Can You Buy a House in 3 Months or Less?

Buying a home can feel like a long process, but if you’re on a deadline, you might be wondering—can you buy a house in just 90 days or less?

The short answer? Yes, but it requires planning and efficiency.

A home purchase typically involves getting pre-approved, finding a home, securing a mortgage, completing inspections, and closing escrow. While escrow is usually 30 days, it can extend to 45 days depending on financing, appraisals, or other factors.

If you’re looking to buy in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, or anywhere in Ventura County, here’s a detailed breakdown of how to close on a home in 90 days or less—and what to expect at each step.

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How Long Does It Usually Take to Buy a Home?

Most buyers spend 2-6 months looking for the right home and completing the purchase process. However, if you’re motivated and work with the right team, you can close in as little as 3 months.

Here’s a realistic timeline to make it happen:

Stage	Estimated Timeframe	Why It Takes Time
Get Pre-Approved	1-2 weeks	Gather financial documents, lender underwrites file
House Hunting & Making an Offer	2-6 weeks	Buyers typically view 8-12 homes before deciding
Offer Accepted & Escrow Opens	1-2 days	Initial paperwork, deposit submission
Home Inspection & Appraisal	1-2 weeks	Scheduling availability, lender review
Loan Underwriting & Final Approval	3-4 weeks	Lender verifies income, credit, and home value
Closing Day (Sign & Get Keys!)	1 week	Final paperwork, title transfer, funding

👉 Related: How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?

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Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home in 90 Days or Less

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved (Days 1-14)

Before you start house hunting, you need to know how much home you can afford. A pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your finances and determined how much they’re willing to lend.

Why This Step Takes Time:

• You’ll need to gather financial documents (W-2s, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements).
• The lender needs to review your credit, debt-to-income ratio, and assets.
• If there are any credit issues, you may need to clear up errors or pay down debt before approval.

How to Speed It Up:
✔ Have all your financial documents ready before applying.
✔ Choose a lender that offers fast underwriting and digital approvals.

👉 Related: Pre-Approval: The First Step to Buying a Home

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Step 2: Find the Right Home & Make an Offer (Days 15-45)

House hunting is often the longest part of the process. Buyers typically view 8-12 homes before making an offer, but this varies based on market conditions.

Why This Step Takes Time:

• Inventory changes daily—homes can sell before you see them.
• You may need to adjust your search criteria based on available listings.
• Some buyers take longer to weigh their options and negotiate offers.

How to Speed It Up:
✔ Be clear about your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.
✔ Work with a realtor who can get alerts on new listings before they hit the market.
✔ Consider homes that are already vacant for a faster move-in timeline.

[IDX: Search Ventura County Homes That Are Move-In Ready]

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Step 3: Offer Accepted & Escrow Opens (Days 46-47)

Once a seller accepts your offer, the escrow process begins. This means a neutral third party holds all funds while final details are worked out.

Why This Step Takes Time:

• You need to submit your earnest money deposit (typically 1-3% of the purchase price).
• The seller must review and sign all paperwork to move forward.
• The escrow company ensures contracts are in order and funds are secured.

How to Speed It Up:
✔ Wire your deposit immediately after offer acceptance.
✔ Make sure all documents are signed and submitted promptly.

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Step 4: Home Inspection & Appraisal (Days 48-62)

The home inspection checks for any major issues, while the appraisal ensures the home is worth the purchase price.

Why This Step Takes Time:

• Inspectors and appraisers have busy schedules—you may need to wait a few days.
• If issues arise, negotiations may be needed for repairs or price adjustments.
• The lender needs to review the appraisal report before approving the loan.

How to Speed It Up:
✔ Schedule the home inspection immediately after escrow opens.
✔ Choose an appraisal-friendly lender to avoid delays.

👉 Related: What to Look for in Your First Home

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Step 5: Loan Underwriting & Final Approval (Days 63-89)

Underwriting is the process where the lender verifies all financial details before issuing a final loan approval.

Why This Step Takes Time:

• The lender must recheck your income, employment, and credit.
• The underwriter ensures the home meets loan requirements.
• Any last-minute financial changes (like new debt) can cause delays.

How to Speed It Up:
✔ Avoid major purchases, job changes, or new credit accounts.
✔ Respond to lender requests immediately.

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Step 6: Closing Day! (Day 90)

Once your loan is approved, you’re ready to sign final documents and get the keys to your new home!

Why This Step Takes Time:

• The escrow company needs to prepare closing documents.
• Funds must be wired and verified before recording the deed.
• Final walkthroughs ensure everything is in the agreed condition.

How to Speed It Up:
✔ Confirm your closing costs and wire funds in advance.
✔ Bring a valid ID and any required paperwork.

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