How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home in Washington? A Realistic Timeline From Pre-Approval to Keys

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Washington, one of the very first questions I hear is:

“How long does this actually take?”

Not the Instagram version.
Not the best-case scenario.
The real timeline — especially in places like Pierce County, Tacoma, Puyallup, or for buyers relocating near JBLM.

The honest answer?
Most Washington buyers take 45–90 days from pre-approval to keys, depending on preparation, financing, and contract terms.

Let’s walk through it step by step, in plain English, so you know exactly what to expect.

1. Getting Pre-Approved: 1–7 Days (Sometimes Longer)

This is where everything truly starts — not with open houses.

A pre-approval is a full financial review by a lender, not just a quick online estimate. In Washington, sellers expect it before they’ll take an offer seriously.

Typical timing:

• Organized buyers: 1–3 days

• Self-employed or complex income: 5–7+ days

Your lender will review:

• Income and employment

• Credit

• Debts (including student loans)

• Down payment and reserves

If you haven’t chosen a lender yet, this step alone can add weeks.
I break this down in detail here:
How to Choose a Lender in Washington
 

2. Home Search Phase: 1 Day to 3+ Months

This is the most unpredictable part of the timeline.

Some buyers find “the one” on day one. Others need time — especially if they’re learning neighborhoods, school zones, commute patterns, or balancing budget vs. expectations.

What affects timing most in Washington:

• Price point

• Location (Tacoma vs. outlying areas)

• Inventory levels

• Flexibility on condition or layout

In Pierce County, many buyers:

• Tour 5–12 homes

• Write 1–3 offers

• Spend 2–6 weeks actively searching

There is no “right” speed here — just the right fit.

3. Writing an Offer & Getting It Accepted: Same Day to 1 Week

Once you find the right home, offers in Washington move fast.

In competitive areas, offers are often reviewed:

• Same day

• Or within 24–72 hours

If there are multiple offers, this phase can stretch out as sellers counter or request best-and-final terms.

Once everyone signs…

🎉 You’re officially under contract.

4. Escrow Begins: Day 1 of the Contract Clock

In Washington, escrow officially starts the moment the contract is mutually accepted.

This kicks off a very structured timeline with deadlines that matter.

Most Washington escrows last:

• 30 days (most common)

• 21 days (strong financing, competitive offer)

• 35–45 days (complex loans or negotiated terms)

If you want a full breakdown of what happens week-by-week, I walk through it here:
What Happens After You Accept an Offer (Week-by-Week Escrow Timeline)

5. Home Inspection Period: Days 3–10

Most Washington contracts include an inspection contingency.

Typical inspection window:

• 5–10 days

During this time:

• Inspection is scheduled

• Reports are reviewed

• Repair requests (if any) are negotiated

This step alone can determine whether a deal moves forward smoothly or needs adjustments.

If you want to know exactly what buyers should expect here:
What to Expect at Your First WA Home Inspection
 

6. Appraisal Ordered: Around Days 7–14

The appraisal is ordered by the lender after the inspection phase is underway.

Timeline:

• Ordered: Days 7–14

• Completed: Days 14–21 (sometimes longer in busy seasons)

If the appraisal comes in at value — great.
If it comes in low — the contract gives buyers and sellers options.

This step does not usually delay closing unless renegotiations are needed.

7. Underwriting & Loan Approval: Weeks 2–4

This is where buyers feel like lenders ask for “one more thing” every few days.

That’s normal.

Underwriting includes:

• Verifying documents

• Reviewing the appraisal

• Final approval conditions

As long as documents are provided promptly, this usually stays on track.

8. Final Walkthrough: 1–5 Days Before Closing

The final walkthrough is not another inspection.

It’s a confirmation that:

• The home is in the agreed condition

• Repairs (if negotiated) are completed

• The home is still intact

This step protects buyers — and it’s quick when everyone’s prepared.

9. Signing & Closing Day: Keys in Hand

In Washington:

• Buyers usually sign 1–2 days before closing

• Funds record with the county

• Keys are released once recording is confirmed

From that moment — the home is officially yours.

So… What’s the Real Total Timeline?

Here’s the honest range for most Washington buyers:

Fast but prepared buyer:
 30–45 days

Typical buyer:
 45–75 days

Complex financing, specific needs, or slower market:
 75–90+ days

There’s nothing wrong with any of these timelines — the goal is clarity, not speed.

Why Having a Local WA Agent Matters for Timing

Washington contracts are deadline-driven.

Missing a day can:

• Cost money

• Weaken your position

• Or create unnecessary stress

A good agent’s job isn’t to rush you — it’s to keep things moving without pressure.

Especially for:

• First-time buyers

• JBLM relocations

• Buyers with student loans, new jobs, or layered financing

Final Thought

Buying a home isn’t just a transaction — it’s a sequence of decisions that need to line up with real life.

If you’re planning a move in Washington and want a timeline that actually fits your situation, I’d love to help you map it out clearly and calmly — no guesswork, no pressure.

 Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence