Most buyers complete the journey in about three months:

Planning: 10–14 days (can be compressed to 2–3 days)

Home hunting: 2 months (anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months depending on inventory and clarity on needs)

Closing: 30–60 days (can extend to ~120 days if you need to sell first)

Begin with planning: set a monthly-payment budget (let that guide price), talk to a mortgage broker, get pre-approved, book a buyer consultation, write your needs vs. wants, and scout neighborhoods at different times of day.

Pre-approval helps you avoid “doom-scrolling” and the realtor.ca syndrome—falling in love with homes outside your budget or missing good ones that go conditionally sold. With clear numbers and a plan, you’re ready to act fast when the right property hits the market.

You’ll typically work with a real estate agent, mortgage broker, lawyer, home inspector, and sometimes a contractor. The buyer’s agent is usually paid by the seller via the listing brokerage (local practices can vary), so you get professional representation without an added out-of-pocket fee.