Step one: getting pre-approved (a few days to a week)

Before we look at homes seriously, you'll want a real pre-approval from a lender, not just a quick calculator estimate. It tells us your real budget, and it makes your offers credible once we find something. Most lenders can turn this around in a few days once you've sent over your income, asset, and credit documents.

I'd talk with a good loan officer early, before you're emotionally attached to a house. That way your numbers are settled ahead of time.

Step two: shopping for and finding a home (highly variable)

This step has no fixed timeline. Some buyers find the right home the first weekend. Others take a few months, especially if they're being picky or the right homes are slow to come up in their area and price range. I'd rather you find the right home than rush into the wrong one just to stay on schedule.

Step three: under contract to closing, typically 30 days

Once your offer is accepted, a standard Utah contract usually runs about 30 days to closing. It can be shorter (as fast as 2-3 weeks with a cash or highly qualified buyer) or longer if needed. Inside that window:

  • Due diligence (often 10-14 days): your home inspection, any extra tests, and your chance to negotiate repairs or walk away.
  • Appraisal (usually ordered early, back within 1-2 weeks): the lender confirms the home is worth what you're paying.
  • Financing and underwriting (running alongside everything else): your lender finishes verifying your file and issues final loan approval.
  • Final walkthrough (typically 24-48 hours before closing): a last look to confirm the home is in the agreed condition.

Put together, a realistic range is 6-8 weeks from a signed offer to keys in hand for most buyers. Faster with cash, sometimes longer with certain loan types or a complicated appraisal.

Step four: closing day

You'll sign your final loan documents, usually at a title company, in about 30 minutes. Funds get disbursed and the deed gets recorded that day or the next business day. That's when the home is officially yours.

What can stretch the timeline

Appraisal delays, a slow lender, repair negotiations after the inspection, or problems that show up in the title search can all add time. If I see any of these coming, I'll tell you early, not at the last minute.

If you're working against a specific deadline, like a lease ending or a new job starting, tell me up front. We'll build the search and the offer around it from day one.

Start your timeline