MANGROVE REALTY ASSOCIATES
Lori Madden, MANGROVE REALTY ASSOCIATESPhone: (941) 780-8443
Email: [email protected]

Preparing a homebuying process timeline

by Lori Madden 05/14/2023

If you're buying a house, you'll want to prepare as much as possible for your homebuying process timeline. While each sale is different, there are certain aspects of the process that can take time - long after the house hunting is finished.

How long does it take to buy a house?

The homebuying process takes a couple of months to a year, depending upon how much preparation you need to complete first. Generally, most people close their houses within 2-3 months.

Hire a real estate agent

A qualified real estate agent or broker who knows the neighborhood can provide insight into local housing conditions and pricing strategies. If you're not sure where to start in finding an agent, try asking loved ones and colleagues for recommendations.

It is important to have an agent who will act for your interests alone. Finding your dream home can be tough, but real estate agents have the knowledge and resources to make the process quicker and easier.

Loan processing & underwriting

The mortgage process can take up a significant amount of time in your home buying timeline. Typically, the lender's loan processing department examines your mortgage application for approval and makes sure it contains the information required.

Eventually, applications will get verified by the underwriter. Underwriting agencies will check for any inconsistent credit information and property information.

During & after the actual process

The final stage in buying a house is known as the closing process. On the closing date, your real estate agent will help you gather all the paperwork necessary, including the closing disclosure, purchase agreement and tax information. You'll also need to pay your final closing costs at this time.

While the events of closing day can vary in terms of timeline, the more you prepare, the quicker it will go. The sooner you close, the sooner you can move into your new home and start enjoying life as a homeowner.

About the Author
Author

Lori Madden

As a Florida native growing up in Sarasota, I have seen my hometown grow from a sleepy coastal town to a highly sought-after destination along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After working in Chicago for 5 years, I returned to Sarasota and saw it through a new lens and really began to appreciate what makes Sarasota so desirable, including temperatures that allow for year round outdoor activities including tennis (a personal favorite), golf, boating, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, or just relaxing and/or shelling on our pristine sandy shores, including Dr. Beach’s #1 beach in the United States for 2017, Siesta Key! Sarasota’s cultural amenities are many and diverse, appealing to a wide range of arts lovers. Downtown Sarasota has become a destination in itself, drawing many new developments for those who want to be within walking distance of Main Street's offerings and the picturesque bayfront and marina. Foodies will find an eclectic mix of locally owned and operated restaurants offering something for everyone, and there are now Farmers Markets every day of the week in various locations throughout Sarasota, but the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Sarasota draws the biggest crowds. Since 1988, my passion has been selling real estate, representing both buyers and sellers. I have been recognized by my clients and customers for an uncompromising work ethic and dedication to helping them achieve their real estate goals. Relying on my experience as a real estate paralegal and being highly organized, I am able to help make the transition between contract and closing a smooth one for my clients. With an eye for interior and landscape design, I've been known to pitch in and help Sellers minimize and/or reorganize their belongings in order to stage their home to maximize its sale potential. I specialize in out of state buyers looking for their piece of paradise along the Gulf Coast and make it a priority to keep them up to date on our quickly changing local real estate market. I welcome the opportunity to share with you all Sarasota and her surrounding islands have to offer!