For many homebuyers, making an offer feels like the finish line. In reality, it’s just the beginning of a complex and critical journey to homeownership. From inspections to paperwork and everything in between, the time between offer acceptance and closing day is where the real work happens.

If you’re getting ready to buy a home, here’s what you can expect after your offer is accepted—so you can move forward with confidence and avoid surprises.

1. The Offer Is Accepted—Now What?

Once your offer is accepted, the home is officially "under contract," but that doesn’t mean it’s yours just yet. This kicks off the **due diligence period**, where the property undergoes various checks and you, the buyer, begin verifying that everything is in order.

2. Home Inspection and Repair Negotiations

A licensed home inspector will evaluate the property’s condition—from the roof to the foundation. If issues arise, you may negotiate repairs or request credits. While not all repairs will be covered, this step is critical to ensure you’re not buying into hidden problems.

Tip: Attend the inspection if possible. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the home firsthand.

3. Appraisal Ordered by the Lender

Unless you’re paying all cash, your mortgage lender will order a professional appraisal to ensure the home’s value aligns with the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in low, you may need to renegotiate the price or bring additional funds to closing.

4. Title Search and Insurance

A title company will conduct a title search to ensure there are no liens, unpaid taxes, or ownership disputes attached to the property. You'll also purchase title insurance, which protects you from future claims against the title.

5. Final Loan Approval (aka "Clear to Close")

Your lender will finalize the underwriting process by reviewing your income, employment, and credit one last time. Once all documents are approved, you’ll receive a clear to close, signaling that your loan is ready and you’re nearly at the finish line.

6. Final Walk-Through

Before closing, you’ll do a final walk-through to ensure the home is in the agreed-upon condition, and that any negotiated repairs have been completed.

7. Closing Day

This is when all the pieces come together. You’ll sign paperwork, submit your down payment and closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home. Congratulations—you’re officially a homeowner!

The Bottom Line

Making an offer is just the start. From inspections and appraisals to loan approvals and title checks, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes to get you to closing day. By understanding the steps ahead of time, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the process with ease.

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to our team today to get expert guidance through every stage of your homebuying journey.