Most NC home purchases close in 30–45 days once under contract. Here’s the full buying timeline from pre-approval to keys.

In NC, most homes close 30–45 days after going under contract. The bigger variable is how long it takes to find the right home and get an offer accepted.

The practical timeline

  1. Pre-approval (1–3 days)

  2. Shopping (days to months)

  3. Offer accepted = under contract

  4. Inspection period (week 1–2)

  5. Appraisal + underwriting (weeks 2–4)

  6. Clear to close + closing day (weeks 4–6)

What slows deals down

  • Not being pre-approved

  • Decision fatigue (too many maybes)

  • Repair negotiations

  • Appraisal issues

  • Lender paperwork delays

Triangle-specific note

Some areas move fast—good homes can get snatched quickly. The smoother your prep, the smoother your timeline.

FAQ:

  • Can you close in under 30 days? Sometimes, if financing and title work move fast.

  • When do inspections happen? Early—usually the first 1–2 weeks.

  • What’s the biggest delay? Underwriting or appraisal conditions.


Tell me your move date and I’ll work the timeline backwards so you don’t get cornered into bad decisions.