Buying a home isn’t one step—it’s a series of milestones. In Northern New Jersey, the average timeline runs 45–75 days after offer acceptance, but the full journey can stretch longer depending on inventory and financing. Here’s the play-by-play:
1) Mortgage Pre-Approval (1–5 days).
A strong pre-approval is your green light. Have pay stubs, W-2s/1099s, bank statements, and ID ready. Pro tip: avoid big purchases or new credit lines once you start.
2) House Hunting (1–8+ weeks).
In Bergen and surrounding counties, low inventory can extend this phase. Set tight criteria (budget, towns, commute, schools) and tour quickly when matches hit.
3) Offer & Negotiation (2–7 days).
Your agent will advise on price, contingencies, and terms. Expect counters—effective negotiation can compress this phase.
4) Attorney Review (NJ) (3–5 business days).
Standard in New Jersey. This is where your attorney fine-tunes the contract and timelines.
5) Inspections (5–10 days).
General home inspection (plus radon, termite, oil tank scans as needed). You’ll request repairs or credits based on findings.
6) Appraisal & Underwriting (2–4 weeks).
Your lender orders the appraisal. Underwriting reviews income, assets, title, and insurance. Respond fast to any document requests to avoid delays.
7) Clear to Close & Final Walk-Through (1–3 days).
Once you’re “clear to close,” you’ll review the Closing Disclosure, do a final walk-through, and head to the closing table.
Speed Tips: get pre-approved early, keep documents organized, schedule inspections immediately, and work with a responsive lender and local attorney. With the right team, you control the only part of the timeline that truly matters: your preparedness.
