Sami -
Most of the delay IS from the lending portion of buying a house and that's where most of the changes have taken place that are adding to transaction times. Cash buyers can make things happen MUCH more quickly. I agree with Brenda that doing inspections and getting title work together are the main thing after getting a finalized contract. In the past, with cash buyers, I have been able to close within a matter of days if inspections were not an issue. Now I'd estimate at least 2-3 weeks just to be safe and certainly much longer if a loan is done. Hope this helps and good luck in finding a new home.
Trisha Lee REMAX Boone Realty, Columbia, MO
573-999-1000 TrishaLee@Remax.net

As agents, the advice we have been receiving is to allow at least 45 days from the contract date to get a deal closed. But as you have read, in some instances it can take even longer due to changes in the loan process. However, if you have cash and are not financing the purchase, it should definitely be quicker! After getting a contract together, your closing timeframe ideally should be determined by the time necessary to get acceptable inspection results and title work done.