How Long Does It Take to Buy a House in Mesa, AZ? A Week-by-Week Timeline

by Gale Culver

Buying a house is one of the biggest (and most exciting) decisions you’ll ever make, but the process can feel a little mysterious if you’ve never done it before or it’s been a few years.

The truth? Most homebuyers in Mesa can go from pre-approval to keys in about 30–60 days.

But that timeline depends on your readiness, the type of home you're buying, and how competitive the market is. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, how long each step typically takes, and what you can do to speed things up without skipping important steps.

⏱️ Phase 1: Getting Pre-Approved (1–7 Days)

If you haven’t already been pre-approved, this is your first step.

A lender will:

  • Check your credit

  • Verify your income, debt, and employment

  • Help you understand what you can afford and what your monthly payment will look like

Pro Tip: You don’t need to have 20% down to buy. Many Mesa buyers use 3–5% down or even 0% if they’re using a VA loan.

🏘️ Phase 2: Touring Homes & Making an Offer (1–4 Weeks)

This step depends on:

  • How clear you are on your must-haves

  • How much inventory is available

  • Whether you’re buying resale or new construction

In Mesa’s current market, it’s common for buyers to tour 3–8 homes before making an offer. Some fall in love on the first showing. Others take a few weeks to find the right fit.

🏠 If you’re buying new construction, this timeline depends on the build stage, move-in ready homes can close fast, but dirt builds take 6–12+ months.

✍️ Phase 3: Offer Accepted! Now What? (Escrow = 30 Days on Average)

Once your offer is accepted, you’ll move into what’s called escrow - the period between signing the contract and getting the keys.

Here’s what happens during this time (and how long each step usually takes):

Step Typical Time Frame
Open escrow & deposit EM 1–2 business days
Home inspection Days 3–7 after acceptance
Negotiation on repairs 1–3 days after inspection
Appraisal (loan-based) Days 10–20
Underwriting & final approval Days 20–25
Final walkthrough + signing Days 27–30
 

🧱 What About New Builds?

If you're buying new construction in a Mesa community like Eastmark, Empire Pointe, or Cadence, your timeline depends on:

  • Build stage (move-in ready vs dirt lot)

  • Permitting and construction delays

  • Whether the builder is offering incentives for quick-close homes

Quick move-ins can close in 30–45 days. Ground-up builds can take 6–12 months, and sometimes longer.

⏳ Total Estimated Timeline:

Buyer Type Estimated Timeline
Pre-approved resale buyer 30–45 days from offer
Just starting the search 6–8 weeks total
New construction (quick move-in) 45–60 days
New construction (dirt lot) 6–12+ months
 

🚨 Where You Can Save Time

Want to speed up the process without sacrificing quality? Here’s what helps:

  • Get pre-approved before you start looking

  • Know your must-haves vs nice-to-haves

  • Work with a Realtor who knows the Mesa market

  • Use a lender and title company with strong communication

⚠️ Where You Shouldn’t Rush

  • Skipping inspection “to win the offer”  just don’t

  • Signing without reviewing SPDS disclosures (Mesa sellers must legally disclose known issues)

  • Waiving appraisal or financing contingencies unless you fully understand the risks

🧭 Final Thoughts: The Process Isn’t As Long As You Think, If You’re Prepared

Most of my Mesa buyers close within 30–40 days once we find the right home. New builds can take longer, but the tradeoff is personalization and builder incentives.

If you’re thinking about buying in 2025, it’s never too early to talk through options and timelines.

📲 Ready to Start Your Home Buying Journey?

Whether you’re ready to tour homes this weekend or just want to plan ahead, I’m here to walk you through each step, no pressure, no jargon, just real advice.

➡️ Schedule your buyer consult
📥 Download the Home Buying Timeline Checklist
🎥 Watch my YouTube video: “How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?”
📸 Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes home tours and market tips

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"Real estate isn’t just about buying and selling houses—it’s about creating opportunities, building wealth, and turning dreams into reality. Everyone deserves a place to call home, and I’m here to make that happen."

+1(909) 380-2122

gale@arizonarealestateexpert.com

3707 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ, 85206, United States

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