What Happens After You Accept an Offer? A Seller’s Roadmap to Closing Day
You’ve accepted an offer on your home — congratulations! That’s a major milestone, but it’s not the end of the road. While it may feel like the hard part is over, there’s still a critical stretch ahead before the sale becomes official and the keys change hands.
Welcome to the closing process: a fast-paced, detail-driven phase involving paperwork, inspections, appraisals, negotiations, and coordination between agents, lenders, title companies, and more. Whether you're selling for the first time or it's been a while since your last transaction, understanding what happens after “offer accepted” will help you navigate the next steps with confidence—and avoid costly delays.
Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect from contract to close:
1. Purchase Agreement Signed
Once you’ve agreed on terms and both parties have signed the purchase contract, the deal becomes official—you're now “under contract.” This document lays out everything: the agreed-upon price, deposit amount, deadlines, contingencies, and closing date. It becomes the transaction roadmap for all parties involved.
At this point, your home is labeled as “pending” in the MLS, and your focus shifts from showings and marketing to meeting deadlines and preparing for the handoff.
2. Earnest Money Deposit Submitted
Within a few days of going under contract, the buyer delivers an earnest money deposit — typically 1% to 3% of the purchase price. This deposit is held in escrow and demonstrates their serious intent to follow through with the purchase. It will eventually be applied toward their closing costs or down payment.
If the buyer backs out for a reason not protected by a contingency, you may have the right to keep the deposit as compensation.
3. Home Inspection and Negotiation Period
Most buyers schedule a professional home inspection within the first 7 – 10 days of going under contract. The inspector evaluates the property’s condition from top to bottom — roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation, HVAC, and more. The resulting report outlines any issues, from minor maintenance to potential safety concerns.
After reviewing the report, the buyer may request repairs, ask for a credit or try to renegotiate the purchase price. While you’re not obligated to agree to every request, being responsive and open to reasonable solutions helps keep the transaction moving forward.
That said, not all buyers include an inspection contingency. In competitive markets, some buyers waive it altogether to make their offer more attractive. In these cases, buyers are effectively agreeing to purchase the home “as is,” without the right to renegotiate based on inspection findings — though many still choose to have the home professionally reviewed for their own awareness.
4. Lender Appraisal
If the buyer is using financing, their lender will order an appraisal to confirm that the property’s market value supports the agreed-upon purchase price. This protects the lender’s investment and ensures the loan amount aligns with the home’s worth.
If the appraisal matches or exceeds the contract price, the sale moves forward. But if it comes in low, the buyer may need to pay the difference out of pocket, ask for a price reduction, or cancel the deal—unless another agreement is reached.
If the buyer is paying all cash, an appraisal is not required. However, some cash buyers may still choose to order one for their own due diligence.
5. Title Search and Escrow Coordination
The title company will conduct a thorough title search to make sure there are no liens, ownership disputes or unresolved issues that could cloud the transfer. Common title hiccups include unpaid property taxes, contractor liens or recording errors - all of which must be resolved before closing.
At the same time, the escrow officer is busy collecting documents, managing deposits and coordinating signatures to keep everything on schedule.
6. Contingency Deadlines
Contingencies such as inspection, appraisal and financing — each have expiration dates outlined in the contract. These clauses give the buyer a way to exit the deal under certain conditions without losing their deposit.
Once all contingencies are formally removed (typically in writing), the sale becomes much more secure. At that point, backing out becomes far less likely and carries financial consequences.
7. Final Walkthrough
Usually within 24 to 72 hours before closing, the buyer will do a final walkthrough of the home. This is their chance to verify that all agreed-upon repairs were made, the home hasn’t sustained any new damage and any fixtures or appliances included in the sale are still in place.
As the seller, you’ll want to ensure the property is clean, empty and in the same or better condition than when the buyer last saw it.
8. Seller Signing Appointment
One to three days before closing, you’ll meet with the escrow or title company (or a mobile notary) to sign the final documents. These typically include the grant deed, closing statement and various disclosures confirming your legal authority to sell.
Your signatures finalize the transfer of ownership — once everything is notarized and recorded, your role is nearly complete.
9. Closing and Disbursement
On closing day, the buyer’s lender sends the loan funds to escrow. Once all funds are received, documents are verified and the deed is recorded with the county, the title officially transfers to the new owner.
Shortly after, you’ll receive the net proceeds from the sale — minus any outstanding mortgage balance, agent commissions, and closing costs. At this point, the buyer gets the keys and the transaction is complete.
Final Tips for a Smooth Closing:
Respond quickly. Time kills deals. Delays often happen when paperwork isn’t signed or questions go unanswered. Stay on top of communication.
Keep the property in good condition. Damage or neglect after going under contract can become a deal breaker or lead to last-minute renegotiations.
Stay flexible. If minor issues arise like small repairs or timing adjustments — cooperation helps keep the transaction on track.
Lean on your agent. Don’t guess. Your real estate agent is your guide and advocate — ask questions, get updates, and stay informed at every step.
Accepting an offer is a huge step but the journey to closing involves multiple moving parts. From inspections and appraisals to paperwork and keys, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes.
The good news? With a knowledgeable team and a clear understanding of the process, you can move through it smoothly and confidently.
Stay proactive, stay responsive, and before you know it — you'll be handing over the keys and stepping into your next chapter.
Disclaimer:
Every real estate transaction is unique and the process may vary depending on your location and local norms. In some States sellers often provide home inspection reports and full disclosure packages upfront before the home is even under contract. This allows buyers to conduct their due diligence early, make informed decisions and bring contractors or inspectors during showings if needed. It streamlines negotiations and often leads to more solid, non-contingent offers. Be sure to consult your real estate agent and local professionals to understand how your area handles these key steps.