Need to Buy a Home Quick? Here’s What You Must Know
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but sometimes speed is a necessity. Whether you’re relocating for work, trying to secure a property before interest rates rise, or moving to accommodate a growing family, knowing how to buy a home quick can save you time, stress, and money.
The traditional home-buying process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, sometimes longer if financing or inspections cause delays. However, by taking a strategic approach, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to find, finance, and close on a home. This guide will show you how to buy a home quickly while making a smart and informed decision.
Get Your Finances in Order First
Check Your Credit Score
Your credit score plays a critical role in how fast you can get a mortgage. Lenders prioritize buyers with good credit because they pose less risk. Before you start house hunting, check your credit report for errors and take steps to improve your score if needed. Paying down debts, making timely payments, and avoiding new credit inquiries can all help boost your score.
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
One of the biggest delays in home buying is securing financing. To speed up the process, get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start searching. A pre-approval letter from a lender shows sellers that you are financially prepared and ready to make a serious offer.
Pre-approval requires submitting financial documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements. Once you are pre-approved, you’ll know exactly how much you can afford, allowing you to make competitive offers quickly.
Save for a Down Payment and Closing Costs
Having a down payment ready makes it easier to close quickly. If you can afford 20% down, you may be able to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and secure better loan terms. If a 20% down payment isn’t possible, explore FHA loans or first-time homebuyer programs that allow for lower down payments.
In addition to the down payment, be prepared to cover closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. Setting aside funds in advance prevents last-minute financing issues.
Choose a Lender Who Specializes in Fast Closings
Not all lenders operate at the same speed. Some take weeks to process loans, while others specialize in quick closings, sometimes in as little as 7 to 10 days. Research lenders with fast underwriting processes and automated approvals to avoid unnecessary delays.
Define Your Home Preferences Clearly
Know What You Want in a Home
One of the biggest time-wasters in home buying is indecision. To move quickly, make a clear list of must-have features before you start your search. Consider factors such as:
Preferred location and neighborhood
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Essential features like a garage, backyard, or home office
Whether you want a move-in-ready home or are open to renovations
Being specific about your needs helps you narrow down options faster, preventing wasted time touring unsuitable properties.
Be Flexible With Your Search Criteria
While having clear criteria is important, being flexible can help speed up the process. If your preferred neighborhood has limited listings, consider expanding your search area. Similarly, if you’re struggling to find a home within your budget, consider older homes that may need minor cosmetic updates.
Work with an Experienced Real Estate Agent
Choose an Agent Who Knows How to Move Fast
A knowledgeable real estate agent can be your greatest asset when trying to buy a home quick. They have access to off-market listings, can schedule showings quickly, and know how to negotiate for a fast closing.
When selecting an agent, look for someone who:
Specializes in fast transactions
Has strong local market knowledge
Has connections with lenders, inspectors, and title companies
A proactive agent will ensure you don’t miss out on great properties due to slow responses or delays.
Set Up Alerts and Act Immediately on Listings
New homes hit the market daily, and in competitive areas, they sell fast. Set up real-time alerts on real estate platforms like Zillow and Redfin so you’re notified the moment a home that fits your criteria becomes available.
If a property looks promising, schedule a viewing as soon as possible. Homes in hot markets can receive offers within hours, so quick action is essential.
Make a Competitive Offer Right Away
Be Ready to Submit an Offer Fast
In a fast-moving market, waiting too long to make an offer can mean losing out to another buyer. To buy a home quick, have all your paperwork ready—including your pre-approval letter, proof of funds, and an offer template—so you can act immediately when you find the right home.
Offer Strong, Simple Terms
Sellers prioritize certainty and speed. To make your offer more attractive:
Offer at or above asking price, especially in a competitive market
Minimize contingencies, such as home sale contingencies
Be flexible with closing dates to accommodate the seller’s timeline
If you have the ability, consider making an all-cash offer. Cash deals eliminate mortgage approval delays and can close in 7 to 14 days, making them highly appealing to sellers.
Speed Up the Closing Process
Schedule the Home Inspection Immediately
A home inspection can delay closing if not scheduled quickly. To keep the process moving, book an inspection within 24 hours of offer acceptance. Some buyers even conduct pre-offer inspections to eliminate this step after the contract is signed.
Work with a Lender Who Moves Quickly
The mortgage underwriting process can take several weeks, but some lenders offer expedited processing. Ask potential lenders about:
Automated underwriting for faster approvals
Appraisal waivers to skip unnecessary delays
E-closing options for remote signing
Choosing the right lender can shave weeks off the home-buying process.
Prepare for a Smooth Closing
Closing on a home involves extensive paperwork, which can cause delays if not handled properly. Work closely with your lender and title company to:
Understand required documents ahead of time
Get an accurate estimate of closing costs
Arrange funds transfer in advance
Being proactive ensures you can close as quickly as possible without last-minute surprises.
Alternative Ways to Buy a Home Quickly
Consider Off-Market and FSBO Homes
Some homes never hit the MLS. Off-market listings and For Sale By Owner (FSBO) homes can move faster since they often involve fewer parties. Your real estate agent may have access to private listings that match your criteria.
Look Into Pre-Foreclosures and Distressed Sales
Homeowners facing foreclosure are often eager to sell quickly to avoid repossession. Pre-foreclosures and distressed sales can be great opportunities if you’re looking for a fast transaction.
Explore Rent-to-Own Options
If you need to move immediately but don’t have financing in place, a rent-to-own agreement can provide a solution. These contracts allow you to rent the home with the option to buy later, giving you time to finalize your mortgage while securing the property.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home quickly requires preparation, decisive action, and working with the right professionals. By getting pre-approved, acting fast on new listings, making strong offers, and working with a lender who specializes in quick closings, you can significantly shorten the home-buying timeline.
While speed is important, it’s crucial to make informed decisions. Avoid rushing into a purchase without due diligence, and ensure the home meets both your short-term and long-term needs.
If you’re ready to buy a home quick, start preparing now so you can act swiftly when the right opportunity arises!
