As recently discussed, we are now well into the home buying season here in Southwest Florida. This is the most popular time of the year to buy a home, and considered to be the best time to sell your home by many real estate experts. Especially if you have a family with school-aged children, you may be thinking “But, I don’t want to move right now! Shouldn’t we wait until Summer?” This leads to another conversation that The Beattie Realty Team has often. How long will it actually take to buy a home and move in?

First off, of course it takes some people longer than others if they have something very particular in mind or if they need to move right away for a job. We will be discussing the averages.

Step #1 According to Homes.com, a potential home buyer will spend one to two months actually shopping and looking at the market. When you begin to look for a home, you should be prepared to allot however much time you will need to find the house of your dreams, and nothing less. The amount of time it takes to find your perfect home can vary for many reasons, and you never want to rush this part. After finding a home you like, you will need to make an offer.

Step #2 There is another 14 to even 60 days from contract to close. This part of the transaction can have two possible timelines, one for a cash purchase and one for a bank-financed transaction. A purchase that is not contingent upon obtaining financing can be significantly quicker than one that has a mortgage through a bank and needs to be approved, which is understandable.

Step #3 Once the home is purchased you need to start thinking about your mortgage, which may or may not be due immediately. There can be another 14 to 45 days or so before the first mortgage payment is due. Your first mortgage payment is likely going to be due on the first of the next month. However, if you choose, you can make your first payment be a little over a month after. This can be a very helpful way to finish your current lease and get into your purchased home without paying for both in one month.

For some people who are especially motivated to move, the process can be extremely quick and take as little as 30 days total! For others, the shopping period alone can last months and months until they find (or don’t find!) exactly what they want. The Beattie Realty Team can help you get into the perfect home for you. If it simply doesn’t exist yet, we can help you find a vacant lot in an area you like and the New Homes Sales Team can come in and help you build the home of your dreams! This is just one of the benefits of going with a full-service company like Beattie Development. To begin this exciting process, call our Realty line at (239) 223-1164 or email Mark@beattiedev.com