Study Reveals How Long It Really Takes for Each Step of the Home Buying Process

On average, it takes just over half a year for a home buyer to move into their new home. The research that revealed this also broke down the time spent on individual steps -- and pain points experienced -- along the way to closing a deal.

The results are in, and a poll consisting of 2000 homebuyers has now determined that the average amount of time spent, from beginning a search to collecting the keys for a new home, is six months and 24 days.

In completing that process, the exchange of contracts was shown to be the longest step, taking an average of five months and ten days, but ranging all the way up to 25 months in some unlucky instances.

The study, conducted by OnePoll, also found that, on average, homebuyers spend 20 hours looking at 16 homes online before even scheduling a visit. In what's becoming an increasingly online experience, this finding emphasizes a trend where those marketing home listings are taking advantage of new opportunities to reach potential clients.

After narrowing down their choices online, the average homebuyer will view a home three times before putting in an offer. The time between a final visit and eventual offer comes out to around four-and-a-half days.

A recent article featuring the study notes that, in conducting the research, experts took into account various aspects of the home buying experience. This includes insight into common homebuyer expectations and frustrations.

The amount of time involved in the process led to 14 percent of respondents coming to a compromise on some aspect of their ideal home when ultimately choosing a property.

"While the idea of moving somewhere new is thrilling, the reality can be very different," says James Morris-Manuel, VP of Matterport EMEA.

House hunting can be tough and time-consuming, especially for those who are juggling working full time, families, and those who may not necessarily be living in the area in which they want to buy.

According to the poll, three in 10 respondents reported finding a property with everything they were looking for to be the most difficult aspect, while a fifth of home buyers found choosing a property to be the most time-consuming.

"Even viewing a home can be irritating – having to fit in with the owner's timing and requirements, not being close enough to view a property as often as you'd wish, and then wanting to revisit when a decision has been made," says Morris-Manuel.

One third of respondents said that, after finally buying a home, they found the process to have taken longer than they expected.

To make matters worse, one quarter experienced an unsuccessful offer on a home, while 12 percent faced three or more such instances, prolonging their search.

This study offers not only an in-depth look into the timeline of the home buyer's process, but also insight into areas that are found to be the most burdensome parts of that process.

Real estate agents providing the most complete and informative experience for their clients are in the best position to be the resource today's homebuyer values.

To view the original article, visit the Matterport blog.