Can You Buy a Home Before Thanksgiving? An Honest Timeline for November

Real estate services provided through DeLex Realty.

It's November 1st, and I already have my Thanksgiving menu planned. Turkey, stuffing, three pies, and a sourdough loaf that I'll insist is "for the table" but mostly eat myself.

This time of year, I also hear a common question: "Tina, can we be in a new house by Thanksgiving?"

Let's talk honestly about it.

The short answer

For Thanksgiving this year, it's tight. Very tight. A typical financed home purchase often takes around 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to closing, and that's after you find the home. Every deal is different, and some can move faster, but I'd rather be honest than promise you a turkey in a house you don't have keys to yet.

What is realistic

• Christmas or New Year's? Possibly, if you start now and find the right home quickly.
• Buying in winter overall? Absolutely. Arizona winter is a lovely time to shop. Fewer buyers are out, and the weather is perfect for touring.
• A move-in-ready new build? Some builders have homes that are already finished, which can shorten the timeline. Bring your own Realtor, of course.

The timeline, step by step

Think of it like baking sourdough. You can't rush it, but you can plan it.

1. Get pre-approved (a few days). This is your starter. Nothing rises without it.
2. Shop for homes (varies). Could be one weekend, could be a couple of months.
3. Make an offer and get it accepted (a few days).
4. Inspection and appraisal (usually the first couple of weeks).
5. Loan processing and final approval (the longest stretch).
6. Final walkthrough and closing. Keys! Cookies! Happy dance!

Holiday tips if you're buying now

• Plan around closures. Banks, title companies and offices close on holidays, so build in a little extra time.
• Stay reachable. If you're traveling, keep your phone and documents handy.
• Expect a few slow days. It's normal. Patience, like good bread.

And if you're not ready yet?

That's okay too. Now is a great time to learn the steps so you're ready to move in the new year. My free first-time buyer webinar is at the bottom of this post.

Bread break

Speaking of patience, here's my three-ingredient sourdough. It's a good one for your Thanksgiving table.

Watch on Instagram: 3-ingredient sourdough / everything bagel

Video not loading? Watch it on Instagram here.

The bottom line

A new home by Thanksgiving is a stretch this year, but a new home by spring is very doable if you start the conversation now. Let's make a plan that fits your timeline, not mine.

Easy question: what's the one dish that absolutely has to be on your Thanksgiving table?

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Free First-Time Homebuyer Webinar

Thinking about buying your first home in the Phoenix metro or Pinal County? I put together a free, calm, 15-minute webinar that walks you through the whole process in plain English: budgets, pre-approval, builder incentives, offers, inspections and closing. No pressure, no sales pitch.

• Watch the webinar: lovingazhomes.com/first-time-buyers
• Prefer YouTube? Watch it on YouTube
• Grab my free buyer guide: lovingazhomes.com/first-time-buyers

Questions? Call or text me at 480-572-2159.

Tina Marie Miller, REALTOR® | Loving AZ Homes | DeLex Realty. Real estate services provided through DeLex Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.