What Happens After You Accept an Offer? A Seller’s Guide to Closing on Your Home
- Laura Maples
- Oct 25
- 2 min read
Selling your home is an exciting milestone. Once you’ve accepted a buyer’s offer and completed negotiations, you might feel like the hard part is over. While it’s true that much of the heavy lifting is behind you, there’s still an important process to get through before you hand over the keys: the closing.
Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens after the purchase contract is signed and how you, as the seller, can prepare. Your real estate agent will keep you on track for any deadlines and will be the liaison between the lender, title company, inspector, appraiser, and buyers agent.
1. Escrow Is Opened
After both parties sign the purchase contract, the buyer typically deposits earnest money into an escrow account. Escrow acts as a neutral third party to hold funds and documents until all conditions of the sale are met. Escrow is normally held with the title company or closing attorney.
2. Title Search and Insurance
The title company will perform a title search to confirm there are no outstanding liens, unpaid taxes, or ownership disputes. If any issues arise, they must be cleared before closing. Title insurance is also issued to protect the buyer from future claims.
3. Home Inspections and Repairs
Most buyers schedule inspections soon after going under contract. If the inspection reveals issues, the buyer may request repairs or credits. You and your agent will negotiate these requests, keeping in mind what’s reasonable and what was already agreed upon in the contract.
4. Appraisal by the Buyer’s Lender
If the buyer is financing their purchase, their lender will order an appraisal. The goal is to confirm the home’s value supports the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in lower than the agreed price, renegotiations may be necessary.
5. Contingencies Are Cleared
The purchase contract likely includes contingencies, such as financing, inspection, or appraisal. These must be satisfied before the sale can move forward. Once all contingencies are cleared, the deal is considered much closer to final.
6. Preparing for Closing Day
As the seller, you’ll need to:
• Make any agreed-upon repairs.
• Provide necessary disclosures and documents.
• Ensure the property is clean and ready for the buyer’s final walk through.
7. The Final Walkthrough
Usually held within 24–48 hours before closing, the buyer will do a final walkthrough to ensure the property is in the agreed condition and that all repairs have been completed.
8. Closing Day
On closing day, you’ll sign the deed and transfer ownership to the buyer. You’ll also settle any closing costs you’re responsible for, such as agent commissions, outstanding property taxes, or title fees. Once everything is signed and funds are distributed, the sale is officially complete—you’ve sold your home!
Final Thoughts
Closing on a home can feel like a whirlwind of paperwork, deadlines, and details, but with a trusted real estate professional by your side, the process is much smoother. By understanding each step and staying organized, you can move through closing with confidence and look forward to your next chapter.
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