Your Home Buying Timeline: What Happens After Your Offer is Accepted

The excitement of having your offer accepted is a huge milestone—but the journey isn’t over yet! From this point, there are several key steps to complete before you can officially call the house your home.

As your Realtor, Julie Delap will guide you through every step, ensuring deadlines are met, surprises are avoided, and you feel confident throughout the process. Here’s what to expect after your offer is accepted, so you know exactly what’s coming next.  Please note:  this timeline is a flexible timeline and is customized to every transaction depending on the specific details.  Some transactions can take a shorter period of time, some of them can take longer.

Step 1: Earnest Money Deposit (Days 1–3)

• What It Is: A good-faith deposit showing the seller you’re serious about buying.

• Timeline: Typically due within 1–3 days of offer acceptance.

• Julie’s Role: Julie will make sure you know how much is due, where to send it, and that it’s documented correctly.

• Why It Matters: This money is applied toward your down payment or closing costs, but if you back out without cause, you could lose it.

• For a list of Real Estate terms to familiarize yourself with, including Earnest Money, read this glossary of Real Estate Terms.

Step 2: Schedule the Home Inspection (Days 1–7)

• Purpose: To uncover any hidden issues with the home.

• Timeline: Schedule and complete the inspection within the timeframe outlined in your offer, usually within the first week.

• Julie’s Role: She’ll recommend trusted local inspectors and help you understand the results, so you can decide whether to request repairs or renegotiate.

• Tip: Consider additional inspections, like radon or sewer scopes, if needed.

• For more information on the Home Inspection, please review our blog post about Home Inspections here.

Step 3: Negotiate Repairs or Credits (Days 7–10)

• After Inspection: You’ll have the opportunity to request repairs or negotiate seller credits for issues found.

• Julie’s Role: Julie will help you craft a strong, fair negotiation strategy to protect your interests.

• Outcome Options:

  • Seller agrees to repairs

  • Seller offers a credit at closing

  • You accept the home as-is or decide to walk away (if your contract allows)

Step 4: Lender Orders the Appraisal (Days 10–15)

• What It Is: The lender’s independent confirmation of the home’s value.

• Why It Matters:

  • If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, you may need to renegotiate or bring extra funds to closing.

• Julie’s Role: She’ll help you navigate next steps if the appraisal value causes challenges.

• For more information about what a Home Appraisal is, read our blog post about the difference between an appraisal and an assessment.

Step 5: Loan Underwriting & Final Approval (Days 15–30)

• Process: The lender reviews your financial documents, credit, and the appraisal to approve your mortgage.

• Your To-Do List:

  • Provide requested documents quickly (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements).

  • Avoid big financial changes, like opening new credit cards or making large purchases.

• Julie’s Role: Julie will coordinate with your lender to keep things moving smoothly and meet deadlines.

• To learn about the personnel and staff involved in a Real Estate transaction, including what an underwriter does, read my post about the different types of personnel involved in a Real Estate transaction here.

Step 6: Prepare for Closing (Days 30–45)

• Final Walkthrough: Usually completed 24–48 hours before closing to ensure the home is in the agreed-upon condition.

• Homeowners Insurance: Secure a policy before closing and provide proof to your lender.

• Review Closing Disclosure: This document outlines all final costs and is provided at least three days before closing.

Step 7: Closing Day! (Around Day 45)

• What Happens:

  • You’ll meet at the title company or attorney’s office to sign paperwork.

  • Funds are transferred, and ownership officially changes hands.

• Julie’s Role: She’ll be by your side to answer questions and celebrate this huge milestone with you!

Step 8: Move In and Enjoy Your New Home

• Once the transaction is complete, it’s time to get the keys, move in, and make the house your own!

• Julie can also connect you with local contractors, cleaners, and moving resources to make the transition easier.

Julie’s Commitment to Your Journey

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but with a clear timeline and expert guidance, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Julie’s goal is to make sure every step is seamless, so you can focus on the excitement of becoming a homeowner.

Ready to start the process? Contact Julie today to begin your home search with a trusted local guide.