How long it takes to find a home
| | | |

How Long It Takes to Find a New Home

ByHalee Miller Van Ryswyk

HOME BUYERS – To get the best exclusive listings visit www.vreg.ca and go to “EXCLUSIVE DEALS”

Read More

If you’re in the market for a new home and are wondering about the typical timeline of the search, find out what an expert has to say about the subject.

 

Does location still matter most? Should you remodel your home to suit your tastes or for resale value? Are starter homes still a thing? We all have plenty of questions about the ever-changing world of real estate. In our Ask an Agent series, we’re partnering with experts at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate to answer your biggest questions about finding, buying, and selling a home.

Whether you’ve been in the house-hunting market before or it’s your first time looking for a new home, you’re likely curious what the current timeline looks like for the process. While the time it takes to find a home that’s right for you varies significantly from person to person, a real estate expert reveals what the average search time is. Read on to discover the typical timeline and learn how to speed it up.

Ask a Realtor to learn all about how long buyers should expect the search for a new home to take.

Ask an Agent: How Long Should Buyers Expect the Home Search to Take?

I always discuss the same four things with buyers when they’re considering the home search process and how long it will take. First, it will depend on your market, your price range within that market, your wish list for a home, and your level of experience in the home-buying process. Often, if you’re a first-time home buyer, it might take longer because you’re just learning the ropes.

It also depends on whether the market is competitive or not. If it is a highly competitive market, you have to be prepared to act quickly, because in some of our markets across the country right now, you don’t have a lot of time once a house goes on the market to make a decision. Let’s say you’re relocating across the country due to a job change, or perhaps you’re moving with a family that includes kids who need to enroll in a specific school district. In that case, your timeline will also be influenced by these factors. I’d say that nationally, the sweet spot for a home search is probably in the 30- to 75-day time range right now.

How to Make the Process Faster and Smoother

The first thing that comes to mind for buyers is that you need to be prepared so that when you start looking, you already know what you’re looking for. You’ve had a conversation with a lender, and you know your price range. If you are a cash buyer, be prepared to show your ability to make a cash purchase. Realtors in our markets are advocating for their sellers, and so they want buyers who are fully prepared when the offer comes in.

Lastly, one of the things we always discuss with buyers in our company is what we call the 85% rule. If you have a wish list and you find something that meets about 85% of that list, then you’re in a good spot. If you’re looking for a 100% house, which rarely exists, it will take you a whole lot longer to find.

Share this page

Similar Posts

  • | | | | | | | |

    8 Patio Furniture Trends Designers Swear by for an Outdoor Escape

    ByStan S.

