If you’re dreaming of celebrating Christmas morning in a new home, the clock is ticking. In Windsor-Essex, moving before the holidays is possible if you understand the timeline and start soon.

Step 1: Mortgage Pre-Approval in Windsor-Essex (1–2 Weeks)

Before you even begin house hunting, you’ll want a mortgage pre-approval in place. This gives you a clear budget and puts you in a stronger position when you’re ready to make an offer. Many lenders can turn this around in a few days, but give yourself at least a week or two.

Step 2: House Hunting in Windsor-Essex (2–4 Weeks)

Finding the right property depends on your wish list and what’s available in the market. With the right strategy, many buyers can find a home within a few weeks. The key is being realistic on budget, location, and must-have features.

Step 3: Offer, Negotiation and Conditions (1–2 Weeks)

Once you’ve found a home, you’ll need to make an offer and work through conditions like financing and inspections. This process usually takes about a week, but can be faster if everyone is motivated.

Step 4: Closing Period (30–60 Days)

From the time your offer is firm, you’ll need a closing period to finalize financing, handle legal work, and prepare for the move. In Ontario, most closings are 30 to 60 days. That means to be in your new home before Christmas, you should be writing an offer no later than early November.

The Bottom Line

It is possible to move into a new home in Windsor-Essex before Christmas, but the window to start is narrow. Buyers who want to unwrap gifts under a new roof this year should be getting pre-approved and house hunting right now.

If you’re serious about making the move, let’s connect. We will walk you through the process step by step and make sure you are set up to hit your timeline.