move faster because everyone's motivated. In slower markets, appraisals might take longer due to fewer comparable sales, or buyers might request more extensive inspections.
Why Experience Matters
"A smooth transaction doesn't happen by accident," says Mike Oddo, CEO of HouseJet. "Experienced agents anticipate problems before they become delays. They know which inspectors, appraisers, and title companies consistently meet deadlines, they communicate proactively with all parties, and they've developed strategies for keeping deals on track even when unexpected issues arise. That experience is the difference between closing on time and scrambling to extend your closing date."
HouseJet's Strategies for Staying on Track
Respond Immediately to Lender Requests
Your lender will ask for documents throughout the process. HouseJet recommends treating every request as urgent. The faster you provide what they need, the faster underwriting moves forward. Keep digital copies of all your financial documents organized and ready to send.
Build Buffer Time Into Your Closing Date
Don't schedule your move-out date, your movers, or your new job start date for the exact day of closing. HouseJet suggests building in at least a week of flexibility. If you close early, great. If something causes a delay, you won't be scrambling to extend hotel reservations or renegotiate your current lease.
Stay in Touch With Your Agent Daily
Even when everything's going smoothly, regular communication prevents small issues from becoming big problems. HouseJet encourages buyers to check in with their agent every day or two, even if it's just a quick text. This keeps everyone aligned and ensures you know about potential issues while there's still time to address them.
The Bottom Line
Most real estate transactions close within 30-45 days, but that timeline isn't set in stone. Understanding each step, knowing what can cause delays, and working with experienced professionals who keep everyone accountable makes the difference between a smooth closing and a stressful one.
