What to Do After Your Offer Is Accepted
A first-time buyer guide to what happens after offer acceptance, including earnest money, inspection, lender documents, appraisal, title, insurance, and closing.
Confirm the contract calendar
After acceptance, the most important thing is the calendar. Deadlines may apply to earnest money, inspection, attorney review, financing, appraisal, title objections, HOA review, insurance, and closing.
- Ask your agent or attorney for a written list of key dates.
- Confirm how earnest money must be delivered and by when.
- Know which contingencies can expire and what happens if you miss one.
Schedule inspection and review results quickly
Inspection windows can be short. Schedule the general inspection promptly and ask whether specialized inspections make sense for the property.
- Attend the inspection if possible.
- Separate safety issues, major defects, maintenance, and cosmetic concerns.
- Discuss repair requests, credits, or cancellation rights before deadlines expire.
Move from pre-approval to underwriting
Your lender will update the file for the specific property and contract. Expect requests for documents, explanations, insurance information, and sometimes updated bank statements or pay stubs.
- Respond to lender requests quickly.
- Avoid new credit, job changes, or large undocumented transfers.
- Review the loan estimate and ask about rate lock timing.
Prepare title, insurance, utilities, and final walk-through
While the lender works, the closing team checks ownership history, liens, taxes, settlement figures, and documents. You should also secure homeowners insurance, plan utilities, and prepare for final walk-through.
- Get homeowners insurance quotes and send the chosen policy to your lender.
- Review title, HOA, condo, or disclosure documents with the right professional.
- Verify wire instructions carefully by phone before sending funds.
- Schedule the final walk-through close to closing.
FAQ
Can a deal fall through after offer acceptance?
Yes. Inspection issues, appraisal gaps, financing problems, title defects, missed deadlines, or contract disputes can prevent closing.
When should I shop for homeowners insurance?
Start soon after your offer is accepted. Your lender typically needs insurance information before final loan approval and closing.