8 Steps to Buying a House for the First Time
Turning the idea of "one day" owning a home into a real plan starts right now. The journey might seem long, but it’s really just a series of clear, achievable actions. This isn’t about vague advice; it’s about giving you a concrete game plan. We’ll cover everything from polishing your credit and saving for a down payment to what really happens during a home inspection and on closing day. Our goal is to demystify the process and empower you with actionable information. Let’s transform your homeownership goals into a checklist you can start working on today with these essential steps to buying a house for the first time.
Key Takeaways
Build a Strong Financial Foundation First: Before looking at a single home, get a clear picture of your budget, work on your credit, and secure a mortgage pre-approval. This critical first step ensures you shop within your means and shows sellers you are a serious contender.
Partner with an Expert for a Strategic Search: A great real estate agent is your most valuable asset for finding the right neighborhood, identifying homes that fit your needs, and crafting a competitive offer. Their market knowledge is key to making a smart offer that stands out.
Use the Due Diligence Period to Your Advantage: The time between offer acceptance and closing is your chance to ensure the home is a sound investment. Never skip the professional home inspection, as it gives you the leverage to negotiate repairs or walk away from a bad deal.
First Things First: Your Home Buying Finances
Before you start scrolling through listings and dreaming about paint colors, let's talk about money. I know, it’s not the most exciting part, but getting your finances in order is the single most important thing you can do to set yourself up for a smooth and successful home buying experience. Think of it as building a strong foundation before you put up the walls. When you have a clear understanding of your budget, you can shop with confidence and avoid the heartache of falling for a home that’s out of your reach.
This initial prep work isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it's about empowering yourself. Taking the time to tackle these financial steps first will save you so much stress down the road. It puts you in the driver's seat, allowing you to make smart, informed decisions instead of emotional ones. We’ll walk through everything from figuring out your budget to understanding all the costs involved. Getting these ducks in a row is your first major step toward getting the keys to your new home, and our team is here to help you buy your next home with confidence.
Get a Clear Picture of Your Finances
First up: a reality check. Before you can know what you can afford, you need a crystal-clear picture of your current financial situation. This means sitting down and taking an honest look at your income, monthly bills, and spending habits. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, how much you can afford really depends on your "income, credit score, monthly bills, down payment, and the interest rate on the loan." Start by tracking your expenses for a month to see where your money is going. This will help you create a realistic budget and determine a monthly mortgage payment that feels comfortable, not stressful.
Build Your Down Payment & Closing Cost Fund
You’ve probably heard about the down payment, which is the portion of the home's price you pay upfront. While the old 20% rule isn't always necessary, it's true that "a bigger down payment means lower monthly payments and can help you get better loan terms." But that’s not the only cash you’ll need. You also have to save for closing costs, which are fees for services like the appraisal and title search. These typically run between 2% and 5% of the home's purchase price. My advice? Open a separate high-yield savings account just for your home fund and set up automatic transfers. It makes saving feel effortless.
Polish Your Credit Score
Your credit score is like your financial report card, and lenders will look at it closely to decide if you qualify for a loan and what interest rate you'll get. A higher score can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. You can start by getting a free copy of your credit report to check for any errors. From there, as financial experts suggest, you can "work on improving your credit score by paying bills on time and keeping credit card balances low." Even small improvements can make a big difference when it’s time to get a mortgage.
Know Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
Here’s a term you’ll hear a lot: debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. It’s simply all your monthly debt payments (student loans, car payments, credit cards) divided by your gross monthly income. Lenders use this number to gauge your ability to manage a mortgage payment on top of your other financial obligations. Generally, "lenders usually prefer your DTI to be 43% or less." If your DTI is a bit high, you can work on lowering it by paying down some of your existing debts before you start applying for loans.
Plan for the Other Costs of Homeownership
The mortgage payment is just one piece of the homeownership puzzle. Many first-time buyers forget to budget for the other ongoing expenses. These can include property taxes, homeowners insurance, potential HOA fees, and regular maintenance (think lawn care, snow removal, and unexpected repairs). It’s a smart idea to set aside 1% to 2% of your home’s value each year for these costs. Don't let this scare you—there are many fantastic first-time home buyer programs that can help make your purchase more affordable. If you have questions about what to expect, don't hesitate to reach out to our team.
