The Home Buying Timeline: From Showing to Closing

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what happens next. Understanding the typical timeline helps buyers stay organized, confident, and prepared at every step.

1. Home Search and Showings

Buyers start by touring homes that fit their budget, location, and lifestyle needs. This phase can take days or several months, depending on inventory and competition.

2. Making an Offer

Once the right home is found, the buyer submits an offer that includes price, contingencies, and proposed timelines. In competitive markets, this step may involve negotiations or multiple offers.

3. Offer Acceptance

After both parties agree on terms, the home goes under contract. This officially starts the escrow period and sets important deadlines.

4. Home Inspection Period

Buyers schedule inspections to evaluate the home’s condition. Based on the results, buyers may request repairs, credits, or price adjustments.

5. Appraisal and Loan Approval

The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. At the same time, the loan goes through underwriting for final approval.

6. Final Walkthrough

Before closing, buyers complete a final walkthrough to ensure the home is in agreed-upon condition and any negotiated repairs are completed.

7. Closing Day

On closing day, buyers sign final documents, funds are transferred, and ownership officially changes hands. Keys are then released to the buyer.

Final Thoughts

While timelines can vary, most transactions follow this general flow. Working with an experienced agent helps ensure deadlines are met and issues are handled smoothly from start to finish.