In a few months, we're hopefully going to start looking for a house. How long did it take you to find and finally move into your house? Should I expect it to be long and drawn out, or what? My DH already has a house, so I'm sure that's going to complicate things in terms of moving out/moving in.
Thanks!!
sam
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
We started looking in early 2002. We closed on our house on July 31,2003 and moved in August 15th. We were determined not to settle for something that we didn't love. We were renting month to month so we had the luxury of not 'needing' a place to live. We looked long and hard every weekend- we must have seen hundreds of houses! I feel like I should be a real estate appraiser at this point.
Niecey
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
Having to sell before you can buy can hold things up from what I hear.
I looked for only a couple months and quicker than I planned - we found a house we loved. (I think it took us longer to decide on a wedding hall ). From bid to close was only a little over a month but I think that is rare. We had nothing to sell and the owners wanted out quickly so they could close on their new home in Florida. I usually here bid to close is more like 3 months. We moved in about 3-4 weeks after we closed. We were still on a lease and we had no free time so we waited.
Fran M
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
It took us many houses and 3 different areas and about 6 months of solid looking. Going though three different areas cost us a good amount of time. With each area you have to sort of reeducate yourself on home styles, neighborhoods etc. Having a good idea of where you want to be and what you need/want in a home can definately streamline the process. You never know your house could be the first one you see.
mlp924
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
We had found a house we loved right away in Massapequa Park but gave it up after we found out the real estate lady was scamming us. It then took us another 2 months to find this one. It all works out for the best in the end
kmcwed
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
Thanks everybody
Jeanene
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
It took us six months to find a home (and have the offer accepted). It looks like it will take us 2 months to close.
Good Luck in your search!
ILT1221
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
We started looking in Jan. 2002 but I guess we didn't become serious until about April 2003. We put a bid on our house in late July and only closed in October (we had a long drawn out closing process). Every circumstance is different it can take anywhere from 3-4 months. Good luck!
Edited to shorten time span.
HappyEverAfter
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
It took us about eight months of looking to find the house we just signed a contract on, and we looked in three different neighborhoods as well. We are moving out of state, so our search included having to research the area as well as finding the house. Plus, things that were important to me were not important to DH, and vice versa. So we had to take time to compromise and find the 'perfect' home. We signed the contract two weeks ago, and hope to close by the end of November. :)
Elizabeth
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
I think we looked for about 3 months of serious looking. We closed 2 months later.
I just want to add that it was the bank's lawyers that slowed the process down, not the sellers simply by having too busy a schedule. The sellers would have closed alot earlier if they had the choice.
Good luck
Scoop
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
approx. 6 months.
Jenny5150
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
About a year and a half, but that includes 4 bids.
DecBride04
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
Before starting the house hunt, we got the pre-approval from the Bank for our mortgage. In order to make bids on houses, you will need that pre-approval letter. If not, no one takes you seriously. A great website to search for homes on LI is www.mlsli.com We started working with this agent who was flexable to show us houses all the time. I would recommend her to anyone, she was that great. The best part of it all, the home owner has to pay her! We started our house hunt in July, found one we loved and placed a bid in Aug. Shortly after it was accepted and we then sent out the inspector. It is a fairly new house, so nothing really wrong as per the inspector. Got our Real estate Lawyer involved, got our mortage and here we are in Oct and closing date set for the 16th. It can take time, but be patient. Just a recommendation: start saving EVERYTHING... I mean, bank statements, pay stubs, don't move any large amounts of money (if so, you need proof of where it came from, ect) For example, if you were to recieve a gift of $$...save all bank slips for deposits or withdrawls. Also safe any of the paper work regarding your investments, 401K, ect... They need it all... 3 months worth of everything... Best of luck with your hunt, if you need any help I am here... I just went through this all, so it is fresh in my mind.
Meg9-20-02
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Re: How long did it take to find your home?
We started serioiusly looking this past March. We got out-bid several times, even almost went to contract once (then found out the house was practically collapsing!). Finally, in July we decided that we were going to have a home built. That is going to take another 6 months but I am convinced I would still be looking! It really depends on what area you are looking in, what the demand is in that area, and how picky you are. Good luck!