Your First Big Step: Mortgage Pre-Approval
Before you start scrolling through listings and dreaming about paint colors, there’s a crucial step you can’t skip: getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Think of it as your ticket to the game. It shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer and gives you a firm budget to work with, so you only look at homes you can comfortably afford. Jumping into house hunting without a pre-approval is one of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make. It often leads to disappointment when you fall for a home that’s out of your financial reach.
Getting pre-approved involves a lender taking a close look at your finances—your income, assets, debt, and credit score—to determine exactly how much they’re willing to lend you. This isn't just a casual estimate; it's a conditional commitment for a loan. With a pre-approval letter in hand, you can make a confident and competitive offer when you find the right home. It’s the foundation of a smart and successful home search, and our team at Jim Shaffer and Associates always recommends tackling this before anything else.
Shop Around for the Right Lender
You wouldn't buy the first car you test-drove, so why accept the first mortgage offer you receive? Many first-time buyers don't realize how much they can save by simply shopping around. Different lenders—from big banks to local credit unions and online mortgage companies—can offer varying interest rates, loan terms, and fees. A study from Freddie Mac found that getting just one additional quote can save a borrower an average of $1,500 over the life of the loan, and five quotes can save around $3,000. We can connect you with trusted local lenders who have a great track record of helping buyers in Metro Detroit find the perfect loan for their situation.
Learn the Lingo: Mortgage Options
The world of mortgages can feel like it has its own language, but you only need to know a few key terms to get started. You’ll hear about different types of loans, like Conventional, FHA, and VA loans, each with its own requirements for down payments and credit scores. Your lender will help you figure out which one is the best fit for you. It’s also important to understand the difference between a pre-qualification and a pre-approval. A pre-qualification is a quick estimate of what you might be able to borrow, while a pre-approval is a much more thorough verification of your finances that sellers take seriously.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
To get pre-approved, your lender will need to verify your financial information. You can speed up the process by gathering all your documents ahead of time. While every lender is slightly different, you can generally expect to provide:
Pay stubs from the last 30 days
W-2 forms from the past two years
Federal tax returns from the past two years
Bank statements for all checking and savings accounts
Statements for any investment or retirement accounts
Once you’ve submitted your application, it’s critical to keep your finances stable. Avoid making any large purchases, opening new credit cards, or changing jobs. Lenders will re-check your credit and employment right before closing, and any major changes could put your loan in jeopardy.
Secure Your Pre-Approval Letter
Once the lender has reviewed your finances, they’ll issue a pre-approval letter stating the loan amount you’re approved for. This letter is your golden ticket. It proves to sellers that you have the financial backing to make a serious offer, which is a huge advantage, especially in a competitive market. Your pre-approval letter typically lasts for 60 to 90 days. With this letter in hand, you’re officially ready to start the exciting part: working with a real estate agent to find your dream home. When you're ready to start your search, we'll be here to guide you every step of the way.
The Fun Part: Starting Your Home Search
After all the financial planning and paperwork, you’ve finally reached the most exciting stage of the home-buying process: the search. This is where your vision for a future home starts to take shape. With your pre-approval letter in hand, you have a clear budget to work with, which makes looking at houses feel real and attainable. But before you dive headfirst into online listings and open houses, it’s smart to lay a little groundwork.
Taking the time to define exactly what you’re looking for will make your search more efficient and a lot less overwhelming. You’ll be able to quickly filter out the properties that aren’t a good fit and focus your energy on the ones with real potential. Think of it as creating a roadmap. By identifying your non-negotiables, pinpointing your ideal neighborhoods, and teaming up with the right guide, you’ll be able to move through the process with confidence and clarity. Let’s get started.
Create Your "Must-Have" vs. "Nice-to-Have" List
This is your chance to dream a little, but with a practical twist. Grab a notebook or open a new doc and create two columns: "Must-Haves" and "Nice-to-Haves." Your must-haves are the absolute deal-breakers. This could be a minimum of three bedrooms, a fenced-in yard for your dog, or being located in a specific school district. These are the features you truly can’t live without.
