Most Texas buyers want a straight answer: how long is this going to take? The honest answer is approximately 45 to 90 days from accepted offer to closing — but the full process, including shopping for a home, can stretch to several months depending on your market and readiness.

Here is a realistic, phase-by-phase breakdown.

Phase 1: Get Pre-Approved Before You Tour (1–2 Weeks)

Everything starts with a lender conversation. A pre-approval letter tells you how much you can borrow and signals to sellers that you are a serious buyer. This phase typically takes one to two weeks if you have your documents ready — pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, and a photo ID.

Cash buyers skip this step, which is one reason cash offers move faster. If you are financing, do not wait to start this process. In active DFW markets, well-priced homes can go under contract within days of listing.

Tip: A pre-approval is not the same as final loan approval. Your lender will still need to underwrite your specific contract, so the clock does not stop at pre-approval.

Phase 2: Find the Right Home (2–8 Weeks)

How long you spend searching depends on your criteria, your flexibility, and the current inventory in your price range. Some buyers find a home on the first weekend. Others search for two months before something clicks.

Texas REALTORS® data shows that inventory levels vary significantly by metro area and price point. In higher-demand price brackets in DFW and other major Texas metros, buyers often face multiple-offer situations. Being ready to move quickly — with a clear sense of your must-haves — shortens this phase.

Your buyer's agent (licensed under TREC) is required by Texas law to disclose their representation terms in writing before you tour a home. Make sure you understand that agreement before you start visiting properties.

Phase 3: Make an Offer and Negotiate (1–5 Days)

Once you find a home, your agent will draft an offer using the standard Texas Real Estate Commission promulgated contract forms. Sellers typically respond within 24 to 48 hours. Negotiation on price, repairs, or closing timeline can add another day or two.

When the offer is accepted, you will generally have three business days to deliver earnest money — typically approximately 1% of the purchase price, though this varies. That money goes into an escrow account and is credited back to you at closing.

Texas-Specific Rule: TREC contract forms include an Option Period — typically 5 to 10 days — during which you can terminate for any reason by paying a small Option Fee (often $100–$500, negotiable). Use this time for your inspection.

Phase 4: Inspections, Appraisal, and Due Diligence (10–14 Days)

This phase runs alongside your Option Period and the early days of your loan processing. You will hire a licensed inspector to evaluate the property — this typically costs approximately $300 to $600 and takes a few hours. If the inspection reveals issues, you can negotiate repairs or a price adjustment, or walk away.

Your lender will also order an appraisal, which confirms the home's value supports the loan amount. Appraisals in Texas currently take approximately one to two weeks to complete, though timelines shift with market demand.

If the home is in a FEMA-designated flood zone, your lender will require flood insurance, which can add a few days to the process.

Phase 5: Loan Underwriting and Clear to Close (2–4 Weeks)

Underwriting is where most delays happen. Your lender's underwriting team reviews your full file — income, assets, the appraisal, title work, and the property itself. They may issue conditions: additional documents they need before approving the loan.

Respond to lender requests the same day you receive them. A 24-hour delay on your end can push your closing date back by days.

Once underwriting is satisfied, you receive a "Clear to Close." Your lender will send a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing — federal law requires this waiting period, so plan for it.

Timeline Rule of Thumb: Conventional loans typically close in approximately 30–45 days. FHA and VA loans can take 45–60 days. Cash purchases can close in as few as 7–14 days with title work ready.

Phase 6: Closing Day (1–2 Hours)

Texas uses a title company or escrow company to facilitate closings. You will review and sign the closing documents, pay your remaining closing costs and down payment, and receive the keys. In Texas, sellers and buyers often sign separately — you may not be in the same room.

Bring a government-issued photo ID and be prepared to wire funds (or bring a cashier's check) for your closing costs. Personal checks are typically not accepted for large amounts.

Your agent, lender, and title company will coordinate the closing date. A few days before, do a final walkthrough of the property to confirm its condition matches what was agreed.

Buying a home in Texas takes time, but the process becomes manageable when you know what to expect at each stage. Start with your pre-approval, work with a TREC-licensed agent who explains every document before you sign, and stay responsive during underwriting. EXL Realty Group (TREC #9015220) works with buyers across the DFW market and across Texas — with transparent fees and no surprises.