Let’s talk about what timeline you should expect from the moment you begin your search to when you move in, and how we can make the process low-stress and efficient.
Most buyers view about 15 homes over two months before landing an accepted offer. I’ve helped clients buy a home in a single weekend. Others have taken years. Either approach is fine. Once we have an accepted offer, the timeline becomes more predictable.
Financing, Board Approval, and Closing Timeline
After your offer is accepted, your attorney begins due diligence and contract negotiation. This typically takes about two weeks. Once the contract is signed and the deposit is submitted, the home is officially in contract and removed from the market.
If you’re financing, your lender will usually issue a mortgage commitment within three weeks, and we’ll submit your board package immediately after. For all-cash buyers, we’ll typically be ready to submit the application about 10 days post-contract. Cash deals tend to move faster, which can shave weeks off the process.
Board approval—particularly in a co-op—usually takes about three weeks. In most cases, you’ll also go through a board interview. Brick Underground has a helpful guide if you’re curious about what to expect.
Once approved, you’ll close two to three weeks later.
If you’re wondering about the differences between co-ops and condos, this article breaks them down clearly.
How to Stay on Schedule
Choose your agent, attorney, and banker before you start viewing properties. Having your team in place upfront keeps things moving and helps avoid mistakes. Buyers who loop in an agent after they’ve already visited a property often lose leverage they didn’t know they gave up.
If you’re new to buying in NYC, this post on working with a buyer’s agent explains how strong representation can shape both your experience and the outcome.
If you’re ready to map out your own timeline, feel free to reach out anytime. This is Jacob Wood, your New York City real estate broker.
