From Offer to Closing: What Sellers Can Expect After Accepting an Offer

Accepting an offer on your home is an exciting moment. It’s the point where all your preparation, showings, and marketing have paid off. But while it might feel like the finish line, there’s still important work to be done before you hand over the keys.

As a seller, understanding what happens between offer acceptance and closing day can help you feel more confident and prepared. Realtor Julie Delap is here to guide you through every step, making sure there are no surprises along the way. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect during this critical stage of the home selling process.

Step 1: Earnest Money Deposit

Once an offer is accepted, the buyer will submit earnest money—a good faith deposit that shows they are serious about purchasing your home.

• This money is typically held in an escrow account by the title company or the buyer’s agent’s brokerage.

• Earnest money usually ranges from 1–3% of the purchase price, depending on the agreement.

• If the sale moves forward, this deposit is applied toward the buyer’s down payment or closing costs.

For sellers, earnest money provides some reassurance. If the buyer backs out for reasons not covered by contingencies, you may be entitled to keep the deposit as compensation for lost time and opportunity.

Step 2: Contingencies and Timeline

Most purchase agreements include contingencies, which are conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed. Common contingencies include:

• Home Inspection Contingency: The buyer has a set number of days to hire a licensed inspector to evaluate the property. If significant issues are found, they can request repairs, a price reduction, or even cancel the deal.

• Financing Contingency: The buyer must secure mortgage approval within a specific timeframe.

• Appraisal Contingency: The home must appraise for at least the purchase price for the buyer’s lender to approve the loan.

• Home Sale Contingency (if applicable): The buyer must sell their current home before completing the purchase.

Julie will help you track these deadlines and ensure you stay compliant with the contract terms. Missing a contingency deadline could put the deal at risk.

For more in depth information on Real Estate Contingencies, review our blog post explaining them in more detail.

Step 3: The Home Inspection

The home inspection is often one of the most stressful parts of the process for sellers.

Here’s how it typically works:

• The buyer schedules the inspection shortly after the offer is accepted.

• The inspector spends several hours evaluating the home’s structure, systems, and safety.

• A detailed report is provided to the buyer outlining any concerns.

As the seller, you might receive requests for repairs or credits toward closing costs based on the inspection results. Julie will help you negotiate these requests, keeping your bottom line and timeline in mind.

Tip: Being proactive about small repairs before listing your home can help avoid surprises during the inspection.

We wrote an article about how to understand a Home Inspection Report, review it here.

Step 4: The Appraisal

If the buyer is financing the purchase, their lender will order an appraisal to determine the home’s fair market value.

• A licensed appraiser will visit your home and compare it to similar properties that have recently sold.

• If the appraisal comes in at or above the purchase price, the deal moves forward smoothly.

• If the appraisal comes in below the purchase price, it can create challenges. The buyer may:

  • Request that you lower the sale price to match the appraised value.

  • Pay the difference out of pocket.

  • Cancel the contract if the appraisal contingency allows.

Julie’s local market knowledge and pricing expertise help minimize the risk of appraisal issues by ensuring your home is competitively priced from the start.

We wrote an article explaining the difference between an Appraisal and an Assessment, review this article here.

Step 5: Preparing for the Buyer’s Final Walkthrough

As closing day approaches, the buyer will schedule a final walkthrough, usually within 24–48 hours before closing.

This isn’t another inspection—it’s simply the buyer’s chance to:

• Verify that agreed-upon repairs have been completed.

• Confirm the home is in the same condition as when they made their offer.

• Check that no new issues have arisen since the inspection.

To prepare, make sure the home is clean, empty, and ready for its new owners.

Step 6: Title Work and Closing Preparations

While you focus on packing and moving, the title company is working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.

Their responsibilities include:

• Conducting a title search to verify there are no liens or disputes on the property.

• Preparing closing documents for both parties.

• Coordinating the distribution of funds at closing.

Julie will keep you updated on any required paperwork or signatures needed during this time.

Step 7: Closing Day

Closing day is when the sale is officially completed. You’ll meet at the title company (or, in some cases, sign remotely) to finalize the transaction.

Here’s what happens:

1. You’ll sign the deed and other legal documents transferring ownership to the buyer.

2. The buyer will provide their down payment and closing costs.

3. The title company will distribute funds to pay off your existing mortgage and provide you with the remaining proceeds.

4. Once everything is signed and funds are released, the keys are handed over to the buyer.

Julie will be there to ensure everything goes smoothly and answer any last-minute questions.

Here's a great article on what you can expect at your closing appointment.

Tips for a Smooth Transaction

To help the process go as smoothly as possible, keep these tips in mind:

• Respond promptly to requests for information or signatures.

• Be flexible with scheduling inspections, appraisals, and the final walkthrough.

• Stay organized by keeping important documents easily accessible.

• Communicate openly with Julie about any concerns or potential delays.

Why Julie’s Guidance Matters

The time between accepting an offer and closing is filled with moving parts and strict deadlines. Without expert guidance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or make costly mistakes.

Julie Delap’s experience and attention to detail help sellers navigate this complex process with confidence. From negotiating inspection repairs to tracking contingency deadlines, Julie is there every step of the way to protect your interests and keep the deal on track.

Ready to Sell with Confidence?

Selling a home is one of life’s biggest financial decisions, and having the right Realtor by your side makes all the difference. Julie Delap is dedicated to helping sellers in the La Crosse and Driftless Region achieve a seamless, successful sale.

If you’re ready to list your home—or just want to learn more about the process—reach out to Julie today. She’ll walk you through each step, from the first showing to closing day, with care and expertise.