What Happens Between Offer Accepted and Closing (Step-by-Step)

Once your offer is accepted, what actually happens before you get the keys?

Short answer: a lot of behind-the-scenes coordination but nothing you need to panic about. The space between offer acceptance and closing is structured, predictable, and mostly about protecting you.

Here’s what happens, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: The Clock Starts (Day 1 = The Day After Acceptance)
Once your offer is accepted, the timeline officially begins the following day, not the same day signatures are exchanged.

Your agent will:

• Confirm all contractual deadlines

• Distribute the fully signed agreement

• Loop in the lender, title company, and transaction coordinator

From there, everything runs on clearly defined dates, not guesswork.

Step 2: Inspections (Usually Days 3–10)

This is where you learn how the house actually functions.

Inspections typically include:

• General home inspection
• Optional specialty inspections (radon, termite, sewer, etc.)

Afterward, you’ll review the report and decide:

• What to request repairs or credits for
• What to accept as normal wear and tear

This is a negotiation window, not a deal-breaker moment.

Step 3: Appraisal + Loan Processing (Weeks 2–4)

While inspections are happening, your lender is working in parallel.

This includes:

• Appraisal ordered
• Income and asset verification
• Underwriting review

The appraisal confirms the home is worth what you agreed to pay. If it comes in at value, great. If not, your agent helps navigate next steps calmly and strategically.

Step 4: Clear to Close (Final Approval)

Once inspections are resolved and underwriting is complete, your lender issues a clear to close.

This means:

• Your loan is approved
• The title work is complete
• Closing documents are prepared

At this point, you’re mostly just waiting on the calendar.

Step 5: Final Walk-Through

Typically done a day or two before closing.

This is your chance to:

• Confirm agreed-upon repairs were completed
• Make sure the home is in expected condition
• Ensure nothing major has changed

At this stage, the goal is confirmation - not reconsideration.

Step 6: Closing Day 🎉

You sign. A lot.

At closing:

• Documents are executed
• Funds are transferred
• The deed is recorded

Once that’s complete… you get the keys.

Between offer acceptance and closing, there’s a clear system working in your favor. You’re not supposed to know every detail, that’s why you have professionals guiding the process.

The key is understanding the flow, so nothing feels overwhelming or mysterious.

If you’re thinking about making an offer soon or just want to understand the process before browsing listings. Book a call with KG Real Estate. We’ll walk through it before you’re under pressure.