Keep in mind there is a BIG difference between a foreclosed home or a pre foreclosure or short sale.  A foreclosed home can close quickly. Some states take a bit longer to process the red tape which can be 45 to 60 days.  Other states can close as quickly as two weeks to 30 days. A short sale can take many months.  Buyers can be in contract for 6 plus months some times.  A foreclosure can close quite rapidly as quickly as a mortgage can be put in place or a cash buyer can perform.  A short sale maybe in contract, a buyer may have had an appraisal and negotiations with the bank holding the note can take several months to reach an agreement.  Many buyers are forced to pay for a second appraisal since each one is only good for 90 days. Sometimes it may not even close if the bank holding the mortgage will not accept the lower selling price.  The buyer does not just negotiate with the seller but also the bank(s) holding the note(s).  It is also a very emotional time for many of these sellers and that can add to the timeline.