Your "nice-to-have" list is for everything else—the perks that would be great but aren't essential. Think granite countertops, a finished basement, or a two-car garage. This list helps you and your agent prioritize. When you find a home that checks all your "must-have" boxes and a few "nice-to-have" ones, you’ll know you’ve found a serious contender.
Scout Out the Perfect Neighborhood
You can change almost anything about a house, but you can’t change its location. That’s why finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right home. Each community in Metro Detroit has its own unique vibe, from the vibrant downtown of Royal Oak to the quiet, tree-lined streets of Pleasant Ridge. Spend some weekends exploring different communities to see what feels right.
Drive around at different times of day, test out the commute to work, and look for parks, grocery stores, and coffee shops. Don’t just rely on photos; get a feel for the area in person. This research is crucial because the neighborhood you choose will have a big impact on your lifestyle and your home’s future value.
Partner with a Great Real Estate Agent
As a first-time buyer, you don’t have to go it alone. Partnering with an experienced local agent is one of the smartest moves you can make. A great agent does more than just unlock doors; they’re your advocate, guide, and negotiator. They have deep knowledge of the local market and can alert you to new listings—sometimes before they even hit the major websites.
Your agent will help you find homes that fit your budget and your "must-have" list, craft a competitive offer, and handle the negotiations for you. Look for a team with a proven track record and glowing reviews. The right expert, like the team at Jim Shaffer and Associates, will make the entire process smoother and less stressful.
Narrow Down Your Search Criteria
Once you have your must-have list, your target neighborhoods, and your agent, it’s time to bring it all together. These elements become the filters for your home search, allowing you to sift through hundreds of listings and focus only on the ones that meet your specific criteria. This focused approach saves you time and prevents the burnout that can come from looking at dozens of homes that just aren't right.
Be prepared to be a little flexible. You might find that after touring a few homes, one of your "must-haves" feels less important, or a "nice-to-have" becomes a priority. Your agent can help you adjust your search as you go, ensuring you’re always looking at the best possible options within your budget.
How to House Hunt Like a Pro
Once you have your pre-approval and a great agent by your side, the real adventure begins. House hunting is more than just scrolling through listings; it’s about knowing what to look for and how to look for it efficiently. This is your chance to see what’s out there, refine your wish list, and find a place that truly feels like home. With a smart approach, you can turn what might seem like an overwhelming process into a focused and exciting search for your first home. Let’s get you ready to tour homes with confidence.
Master Online Search Tools
Your home search will likely start online, and that’s a great place to begin. You can easily browse residential properties to see what’s available in your target neighborhoods, like Royal Oak or Ferndale. As you look, pay attention to more than just the pretty pictures. Start tracking "comps," which is short for comparables. This means looking at the recent sale prices of similar homes in the same area. Understanding comps helps you get a realistic sense of market value and spot a fair price when you see one. It’s a simple way to educate yourself so you can make a smart, informed offer later on.
Make the Most of Open Houses and Showings
Open houses are your best friend, especially early in your search. They’re a low-pressure way to walk through different types of homes and get a feel for various layouts, conditions, and neighborhoods. You might discover that a feature you thought was a "must-have" isn't as important in person, or you might fall in love with a neighborhood you hadn't considered. When you find a home you’re serious about, your agent will schedule a private showing. This is your time to look closer, open closets, and really imagine your life there without the crowds.
Document Everything: Notes and Photos are Key
After you’ve seen a few houses, they can start to blend together. Was it the house on Maple Street that had the great backyard but the tiny kitchen? To avoid confusion, become a diligent note-taker. Use your phone to snap photos or videos of things you love (and things you don’t). Create a note for each property, listing the pros, cons, and any questions that come to mind. This record will be invaluable when you sit down to compare your top choices. It helps you move past the initial emotion and evaluate each home based on how well it actually fits your needs.
Keep Track of Your Favorites
As you tour more homes, you’ll need a system to keep everything straight. A simple spreadsheet or a shared document with your partner can work wonders. Create columns for the address, price, square footage, and key features, then add your personal notes and a rating for each. This allows you to compare your top contenders side-by-side, making it much easier to see which property truly checks the most boxes on your "must-have" list. Staying organized helps you make a clear-headed decision when it’s time to choose "the one" and move forward with an offer.
