One of the most common questions I hear from buyers is, “How long does it actually take to buy a home?” The truth is, the timeline can vary depending on your financing, the market, and how prepared you are. In Utah, the average process usually takes between 30 and 60 days once you are under contract.
Buying a home is a journey, not a race. Understanding each step and how long it takes helps you stay confident and organized from start to finish. Let’s walk through the full timeline so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Getting Pre-Approved (About 1 to 3 Days)
The first step in the homebuying process is securing a mortgage pre-approval. This is when your lender reviews your income, credit, and assets to determine how much home you can afford.
Pre-approval letters are powerful because they show sellers that you are a serious, qualified buyer. In competitive Utah markets like Draper, South Jordan, and Herriman, this step can make the difference between getting your dream home or losing it to another offer.
If you want to learn more about the differences between loan options, my article FHA vs VA vs Conventional Loans in Utah explains which might fit your situation best.
Step 2: Searching for Homes (1 to 6 Weeks)
This is the fun part. Once you are pre-approved, you can start shopping. How long it takes to find the right home depends on the market and your personal preferences.
If you are open to different cities or property types (like condos, townhomes, or single-family homes) your options will be wider and your search faster. On the other hand, if you want a very specific location or style, it may take a few weeks longer.
Utah’s real estate market moves quickly, especially in the spring and early summer months. You can explore current listings using my Home Search Tool, where you can filter by city, price range, and property type.
Step 3: Making an Offer (1 to 3 Days)
Once you find the perfect home, it’s time to make an offer. Your agent will help you determine a fair price based on comparable sales, local trends, and property condition.
In Utah, offers are typically reviewed within 24 to 48 hours. If your offer is accepted, congratulations! You are officially under contract. If not, negotiations might go back and forth for a day or two.
You can read my article on Earnest Money in Utah Real Estate to understand how that deposit works once your offer is accepted.
Step 4: Due Diligence and Inspections (7 to 14 Days)
After your offer is accepted, you’ll enter the due diligence period. This is when you schedule a home inspection, review disclosures, and make sure there are no hidden surprises.
Most Utah buyers use this time to hire a professional home inspector to check the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and more. Based on what the inspection reveals, you may negotiate repairs or adjustments with the seller.
If you want to know exactly what to expect during this step, check out my guide Utah Home Inspections: What Buyers Need to Know.
Step 5: Appraisal and Loan Processing (2 to 3 Weeks)
Once the inspection is complete and you move forward, your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. The appraisal typically takes one to two weeks, depending on the area and availability of appraisers.
Meanwhile, your lender finalizes your loan file by verifying income and assets. During this time, it is important not to make any major financial changes — like opening new credit cards or financing a car — as it can delay your approval.
To understand what happens behind the scenes, my article The Utah Appraisal Process Explained breaks this step down in detail.
Step 6: Loan Approval and Closing Preparation (1 Week)
Once your appraisal and underwriting are complete, your lender issues a final loan approval, also called a “clear to close.” At this point, your closing date is scheduled, and you’ll receive a Closing Disclosure outlining final costs, including your downpayment, fees, and taxes.
If you want to prepare ahead of time, my article Utah Closing Costs Explained provides a detailed breakdown of what to expect at the closing table.
Step 7: Closing Day (1 Day)
This is the finish line. On closing day, you sign all the final paperwork, transfer funds, and officially become a homeowner. Depending on the title company and lender, this can happen in person or through a mobile notary.
Once the documents are recorded with the county, you receive your keys...and just like that, your Utah homebuying journey is complete.
How to Speed Up the Process
While the average timeline from offer to close is about 30 to 45 days, there are ways to move it along:
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Get fully pre-approved before starting your home search
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Respond quickly to requests from your lender or agent
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Schedule your inspection early
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Avoid major financial changes until after closing
According to a recent NAR Remodeling Impact report, many home improvement decisions influence resale speed and buyer perception, a factor that underscores why timelines and condition matter. (nar.realtor)
Final Thought
Every Utah home purchase is unique, but understanding the typical timeline helps you plan confidently and avoid unnecessary stress. From pre-approval to closing, buying a home is a team effort between you, your lender, and your agent.
If you are ready to start your homebuying journey, I would love to walk you through each step and connect you with trusted local lenders and inspectors who make the process smoother. Together, we can turn your goal of owning a Utah home into reality sooner than you think.
