What Happens Between Offer and Closing?

You’ve found the perfect home, made an offer, and it’s been accepted — congratulations! 🎉 But what happens next?

Many buyers (and even sellers) assume the hard part is over, but the journey from offer to closing includes several important steps that can impact the timeline, budget, and even the success of the deal.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens between offer and closing day — so you know what to expect and how to stay on track.

1. Offer Acceptance & Contract Signing

Once your offer is accepted, both parties sign a purchase agreement, which outlines the terms of the sale:

• Purchase price

• Contingencies (like financing or inspection)

• Earnest money deposit

• Closing date

At this point, the home is under contract — but the sale is not yet final.

2. Earnest Money Deposit

You’ll submit an earnest money deposit (usually 1–3% of the purchase price) to show good faith. This is held in escrow and later applied to your down payment or closing costs.

3. Home Inspection

This step is crucial. A licensed home inspector checks for issues with:

• Structure

• Plumbing

• Electrical

• Roof

• HVAC systems

You’ll get a detailed report, and based on the findings, you can:

• Proceed with the sale

• Request repairs or credits

• Renegotiate

• Walk away (if your contract includes an inspection contingency)

4. Appraisal

If you’re financing the purchase, your lender will require a home appraisal to verify that the property’s value supports the loan amount.

If the home appraises lower than the purchase price, you may need to:

• Renegotiate the price

• Pay the difference in cash

• Challenge the appraisal

5. Loan Finalization & Underwriting

Even if you’re pre-approved, your lender still needs to:

• Verify employment and financial documents

• Review the appraisal and title

• Finalize underwriting

Stay responsive and avoid big financial changes (like changing jobs or opening new credit accounts) during this time to prevent delays.

6. Title Search & Insurance

A title company conducts a search to ensure there are no ownership disputes, liens, or legal issues. You’ll also purchase title insurance to protect against future claims.

7. Final Walkthrough

Typically done 24–48 hours before closing, the final walkthrough allows the buyer to:

• Confirm any agreed-upon repairs were made

• Ensure the home is in the same condition

• Check that everything included in the sale is still there

8. Closing Day

You’ll meet (virtually or in person) to sign the final paperwork:

• Mortgage documents

• Title transfer

• Closing disclosures

The buyer submits funds, the seller gets paid, and once the paperwork is recorded — the keys are yours!

Final Thoughts

While the steps between offer and closing can feel overwhelming, having the right agent and lender makes the process smooth and manageable. Think of this phase as a team effort — with your real estate professional guiding the way.

Have questions about what comes next in your transaction? I’m here to help walk you through it all — one step at a time.