    Your outdoor space is a part of your home—and it deserves just as much thought and personality as your interiors. “Since the days of COVID, we’ve leaned heavily into outdoor living, and it’s changed the way we decorate our exteriors,” says home style expert Ursula Carmona. To help you bring the same level of intention and style to your backyard, patio, balcony, or porch, we tapped interior designers and experts at leading patio furniture brands. Read on for the patio furniture trends they’re seeing in 2025—and how to bring them to life in your space. Ursula Carmona is a content creator and home style expert. Sandra Smith-Fitzgerald is the senior vice president of merchandising at Frontgate, a home and garden retailer. Lindsay Schleis is a design expert and vice president of business development at POLYWOOD, an outdoor furniture brand. 1. Room Vignettes Think of your outdoor area as a true extension of your home—one with defined zones for how you actually live. “Start by considering the ‘rooms’ you wish to define and how you envision living within these spaces,” says Sandra Smith-Fitzgerald, senior vice president of merchandising at Frontgate. “Will it be a retreat? A place to host gatherings? Or an intimate spot for friends? Integral to outdoor living is the creation of distinct areas—like an outdoor living room, dining zone, relaxing retreat by the pool, or an outdoor kitchen for a complete alfresco dining experience.” Once the layout is in place, add layers of decor. “Don’t be afraid to bring the indoors out—cozy seating, layered textiles, styled vignettes,” says Carmona. 2. Elevate Small Spaces A sprawling patio isn’t a prerequisite for great outdoor design. A small balcony or backyard can shine with the right pieces. “We’re seeing a heightened demand for furniture solutions tailored to small or uniquely shaped living spaces,” says Lindsay Schleis, design expert and vice president of business development at POLYWOOD. “Limited square footage doesn’t have to equate to limited style. Consumers are getting creative to transform a tucked-away corner into a cozy nook with a deep-seated chair or find the perfect dining set to fit their balcony.” Finish the look with layered lighting, potted plants, and textured cushions to maximize comfort and visual interest. Related Credit: Rett Peek  3. Blend Modern with Traditional Modern design isn’t going anywhere—but now, it’s being softened with timeless touches. “New traditional style is about crafting a space that seamlessly bridges classic and modern aesthetics,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “This results in an environment that is both comfortable and sophisticated, inviting yet cohesive, and—at its core—truly timeless.” Classics like Adirondack and rocking chairs remain evergreen staples, but when paired with streamlined forms and modern materials, they feel fresh and updated. “Blend classic silhouettes and colors with modern ones in furniture or accent pieces,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “Then add layers of textiles, such as patterns and solids in rugs and pillows to infuse texture, comfort, and a dash of personality.” 4. Extend Patio Season with All-Weather Furniture Summer may be the official patio season for those who live in colder climates, but thanks to all-season furniture, patios and porches are becoming year-round destinations. “Our patios and porches are getting just as much love as our living rooms, which means durability and performance materials are a must,” Carmona says. Schleis is seeing the same: “Homeowners are extending their living spaces outside, where they can host friends and entertain at any time of year,” she says. “For that reason, all-weather dining, lounge, and fire pit table sets continue to grow in popularity.” 5. Design a Kid-Friendly Outdoor Space Outdoor design isn’t just for adults anymore. As more families invest in their exterior spaces, we’re seeing a rise in furniture collections made just for kids. “We launched our kids collection last year and it’s been met with enthusiasm,” Schleis says. “Parents are clearly eager to create comfortable and stylish outdoor areas specifically for their children, mirroring the adult spaces they’ve created.” Credit: Victoria Pearson 6. Infuse Nature into the Aesthetic Designers are embracing earthy tones and organic textures to help outdoor spaces feel grounded and serene. “Nature-inspired palettes and textures bring a sense of calm and relaxation to our busy lives,” says Schleis. “All shades of browns and natural, warm tones allow your furniture to both blend in with the environment while making a statement.” Look for woven accents, wood finishes, and stone-inspired materials that enhance the natural vibe. 7. Go Bold With Art Deco Decor The bold glamour of Art Deco is making a comeback—yes, even outside. Characterized by clean symmetry, curved forms, and metal materials, this iconic design style brings sophistication to patios and porches. “To incorporate Art Deco outdoors, opt for designs that provide a sleek foundation with refined details,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “Introduce geometric patterns and colors through pillows and rugs and accentuate the area with brass items like lanterns and statuary for understated elegance.” Carmona has seen jewel tones trending both indoors and outdoors. To amp up the color when you’re entertaining, try emerald green cushions, sapphire blue rugs, or ruby red tableware. Credit: David Tsay 8. Play with Patterns Patterns are having a moment outdoors—from florals and stripes to geometric and global-inspired prints. “Seasonal motifs can complement any patio style, infusing fun and personality into your design,” says Smith-Fitzgerald, who says the key to adding pattern without overwhelming your space is balance. “Let these elements shine as focal points, ensuring they don’t

    Share this page
  • | | | |

    6 Reasons Your Lights Are Flickering, Plus Easy Fixes

    ByStan S.