You Found "The One": Making a Winning Offer
Your heart is racing, you’re picturing where your couch will go, and you can already smell the pizza you’ll order on moving day. Finding a house you love is an incredible feeling, but now comes the strategic part: making an offer the seller can’t refuse. A winning offer isn’t just about throwing out the highest number. It’s a carefully crafted proposal that shows you’re a serious, qualified buyer. This is where having an expert agent by your side becomes invaluable. They’ll help you balance your budget with the market’s demands to create an offer that stands out from the crowd and gets you one step closer to holding those keys.
Determine a Smart Offer Price
The listing price is the starting line, not the finish line. To figure out a smart offer price, you and your agent will need to do some homework. We’ll look at "comps," or what similar homes in the neighborhood have recently sold for. This gives you a real-world baseline for the home’s value. We’ll also consider the current market conditions—is it a buyer's or seller's market?—and the specific condition of the house. A well-researched offer based on solid data shows the seller you’re serious and knowledgeable. This strategic approach is key when you're ready to buy a home in a competitive area.
Craft a Strong, Competitive Offer
In a market with multiple offers, price is just one piece of the puzzle. To make your offer more appealing, think about the seller’s needs. Being flexible with your closing date can be a huge advantage if they need more time to move. Sometimes, a personal letter explaining what you love about their home can create a connection that sets you apart from other faceless offers. Your agent can help you structure the other terms, like the earnest money deposit and contingencies, to show you’re a strong, committed buyer. The expert team at JSA knows how to build an offer that shines.
Prepare for Negotiations and Counteroffers
Don’t be discouraged if a seller doesn’t accept your initial offer outright. It’s very common for them to come back with a counteroffer, and it’s all part of the process. Before you even submit your offer, you should have a clear idea of your budget, your top price, and your walk-away point. This will help you respond to any counteroffers calmly and logically, without getting swept up in emotion. Negotiations can cover more than just price—they might include closing dates, requested repairs, or other terms. Staying flexible while protecting your priorities is the key to reaching an agreement everyone feels good about.
What "Under Contract" Really Means
Once a seller accepts your offer, you’ll hear the term "under contract." This is a huge milestone! It means you and the seller have a legally binding agreement, but the sale isn’t final just yet. This is the phase where all the conditions, or contingencies, in your contract must be met. Typically, this includes getting a satisfactory home inspection, the home appraising for the right value, and securing your final mortgage approval. Think of it as the home stretch where all the final details are sorted out before you can officially close. This period ensures that you are buying a home that is sound and that your financing is secure.
The Home Stretch: Inspections and Appraisals
You found the perfect house, your offer was accepted, and you’re officially “under contract.” Congratulations! This is a huge milestone, but the work isn’t quite over. Now you enter the due diligence period—a critical phase where you and your lender do your homework to make sure the house is a solid investment. This is when you’ll schedule the home inspection and the bank will order an appraisal. These steps are designed to protect you and your investment, ensuring there are no costly surprises waiting for you after you get the keys.
Get a Professional Home Inspection
Think of a home inspection as a complete physical for the house. You’ll hire a licensed professional to do a top-to-bottom review of the property’s condition, from the roof to the foundation. They’ll check the plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and major appliances to identify any existing or potential issues. This is your single best opportunity to get a clear, unbiased picture of the home’s health. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development strongly recommends you get a home inspection to protect yourself from buying a property with major defects. Your agent can provide a list of trusted inspectors in the area, and it’s a great idea to attend the inspection yourself to ask questions and see things firsthand.
What to Do with the Inspection Report
A few days after the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report with photos and notes on everything the inspector found. Don’t be alarmed if it’s long—no house is perfect, not even new construction. The key is to review it with your agent to understand which items are minor fixes and which are significant problems. If the inspection uncovers serious issues, you have options. You can ask the seller to make the repairs, negotiate a lower price to cover the cost of fixing things yourself, or if the problems are too big, you can walk away from the deal. This is where having an experienced real estate team on your side is crucial for negotiating the best possible outcome.
