Buying a Home in 6 Months: Complete Timeline & Checklist 2026
YES, you CAN buy a home in 6 months! Follow this proven timeline: Month 1-2: Save $7K-$15K down payment + boost credit to 640+. Month 3: Get pre-approved (48 hours). Month 4-5: House hunt + make offers. Month 6: Close on home! Requirements: Stable income, 620+ credit, no recent bankruptcy. Start pre-approval NOW. Related: First-time buyer loans guide.
⏰ 6-Month Timeline Overview:
Month 1-2: Save down payment ($7K-$15K) + improve credit (640+)
Month 3: Get pre-approved (48 hours) + lock rate
Month 4-5: House hunt (10-15 showings) + make offers
Month 6: Inspection + appraisal + underwriting + CLOSE! 🎉
Total Cost: $10K-$20K (down payment + closing costs)
⏰ Start NOW! February 2026 → Close August 2026!
Month 1-2: Financial Preparation (Weeks 1-8)
Week 1-2: Credit Score Audit
- Check Credit: Get free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Target Score: 640+ (conventional), 620+ (FHA)
- Quick Wins: Dispute errors, pay down credit cards to <30% utilization, set up autopay
- Timeline: 30-60 days to see score improvement
Week 3-8: Save Down Payment
Goal: Save $7K-$15K in 2 months
Strategy:
- Cut expenses: Cancel subscriptions, eat at home, no big purchases
- Side hustle: Uber, DoorDash, freelance ($500-$1,000/month extra)
- Sell stuff: Facebook Marketplace, eBay ($500-$2,000)
- Gift funds: Ask family (FHA allows 100% gift down payment!)
- Tax refund: File early, use for down payment
💰 Save $350-$750/month × 2 months = $7K-$15K down payment!
🎯 Ready for Month 3? Get Pre-Approved!
Credit 640+? Down payment saved? Get pre-approved NOW!
Get Pre-Approved Free →Free application • No obligation • 48-hour approval
Month 3: Pre-Approval & Rate Lock (Weeks 9-12)
Week 9-10: Apply with 3-5 Lenders
Documents Needed:
- Tax returns (2 years)
- Pay stubs (2 months)
- Bank statements (2 months)
- W-2s (2 years)
- ID + Social Security card
⏰ Apply with multiple lenders within 14 days = counts as ONE credit inquiry!
Week 11-12: Compare & Lock Rate
Compare:
- Interest rate (6.75%-7.25% Feb 2026)
- Closing costs ($3K-$8K)
- Lender fees ($500-$2,000)
- Lock period (30-60 days)
Choose Best Lender: Lowest total cost (rate + fees)
Lock Rate: 30-60 day lock (protects from rate increases)
✅ Pre-approval letter in hand! Max loan amount confirmed!
Month 4-5: House Hunting (Weeks 13-20)
Week 13-14: Find Realtor + Start Search
- Hire Realtor: Free for buyers (seller pays commission)
- Set Criteria: Location, price range, beds/baths, must-haves
- Online Search: Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin (save favorites)
- Schedule Showings: 10-15 homes over 2 weeks
Week 15-18: Make Offers
Offer Strategy:
- Start at 95%-98% of asking price (if market is balanced)
- Include pre-approval letter (shows you're serious)
- Inspection contingency (protect yourself)
- Appraisal contingency (if appraisal comes low)
- Financing contingency (if loan falls through)
💡 Expect 2-5 offers before acceptance. Don't give up!
Week 19-20: Offer Accepted! 🎉
- Sign Purchase Agreement: Legally binding contract
- Earnest Money Deposit: $500-$2,000 (shows good faith)
- Schedule Inspection: Within 7-10 days
- Order Appraisal: Lender orders (you pay $500-$700)
⏰ Almost There! Final Month to Close!
Get matched with top lenders for final approval!
Compare Lenders Free →Free quotes • No obligation • Fast closing
Month 6: Closing (Weeks 21-26)
Week 21-22: Inspection & Appraisal
- Home Inspection: $300-$500, identifies issues
- Negotiate Repairs: Ask seller to fix major issues or credit
- Appraisal: Lender verifies home value matches purchase price
- If Appraisal Low: Renegotiate price or bring extra cash
Week 23-24: Underwriting
Underwriter Reviews:
- Credit report (final check)
- Income verification (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Asset verification (bank statements)
- Appraisal report
- Title search (no liens on property)
⚠️ DON'T: Change jobs, open new credit, make big purchases!
Week 25-26: Clear to Close! 🎉
- Final Approval: Underwriter clears loan
- Closing Disclosure: Review 3 days before closing
- Final Walk-Through: Verify repairs done, home in good condition
- Closing Day: Sign papers (1-2 hours), get keys!
- Bring to Closing: Cashier's check for down payment + closing costs ($10K-$20K total)
🏡 CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'RE A HOMEOWNER! 🎉
6-Month Budget Breakdown
| Expense | When | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Reports | Month 1 | $0 (free) |
| Down Payment Savings | Month 1-2 | $7,000-$15,000 |
| Pre-Approval | Month 3 | $0 (free) |
| Home Inspection | Month 5 | $300-$500 |
| Appraisal | Month 5 | $500-$700 |
| Closing Costs | Month 6 | $3,000-$8,000 |
| TOTAL | 6 Months | $10,800-$24,200 |