Buying a home in Maine is exciting, but if you’ve never done it before (or it’s been a while), the process can feel overwhelming. The good news? Once you understand the steps and timeline, buying a home in Maine is very manageable—and often smoother than buyers expect!

Below is a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to buy a home in Maine, how long each stage typically takes, and what to expect along the way.

How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home in Maine?

On average, the home buying process in Maine takes 30 to 45 days from offer acceptance to closing. Cash purchases take less time (as little as 2 weeks) and purchases contingent on selling another home can take as long as 60-90 days. Including preparation time (like getting pre-approved and house hunting), most buyers spend 2 to 4 months total from start to finish.

Your timeline may be shorter or longer depending on:

  • Financing type (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA)

  • Market conditions

  • Inspection findings

  • Appraisal and underwriting timelines

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (1–5 Days)

Before you start house hunting, a wise first step is getting pre-approved by a lender.

Why pre-approval matters:

  • Shows sellers you’re a serious buyer (most real estate agents submit your pre-approval letter with any and all offers)

  • Helps you understand your budget (there's nothing worse than inadvertently falling in love with a home outside of your price range)

  • Provides information regarding the type and condition of home you should be considering (different loans have different requirements)

You’ll typically provide:

  • Income and employment details

  • Credit information

  • Bank statements and assets

Timeline: Often completed in a few days, sometimes the same day.

Tip: Need a local lender recommendation? Reach out to any of the Breakwater Realty Group agents -- we partner with the best of the best!

Step 2: House Hunting in Maine (1–8+ Weeks)

Once pre-approved, you’ll work with a real estate agent to start viewing homes. This is the fun part!

The length of this step varies widely depending on:

  • Inventory in your desired area

  • Budget and flexibility

  • Whether you’re buying in a competitive market

  • How motivated you are

Timeline: A few days to several weeks, or more! Some buyers will spend months or even YEARS looking for the right home, but that is certainly more rare.

Step 3: Making an Offer & Subsequent Negotiations (1–3 Days)

When you find the right home, your agent will help you submit a written purchase offer.

In Maine, offers typically include:

  • Purchase price

  • Earnest money deposit

  • Inspection contingency

  • Financing contingency

  • Proposed closing date

Offer negotiations may involve:

  • Price adjustments

  • Closing cost credits (otherwise known as seller concessions)

  • Closing timelines

Timeline: Usually resolved within a few days.

Step 4: Home Inspections (3-10 Days)

Once your offer is accepted, Maine buyers typically have a due diligence (or home inspection) contingency that allows them to spend additional time researching the home, its systems and condition.

During this time:

  • A licensed inspector (usually recommended by your real estate agent) or someone the buyer knows and trusts (a handy father, a contractor, or literally anyone else the buyer sees fit) evaluates the home

  • If using a professional inspector, you receive a detailed inspection report to review with your real estate agent and necessary vendors

  • Your real estate agent negotiates any repairs or credits based on findings

Common inspections in Maine include:

  • General building inspection (covers everything from basement to roof)

  • Radon testing (both air and water)

  • Private water testing 

  • A septic inspection or sewer line scope

While these may be the most common, anything and everything can and should be considered during this time. Thinking about splitting off a piece of the land? Chat with a surveyor. Wondering whether an ADU can be added to the backyard? Talk to code enforcement. Considering an addition? Loop in a contractor. All investigations are on the table during this period.

Timeline: Due diligence periods in Maine typically run between 3 and 10 days.

Step 5: Appraisal & Mortgage Underwriting (2–4 Weeks)

Your lender will order a home appraisal to confirm that property's value supports the contracted purchase price/loan amount (a lender will not finance more than a home is worth). At the same time, your loan goes through underwriting for additional vetting.

This stage involves:

  • Reviewing financial documents

  • Verifying employment

  • Final loan approval

Delays can happen if:

  • Additional documentation is needed

  • The appraisal comes in low

  • The lender requires repairs to be made to the home prior to closing

Timeline: 2–6 weeks, depending on loan type

Step 6: Title Work (1 Week Before Closing)

A Maine title company or real estate attorney will:

  • Research the property’s title (or chain of ownership)

  • Prepare closing documents

  • Coordinate settlement numbers with your lender

Timeline: Approximately 1 week, which will happen in the background while other elements of the transaction are progressing

Step 7: Final Walk-Through & Closing Day (1 Day 🎉)

The final steps are walking through the property one more time and closing!

Typically directly prior to closing (though it can be up to 24 hours prior), buyers complete a final walk-through to ensure:

  • The home is in agreed-upon condition

  • Repairs were completed

  • The property is vacant of both people and personal items

After your walk-through, you'll head to your closing, typically conducted at the title company, to:

  • Sign loan and ownership documents

  • Transfer funds

  • Receive the keys to your new home!

Post closing, the title company will record the new deed with the Registry of Deeds. And that's it! You've just purchased a property in Maine!

Common Questions About Buying a Home in Maine

Is buying a home in Maine different from other states?

Yes. Maine commonly uses attorneys or title companies for closings, and inspections for wells, septic systems, and radon are more common than in many states.

Do I need a real estate attorney in Maine?

While not legally required, many buyers choose to work with one, especially for added peace of mind.

Do I need a home inspection?

A home inspection is not required in Maine, no, though one is always recommended. A buyer may opt to forego inspections due to heightened competition over a home, a home is newly constructed and warrantied, or because they have the knowledge themselves to feel confident in the home's condition.

When do I pay my down payment?

Your down payment is paid at closing, not when you make the offer.

What other out-of-pocket expenses can I expect during the home buying process?

Outside of what is due at closing, buyers in Maine should expect to pay for an earnest money deposit (which will be credited back at closing), inspections and the appraisal up front. Specific costs should be discussed with your real estate agent, lender, and inspectors.

Final Thoughts: Buying a Home in Maine

The Maine home buying process follows a clear structure, and with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to feel complicated. From pre-approval to closing, knowing what comes next helps buyers feel confident and prepared.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home in Maine, working with a knowledgeable local real estate professional can help you navigate timelines, inspections, negotiations, and closing with ease.