The Appraisal: What It Is and Why It Matters
While the inspection is for your benefit, the appraisal is for the lender’s. Your mortgage lender will hire a licensed appraiser to determine the home's fair market value. They do this to make sure they aren’t lending you more money than the house is actually worth. The appraiser will analyze the property and compare it to similar homes that have recently sold in the neighborhood. If the appraisal comes in at or above your offer price, everything moves forward. If it comes in low, your agent will help you discuss the options, which could include renegotiating the price with the seller or covering the difference in cash.
Handle Any Last-Minute Hurdles
Once you’re under contract, your finances go under a microscope one last time. Your lender will re-verify your credit and employment just before closing to ensure nothing has changed. To avoid any last-minute financing issues, it’s essential to keep your financial profile stable. This means you shouldn’t make any large purchases on credit (like buying furniture or a new car), open or close any lines of credit, or change jobs. Any significant shift in your finances could jeopardize your loan approval. The best rule of thumb is to keep things exactly as they were when you got pre-approved until after you’ve officially closed on your new home.
Almost There: The Final Steps to Closing Day
You’ve found your dream home, your offer was accepted, and you’ve made it through inspections and the appraisal. The finish line is so close you can almost taste it! This final stretch before closing day is all about tying up loose ends and making sure everything is perfect for the big day. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but staying focused on these last few details is key to a smooth and stress-free closing. This is where having an experienced agent from a team like Jim Shaffer And Associates really pays off, as they’ll guide you through every last signature and handshake. From locking in your mortgage rate to the final walkthrough, each step is designed to protect you and your investment. Let’s walk through the final steps to get you those keys.
Lock in Your Mortgage Rate
Once you’re under contract, one of the most important financial moves you’ll make is locking in your mortgage rate. A rate lock is a guarantee from your lender to hold a specific interest rate for you for a set period, usually between 30 and 60 days. This protects you from any market fluctuations that could cause interest rates to rise before you close. One of the biggest home-buying mistakes is not having your finances sorted out early, and the rate lock is a crucial part of that puzzle. Talk to your lender about the ideal time to lock your rate and for how long—you’ll want to ensure the lock period covers you through your scheduled closing date.
Review Your Closing Documents Carefully
A few days before closing, you’ll receive a critical document called the Closing Disclosure (CD). This five-page form outlines the final, official terms of your loan, including your interest rate, monthly payment, and all the closing costs you’ll need to pay. It’s essential to review this document line by line and compare it to the Loan Estimate you received when you first applied. If you see any discrepancies or have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your lender or real estate agent. Remember, your lender will recheck your credit before your loan closes, so it’s important not to take out new loans or make any other major financial changes. Keep your finances steady until the sale is officially complete.
Take One Last Look: The Final Walkthrough
The final walkthrough is your last opportunity to see the home before it becomes yours. This usually happens 24 hours before closing. It’s not another inspection, but rather a chance to ensure the property is in the condition you agreed upon. You’ll want to confirm that the seller has moved out, that no new damage has occurred, and that any repairs negotiated after the inspection have been completed properly. First-time homebuyers must prioritize these final checks to ensure a sound investment. Bring your agent and your contract with you, and test the appliances, run the faucets, and flush the toilets to make sure everything is in working order.
Get Ready for the Big Day (Closing Day!)
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Closing day is when you’ll sign all the legal documents, pay your closing costs and down payment, and officially take ownership of your new home. Your agent or closing attorney will tell you exactly what to bring, but you can generally expect to need a government-issued photo ID and a cashier’s check or proof of a wire transfer for the funds you owe. You’ll be signing a lot of paperwork, so be prepared. Making the decision to buy a home requires careful consideration, and this final step is the culmination of all your hard work. Once everything is signed and the funds are transferred, you’ll get the keys. Congratulations, you’re a homeowner
Common Pitfalls for First-Time Buyers (and How to Avoid Them)
Buying your first home is an incredible milestone, but the path to getting those keys can have a few bumps. It’s easy to make a misstep when you’re new to the process. The good news is that most of these mistakes are completely avoidable with a little bit of know-how and the right team on your side. Think of us as your guide to help you sidestep these common hurdles, ensuring your journey to homeownership is as smooth as possible. With our expert guidance, you can feel confident and prepared for every step. Let’s walk through some of the most frequent mistakes first-time buyers make and, more importantly, how you can steer clear of them.
