What Happens After an Offer Is Accepted?
Read on the day your offer is accepted, then track your own dates.
Acceptance is the start of a scheduled process, not the end of one. Several parallel tracks now run at once, each with its own deadline.
Timelines, terminology and who handles what vary considerably by state — some use escrow companies, others attorneys. Use this as a map and confirm the specifics locally.
Immediately after acceptance
The inspection and due diligence period
- General inspection, plus any specialist inspections it prompts.
- Reviewing disclosures carefully, if you have not already.
- Reviewing HOA documents, budgets and assessment history if applicable.
- Deciding what, if anything, to raise with the seller within the deadline.
- Getting written estimates for anything that affects your decision.
Financing track
Your lender will be requesting documents throughout. Responding same-day is the single most useful thing you can do for your timeline.
- Full loan application and documentation.
- Appraisal, where required by the lender.
- Underwriting questions, often in several rounds.
- Insurance quote and binding, which the lender will need.
- Avoiding new credit, large deposits or job changes until closing.
Title and legal track
Who runs this varies by state — a title company, escrow company or attorney.
- Title search and resolution of anything it turns up.
- Title insurance where applicable.
- Survey, where required or advisable locally.
- Payoff and lien matters on the seller's side.
- Preparation of settlement figures.
The final weeks
The deadlines that matter most
Missing a date can change what options you have. The specific consequences depend on your contract and state.
- Earnest money delivery.
- Inspection or due diligence expiry.
- Any repair request or response window.
- Financing and appraisal contingency dates.
- HOA document review period where applicable.
- Final walkthrough and closing itself.
Common mistakes
- Relaxing after acceptance and losing the first week of the inspection period.
- Not calendaring the contract dates personally.
- Slow document responses to the lender.
- Opening credit or moving large sums without asking the lender first.
- Trusting emailed wire instructions without a phone verification.
- Treating the walkthrough as a formality.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to close after an offer is accepted?
It varies by loan type, market, and how quickly inspections, appraisal and underwriting move. Your contract sets a target date; ask your lender what is realistic for your specific loan.
What is earnest money and when is it at risk?
It is a deposit showing good faith, usually credited at closing. When it is refundable depends on your contract's contingencies and your state's rules — read those provisions carefully.
Can a sale still fall through after acceptance?
Yes. Financing, appraisal, inspection findings, title issues or missed conditions can all end a deal. Contingencies exist to define what happens in those cases.
What should I avoid doing before closing?
Generally: opening new credit, making large unexplained deposits, changing jobs, or making big purchases. Ask your lender before any financial change.