You Asked, We Answered: How Long Does the Home Search Process Take? It’s Up to You!

Mar 12, 2025

No matter your timeline, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s the truth: There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline when it comes to finding your perfect town and home. At Suburban Jungle, we work with families ready to dive in and move in just a few short months. We also work with those in the early stages, simply exploring their options and taking their time to see where life leads them. Whether you’re six weeks, six months, or a few years away from moving, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Your Pace. Your Process.

Real estate timelines vary wildly depending on your goals, situation, and family dynamics. Some clients contact us ready to leap immediately—maybe their lease is ending, they’re expanding their family, or they just scored a new job. For others, it’s a much longer journey. They might be casually testing the waters, gauging whether suburban life suits them, or waiting for the right home inventory to appear on the market.

The power of Suburban Jungle? We cater entirely to your timeline and needs.

The Fast Track: When You’re Ready to Move Now

Take Erica and Joe Euler, for example. With two young children, they knew space was becoming an issue in their Manhattan apartment, and they were ready to make a move. Working with their Suburban Jungle strategist, Alli Levine, the couple quickly mapped out a strategy. Alli helped them explore a handful of towns over a few weekends in early fall, ensuring each town aligned with their goals for walkability, schools, and community vibe.

Before they knew it, Erica and Joe found the perfect home in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. From their initial strategy call to their offer being accepted, the entire process took just over two months.

“Once we started going on town tours, I realized it didn’t feel as scary,” Erica shared. “Knowing so many people in these towns still commute to the city helped me come to terms with leaving. And the fact that it happened so fast took a lot of stress off us!”

Slow & Steady: Exploring Suburbs at Your Own Pace

On the flip side, many of our clients are in no rush. Maybe they’re still figuring out the logistics of remote work versus return-to-office schedules. Maybe they want to spend time narrowing down neighborhoods and experiencing seasonal shifts before deciding. Whatever the case, our strategists stay in touch for as long as you need, keeping you updated on market trends, new inventory, and must-see towns.

“We have families who take years before they move,” explains Alli. “Some start with general curiosity—getting a feel for communities and schools. They might do multiple town tours, bringing extended family on different visits. We’re here to support that process, however long it takes.”

By keeping your search open-ended, you can get an in-depth look at everything the suburbs offer. This means revisiting towns at different points in the year for some clients. After all, a bustling downtown in the fall might look very different when many families head to vacation homes during the summer.

The Town-First Approach

Whether your process takes two months or two years, we start with the same core strategy: focus on finding the right town first. The right town creates the foundation for your family’s long-term happiness.

“You can always change a house,” says Alli. “You can renovate, paint, and make it yours. But you can’t change a town—at least not easily.”

During your strategy session, your Suburban Jungle strategist will help you think through key lifestyle factors that can affect your town search, including:

  • Commute times and transportation preferences
  • School districts and extracurricular programs
  • Community activities, events, and social opportunities
  • Amenities like parks, restaurants, and downtown areas
  • Walkability and proximity to key services

Based on your needs, we’ll recommend several towns to tour. Our local partner agents will show you around, share hidden gems, and help you experience the community beyond what you’d see on a solo drive-through.

What Happens After the Town Tours?

This is where things start to take shape. Some families immediately fall in love with a town and move into the house-hunting phase. Others may take their time, visiting more towns or revisiting the ones they liked most. You should see what a town is like on a weekday versus a weekend or visit during a local festival or event.

“We always tell clients to pay attention to the details,” says Alli. “Are there families out and about? Are the schools and playgrounds active? Can you picture yourself grabbing coffee at the local spot every morning or running into neighbors at the farmer’s market?”

If a town doesn’t check all your boxes, that’s fine—there’s no pressure. Our team will continue refining your strategy based on what you liked and didn’t like. And when the timing is right, we’ll help you transition seamlessly into the home-buying process with our partner agents, who bring deep local expertise to your search.

For Families with Kids: The Summer Move Advantage

For many families with school-aged children, timing the move around the school calendar is a major factor. Ideally, they aim to buy a home in the spring, allowing them to move over the summer. This ensures that kids can finish the school year in their current district and settle into their new environment before classes resume.

However, the spring market can be a competitive time to buy. With more homes on the market, there are also more buyers, so having a Suburban Jungle team in your corner can make all the difference when navigating bidding wars and market fluctuations.

Flexibility for Remote & Hybrid Workers

In today’s evolving work environment, timelines aren’t always tied to job relocations. Some clients have full flexibility, while others are preparing for a potential return to the office. Understanding your work-life balance—and how commuting factors are—can help shape your timeline.

If your situation changes unexpectedly, our strategists can pivot with you, updating your town search and refining your home-buying strategy.

Why Suburban Jungle?

The bottom line? No two moves are alike. Suburban Jungle offers a concierge-level service that adapts to your unique timeline and circumstances. We provide:

  • Personalized Strategy: One-on-one support from your dedicated strategist
  • Local Expertise: Access to partner agents with deep knowledge of suburban communities
  • Town-First Approach: A focus on lifestyle and community, not just square footage
  • Ongoing Support: We stay in touch, ensuring you have the latest insights on towns, schools, and market trends

The next move is yours—on your terms. At Suburban Jungle, we understand this isn’t just a real estate decision—it’s about building a life that works for you and your family. From first tours to final offers, we’re here to make every step of your journey seamless, informed, and tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re ready to move tomorrow or just starting to explore your options, we’re committed to finding the community where you’ll thrive. Let’s make this move the right one together.

For more insights, visit SJ’s blog page on our website.

Whether you’re ready to move tomorrow or still years away, Suburban Jungle is here to guide you. Reach out to schedule your strategy session and take the first step toward finding your perfect hometown—on your timeline. Schedule your free initial strategy call now. 

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