Last time, I walked through how to make a strong offer. Now let's say it worked. The seller said yes.

Congratulations! Take a minute to enjoy it, because the next few weeks move quickly. Most of the work now happens behind the scenes, and several deadlines in your contract are firm. Here's what to expect, roughly in order.

1 Earnest Money and Getting Organized

Days 1 to 3

Your earnest money deposit is usually due within a few days of acceptance, often 1 to 3 business days. It shows the seller you're serious, and it's held in escrow, not handed to the seller. At closing it's credited toward your down payment or closing costs.

Deliver it on time, since a missed deadline can put you in default. Also schedule your inspection right away. Good inspectors book up fast, and your inspection window is short.

2 Home Inspection

Week 1

Your inspection period typically runs 7 to 10 days. A licensed inspector will look at the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. Attend if you can. Seeing issues in person beats reading about them in a report.

Afterward, you and I will decide how to respond. You can accept the home as-is, request repairs, ask for a credit, or in some cases renegotiate or walk away. Not every finding is worth a negotiation, so focus on safety, structure, and big-ticket systems over cosmetic items.

For more on how this works, see Home Inspections and Contingencies.

3 Homeowners Insurance

Weeks 1 to 2

Your lender will require homeowners insurance before closing, so start shopping early. Get quotes within the first week or so, especially if the home is older, in a flood zone, or has a roof near the end of its life.

Surprises here can affect your monthly payment and, occasionally, your ability to close. Your inspection report can help you get accurate quotes.

4 Appraisal

Weeks 1 to 3

Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home is worth the price you agreed to pay. You don't need to be there, and you'll typically pay for it as part of your loan costs.

If it comes in at or above the price, you're set. If it comes in low, you have options. The seller may lower the price, you may cover the gap in cash, you can challenge the appraisal, or you may renegotiate. Your contract's appraisal terms matter here. I cover this in Why the Appraisal Matters.

5 Title Work

Weeks 1 to 4

While other things are in motion, a title company or attorney researches the property's ownership history. They're looking for liens, unpaid taxes, easement issues, or errors in the public record that could cloud your ownership. Most of this is routine, and the title company will clear it up before closing.

You'll also purchase title insurance, which protects you against future claims on the property's history.

6 Underwriting

Weeks 2 to 4

Underwriting is where your lender verifies everything: income, assets, debts, credit, and the property itself. Expect requests for additional documents, sometimes more than once. Respond fast, usually the same day.

When underwriting is done, you'll hear the words every buyer waits for: "clear to close."

7 Closing Disclosure and Final Walkthrough

Final days

At least three business days before closing, you'll receive your Closing Disclosure, a detailed breakdown of your loan terms and final costs. Compare it against your original Loan Estimate and ask questions about anything that looks off. I also explain the paperwork in Understanding Closing Documents.

Within about 24 hours of closing, you'll do your final walkthrough. You're confirming:

• The home is in the agreed condition.
• Any negotiated repairs were completed.
• Nothing was damaged during the move-out.
• Everything that's supposed to stay is still there.

Test lights, faucets, appliances, and outlets. If something is wrong, tell me immediately, before you sign.

Closing Day

Bring a government-issued photo ID and your certified funds or wire confirmation, as instructed by your title company. Then you'll sign, the funds will be disbursed, and you'll get your keys.

Want More Detail?

This article is the big picture. These articles go deeper:

• From Contract to Closing: Part 1. A deeper look at the early deadlines and decisions.
• From Contract to Closing: Part 2. What to expect through underwriting, final approval, and closing day.
• Timeline Killers: What Really Slows Your Home Sale. The common mistakes and surprises that delay or derail closings, and how to avoid them.