Mistake #1: Skipping the Home Inspection
In a competitive market, you might be tempted to waive the home inspection to make your offer more attractive or to save a few hundred dollars. Please don't do this. A home inspection is your single best tool for understanding the true condition of the property you’re about to buy. A professional inspector can spot major issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye—things like a faulty foundation, an aging roof, or outdated electrical wiring. Uncovering these problems before you sign on the dotted line can save you from thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs later. It also gives you the power to negotiate with the seller for repairs or a lower price.
Mistake #2: Shopping Without a Pre-Approval
It’s easy to get excited and start browsing listings right away, but one of the biggest mistakes you can make is house hunting without a mortgage pre-approval letter in hand. A pre-approval is different from a pre-qualification; it means a lender has thoroughly reviewed your finances and determined exactly how much they’re willing to lend you. This does two critical things: it shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer, and it gives you a firm budget to work with. Shopping for a home with a pre-approval ensures you’re only looking at properties you can realistically afford, saving you from the heartbreak of falling for a house that’s out of your price range.
Mistake #3: Forgetting About Hidden Costs
Your down payment and monthly mortgage payment are the two biggest numbers you’ll focus on, but they aren't the only expenses involved in buying and owning a home. Many first-time buyers are surprised by the additional costs that pop up. You’ll need to budget for closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price and cover fees for the appraisal, title insurance, and loan origination. Once you move in, you'll also have property taxes, homeowner's insurance, potential HOA fees, and the ongoing costs of maintenance and repairs. Factoring these expenses into your budget from the start will give you a much more accurate picture of what you can truly afford.
Mistake #4: Having Unrealistic Expectations
It’s fun to dream up the perfect home with every feature on your wish list, but it’s a mistake to expect to find a property that checks every single box—especially on your first go-around. It’s important to distinguish between your "must-haves" (like the number of bedrooms or a specific location) and your "nice-to-haves" (like a gourmet kitchen or a finished basement). Being flexible will open up more options and prevent you from passing on a great home that meets all your core needs. Remember, a house doesn't have to be perfect on day one. Part of the joy of homeownership is making a place your own over time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much cash do I actually need to have saved before I can buy a house? This is the number one question, and it’s more than just the down payment. You’ll need funds for two main things: your down payment and your closing costs. While a 20% down payment helps you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), many loan programs allow for much less. On top of that, you should budget for closing costs, which are the fees for services like the appraisal and title search. These typically run between 2% and 5% of the home's purchase price. Having this total amount saved shows lenders you're financially prepared.
What's the real difference between a pre-qualification and a pre-approval? Think of it this way: a pre-qualification is a quick, informal estimate of what you might be able to borrow based on information you provide. A pre-approval, on the other hand, is a much more serious step. For a pre-approval, a lender thoroughly reviews your financial documents—like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements—to verify your standing. This results in a conditional commitment for a specific loan amount, which makes your offer significantly stronger in the eyes of a seller.
What happens if the home inspection reveals major problems? Am I stuck? Absolutely not! A tough inspection report can feel scary, but it’s actually a powerful tool that gives you options. You are not locked into the purchase if significant issues are found. You and your agent can negotiate with the seller to have them make the repairs, ask for a credit so you can handle the repairs yourself after closing, or, if the problems are too extensive, you can choose to walk away from the deal entirely.
Do I really need my own real estate agent to buy a home? While you can technically search for homes on your own, having an experienced agent in your corner is a game-changer. A great agent is your personal advocate, negotiator, and guide through a complex legal transaction. They have deep knowledge of local neighborhoods, can spot red flags you might miss, and will craft a competitive offer on your behalf. Best of all, the buyer's agent commission is typically paid by the seller, so you get expert representation at no direct cost to you.
How long does the home buying process usually take from start to finish? The timeline can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to plan for a few months. The initial search for the right home can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your criteria and the market. Once your offer is accepted, the closing process—which includes the inspection, appraisal, and final loan approval—typically takes between 30 and 60 days.
