What’s Next After You Get an Accepted Offer?
Congratulations — your offer has been accepted! This is one of the most exciting moments in the home-buying process. Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, having an offer accepted means you’re officially on the path to ownership. But while this milestone is worth celebrating, there are still several important steps to complete before you get the keys. Here’s a closer look at what happens next and how you can prepare.
1. Deposit Your Earnest Money
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll be required to submit your earnest money deposit — typically within a few days. This good-faith deposit demonstrates your commitment to purchasing the property and assures the seller you’re serious. The funds are usually held in an escrow account and will be applied to your down payment or closing costs. It’s important to submit this on time, as missing the deadline could put your contract at risk.
2. Schedule the Home Inspection
The home inspection is one of the most crucial steps in protecting your investment. A licensed inspector will evaluate the property’s condition, looking closely at structural elements, roofing, HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical work, and more. If issues are uncovered, your agent can help you negotiate repairs, request seller credits, or even reconsider the purchase depending on the severity of the findings. Even if the home appears to be in great shape, inspections often provide peace of mind and valuable insight into future maintenance needs.
3. Finalize Your Financing
Now that your offer is accepted, it’s time to work closely with your lender. You’ll provide any outstanding documentation, lock in your mortgage interest rate, and prepare for the appraisal. The appraisal is required by your lender to confirm the property’s value matches the agreed-upon purchase price. This step protects both you and the bank from overpaying for the home. Staying organized with your financial paperwork and responding quickly to your lender’s requests will help keep the process on track.
4. Review Disclosures and Paperwork
Buying a home involves plenty of paperwork, and now is the time to go through it carefully. The seller will provide property disclosures that highlight known issues, repairs, or updates. You’ll also receive documents related to the title, HOA rules (if applicable), and any local or state requirements. Don’t be afraid to ask your real estate professional for clarification. It’s better to ask questions now than to be surprised later.
5. Clear Contingencies
Most purchase agreements include contingencies that protect both buyers and sellers. These may cover the inspection, appraisal, financing approval, or even the sale of your current home. As each contingency is met or waived, you’ll move one step closer to closing. Your agent will help you track these deadlines, negotiate when necessary, and ensure you’re staying within the contract timeline. Successfully clearing contingencies keeps your purchase on solid ground.
6. Prepare for Closing Day
As closing approaches, your lender will send a Closing Disclosure that outlines your final loan terms, monthly payment, and exact funds needed for closing. Review this document carefully and compare it to your initial loan estimate to make sure everything aligns. On closing day, you’ll bring your ID, certified funds or a wire transfer, and prepare to sign a stack of documents that officially transfer ownership. It’s a lot of paperwork, but your agent and lender will guide you through it step by step.
7. Move In and Celebrate
Once the closing is complete, you’ll finally receive your keys — the moment every buyer looks forward to. Moving in can feel overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead by scheduling movers, transferring utilities, and changing your address. Then comes the best part: celebrating your new home! Whether that’s a champagne toast in the living room, a backyard cookout, or a quiet evening soaking it all in, you’ve officially achieved homeownership.
Final Thoughts
Getting an accepted offer is a huge accomplishment, but it’s just the beginning of the home-buying journey. With the right guidance, each step becomes manageable and stress-free. At The Harlan Group, our mission is to walk alongside you from the very first showing to the moment you unlock your new front door.
Thinking about buying or selling? Let The Harlan Group be your guide every step of the way.
