Short answerGet preapproved and set a monthly budget, decide whether to use an agent, tour homes, write an offer with the right contingencies, inspect, negotiate repairs or credits, get through the appraisal and loan approval, do a final walkthrough, and close at a title company. With a loan, closing usually takes about five to six weeks after your offer is accepted.
The steps and typical timing
| Step | What happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Budget and preapproval | A lender reviews income, credit, and assets. | A few days |
| 2. Choose representation | Sign a buyer agreement or decide to go without an agent. | Before touring |
| 3. Search and tour | See homes; size up condition and value. | Weeks to months |
| 4. Offer | Price, earnest money, contingencies, dates. | Days |
| 5. Inspection | Inspect, then ask for repairs, a credit, or a price change. | About 10 to 14 days |
| 6. Appraisal and underwriting | The lender confirms value and approves the loan. | Most of the closing period |
| 7. Final walkthrough | Confirm condition and agreed repairs. | A day or two before closing |
| 8. Closing | Sign, pay, get keys. | About five to six weeks after acceptance |
Start with what a house really costs per month and what the inspection may find.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step to buying a house?
Know your monthly budget and get preapproved by a lender.
How long does it take to buy a house?
Searching varies. Once under contract with a loan, about five to six weeks to close is typical.
Keep reading
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Sources
- ICE Mortgage Monitor, May 2026: average purchase loan closed in 36.8 days in March 2026
- CFPB, Buying a House tools and resources
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.