Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate
Susan McPherson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real EstatePhone: (508) 479-0323
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How long does it take to buy a house? 2 Reasons a home purchase might be delayed

by Susan McPherson 03/16/2022

When facing such a long and complicated process, many would-be homeowners are left to wonder: how long does it take to buy a house? While it’s possible to estimate the amount of time needed for various steps, there are several factors that can delay the home buying process and create an even longer wait.

To help you prepare for any potential issues, here are two of the most common reasons closing on a home is delayed:

Loan approval falls through at the last minute

The mortgage process is a long one in itself, and even with a significant down payment, it can delay your purchase if your approval falls through. One of the most common reasons homebuyers have closing day finance issues is they didn’t get full preapproval from a mortgage lender before making an offer.

The other common scenario is a major financial change has caused a mortgage lender to rescind their approval. This can happen if, for example, a buyer takes on a significant amount of credit card debt right before they buy a house.

The best way to avoid delays caused by financing is to get full mortgage preapproval from a lender before making an offer, and to avoid any behavior that could adversely affect your credit report before the closing process is complete.

Home inspection reveals serious issues

The home inspection is another potential cause of delay when buying a house. Most purchase contracts include a clause requiring a professional inspection of the property to identify any major issues. If the inspection comes back with bad news, the buyer can either walk away from the sale or make an agreement with the seller about how to solve the problem.

Unfortunately, inspection reports are not always perfect. However, clarifying seller concessions and being flexible with negotiation can help you mitigate potential delays caused by unpleasant surprises. Investigate what repairs the seller is willing to make or include in closing costs beforehand.

These are only a couple of reasons it may take a longer time to buy a house. While every step of the process has potential for delay, the more you know about your options, the better you’ll be able to handle them if they arise.

About the Author
Author

Susan McPherson

Welcome to my website, your number one source for Natick, MA Real Estate, Sherborn, MA Real Estate, Dover, MA Real Estate, Holliston, MA Real Estate, Framingham, MA Real Estate, Wellesley Real Estate MA, Wayland, MA Real Estate and surrounding towns.

My goal as a full time Real Estate professional is to provide my clients with the highest level of service. Selling Real Estate demands an agent who is first and foremost a professional able to navigate the challenges inherent in a real estate transaction. I feel that it is important to provide an array of information regarding all of your Real Estate needs in order to achieve your goals. What sets me apart from other realtors is my attention to detail, honesty, responsiveness, local market knowledge and commitment to exceptional customer service, which is validated by my customers’ reviews. You deserve a realtor who can communicate clearly and effectively while also serving as your coach and advocate and who will guide you through every step of the transaction. So, if you're thinking of buying or selling a home in the Massachusetts Metro West area, call me to help make your real estate dreams a reality. I welcome the opportunity to represent you in the sale or purchase of your home.