How Long Does It Take to Buy or Sell a Home? Here’s What to Expect

If you're thinking about jumping into the real estate market, you’re probably wondering: How long is this whole process going to take?

Whether you're buying your first home or getting ready to sell, timing matters. You want to know how to plan your move, your finances, your life. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, I’m breaking it down here—from averages to real-life factors that can speed things up or slow things way down.

Let’s dive in.

Buying a Home: From House Hunting to Closing Day

Average Timeframe: 30–90 Days (but sometimes more)

Here’s how it typically plays out:

1. Getting Pre-Approved (1–5 Days)
   Before anything else, you’ll want to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This tells sellers you’re serious, gives you a price range, and often takes just a few days with the right lender.

2. House Hunting (1 Week to 2+ Months)
   This part really depends on your market, your criteria, and a little luck. In a competitive area like Salt Lake County, homes can move fast—so being ready with a clear list of wants and needs will help.

3. Making an Offer + Negotiating (1–7 Days)
   Once you find “the one,” things can move quickly. Offers, counteroffers, and acceptance might all happen within 24–72 hours.

4. Under Contract to Closing (30–45 Days)
   Once you're under contract, the countdown starts. During this time:

   • You’ll do inspections and possibly negotiate repairs.

   • The lender finalizes your mortgage.

   • The title company prepares everything for transfer.

   • Appraisal and underwriting are completed.

   • And finally—you sign the papers and get the keys.

💡 Want to speed things up? Work with a great agent (hey, that’s me!) and a responsive lender. Communication is everything.

Selling a Home: From Listing to Closing Day

Average Timeframe: 30–90 Days (sometimes faster with prep)

Here’s how it unfolds:

1. Prepping Your Home (7–21 Days)
   This is the cleaning, staging, repairing, and photographing stage. If your home’s already in great shape, this can go fast. If it needs work, give yourself a couple of weeks.

2. Listing + Showings (1–3 Weeks)
   In Utah’s hot neighborhoods, many homes get offers within the first weekend—especially if they’re priced right and show well. But on average, homes stay on the market for 2–3 weeks before accepting an offer.

3. Under Contract to Close (30–45 Days)
   Once you accept an offer, the clock starts. The process from here mirrors the buyer’s side:

   • Inspections

   • Appraisal

   • Title transfer

   • Final walkthrough and closing

Keep in mind: delays often happen due to financing or contingencies. But with the right team, you can keep things moving smoothly.

What Can Slow Things Down?

Even with a fast-moving market, certain things can add time:

• Low inventory (buyers may take longer to find the right place)

• Complicated inspections or repairs

• Appraisal delays

• Title issues or legal complications

• Loan approval snags

And let’s be real: sometimes life just happens. A flexible mindset and a great agent (yep, still me 😎) make a big difference when things don’t go 100% to plan.

What About Selling and Buying at the Same Time?

This is where it gets fun. If you’re selling one home and buying another, you’ll need to carefully coordinate the two timelines. There are a few ways to do this:

• Contingent Offers: Buy only if your current home sells.

• Bridge Loans or HELOCs: Help cover the down payment on the new home before you close on the old one.

• Leasebacks: Sell your home but rent it back from the new buyer for a short period to give you time to move.

I help clients do this all the time—and yes, it takes planning, but it’s doable (and totally worth it).

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got Options

So, how long does it take to buy or sell a home?

👉 Short answer: Around 30 to 90 days from start to finish.
👉 Real answer: It depends on your goals, your timing, and your strategy.

If you’re ready to make a move—or just thinking about it—don’t wait until the last minute to ask questions. Let’s plan ahead and get you the smoothest, smartest experience possible.

Thinking about buying or selling soon? Let’s talk timelines, strategy, and what you can do right now to get ahead of the game.