What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted?
The full timeline between accepted offer and getting your keys.
Getting an accepted offer feels like the finish line — but it's really the starting line for the busiest few weeks of the entire homebuying process. Here's the sequence to expect, and why staying engaged at each step matters.
1. Contract ratified
Once all parties sign, the contract is fully executed and your contingency clock usually starts running. From this point forward, deadlines matter — missing one can mean losing a protection you're counting on.
2. Earnest money deposited
Your earnest money deposit is delivered to the escrow or title company within the timeframe set by your contract. This is typically one of the first action items due after signing.
3. Inspections and contingencies
You'll schedule your home inspection (and any specialty inspections — roof, sewer, pest) during your contingency period. Attend if you can, and read every finding carefully. Based on the results, you can negotiate repairs or credits, or walk away if major issues surface — but your contingency deadline is firm, so respond in writing within the required window to preserve your rights.
4. Appraisal ordered
Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home's value supports the loan amount — you typically pay for this. If it comes in lower than your offer, you'll have decisions to make: renegotiate, cover the gap yourself, or exercise your appraisal contingency if you have one.
5. Loan underwriting
This is where your lender verifies everything on your application and may request updated documents — pay stubs, bank statements, letters explaining large deposits. Respond to every request the same day if possible. Underwriting delays are the single most common cause of a late closing.
6. Homeowners insurance
You'll need to secure a policy and send proof to your lender before closing. Shop quotes from a few carriers and compare coverage and deductibles, not just price — this isn't a step to rush.
7. Final walkthrough
A day or two before closing, you'll do a final walkthrough to confirm the home's condition and that any agreed-upon repairs are complete. This is your last real chance to catch a problem before the keys change hands — skipping it is a common and avoidable mistake.
8. Closing Disclosure review
By law, you must receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before signing. Use that window to review every number against your original Loan Estimate.
9. Closing day
You'll sign the final loan documents, bring your certified funds, and the loan gets funded.
10. Recording and keys
The deed is recorded, the home is officially yours, and you receive your keys.
Keep your finances stable during this window
Between an accepted offer and closing day, avoid job changes, new loans, large purchases, or moving money between accounts. Lenders frequently re-verify your credit and employment — sometimes just days before closing — and even well-intentioned moves like paying off a credit card can trigger delays.
In practice
A buyer assumed everything was fine and skipped the final walkthrough. At closing, they discovered the sellers had left behind an old hot tub and damaged flooring that was supposed to be repaired. A walkthrough would have caught it in time to negotiate a credit — instead, it became the new owner's problem.
Myth vs. fact
Myth: Once your offer is accepted, the hard part is over. Fact: The contract-to-close period is where deals most often stall or fall apart. Stay engaged and responsive until you sign.
Key takeaway
The weeks between an accepted offer and closing day are full of deadlines that matter. Respond quickly, keep your finances stable, and don't skip the final walkthrough.
This article is for general education and is not legal or financial advice. Timelines, requirements, and closing procedures vary by lender, title company, contract, and state.
Related articles: What Are Closing Costs? · What Is Earnest Money?