Two months is the quick response. The long answer is that, following an offer's acceptance, most real estate transactions fall into two separate timelines. The buyer looks for a loan to buy your house during the first time frame, known as the financing phase. Usually lasting two to four weeks, the financing time may extend further if there are hold-ups brought on by credit problems, mortgage insurers, or appraisals. Second, there is the settlement period, which starts as soon as the financing is granted and gives the settlement agents time to get the paperwork ready for the property transfer and communicate with any banks that may be involved. Once more, the settlement process takes two to four weeks, but if all goes smoothly and the banks or funds are available, it may be completed in less than a week.