As the adage goes, “Timing is everything.” This applies to real estate as well, especially when you are searching for that perfect place for your medical practice to call home.

How do you know when to start? You don’t want to be the little piggy that went to the market too early or too late. Too early, and landlords or sellers may not negotiate with you yet, or they’ll expect you to be ready to move forward immediately. Too late, and things get real expensive real fast.

The reality is that most people underestimate how long it takes. Set yourself up for success by understanding how long different transactions take. Here’s a breakdown of timelines for the most common situations and how to navigate them.