What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted?

Step 1: Pre-approval.

 

You talk to a lender, they verify your income and credit, and you get a letter stating what you can borrow. This also tells us your loan type — FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional — which matters, because government-backed loans have property condition requirements that can rule out certain houses before we ever tour them.

 

Step 2: The search.

 

We look at homes that fit your budget and your loan type.

 

Step 3: The offer.

 

We write an offer together, including price, closing date, and terms. The seller accepts, counters, or declines. Some back-and-forth is normal.

 

Step 4: Offer accepted.

 

You deliver earnest money (held by the title company, credited back to you at closing) and the option fee, which buys you an inspection window.

 

Step 5: Inspection.

 

A licensed inspector goes through the home, usually within the first week. We review the report together and negotiate repairs or credits if needed.

 

Step 6: Appraisal.

 

Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home is worth the loan amount. If your loan is FHA, VA, or USDA, the appraiser also checks property condition requirements.

 

Step 7: Loan underwriting.

 

The lender's team verifies everything. They may ask for updated pay stubs or documents. Answer fast, and don't open new credit cards, finance a car, or change jobs during this window.

 

Step 8: Title work.

 

The title company confirms the seller can legally transfer the property free of liens.

 

Step 9: Clear to close.

 

The lender gives final approval, and you receive your closing disclosure with your exact final numbers at least three days before closing.

 

Step 10: Final walk-through and closing day.

 

We walk the home one last time to confirm its condition, then you sign at the title company, funds transfer, and you get your keys!

 

First Time Homebuyer? Check out our Questions & Answers!