What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your Home?

📅 What Happens After You Accept an Offer? A Seller’s Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve reviewed the offers, picked the best one, and signed on the dotted line. So... now what?

Many sellers think the hard part is over once an offer is accepted, but in reality, this next phase is where the details matter most. From inspections to appraisals, a lot happens between acceptance and the closing table.

Here’s what you can expect after accepting an offer on your Central Florida home.

✅ 1. Contract Is Signed and Executed

The offer becomes a legally binding contract once both parties have signed and the contract is executed (date and time-stamped). This is Day 0 of your transaction timeline.

💵 2. Buyer Submits Escrow Deposit

The buyer will typically submit an initial escrow deposit (also called a good faith deposit) to the title company within a few days. This shows they’re serious about the transaction.

🎓 3. Inspection Period Begins (Usually 7–10 Days)

The buyer hires a licensed inspector to check out the home's major systems, roof, structure, and more.

• You may receive repair requests or credits

• Some buyers may also order pest, septic, or wind mitigation inspections

🚡 Tip: It’s best to leave the home during inspections to give the buyer space to evaluate.

💌 4. Negotiation of Repairs (If Needed)

After the inspection, the buyer might request certain repairs or financial concessions.

• You can agree, counter, or decline

• Many deals include compromises like closing cost credits

Your real estate agent will help you evaluate what’s reasonable and what’s not.

🌐 5. Appraisal Ordered (If Financed)

If the buyer is getting a mortgage, the lender will schedule an appraisal to determine the market value.

• If the home appraises at or above the purchase price, great!

• If it appraises below, expect another round of negotiation

🚡 In competitive markets, buyers sometimes waive appraisal contingencies or cover the gap.

🏦 6. Title Work & HOA Docs

The title company will conduct a title search to make sure the home has clear title. If you live in an HOA, you’ll also need to provide relevant documents and disclosures.

• Payoff statements from your lender are usually ordered now

• Any liens or clouds on title will need to be resolved

🚪 7. Final Walkthrough

Typically 24–48 hours before closing, the buyer will walk through the home to ensure it’s in the same condition as agreed upon and that any repairs have been completed.

• Home should be clean and free of belongings

• All agreed-upon repairs must be done

📅 8. Closing Day!

This is the day everything becomes official. You’ll sign your seller documents (often remotely), hand over keys, and receive the proceeds from the sale.

• Funds are wired to your account (usually same day or next business day)

• Congratulations—you’ve sold your home!

🚡 Pro Tip:

Every deal is a little different. Having an experienced agent by your side ensures you navigate each step with clarity and confidence.

🏡 Thinking About Selling?

At The Peterson Group, we guide sellers from pre-listing to post-closing with proven systems and clear communication. Let’s chat about your timeline and goals.