    Credit: Getty Images / Kateryna Kukota Lights flickering in your home might seem like a cause for concern, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how home electrical systems work. While flickering lights can stem from a major electrical problem, it is more likely that the issue is related to the bulb or switch. However, it is essential to identify the cause of the flickering lights so you can rule out any serious electrical issues. Learn the most common causes of flickering lights and how to fix them, as well as when it’s advisable to call an electrician. 6 Potential Causes of Flickering Lights Before calling an electrician, try troubleshooting these potential causes of flickering lights. 1. Bulb Issues One of the most common causes of flickering lights is an issue with the bulb. Fortunately, bulb issues are also the easiest fix. Solution: If you suspect the light bulb is burning out, you can easily test your theory by replacing the light bulb. If the new one doesn’t flicker, you’ve likely solved the problem. 2. Switch Issues Light switches see a lot of use. While premium switches may last a lifetime, budget light switches are likely to fail over time. In this case, you might notice the lights flicker when you touch the switch. Solution: If you suspect the light switch is causing the flickering lights, replacing the switch should solve the problem. To do so, turn off the electricity and the circuit breaker box, remove the switch plate, and uninstall the light switch. Wire and install the new light switch exactly like the old one, reinstall the switch plate, and restore the power. 3. Fixture Issues Less commonly, the light fixture itself may be to blame. If there are loose connections or corrosion in the fixture, the lights may flicker. Solution: You can attempt to repair the fixture by fixing the connections or removing corrosion, especially if it’s a premium fixture. However, it may be more beneficial to replace cheaper light fixtures. 4. Incompatible Bulb or Dimmer Switch If you’ve ever shopped for light bulbs, you may have noticed language on the box referring to dimmer compatibility. This is because some types of bulbs and dimmer switches don’t play well together. If you install a light bulb that’s incompatible with the light switch, it will likely flicker as a result. Solution: To ensure your light bulb is compatible with your switch, check the bulb’s specifications before purchasing a replacement. If you’re having trouble finding a light bulb that won’t flicker due to dimmer incompatibility, your best bet is to try a traditional incandescent light bulb. However, they may be difficult to find in some areas due to government restrictions on energy usage. Even LED light bulbs that specify dimmer compatibility can sometimes flicker when tied to a dimmer switch. 5. Wiring Issues Sometimes, the fixture, the bulb, and the switch may all be in good, working condition, but the wiring is to blame for the flickering lights. The wires could be worn or damaged, but it’s more likely that they are loose, causing an intermittent connection, which results in a flicker. Solution: With the power turned off, inspect the wiring and all relevant connections, including those at the switch, circuit breaker, and light fixture. 6. Electrical Load Issues If you notice the lights flickering whenever other appliances turn on, such as a vacuum, dishwasher, blow dryer, or other power-hungry products, it’s likely because you’re running them on the same circuit as the lights, causing an excessive electrical load on the circuit. Whenever these devices turn on, they draw a large amount of power, which causes the current running to the lights to fade, resulting in flickering. Solution: If the circuit is overloaded, move the high-power appliance to a different circuit. For something like a blow dryer or vacuum, unplug it and plug it into a different outlet. Install a dedicated circuit for large, permanently installed appliances, such as dishwashers. When It’s Time to Call a Professional Electrician If none of these solutions resolve your flickering lights or if the lights are accompanied by buzzing sounds, burning smells, heat around the fixture or outlets, or frequently tripping breakers, contact a professional electrician immediately. You should also consider professional help if multiple lights in your house are flickering and the issue isn’t isolated to a single fixture or circuit. If you haven’t already, a professional will likely instruct you to cut the power at the breaker until the problem can be remedied.

    Share this page
  • | | |

    Things to Never Do with Your AC When the Heat Index Hits Triple Digits

    ByStan S.

