Move in your future? The best place to start is to decide on when you want to get your keys, and work backwards making sure that the milestones are able to be achieved within your desired timeline, which can often feel like a lot. We’re here to take out the mystery of what to expect so you don’t end up with one foot out the door and boxes waiting to be loaded for longer than you envision. 

Whether buying or selling, the time between a signed purchase agreement and the closing of a home sale takes around 21-45 days depending on specific circumstances. When timing a move, you also want to factor in time for the exploration and preparation phase, and it’s never too early to start putting the timeline in place. 

Whether you're buying, selling, or navigating both at the same time, here’s what you can expect in in terms of timeline: 

Time budget:  Minimum 6 weeks 

Build your team: 1- 2 Weeks

You’ve probably been window shopping for a while, and now it’s time to get serious about buying a home. This is the perfect time to engage with a Realtor who will be your advocate every step of the way and to get pre-approved with a trusted lender. Be sure to ask your agent for recs as they are seasoned in helping buyers build a rockstar team who will make the process go easier. The pre-approval process will require submitting financial documents (income, credit, bank statements and assets), and determining exactly  how much home you can afford. Full transparency, this can be the least fun part, but once you’re on the other side, you'll be ready to shop with a pre-approval letter, aka your golden ticket to house hunting.

Shop for a home: 2 weeks to 3 months (or more depending on expectations and current inventory)

Depending on the market, and how specific you wants and needs are, this could take a few weekends or a few months. This is called the “touring phase” where you will visit homes with your agent, stop by open houses while weighing location, price, layout, commute, schools, all the things.

Make an offer: 1 hour to 1 week

Congratulations you’ve found “the one”! Your agent will guide you on terms including price, financing terms, things to ask of the seller, timelines and contingencies (protections related to financing or inspections). Depending on the offer, there might be some back and forth until everyone agrees.

Escrow period: 2 - 6 weeks Once you have an offer accepted by the seller, the real fun begins with many milestones to cross to make it to closing including inspections, negotiations, appraisal, and final loan approval all while  prepping for moving day.

Time budget: 6 weeks

Choose your realtor: 1 week

You’ve probably been thinking about selling for a while, picturing your next chapter, stalking Zillow, and wondering if now’s the right time. If you’re ready to make it happen, the first step is to bring in the pros.

This is when you connect with a Realtor who knows your neighborhood, understands current market conditions, and can help you develop a smart strategy beyond just sticking a sign in the yard. They’ll walk you through pricing, timing, and what (if anything) needs to be done to not just list your home for sale, but sell your home. Once you decide on the best fit, you will execute a listing agreement that allows for your agent to go to work for you.

Prep for market: 1 - 4 weeks
All the things you’ve been meaning to get to like decluttering, deep cleaning, handling repairs, including gathering any paperwork related to your home like utility info, HOA docs, permits, and that one random manual for the fancy dishwasher you installed five years ago.

This is also the time that your Realtor should be helping to coordinate photographers, stagers, cleaners, handypeople because good ones book up fast. Your agent should have a go-to list of trusted professionals they can share or coordinate.

Go live on market - buyer tours: 1 day to many years (depending on price, presentation & market) 

Once on the market, buyers will schedule to see your home with their agent. You will need to be away for each showing which can take 30-60 minutes. If your home is priced right and shows well, you may get offers quickly. If testing the market at a higher price or other issues at play with condition or market trends, it might take longer. Basic supply and demand rules apply here. 

Accept an offer: 1 day to many years (as stated above)

Congratulations you have landed a buyer! Your agent will help you understand the strengths and terms that might need to be improved on to craft a response in the form of acceptance or counter offer. Things to consider are price, financing terms, concessions, timelines and contingencies . Depending on the offer, there might be some back and forth with the buyer until everyone agrees.

Escrow period: 2 - 6 weeks 

Once under contract with a buyer, your agent will track milestones like earnest money, inspections, and appraisal and help negotiate to protect your bottom line and ensure that closing is met on time. 

Closing proceeds arrive: 1- 3 days

Once closed, you will get your final proceeds from the sale. This typically happens the same day, but can take up to 3 days depending on day of week closed and other factors at play with where the proceeds are going. 

Buying + selling at the same time

This is where things get a little more complex, but totally doable with the right game plan and agent by your side. Below are the two most common strategies: 

Option 1: Sell now, buy now  (with a contingent offer)

Time budget: 8+ weeks (combining milestones for buying and selling above) 

This approach means you list and sell your current home first, then make an offer on your next home that’s contingent on your sale closing. In other words, your new home purchase only moves forward if your current home officially sells..

Factors to consider: 

Risk: In a competitive market, sellers don’t always love contingent offers. You’ll need to find one who’s willing to wait and be prepared to move quickly once everything lines up. There’s also a chance the perfect home comes up before your home is under contract, and you might have to let it go.

Benefit: You don’t have to carry two mortgages, and you can use the equity from your current home to fund the next one. Financially, it’s the safer path. Plus, if your home is already under contract, your contingent offer is a lot more appealing to sellers. This is a great option if you want to avoid financial overlap, and your current home is likely to sell quickly. It takes a bit of timing magic, but with a solid strategy (and a good team behind you), it can be a smooth move.

Option 2: Buy now, sell later

Time budget: 10+ weeks (combining milestones for buying and selling above)

This approach means you find and close on your next home prior to listing your current one for sale. You move in, get settled, and then shift your focus to prepping and selling your previous home. It offers more flexibility and less pressure, but it’s not for everyone.

Factors to consider:

Risk: You’ll need to qualify for your new home without relying on the sale of your current one. That may mean carrying two mortgages temporarily or using a home equity line of credit, savings, or other financing tools to cover the gap. If your current home doesn’t sell as quickly as expected, it could get a little stressful (and expensive).

Benefit: You only move once - no temporary housing, no storage units, no double moves. You can take your time getting your old home ready, and you’re in a stronger position as a buyer with a non-contingent offer (which sellers love). This can be a big advantage in competitive markets. This path offers more control, less logistical juggling, and stronger negotiating power, but it does come with added financial responsibility. If your budget allows and the right home comes along, it’s a smart way to simplify the moving process on your terms.

This approach allows you to sell your current home, move into a rental, and take your time buying your next home. It’s a less common route, but for the right person, it can offer maximum flexibility and minimum pressure.

Factors to consider:

Risk: You’ll have to move twice, and that comes with the hassle of finding a shorter-term rental, possibly storing your belongings, and navigating a temporary living setup. If rental options are tight in your area or rates are high, this step could feel inconvenient or costly in the short term.

Benefit: You get to sell your home at the best possible time, with no strings attached. Then you can shop for your next place without a ticking clock, a rushed decision, or a contingent offer. With your sale complete and funds in hand, you’ll be in a stronger position as a buyer who is ready to pounce when the right home hits the market. This strategy is more about control than convenience and speed. If you want to maximize your sale and avoid feeling pressure on the buy side, this gives you time to breathe and make confident, well-timed decisions. It’s a great option when the market’s hot, inventory is tight, or you simply want to buy on your terms.

Anyone who has ever bought or sold before knows that it is full of moving parts like deadlines, negotiations, legal contracts, big opinions and personalities. As one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, ample time to plan and prepare will make the journey less stressful and more successful. With the right team, you can build a custom blueprint for your move that fits your timeline, goals, lifestyle, and the market. Want to map out a strategy that works? Let's connect!