How far in advance to prepare for a primary residence purchase

[Bevan Daniels]

I live in Seattle and my lease is up 31 Oct 2021. I would have saved enough for a 20% down payment by then and as rents are extensive in my area, I am better off with a mortgage.

I need advice on a timeline for preparing to purchase, especially what I need to think about now already to set this up.

1. I have already spoken to a bank to get mortgage pre-approval advice and will lodge this in Aug.

2. When do I need to start talking to agents and providing my requirements:

A. I am looking between Seattle Central down to Federal way area

B. First choice, 3 bedroom 2 bath single family and second choice, 2 bedroom 2/1 bath condo.

C. I will be living in the property for a year, fix it up before renting it out and moving on to the next property purchase.

D. Budget would be under $220k

E. Close to public transport preferred

3. How long does it normally take from offer acceptance to closing with a pre approved mortgage?

Is there anything I’m not thinking of that will eat up into my timeline. I’m thinking of actively going out and making offers in September and would definitely need a real estate agent to guide me through that process. Any help here would be amazing.