Month one: planning and pre-approval
The most valuable stretch of the process is often the one that happens before you ever open a listing. In month one, you're not shopping. You're getting your footing.
- Pull your own credit and look at it honestly.
- Start a running list of documents your lender will need.
- Have a real conversation with a lender about what monthly payment fits your life, not just what you technically qualify for.
- Get a full pre-approval letter in hand.
Month two: shopping with intent
With a pre-approval, you can shop from a position of clarity. Most first-time buyers tour between 6 and 15 homes before finding the one that fits.
This is also when your criteria will sharpen. The 'must-haves' you wrote down on day one usually shift by home number four. That's normal, trust the recalibration.
The offer is accepted, now what?
Once your offer is accepted, the clock starts. A typical settlement window runs 30 to 45 days from contract to closing. Here's how those weeks usually play out.
- Days 1 to 3: Earnest money is deposited. You choose a home inspector. Your lender orders the appraisal.
- Days 4 to 10: Home inspection happens. Any repair requests or credits get negotiated. Underwriting begins in earnest.
- Days 10 to 21: Appraisal is completed. Title work begins. You'll respond to underwriting conditions: the small document requests that keep the file moving.
- Days 21 to 35: Clear-to-close. The lender confirms the loan is fully approved. Your Closing Disclosure arrives.
- Days 33 to 45: Final walk-through. Wire your closing funds. Closing day.
What closing day actually looks like
Closing itself is often shorter and less dramatic than movies make it out to be. It's a signing appointment, usually 45 to 75 minutes, where you sign the final loan documents and the deed.
You'll bring a photo ID and your wire confirmation. You'll leave with keys.
