The Home Buying Timeline in Georgia
How Long It Takes From Pre-Approval to Closing
One of the biggest questions home buyers in Georgia ask is:
“How long does it actually take to buy a house?”
The short answer?
Most home purchases in Georgia take 30 to 60 days from accepted offer to closing.
But the full journey, from first lender call to getting the keys, usually spans 2 to 4 months, depending on how prepared you are and how competitive the market is.
Let’s walk through the real timeline step by step so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Mortgage Pre-Approval (1–7 Days)
Before you start touring homes seriously, you’ll want to speak with a mortgage lender and get pre-approved.
During this stage, your lender reviews:
Income
Credit
Debts
Savings
You’ll submit documents like pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns (if self-employed), and bank statements.
Timeline:
If you respond quickly with documents, pre-approval can happen in as little as 24–72 hours. If paperwork takes longer, it may stretch to a week.
Why this step matters:
In Georgia’s real estate market, sellers typically won’t accept an offer without a pre-approval letter.
Step 2: Home Search + Touring (2–8 Weeks)
This is the stage people picture most. Showings, open houses, and falling in love with homes.
How long this takes depends on:
How specific your location needs are
Your price point
How move-in ready you want the home to be
How quickly you make decisions
Some buyers find “the one” in a weekend. Others take a month or two to compare neighborhoods, commute times, and home styles.
In the Atlanta area especially, different neighborhoods move at different speeds, so inventory and competition can affect how fast you find the right fit.
Step 3: Making an Offer + Negotiation (1–5 Days)
Once you find a home, your agent prepares an offer based on:
Recent comparable sales
Current market conditions
The home’s condition and time on market
The seller can accept, reject, or counter.
Timeline:
Negotiations often wrap up within 24–72 hours, but multiple-offer situations or back-and-forth counters can take a few days.
When both parties sign, you’re officially under contract.
Step 4: Due Diligence Period (Usually 5–10 Days in Georgia)
Georgia is a due diligence state, which means buyers typically have a set period after going under contract to investigate the property.
During this time, you’ll schedule:
A general home inspection
Possible additional inspections (roof, HVAC, plumbing, etc.)
You can request repairs or credits based on inspection findings.
Timeline:
Most due diligence periods in Georgia range from 5 to 10 days, depending on what was negotiated in the contract.
This is one of the most important parts of the process. It’s where you fully understand what you’re buying.
Step 5: Loan Processing + Underwriting (2–3 Weeks)
While inspections are happening, your lender is working behind the scenes.
They’ll:
Order an appraisal
Verify employment
Review your financial documents in detail
Submit your file to underwriting
Underwriting is when the lender officially confirms your loan meets all guidelines.
Timeline:
This stage usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, though it can move faster with quick document responses.
Step 6: Appraisal (1–2 Weeks)
The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home’s value supports the loan amount.
If the appraisal comes in at or above the purchase price, great.
If it comes in low, your agent and lender will walk you through options, which may include renegotiating the price or adjusting loan terms.
Timeline:
Appraisals in Georgia typically return within 7 to 14 days.
Step 7: Clear to Close (Final 3–5 Days)
Once underwriting signs off and all conditions are met, your lender issues a Clear to Close.
This means:
Your loan is fully approved
Closing documents are being prepared
You’ll receive your final numbers, including:
Cash to bring to closing
Loan terms
Monthly payment breakdown
You’ll also schedule your final walkthrough of the home.
Step 8: Closing Day (Usually 30–45 Days After Contract)
Most home purchases in Georgia close 30 to 45 days after going under contract, though some may be quicker or slightly longer.
On closing day, you’ll:
Sign your loan documents
Pay your closing costs and down payment
Officially become the homeowner
Once everything is recorded, you get the keys.
So… How Long Does It Take to Buy a House in Georgia?
Here’s the big-picture timeline:
Pre-approval: 1–7 days
Home search: 2–8 weeks
Under contract to closing: 30–45 days
Total journey for most buyers:
About 2 to 4 months from start to keys
Being organized and responsive can shorten this timeline significantly.
How to Keep Your Timeline on Track
Buyers who close smoothly tend to:
Get pre-approved early
Send lender documents quickly
Schedule inspections right away
Avoid opening new credit or making large purchases during the process
Your lender and agent work as a team to keep everything moving, communication makes a huge difference.
Thinking About Starting the Process?
If you’re planning to buy a home in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia and want help mapping out your personal timeline, I’d love to guide you through it.
Every buyer’s situation is different, and having a clear step-by-step plan makes the process feel far less overwhelming.
You can reach out through my contact page and tell me your ideal move timeline. I’ll help you understand what steps to take now so you’re ready when the right home appears.
You can explore my full Buyer Guide here →Buyer Guide
