The home-buying timeline, step by step
A realistic look at how long each step of buying a home in Southern California takes, from first consultation through closing day.
Week 0: Consultation and prequalification
A free MUVE consultation and a lender intro typically happen within the first week. Both steps can run in parallel.
Weeks 1 to 4: Showings
Active home tours start once prequalification is in hand. The right home may show up in week 1 or week 8; the search continues until it does, with regular feedback shared between client and agent.
Weeks 4 to 6: Offer and acceptance
Once a target home is identified, MUVE writes and submits the offer the same day. Negotiation usually settles within a week, sometimes faster in less competitive segments.
Weeks 6 to 10: Escrow
Inspections, loan underwriting, and contingency removal all happen during a typical 30-day escrow. MUVE keeps the milestones on track and shares updates on a regular cadence.
Week 10: Close
Final walkthrough, document signing, funding, and keys. Possession can be same-day or delayed by agreement between buyer and seller.
Every buyer's timeline shifts based on the market and on personal circumstances. A short consultation will set realistic expectations for yours.
Schedule a buyer consultation →More from MUVE's buyer guides.
First-time homebuyer guide for Southern California
What to expect on your first home purchase, from getting prequalified to closing, with the specifics of buying in Orange County and the Inland Empire.
Read →How to get prequalified for a mortgage
A prequalification letter is the first real step toward buying. Here is what lenders need, how long it takes, and what the letter actually means in a California offer.
Read →Escrow and closing costs in California
Plain-language look at what escrow does, who pays what, and the typical 2 to 3 percent of purchase price that closing costs run in California.
Read →Writing a competitive offer in Southern California
How offer price, contingencies, and terms work together to make an offer that wins, especially in multiple-offer situations.
Read →