The timeline can vary, but the homebuying process typically takes 30-45 days from the time you make an offer to the closing date, depending on factors such as the mortgage pre-approval process and inspections.

To improve your chances, maintain a good credit score, save for a down-payment, pay down existing debts, and avoid taking on new debt before applying for a mortgage.

Pre-qualification is an estimate of what you can borrow based on self-reported information. Pre-approval is a more in-depth evaluation by a lender, which includes verification of your income, credit, and assets, and provides a clearer picture of how much you can borrow.

Yes, having student loan debt doesn’t prevent you from buying a home. Lenders will look at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, including your student loan payments, to determine your ability to repay the mortgage. Keeping a low DTI improves your chances of qualifying.

Escrow is a third-party account where funds are held during the home buying process to cover expenses like property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. After closing, a portion of your monthly mortgage payment may go into escrow to pay these expenses on your behalf.