2 months is not enough time especially in this tight market. They always want it perfect, not paying rent & paying for the house.

Depends on the market and the level of inventory. They certainly want to be preapproved for a loan and have enough cash reserves to move. 

My sense is longer than 2-3 months. 

I would suggest they begin earlier than 2 or 3 months. Typically they are 1st time home buyers and don't understand the home buying process. I created a first time home buyers ebook years ago and it was well received by newbies. And of course the first step (after talking with their agent) is being fully qualified before starting to even look at homes.

As one lives the renting life, the idea of buying visits with them. It is subjective to be sure but is answered and considered at some point. Once the emotional drive kicks in, followed by the "want to", a type of adrenaline kicks in as they now begin to explore their options, timing, savings & life plans. Simply put: They put legs on that dream. 

Even three months may not be enough time in our market.

2-3 months and they'll need to be willing to pay to reserve the property until their lease is up or move now and continue to pay the lease at the old place.

I would suggest that they begin their search 3 months in advance, but it really depends on whether or not they can afford to possibly have two payments at the same time or not.

I have no clue on this question. I haven't worked with a renter looking to buy for some time. But for some one who does want to buy and is currently renting, I would say they need to start several months before the lease ends. And a pre-approval is a must!

Are there stats like that? I've never looked for those. That's why I asked

Hello Will Hamm around 2 to 3 months.

I would say 2-3 months is what it has been my observation and experience with buyers.  

I think a minimum of 3 to 6 months would be the best move time for a renter to become buyer.  

3-6 months in my business, any later and it's too late in San Diego, CA.

Ideally first time buyers would start at least 6 months before but in the real world, they usually wait until 2-3 months. Former owners should start at 3 months in our current market but most do not.

Some first time home buyer loans require a class and a certificate so they should start in time to enroll on and complete that.

I have no idea. I would guess 2-3 months. I've had some call when they had 9 months left. People sometimes think it is easy to get out of a lease.

3 months or more is necessary, but some are not familiar with a typical timeline.

I would guess that only about one third will ever purchase a house.  I would also guess that those that do will average about a year and a half before beginning their search.

I wish I knew, seems that it always catches me by surprise when one moves from being a tenant to a buyer.

Depends on if they are in a lease or month to month.  It's been as little as 60 days as long as 11 months.

In my experience at least 6 months in advance

We have a slightly different scenario.  So many people would like to move and live here, and call to explore what they would need. Many end up renting for a year to get to know the area etc.  That means they are exploring their options immediately and it's a year out.  But a whole lot find out quickly that they can't even afford to RENT here/or even find a rental.  My buyers tend to be cash buyers, often second homes and come from other areas.