How long does it take to buy a home in Central Ohio, from pre-approval to closing?

Direct Answer: Most buyers in Central Ohio should plan 45–90 days from pre-approval to closing. The biggest variable is how long it takes you to find the right home (often 1–8+ weeks), while the contract-to-close period is commonly 30–45 days with a mortgage.

How long does it take to buy a home in Central Ohio, from pre-approval to closing?

• Pre-approval: often 1–7 days (faster if documents are ready).
• House hunting: commonly 1–8+ weeks (varies by price point, inventory, and your flexibility).
• Offer to contract: 1–3 days (or longer if multiple-counter situations happen).
• Inspection + negotiation: typically 7–14 days total.
• Appraisal + underwriting: typically 2–4 weeks (overlapping the inspection period).
• Closing: commonly 30–45 days after contract with financing (cash can be quicker).

The real buyer timeline (with realistic time ranges)

If you’ve never mapped this out before, the easiest way to think about the homebuying timeline is in two phases:

• Phase 1: Finding the right home (you control most of this)
• Phase 2: Getting to closing (your lender + contract deadlines drive this)

Below is a practical breakdown that fits most buyers across Central Ohio—including Columbus, Dublin, Powell, and nearby suburbs.

Step 1: Pre-approval (typically 1–7 days)

Pre-approval is where your timeline starts becoming real. In a clean scenario, a strong lender can turn this around quickly—sometimes same-day, often within a few business days.

What speeds this up:

• W-2s / paystubs ready, consistent income, stable job history
• Bank statements ready (down payment + reserves clearly sourced)
• Credit already pulled and reviewed (no surprises)

What slows this down:

• Self-employment, commission income, or multiple income streams (more documentation)
• Large unexplained deposits or gift funds without proper paper trail
• Credit disputes, collections, or last-minute debt changes

Step 2: House hunting (typically 1–8+ weeks)

This is the biggest swing factor. Some buyers find “the one” the first weekend. Others need time to compare neighborhoods, schools, commute routes, or home styles.

In Columbus proper, you may move faster because neighborhoods can be hyper-specific. In Dublin and Powell, you may take longer because buyers often compare:

• Subdivisions vs. custom homes
• HOA communities vs. no-HOA options
• School zones, lot sizes, and renovation levels

What speeds house hunting up:

• You’re clear on your top 3 “non-negotiables” (location, budget, layout)
• You’re willing to compromise on cosmetic items
• You have flexible showing availability

What slows house hunting down:

• Very narrow criteria (specific subdivision + specific layout + specific budget)
• Trying to time interest rates or “perfect market timing”
• Waiting for future listings that may or may not appear

Step 3: Offer, acceptance, and contract (typically 1–3 days)

In many cases, you’ll write an offer and have a response within 24–48 hours. Sometimes you’ll see counters (price, possession, repairs, appraisal language, closing date). If multiple offers exist, timelines can move quickly.

What matters most here isn’t speed—it’s clarity. A strong offer package reduces back-and-forth and helps you avoid “deal fatigue” before you’re even under contract.

Step 4: Inspection and negotiation (typically 7–14 days total)

Once you’re in contract, you’ll typically schedule inspections quickly. The inspection itself is usually 2–4 hours, but the timeline includes:

• Scheduling the inspector
• Reviewing the report
• Negotiating repairs/credits or adjusting terms
• Any follow-up specialists (roof, HVAC, structural, sewer scope)

Most inspection-related delays come from waiting too long to schedule specialists or negotiating too slowly. The smoother the process, the less likely you’ll lose momentum.

Testimonial

“Andrew was always very responsive to our questions, needs and times. His knowledge of the local real estate market is unsurpassed… he made himself available and was always responsive…” — doughone0

Step 5: Appraisal and underwriting (typically 2–4 weeks, overlapping)

While inspections are happening, your lender is moving your file through underwriting. At the same time, an appraisal is ordered (for most financed purchases). These run in parallel and often determine whether you close on time.

Common speed bumps:

• Appraisal issues: value comes in low, or comps are limited for a unique property
• Documentation requests: underwriting asks for updated statements, explanations, or verification
• Title/HOA documents: especially for condos, townhomes, or HOA communities

What helps you close on time: respond to lender requests same-day when possible, avoid new debt (cars, furniture financing), and keep bank activity clean and explainable.

Step 6: Closing and moving (typically 30–45 days after contract)

For most mortgage purchases in Central Ohio, closing is commonly set 30–45 days after contract acceptance. You’ll sign, funds transfer, and you get the keys—then your move timeline depends on possession terms.

If you’re also selling a home while buying, your timeline gets more complex. In that case, it helps to map both timelines together and use a clear plan for contingencies and possession. If you need seller-side resources, this hub can help: https://findhomesinohio.com/selling

Misconceptions and key insights

• “Closing is always 30 days.” Sometimes yes, sometimes no—financing, appraisal timing, and title can stretch it.
• “I’ll get pre-approved later.” Pre-approval early prevents wasted showings and makes your offer stronger.
• “The timeline is the same everywhere.” Columbus, Dublin, and Powell can feel different depending on inventory, price point, and property type.

Important considerations

• Your price range affects speed. Some segments move fast; others take longer to match with the right home.
• Condo/HOA purchases can add steps. HOA docs, restrictions, and lender requirements can add time.
• Inspection negotiations change timelines. Fast decisions keep the process smooth; delays create stress.
• New construction is a different timeline. That can be months instead of weeks (depending on build stage).

Testimonial

“Andrew helped us secure our dream home in Powell… Andrew has outstanding communication skills, extensive market knowledge, and an efficient and personable approach…” — AnnaPreston86

FAQ

How long does pre-approval take if I’m starting from scratch?
If your documents are ready, it can be 1–3 days. If income is complex or you’re self-employed, it can take a week or more to fully document and verify.

How long does it take to close with a mortgage in Central Ohio?
Most financed closings land in the 30–45 day range. Some can be faster with strong underwriting and quick appraisal turnaround, but plan conservatively.

What’s the single best way to keep my timeline on track?
Treat lender requests as urgent, schedule inspections immediately, and avoid new debt or unexplained bank deposits during escrow.

Next Steps

If you’re starting the buying process (or trying to plan your timing), the easiest way to reduce stress is to map your timeline backward from your ideal move date—then build a realistic buffer for house hunting and lending. If you want, I can help you create a simple plan based on your budget, target areas (Columbus, Dublin, Powell, etc.), and how quickly you’d like to be in your next home.

Andrew Robinson
Central Ohio Real Estate Advisor
About: https://findhomesinohio.com/about
Phone: 614-323-1249