    This summer is the hottest on record (for the third year in a row!), so we assume that your home’s air conditioning system has been hard at work for the past few months. While it might seem tempting to crank the temperature as low as it can go during a heatwave, mistakes like these can cause some severe damage to your system over time.  We spoke to Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi (formerly Angie’s List), for expert advice on the mistakes homeowners might be making with their AC during a heatwave. Avoiding these errors (and following a few other expert tips Hicks recommends) will help keep your home cool while conserving energy. What to Never Do with Your AC During a Heatwave When you leave the house during the summer, do you turn your AC off before you go to conserve energy? If so, you might actually be wasting more energy than you’re saving—not to mention the fact that you’re likely putting extra strain on your air conditioning unit, too.  If you turn your AC off when you leave the house, you might temporarily lower your energy usage while you’re away. However, during that time, you also lose all the cold air your AC has been producing throughout the day, causing your house to return to a very high temperature. When you return and turn your AC unit back on, it has to work twice as hard to cool your home down. This puts unnecessary strain on your home’s air conditioning. The solution? Hicks says that you should increase the temperature your air conditioning is set to when you leave the house. Hicks recommends raising the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees each time you leave, up to a maximum of 85°F. “By keeping the AC at a higher temperature, you save energy and create efficiency, but your home can still be cooled down again without using too much energy,” says Hicks. Once you return home, you can lower the temperature of your AC again. This helps you save energy while you’re out, without putting any extra strain on your AC when you return. What If You’re Leaving Home for a Long Time? “If you’re leaving your home for longer than a few hours, it’s considered a long period,” says Hicks. Her answer stays the same whether you’re gone for the day or a couple of weeks of vacation—keep your AC on, but at a higher temperature. While it might seem like it’s a safe bet to conserve energy by turning off your AC when you’re away on vacation, this can actually encourage other home issues to arise in the heat (like humidity and potentially even mold growth). Keeping your home’s temperature set to a maximum of 85°F can help prevent these problems. How to Prevent Strain on Your AC When you’re at home, you might consider setting your air conditioning to a slightly lower temperature than you think, especially during a heatwave. “A good temperature setting is about 78 degrees when you’re home and awake,” says Hicks. “When you sleep, you might want to lower this to your comfortable sleeping temperature.” “It might be tempting to lower your AC in extreme heat, but this can use a lot of extra energy and shorten the lifespan of your AC,” adds Hicks. Keeping your AC set to a higher but still comfortable temperature can help you save money, conserve energy, and keep your AC running smoothly. Related Other Habits to Maximize Heatwave Energy Efficiency Your AC isn’t the only thing that can help keep your home cool during the summer. The more effort you put into utilizing other cooling solutions along with your AC, the less strain you’ll be putting on it—and the more energy you’ll be able to conserve when the temperature spikes outside. Hicks recommends keeping your blinds closed during the day to block out as much sunlight as possible throughout your home. This will help keep it cooler, especially during extreme heat. She also recommends turning on ceiling fans if you have any; this is a great way to allow cool air to circulate and make your home feel cooler.  According to Hicks, you should also open a window at night if the outside temperature is cooler than the inside temperature. This can help lower the temperature of your space enough that your air conditioning might not even need to turn on during the night. You can also try other solutions to help prepare your home for a heat wave, such as using cooling sheets, avoiding oven use, and utilizing personal fans to help you feel cooler. Signs You’ve Been Putting Too Much Strain on Your AC Your AC has likely been working hard all summer, which means you need to keep a close eye on it and perform regular maintenance to ensure it continues to work correctly. “This means replacing your filters about every three months and getting it tuned up in the fall and spring,” says Hicks. Performing these minor maintenance tasks can help you prevent major issues from arising in the future. Sometimes, bad luck can strike your AC system during the worst times, especially if you’ve had a habit of cranking the temperature down whenever it’s hot outside. “If you feel like your system isn’t cooling properly, there are uneven temperatures, you hear funny noises, or smell something different, it could be a sign it isn’t working properly and

    Share this page
  • | | | | | |

    Dont Skip This Moving Day Step. What to Clean Before Handing Over the Keys

    ByStan S.

