From when you start working with an agent, to closing escrow, buying a home takes about 10 to 12 weeks. Once a home is selected and the offer is accepted, the average time to complete a standard transaction (whereas there are no problems with seller defaulting on the loan) the escrow period on a home is 30 to 45 days. Cash transactions may close in 20 days or less. Transactions that involve a home repossessed by a lender, or it is a short sale, will take longer to close.