Your offer is accepted. Now what?
Start with the accepted agreement. Check when the deposit is due, which conditions apply, and the dates your lender and lawyer need to work toward.
Between acceptance and closing day, your agreement sets the deadlines while your lender, lawyer and other professionals work on their parts. I help buyers keep track of who needs what next.
These steps can overlap. Use the dates and terms in your agreement, not a generic timeline. This is general information; your lawyer and lender advise on your legal and financing obligations.
Step 1: Check Your Conditions and Deadlines
If your accepted offer has conditions—for example, financing, inspection or document review—read the exact wording and deadlines with your agent and lawyer. There is no universal five-to-ten-day period or automatic right to change your mind. The protection and the steps available to you depend on your agreement. RECO's buyer checklist explains why conditions should be considered before signing.
- Book and complete any inspection your agreement calls for
- Send your lender the property and financial documents needed for final approval
- Give your lawyer the agreement and any relevant documents promptly
What buyers often underestimate: a short condition period can move fast. Inspector availability and lender document requests can use much of it. If something cannot be completed on time, speak with your agent and lawyer before the deadline rather than assuming it will extend itself.
Ask your agent and lawyer what notice or other action the agreement requires for each condition, and who will handle it. Completing an inspection or receiving a lender’s reply is not a substitute for the contractual steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of what the inspection is actually doing for you? Read: Home Inspection Guide.
Step 2: Confirm Financing and Outstanding Lender Requirements
Even if you’re pre-approved, pre-approval is not a guarantee of final mortgage approval. The lender will review your current information and the property before confirming the loan.
Your lender may finalize:
- Income verification and document review
- Property appraisal (if required)
- Mortgage commitment details (rate hold, term, conditions, insurance requirements)
What can slow financing down: missing pay stubs, unexplained deposits, gift letter delays, changing jobs mid-deal, or a property type that requires extra review.
Ask your lender what is approved, what remains outstanding, and when each item is needed. Before removing a financing condition, discuss the lender’s position and the agreement with your agent and lawyer. Stay in contact with the lender through closing.
If you need clarity on mortgage structure (fixed/variable/adjustable, open vs closed, insured vs conventional), read: Mortgage Types Explained.
Step 3: Legal Preparation
Engage your lawyer promptly and send the signed agreement, amendments and relevant documents. Ask what they need from you and when. Do not assume they have received the file or that their review is complete.
Your lawyer typically:
- Conducts a title search (ownership, liens, easements, rights-of-way, etc.)
- Discusses title-insurance options and any lender requirement
- Reviews key documents (including mortgage instructions)
- Prepares closing documents and trust ledger
- Calculates adjustments (taxes, utilities, prepaid items, etc.)
Ask your lawyer to confirm the signing arrangements, required identification, funds and outstanding questions. The timing depends on your file and the documents received.
Need a plain-language breakdown of what closing costs can include? Read: Closing Costs Guide.
Step 4: Preparing for Possession
Confirm the practical arrangements before booking the move. Your lender and lawyer can tell you when insurance and closing funds must be in place.
As closing approaches, you’ll typically:
- Arrange utilities and transfers
- Arrange home insurance effective when your lender and lawyer require it
- Transfer your remaining funds to your lawyer (down payment balance + closing costs)
- Confirm moving logistics and possession timing
Important note: ask your lender and lawyer early what proof of insurance they need and when. Do not leave it until the last day.
For a full breakdown of possession day and what happens at the finish line, visit: Closing & Moving.
If your agreement includes a pre-closing visit, use it to check the property's condition and included items before closing. RECO explains what to look for; bring any concern to your agent and lawyer promptly.
Step 5: Wait for Closing Confirmation and Key Release
Your lawyer coordinates the legal completion with the seller’s lawyer and, where applicable, your lender. Keep your phone available in case they need information or a decision.
Typical closing-day reality:
- Funds are exchanged between lawyers
- Title is transferred and any mortgage is registered
- You get confirmation when the deal is officially closed
- Keys are released after completion; the time can vary
My practical advice: do not promise movers early-morning access on closing day unless you have a confirmed arrangement. A closing date does not guarantee a particular key-release time.
Keep One List of Deadlines and Outstanding Items
I help you track the real estate deadlines and follow up on the next steps. Your lawyer handles legal advice and closing; your lender confirms financing requirements. Keep these three things visible:
- Fast responses (documents, signatures, questions)
- Clear timelines (inspection, financing, lawyer steps)
- Good communication between buyer, lender, lawyer, and REALTOR®
If you’re still at the beginning and want the full step-by-step roadmap, start here: Buyer Experience.
Expect Moore for Your Real Estate.
— Chad Moore, REALTOR® | Lake City Realty