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The home buying process typically takes 30–60 days once you’re under contract, but the full timeline can vary depending on your situation.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Getting pre-approved + starting your search: a few days to a couple of weeks
• House hunting: anywhere from a few weeks to a few months (depends how quickly you find “the one”)
• Under contract to closing: usually about 4–8 weeks

So overall, most buyers can expect the process to take anywhere from 2 to 4 months, but it can be quicker—or longer—depending on the market, financing, and how prepared you are.

Pro tip: The more prepared you are upfront (pre-approval, clear budget, must-haves list), the faster and smoother everything goes.

Beyond the purchase price, a good rule of thumb is to budget an additional 2%–5% of the home’s price upfront, plus ongoing costs after you move in.

Here’s what that typically includes:

Upfront costs:

• Closing costs (2%–5%) – lender fees, title, appraisal, escrow, etc.
• Down payment – varies (often 3%–20% depending on loan)
• Home inspection – a few hundred dollars
• Appraisal fee – usually $300–$600
• Moving expenses – depends how far and how much

Ongoing monthly/annual costs:

• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• HOA fees (if applicable)
• Maintenance & repairs – budget about 1% of the home’s value per year

Quick example:
On a $300,000 home, you might want:

• ~$6,000–$15,000 for closing costs
• Plus your down payment
• Plus a cushion for moving and initial repairs

Bottom line:
Plan for more than just the purchase price—having a little extra set aside makes the whole experience way less stressful.

There are several loan programs available, and the right one for you depends on things like your credit score, down payment, and long-term plans.

The most common options include:

Conventional loans –
These are the most popular. They typically require a higher credit score but can offer lower overall costs. Some allow as little as 3% down.

FHA loans –
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these are great for first-time buyers or those with lower credit scores. They allow down payments as low as 3.5% and are a bit more flexible.

VA loans –
Available to eligible veterans and active military through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These often require no down payment and have competitive rates.

USDA loans –
Designed for certain rural and suburban areas through the United States Department of Agriculture. They can offer zero down payment if you qualify.

First-time buyer programs & down payment assistance –
Many state and local programs offer grants or assistance to help with upfront costs—these can make a big difference.

Bottom line:
There’s no one-size-fits-all loan. The best move is to talk with a lender who can look at your full picture and match you with the option that sets you up best—not just for now, but long-term.