The First-Time Home Buyer Timeline: From Pre-Approval to Keys in Hand
- Edith Parinas
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
Buying your first home can feel like a mystery.
How long does it take?
What happens at each stage?
And more importantly, what should you be doing along the way?
If you’re a first-time home buyer in Canada, this blog is your full roadmap. We're breaking down the process from mortgage pre-approval to receiving your keys—with average timelines, pro tips, and what to expect.
Let’s turn the confusion into confidence!
Step 1: Mortgage Pre-Approval (1–5 business days)
📌 What it is: Your lender or broker reviews your finances to give you a mortgage pre-approval—aka, how much you can afford.
📋 You’ll need:
Proof of income
Employment verification
Credit report
Debt information
ID & down payment source
✅ Why it matters: You’ll know your budget before you house hunt and be taken seriously by sellers.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with a mortgage broker who shops the best rates for you (hint: that’s me!).
Step 2: House Hunting (1–6 weeks)
🏠 Now the fun (and emotional) part begins.
With your budget and priorities in hand, you start visiting listings and narrowing down neighborhoods, features, and non-negotiables.
🏷️ Average timeline:
Hot markets: 1–2 weeks
Balanced markets: 3–6 weeks
Off-peak: potential for longer due to low inventory
💡 Pro Tip: Stay realistic. The perfect home doesn’t exist—but the right home for you does.
Step 3: Make an Offer (1–2 days)
🎯 Once you find the one, it’s time to write an offer—ideally with the help of your real estate agent and your mortgage broker on standby.
Common conditions to include:
Financing
Home inspection
Appraisal
Sale of buyer's current home (if applicable)
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip the home inspection—even in competitive markets. Peace of mind is worth it.
Step 4: Offer Accepted + Conditional Period (5–10 business days)
📄 Once your offer is accepted, the “conditional period” begins. During this time:
Your mortgage broker finalizes financing
An appraisal may be scheduled
You arrange your home inspection
Deposit is paid
🧠 Think of this as your due diligence phase—you’re confirming everything checks out before the deal is firm.
💡 Pro Tip:Keep your credit clean and avoid big purchases. Don’t apply for new credit cards or financing.
Step 5: Final Approval + Firm Deal (1–3 business days)
✔️ Once all conditions are satisfied, your deal becomes firm.
You now:
Sign final mortgage documents
Lock in your rate (if not already)
Confirm lawyer details for closing
🎉 Congrats—you’re officially under contract!
Step 6: Closing Day Prep (2–6 weeks)
Your lawyer and broker take over most of the heavy lifting from here. Your job?
🧾 To-do list:
Get home insurance
Set up utilities
Review and sign legal documents
Send final down payment & closing funds
Plan your move
💡 Pro Tip: Double-check the closing date and time. The keys are usually released after the transfer is registered—often by late afternoon.
Step 7: Closing Day (1 day)
🎊 It’s here!
On closing day:
Your lawyer transfers funds
Title is registered
You receive keys from your agent
And just like that—you’re a homeowner. 🏡🙌
Total Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home?
Stage | Timeline Estimate |
Mortgage Pre-Approval | 1–5 business days |
House Hunting | 1–6 weeks |
Offer & Conditional Period | 5–10 business days |
Final Approval & Firm Deal | 1–3 business days |
Closing Prep | 2–6 weeks |
TOTAL TIME | ~30 to 60 days (on average) |
Bonus: What Could Slow You Down?
⏱️ Watch for these timeline traps:
Incomplete documents or credit issues
Delays in appraisals or inspections
Back-and-forth negotiations
Holidays or long weekends during closing
Need a Clear Checklist? I’ve Got You.
🎯 I created a free First-Time Buyer Checklist that walks you through every step—so nothing gets missed.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Not Pressured
The home-buying process doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With the right guide, the right team, and the right information—you can go from dreaming to moving in.
I’d love to help you walk through this process with confidence, clarity, and strategy.
📞 Ready to talk?Let’s chat about your timeline and goals!
– Edith Parinas
'The Mortgage Broker ~ The Yogi ~ The Blogger'
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