5 min read ·Should I Buy?

Your Homebuying Timeline

Key Takeaways

✓The typical homebuying process takes 3-6 months from start to closing
✓Preparation (credit, savings, research) can take 6-12 months before you start looking
✓Kentucky's market has seasonal patterns that can affect your timeline

How Long Does This Really Take?

Many first-time buyers underestimate the timeline. If you're starting from scratch—building credit, saving for a down payment, learning about the process—give yourself 6-12 months of preparation. Once you're ready to actively shop, expect another 3-6 months to find a home, make an offer, and close.

Homebuying timeline showing 4 phases from research to closing

The Preparation Phase

This is where most of the work happens. Check your credit and address any issues (this alone can take 3-6 months). Build your savings consistently. Research neighborhoods and price ranges. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Many buyers rush this phase and regret it later.

Preparation phase checklist: credit, savings, research, pre-approval

The Active Buying Phase

Once you're pre-approved and ready, things move faster. You'll tour homes (1-4 weeks to find "the one" in most markets), make an offer and negotiate (1-2 weeks), complete inspections and appraisal (2-3 weeks), and close on your loan (3-4 weeks). Total: about 2-3 months if everything goes smoothly.

🏠 When to Buy in Kentucky

Kentucky's housing market follows seasonal patterns. Spring (March-May) has the most inventory but also the most competition. Summer is busy with families wanting to move before school. Fall and winter often mean less competition and more motivated sellers. There's no "wrong" time to buy if you're ready—just know what to expect each season.

✅ Your Next Step

Map out your personal timeline: When do you want to be in your new home? Work backward from there to figure out when to start each phase.

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