Home Buying Timeline

There are no absolutes on a time-frame for buying a home (some buyers find a home their first day out while others may take weeks or even months) but there are some general guidelines that can help with your overall planning. These time-frames can vary by the type of Real Estate market you are in. In an active market, they can be compressed (you will need to move quickly for desirable homes) but in a less active market you may have the luxury of a bit more time.

Time Prior to Desired Moving Date

2-3 Months

» Develop a personal checklist that include;

*Features your looking for

*Location

*Budget

*Personal Goals

»Start Mortgage Pre-Approval process

*Do not apply for any other credit or make significant purchases on credit.

You don’t want to have your credit checked unnecessarily; this could negatively

Impact your credit score.

» Choose your Realtor

» Begin property search

45-60 Days

» Compare and evaluate homes

» Make an offer and purchase contract on the best house for you

» Home Inspection within 10 days of accepted offer a home inspection will take place. The buyer pays for the inspection. This will give you piece of mind that the home you are purchasing is sound. You may renegotiate if items are found on an inspection that do not meet safety standards.

» Closing arrangements

After your offer is accepted your lender will update your financial documents and you’ll receive a Loan Estimate package.

21-28 Days

» Moving arrangements

» Call a moving company to make arrangements, if you’re using one and start packing

» Arrange for any school transfers or registrations

» Arrange homeowners insurance

2-10 Days from Move Date

» Make address changes

» Arrange for utilities at new home

» Verify mover

» You will receive a preliminary Closing Disclosure (CD) 3-4 days prior to closing. Revisions may apply

24-48 Hours

» Verify any final mortgage details with you including your cash to close funds. Typically, these will need to be wired; I will let you know if other forms of payment are accepted.

» Final walkthrough of your new home.

Closing Day

» Sign final loan documents and get the keys to your new home

» Bring a valid driver license to the close

» File homestead classification as soon as possible, but no later than December 1st with your county.