How Far in Advance Should You Start Looking for a Home?

The cooling housing market is offering a chance for people who have been sitting on the sidelines to pursue homeownership, but such a huge financial move won't happen overnight.

How far in advance you should start looking for a home depends on whether you're a first-time buyer or you're looking to sell your home and purchase another.

With the November median list price coming in at $415,000, according to the Realtor.com® November Monthly Housing Trends report—there's a lot to consider and prepare before the big purchase.

Realtor.com spoke to experts who provided a buying/selling strategy as you consider your options.

First-time buyers

If you're ready to make your first home purchase, there's more than writing a wishlist of home features.

"I usually tell first-time buyers to start the process about six months ahead—and honestly, six to 12 months is even better if you can swing it," Elizabeth Alligood, real estate agent and founder/owner of Los Angeles-based Elizabeth Alligood & Associates, tells Realtor.com.

"It’s not because you need six months to scroll listings. It’s because buying a home goes a lot more smoothly when you’ve had time to get your finances and your plan in order."

This includes getting pre-approved for a loan. This allows you to know what price range to look in, to make sure your credit history and debt load are in good shape, and to calculate what monthly payments are truly doable with your budget.

Jackie Sinclair, real estate agent and co-owner of Sinclair Real Estate based in the Coachella Valley, CA, concurs. She told Realtor.com, "Early lender conversations help buyers understand how credit, debt, and savings affect their buying power and allow time to strengthen their financial position before entering the market."

Carrie McCormick, luxury Chicago real estate broker, agrees with the six-month mark. She even says a minimum of four months is good, too. She tells Realtor.com, "This allows first-time buyers time to understand each neighborhood and to discover what is really important to them. Also, time gives buyers an understanding of price patterns and values.

"Time also [allows] buyers to make rational decisions versus quick decisions when they are under pressure."

Selling and buying

If you're a homeowner looking to sell a home and buy another, timing will be a major factor.

"Timing is critical, especially in a market like Palm Springs where inventory, seasonality, and pricing shifts matter," Sinclair says. "As soon as a homeowner knows they want to move, connecting with an experienced agent allows for a strategic review of equity, market conditions, and inventory. This early planning helps determine whether selling first or buying first makes the most sense and creates a smoother transition."

Like for first-time buyers, Alligood suggests homeowners start planning six months before listing and in some cases, closer to nine months.

"That runway gives you time to sit down with your [agent] and actually map out a game plan," Alligood says. "You can do a pre-inspection so you’re not blindsided during escrow. You can handle repairs and prep without rushing. And if there are tax or financial considerations, you have time to speak with your financial planner or tax preparer before you’re making decisions on a deadline."

Jose Hernandez, California-based real estate agent with Coldwell Banker West, says "I usually recommend that my clients start looking at properties within three to four months out. This will give us enough time to get the home ready, make any repairs if necessary, and list it for sale. The goal is usually to close on both homes on the same day or close to it."

If you're able to hold off on buying, it could work in your favor when you're trying to sell your home.

"The strongest position is having your current home under contract first. Sellers will always favor an offer with fewer contingencies and the fewer contingencies you have, the more negotiation power you have," Allison Freeman, real estate agent with The Premier Property Group along the Emerald Coast of Florida, tells Realtor.com

"While your home is for sale, keep a close eye on your target market and be ready to move quickly when you are under contract. Most closings can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, so planning ahead is key!"

There are a lot of moving parts to buying and selling a home, but working with the right agent and mortgage lender will help get you going in a successful direction.