Congratulations — you’ve accepted an offer on your home! That’s a huge milestone in the selling journey. But while it might feel like the hard part is over, there’s still an important phase ahead: the road to closing.
This final stage is where all the behind-the-scenes work happens — inspections, appraisals, title checks, and legal paperwork — before you can hand over the keys and officially complete the sale. Understanding what to expect (and what’s expected of you) will help you navigate the process smoothly, avoid delays, and prevent last-minute surprises.
Whether you’re selling your first home or your fifth, here’s a step-by-step guide to everything that happens after you accept an offer — all the way to closing day.
📑 Step 1: Sign the Purchase Agreement
Once you and the buyer agree on terms — including price, contingencies, closing date, and included items — you’ll both sign a purchase agreement (also called a sales contract). This legally binding document sets the stage for the rest of the transaction.
✅ What you’ll do now:
- Review the agreement carefully to ensure all negotiated terms are included.
- Confirm important dates, like contingency deadlines and the closing date.
- Consult an attorney if you’re selling without an agent, to ensure you fully understand the terms.
💡 Pro Tip: The clock starts ticking once the contract is signed. Most closings happen within 30–60 days, and meeting deadlines is critical to keeping the deal on track.
🛠️ Step 2: Home Inspection (and Negotiation)
Most buyers include a home inspection contingency in their offer, which allows them to hire a licensed inspector to evaluate the property’s condition — typically within 7–14 days after signing.
✅ What happens next:
- The buyer schedules the inspection, and you’ll need to provide access to the property.
- The inspector checks the home’s structure, roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and more.
- The buyer receives a detailed inspection report.
Depending on the results, the buyer may:
- Accept the home as-is and move forward.
- Request repairs or ask for a credit toward repairs.
- Attempt to renegotiate the price.
- Cancel the contract (if the contingency allows).
💡 Pro Tip: Be prepared for negotiation. Even well-maintained homes often have issues that come up during inspection. Addressing key concerns quickly can keep the deal moving forward.
💵 Step 3: Appraisal (If the Buyer Is Financing)
If the buyer is using a mortgage, their lender will order an appraisal to verify that the property’s value matches the agreed-upon sale price. This protects the lender from over-loaning on the property.
✅ What you should know:
- The appraisal is typically scheduled within two to three weeks of signing the contract.
- The appraiser will visit your home, review comparable sales, and issue a valuation report.
- If the appraisal comes in at or above the purchase price, the sale proceeds as planned.
- If it comes in below the purchase price, the buyer may renegotiate, ask you to lower the price, or pay the difference in cash.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid appraisal issues by pricing your home realistically from the start. Overpricing can lead to delays, renegotiations, or even canceled contracts.
📜 Step 4: Title Search and Insurance
A title company or attorney will conduct a title search to confirm that you have clear ownership of the property and can legally transfer it to the buyer. This step checks for issues like liens, unpaid taxes, or ownership disputes.
✅ What happens now:
- If the title is clear, the process continues smoothly.
- If issues arise, they must be resolved before closing — for example, by paying off liens or obtaining legal documents.
The buyer will also purchase title insurance to protect against future ownership claims. In some states, sellers pay for this policy, so check your local customs.
💡 Pro Tip: Review your property records before listing. Catching title issues early can prevent closing delays.
💰 Step 5: Buyer Finalizes Their Financing
If the buyer is financing the purchase, their lender will finalize the mortgage after the appraisal and title work are complete. This stage is called underwriting, and it involves verifying the buyer’s income, credit, and financial stability.
✅ Your role:
- Provide any requested documents related to the property (such as homeowners association documents, repair receipts, or warranty information).
- Stay patient — underwriting can take a few weeks.
💡 Pro Tip: This is often the longest step in the process. Stay in communication with the buyer or their agent to ensure everything is progressing on schedule.
🧾 Step 6: Resolve Contingencies and Final Negotiations
Throughout the process, several contingencies — like inspection, financing, or appraisal — must be satisfied for the sale to move forward. Each one has a deadline outlined in the contract.
✅ What you should do:
- Track contingency deadlines and ensure they’re met on time.
- Respond promptly to any requests for information, repairs, or concessions.
- If renegotiations occur, make sure all changes are documented and signed by both parties.
Once all contingencies are cleared, the contract becomes “firm” — meaning both parties are committed to closing the deal.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep communication professional and solutions-oriented. Delays or disputes often happen when parties stop talking.
📦 Step 7: Prepare for the Final Walk-Through
A few days before closing (often 24–48 hours), the buyer will schedule a final walk-through. This isn’t another inspection — it’s their chance to confirm that:
- The home is in the same condition as when they made the offer.
- Agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
- Nothing has been removed that was supposed to stay (like appliances or fixtures).
✅ Your responsibilities:
- Make sure the home is clean, empty (unless otherwise agreed), and ready for move-in.
- Complete any agreed-upon repairs and provide receipts if requested.
- Double-check that all included items (like appliances, blinds, or hardware) are still in place.
💡 Pro Tip: Think of the final walk-through as your last impression. A spotless, move-in-ready home leaves buyers with a positive experience — and reduces the risk of last-minute disputes.
🖊️ Step 8: Closing Day — Sign, Pay, and Hand Over the Keys
Closing day is the finish line — the day ownership officially transfers and the sale is complete.
✅ What happens at closing:
- You’ll review and sign the closing documents, including the deed and settlement statement.
- The buyer signs their loan documents and provides the remaining funds.
- Your mortgage (if applicable) is paid off, and any liens are cleared.
- You’ll pay your share of closing costs (commissions, transfer taxes, title fees, etc.).
- The deed is recorded, funds are distributed, and ownership transfers to the buyer.
✅ What you’ll receive:
- A check or wire transfer with your net proceeds (the sale price minus closing costs and mortgage payoff).
💡 Pro Tip: Review your settlement statement (often called the Closing Disclosure or HUD-1) carefully before signing. Make sure all costs are accurate and there are no unexpected fees.
📦 Step 9: Move Out and Celebrate
Once the transaction is complete, the home officially belongs to the buyer — and it’s time for you to move on to your next chapter.
✅ Final steps:
- Leave behind all keys, garage remotes, and access codes.
- Provide any manuals, warranties, or maintenance records.
- Take a final walkthrough of your own to ensure nothing is left behind.
💡 Pro Tip: Many sellers choose to move out a day or two before closing to make the transition smoother and avoid last-minute stress.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Preparation and Communication Are Key
Accepting an offer is a major achievement — but the path to closing still requires attention, patience, and careful coordination. By understanding each step of the process, staying organized, and communicating proactively with the buyer, you can make the final stretch of your sale as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Remember: the more prepared you are, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter. From inspections and appraisals to title checks and closing documents, every step brings you closer to the finish line — and the exciting moment when you hand over the keys and move forward with confidence.
✅ Final Tip: Create a checklist of all post-offer tasks and deadlines. Staying organized will not only make the process less stressful but also help ensure you close on time — and without costly last-minute issues.
