Buying a home is a major milestone, but sometimes, speed is just as important as price. Whether you need to relocate for a new job, secure a home before interest rates increase, or find a place before your lease expires, knowing how to buy a home quick can make all the difference.
Typically, the home-buying process takes between 30 to 60 days, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to close on a home in as little as two weeks. The key to a smooth and rapid transaction is eliminating unnecessary delays, staying financially prepared, and making informed decisions. By following the right approach, you can buy a home quickly without the stress and setbacks that often slow down the process.
Step 1: Get Your Finances Ready
The most common reason for delays in home buying is financing. Before even looking at houses, you need to ensure your financial situation is in order. Start by reviewing your credit score, as this will determine how easily you can secure a mortgage. A higher credit score not only speeds up loan approval but also qualifies you for lower interest rates. If your score is not where you’d like it to be, take steps to improve it by paying off outstanding debts and ensuring that all bills are paid on time.
Once you’ve checked your credit score, the next step is securing a mortgage pre-approval. This is one of the most important steps when buying a home quickly because it shows sellers that you are a serious buyer with financing already in place. Pre-approval involves submitting financial documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of employment. The lender will review your finances and determine the loan amount you qualify for, giving you a clear budget to work with.
Having your down payment and closing costs ready is also essential to avoid delays. Many buyers waste valuable time scrambling to pull together funds after making an offer. If possible, aim for a 20% down payment, as it makes your offer more attractive to sellers and helps you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). However, if you’re using a government-backed loan, ensure that your required percentage is easily accessible. Closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s price, should also be factored into your budget. By having these funds set aside, you eliminate potential roadblocks and make the process much faster.
Step 2: Finding the Right Home Quickly
The home search process can either be quick and efficient or long and drawn out. If you’re serious about buying a home quickly, you need to be clear about what you want from the start. Indecision can waste weeks of valuable time. Before starting your search, determine your non-negotiables, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, preferred location, and specific features like a backyard or a garage. The more specific you are, the less time you’ll spend viewing homes that don’t meet your needs.
Working with an experienced real estate agent is one of the best ways to speed up the home-buying process. A skilled agent who specializes in fast transactions will have access to new listings before they hit the market and can quickly schedule viewings. They also understand the nuances of the local market and can guide you toward homes that meet your criteria while helping you make strong, competitive offers. If possible, choose an agent who has experience working with buyers in urgent situations. Their
connections with lenders, inspectors, and title companies can make the difference between a 30-day closing and a two-week closing.
Searching for homes online is another way to move quickly. Many buyers rely solely on real estate agents, but you can speed up the process by being proactive. Set up alerts on platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com to be notified immediately when new properties that fit your criteria become available. In a competitive market, homes sell fast—sometimes within hours—so being one of the first to view and make an offer on a home increases your chances of success.
Step 3: Making a Strong, Fast Offer
Once you find the right home, you need to be prepared to act immediately. Homes that are priced well and located in desirable areas often receive multiple offers, so any hesitation can result in losing out to another buyer. Before you even begin your search, ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork in order so that when the perfect home comes along, you can submit an offer on the same day.
A strong offer is not just about price—it’s about certainty and speed. Sellers prefer buyers who can close quickly with minimal complications. To make your offer stand out, consider limiting contingencies, such as home sale contingencies, which require you to sell your current home before purchasing a new one. If possible, offer a flexible closing timeline that accommodates the seller’s needs. Some sellers may need extra time to move, while others may be looking for an immediate close. Being adaptable can work in your favor.
For those who have the financial means, cash offers are the fastest way to buy a home. Cash buyers bypass the mortgage approval process entirely, making it possible to close in as little as seven days. If paying in cash isn’t an option, ensure that your lender is ready to move quickly with a streamlined underwriting process.
Step 4: Speeding Up the Closing Process
Even after your offer is accepted, closing on a home can still take several weeks if not managed correctly. The first step in avoiding unnecessary delays is scheduling a home inspection as soon as your offer is accepted. Inspections are a standard part of the process and can uncover potential issues that need to be addressed before closing. Some buyers choose to waive the inspection contingency, but this comes with risks, as you may end up with costly repairs after moving in.
Working with a lender who specializes in fast underwriting is another way to speed up closing. Some lenders take weeks to finalize loans, while others offer expedited approvals that can be completed in just a few days. When choosing a lender, ask about their average processing time and whether they offer appraisal waivers, which can eliminate the need for a time-consuming property appraisal.
Title searches and paperwork are another common cause of closing delays. To keep things moving, choose a title company with a reputation for efficiency and ensure that all required documents are submitted well in advance. Your real estate agent and lender can guide you on what to expect but being proactive and staying in constant communication with all parties involved can make the process much smoother.
Alternative Ways to Buy a Home Quickly
If traditional home buying isn’t working within your timeframe, there are alternative options to consider. Off-market homes and For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties often close faster because they involve fewer intermediaries. Some sellers prefer to avoid the hassle of listing their home and are open to direct sales, which means less competition for you as a buyer.
Pre-foreclosures and distressed properties are another option for buyers looking to secure a home quickly. Homeowners facing foreclosure often want to sell as fast as possible to avoid losing their property to the bank. If you have financing in place and can move quickly, these homes can be great opportunities.
For those who need immediate housing but aren’t quite ready to purchase, rent-to-own agreements allow you to move in now and buy later. This can be an ideal solution if your financing is delayed or if you need extra time to build credit or save for a down payment.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home quickly doesn’t have to be stressful if you follow the right steps. By getting your finances in order, working with an efficient real estate agent, acting fast when making offers, and using a lender that specializes in quick closings, you can significantly shorten the traditional home-buying timeline. While speed is important, always take the time to ensure that the home you choose meets your needs and is a sound investment. With careful planning and the right approach, you can buy a home quick without unnecessary hassle and start the next chapter of your life sooner rather than later.
