How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home? A Timeline for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home is an exciting journey, but how long does it actually take? The truth is, it depends—some buyers find a home and close in just a few weeks, while others take months to navigate the process. Understanding the key steps and what can speed up or slow down your timeline is crucial.

At Hops ‘N Homes, we help first-time buyers understand the entire process and prepare for a smooth home purchase. Whether you’re ready to buy now or just starting to plan, our free homebuyer class at a local Boise brewery is the perfect place to get expert guidance.

The Homebuying Timeline: Step-by-Step

1. Preparing to Buy (A Few Weeks to Several Months)

Before you start house hunting, take time to get financially ready. This includes:
-Checking your credit score and improving it if needed
-Saving for a down payment and closing costs
-Researching mortgage options and first-time buyer programs

Want to speed this up? Meet with a mortgage professional early! One of our Hops ‘N Homes partners, Carli Zismer, can help you understand your loan options and get pre-approved faster.

2. Getting Pre-Approved (1-2 Weeks)

A mortgage pre-approval shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and gives you a clear budget. This step typically takes a few days to two weeks, depending on your finances.

Pro Tip: Bring your financial documents (W-2s, pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements) to speed up the process.

3. House Hunting (A Few Weeks to Several Months)

Finding the right home can happen quickly—or take longer if inventory is limited or you have specific needs. Once you find “the one,” you’ll make an offer, which can take a few days to a week for negotiation and acceptance.

Want to move fast? Get clear on your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves and work with an experienced real estate agent who knows the Boise market.

4. Under Contract & Inspection (2-4 Weeks)

Once your offer is accepted, the home goes under contract while inspections and appraisals take place. The home inspection typically happens within the first 7-10 days and allows you to negotiate repairs if needed.

At our homebuyer class, we’ll cover:
✔ What to expect during an inspection
✔ When to negotiate vs. walk away
✔ How to avoid surprise costs

5. Loan Processing & Closing (3-6 Weeks)

During this phase, your lender finalizes your mortgage. The title search, appraisal, and underwriting process can take 3-6 weeks. Once everything checks out, you’ll sign your closing documents, pay any remaining costs, and get the keys to your new home!

Need a quick close? Having all your financial paperwork in order from the start can prevent delays.

So, How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home?

The entire process can take as little as 30 days if everything moves quickly, but for most buyers, expect 2-6 months from the time you start preparing to the day you get your keys. The more prepared you are, the faster (and smoother) it will go!

Want to Learn More? Join Our Free Homebuyer Class!

Whether you’re ready to buy or just exploring your options, Hops ‘N Homes is here to help. Our free first-time homebuyer class at a local Boise brewery gives you the knowledge and confidence to navigate the process.

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Join us for a fun, informative evening where you can learn from experts, ask questions, and enjoy great company. See you there!