You’ve found the perfect house. You’ve fallen in love with the kitchen, the backyard, and the location. You put in an offer, and it’s accepted! So, now what? How long does it take to buy a house once an offer is accepted?
The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including loan type, inspection contingencies, and the seller’s timeline. If you’re paying cash for the home, you can typically close much faster than if you’re getting a loan. That’s because there’s no need to go through the loan approval process, which can take several weeks.
Let’s dig into these different factors and why they have an effect on how long it may take to close on your new home:
Your Loan Type
If you are getting a loan, your loan type will also affect how long it takes to close on a house. A conventional loan usually takes longer to close than an FHA or VA loan. That’s because there are more steps involved in the conventional loan process, including a home appraisal and possibly a home inspection.
Inspection Contingencies
Inspection contingencies can also affect your timeline for buying a house. An inspection contingency gives you the right to have the home inspected by a professional inspector before you finalize the purchase. If problems are found during the inspection, you can negotiate with the seller to have them repaired or ask for a credit at closing. This contingency can add a week or two to your timeline.
The Seller’s Timeline
Finally, the seller’s timeline can impact how long it takes to buy a house once your offer is accepted. If the seller needs to sell quickly, you may be able to close relatively quickly. However, if the seller doesn’t need to sell right away, they may be less motivated to move things along quickly.
Conclusion
The answer to how long it takes to buy a house once an offer is accepted depends on several factors, including loan type, inspection contingencies, and the seller’s timeline. In general, you can expect it to take at least a few weeks—and possibly longer—to complete the purchase of your new home.
If you still have questions or are looking for a mortgage lender in the DC area, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