    Moving out of your home kicks off a laundry list of to-do items. One of the tasks that might cross your mind is finding out who is responsible for cleaning your home when you move out. Is it expected or required? Who should pay? We reached out to experts on the best practices for cleaning when moving out of a home or rental property.  Kam Zinsser is a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Senter Realtors. Svetlana Choi is a broker and luxury property specialist at Coldwell Banker Warburg. Michael Weiner is a real estate salesperson at Coldwell Banker Warburg. Gerard Splendore is a licensed real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Warburg. Check Your Contract  In some cases, cleaning is specified in your sales contract, in which case you’re obligated to comply. Most contracts for home sales include boilerplate language regarding the buyer’s obligation to clean and remove all belongings from the home before the sale. Renters often have requirements in their leases relating to cleaning before they move out. “Although it may not be contractual, it is more of a courtesy to the buyer,” says Kam Zinsser, a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Senter Realtors.  “When purchasing a home, most contracts stipulate that the premises be broom-swept,” says broker Svetlana Choi of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “So, it isn’t necessary for a seller to do a thorough cleaning. However, it can make a real difference, particularly if it’s a higher-priced property.” “I had a client who was buying a studio in the Gramercy area of NYC and specifically requested that the mildew, which was severe, be cleaned from the bathroom,” says broker Gerard Splendore of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “At the walk-through, the day prior to closing, the mildew was untouched. The seller insisted that it had been cleaned that night, but no evidence or pictures were presented. I left the closing, and the bathroom was untouched, so the buyer was awarded a $1500 cleaning allowance off the price of the sale.” Benefits of Cleaning a Home Before Moving Choi adds that the choice to have a properly cleaned home can be the tipping point in a sale. “I had a walk-through where the buyer was having doubts about whether the apartment was the right choice for her family,” she says. “Because the seller didn’t want to jeopardize the transaction, she immediately hired a cleaning service, and I reported this to my buyer. In the end, she was happy and then focused on renovating her home.” “A cleaner home helps with a smoother walk-through and sets a positive tone for the closing process,” —Kay Zinsser, Real Estate Agent As Zinsser stated, cleaning your home is typically a courtesy to the new buyer unless otherwise stipulated in your contract. “General cleaning of the floors and surfaces as well as removing all personal belongings is very important,” Zinsser says. “Deep cleaning the kitchen appliances, inside the cabinets, bathrooms, and carpet is always nice.”  In some cases, the buyer will require the seller to pay for a deep clean before move-in. In other cases, the buyer will take the cleaning into their own hands, either to organize and pay for it or to do the dirty work themselves to save money.  Whether you’re cleaning as a courtesy or because you want good karma, most agents agree it’s a smart move.  “Leaving a home clean on departure is nearly always a good idea,” says agent Michael Weiner of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “For instance, if it’s a sale, the new owners are more likely to return items that may have been left accidentally by the sellers at the time of the close; and in general, renters want to be able to keep a good recommendation from a prior landlord as a reference for a future one.” What You Should Clean When Selling a Home  Zinsser suggests cleaning commonly overlooked areas in your home, including the inside of your fridge, oven, and microwave. Wiping down baseboards, trims, ceiling fans, and vent and air return covers is also a good idea. Window ledges and blinds also get dusty. Finally, check behind the toilet for forgotten grime.  “Prioritizing these areas, whether you are a renter or a homeowner, goes a long way and makes a difference,” Zinsser says. “As the homeowner, cleaning the home and paying attention to details is largely a goodwill gesture.” Focus on the main living areas to start. “Primary areas such as living rooms and bedrooms, which are central to the home, are the top cleaning priority and are almost impossible to overlook,” Weiner says. “Less-used areas, such as a basement, attic, or closet, are sometimes overlooked because items stored there are often not everyday ones. Overlooked—or perhaps simply insufficiently cleaned—are bathrooms, which are places most people hate to clean.” While you don’t have to clean, it is a nice gesture and one you would appreciate if the roles were reversed. “One of my sellers said to me, ‘They sought to present the home as they would wish to receive it,’” Zinsser said. “This has always stuck with me!” What You Should Clean When Leaving an Apartment  When it comes to cleaning an apartment or home rental, the rules are typically much more rigid and spelled out in the leasing documents. They often state that you must leave the space empty and broom-cleaned or swept. “For homeowners, cleaning is rarely a

    Share this page