What Really Happens After You Accept an Offer: A First-Time Seller's Guide

4 July 2025

Selling your home for the first time? First of all, congrats! You've done the hard part—prepping the place, cleaning like a maniac, maybe even staging it like an HGTV pro. You listed it, showed it off, and—boom—you got an offer. An offer you decided to accept.

Now what?

You might think the heavy lifting is over once you sign on that dotted line. And in a way, it is. But make no mistake: the journey from “offer accepted” to “sold” isn't just champagne and high-fives. There are still a few bumps, twists, and paperwork tornadoes coming your way. Don’t worry though—we’ve got your back.

In this guide, we’ll walk step-by-step through what actually happens after you accept an offer, so you won’t be left wondering what’s next or biting your nails through the process.

The Acceptance: It's Official (Kind Of)

Let’s start here—yes, the buyer has made an offer, and yes, you accepted it (hooray!). But until every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed, it’s not a done deal.

Think of the offer acceptance as being engaged. You’re on the road to commitment, but a few things still need to go right before you say your final “I do” at the closing table.

The Purchase Agreement

After you accept the buyer’s offer, both parties sign a purchase agreement. This is the legal document that outlines all the terms: sale price, contingencies, timelines, and any special conditions (like whether you're throwing in your washer and dryer).

Make sure you read this closely. Don’t just rely on your agent to skim it—take your time. If anything feels off, speak up.

The Contingency Countdown

Contingencies are basically “deal breakers” written into the contract. Until those are cleared, either party can walk away—so yep, the deal’s not locked yet.

Let’s break down the big ones:

1. Home Inspection

This is the buyer’s deep dive into your home's health. An inspector will check your home’s foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems—you name it.

What can go wrong?

A lot, actually. If major issues pop up—say a cracked foundation or an ancient HVAC system—the buyer may ask you to fix them or reduce the price. This can feel frustrating, but it’s all part of the dance. You don’t have to agree to everything, but be ready to negotiate.

2. Appraisal

Unless the buyer is paying in cash (lucky you), their lender will order an appraisal to ensure the home is worth the price agreed upon.

What if it comes in low?

This can throw a wrench in the works. If the appraisal is less than the sale price, the buyer might ask you to lower your price—or they might have to make up the difference out of pocket. Again, more negotiation.

3. Loan Approval

Even with pre-approval, buyers still need final mortgage approval. This includes a deep dive into their credit, income, debt, and financial history.

Red flags?

If the buyer suddenly changes jobs, racks up debt, or buys a car, their loan could get denied. That’s out of your control, but it’s worth knowing about.

The Title Search and Escrow Process

You may have heard the term “escrow” thrown around. It’s basically a neutral third party (usually a title company or attorney) that holds onto funds, documents, and makes sure everyone keeps up their end of the bargain.

Title Search

The title company will dig into public records to make sure you have the legal right to sell the home and that there are no liens (like unpaid taxes, utility bills, or contractor fees).

Trouble brewing?

If something unexpected comes up—like an old mortgage that was never released—it'll need to be resolved before closing.

Your Job as the Seller

While the buyer’s doing their homework, don’t sit back just yet. You’ve still got a few tasks to handle.

1. Repairs (If Agreed Upon)

If you and the buyer negotiated any repairs after the inspection, now’s the time to get them done. Keep receipts and document everything. You’ll likely need to show proof that the work was completed professionally.

2. Packing and Moving Prep

Yes, it’s happening—you’re officially moving! Start packing early and create a plan for how you’ll vacate the home by the agreed-upon closing date. Pro tip: start with the stuff you rarely use and label boxes like your future sanity depends on it (because it does).

3. Final Walk-through

A few days before closing, the buyer will do a walk-through of the property to make sure everything is still in good condition and that agreed-upon repairs were made.

No surprises here: Make sure the home is clean, empty (unless otherwise agreed), and everything is as it should be.

The Closing Table: Sealing the Deal

We’re almost there! The closing is the grand finale, the final bow, the part where the house is officially no longer yours and the keys go flying across the table (maybe literally).

What You’ll Do

- Sign a mountain of paperwork
- Hand over any keys, garage openers, or codes
- Pay off any remaining mortgage balance
- Pay seller closing costs (these may include agent commissions, taxes, and title transfer fees)

Once all the papers are signed and funds have changed hands, the title is transferred and you’re free. You can finally exhale.

Common Hiccups (And How to Deal)

Selling your home can feel like a rollercoaster—mostly thrilling but sometimes a little terrifying. Here are some common hurdles and how to handle them like a pro:

The Buyer Gets Cold Feet

Even with an offer accepted, it’s possible the buyer backs out. Most contracts have contingency windows, so if they walk away during this time, you might just have to relist.

What to do? Don’t panic. Talk to your agent. Sometimes the second-best offer is still on the table.

Last-Minute Repairs

Let’s say the buyer insists on some repairs last minute. You can either agree, push back, or offer a credit toward closing costs. Stay flexible but don’t let yourself get steamrolled, either.

Delayed Closing

Sometimes there’s a snag with the buyer’s paperwork or financing, and the closing date gets pushed. Annoying? Absolutely. But it happens. Just keep communication lines open, and don’t make rigid moving plans until you're sure the deal is closing.

Tips for Keeping Your Sanity Through It All

Let’s be real—selling a home isn’t exactly a vacation. It’s a major life event packed with emotional and financial weight. Here are a few golden nuggets to keep you grounded:

- Stay organized: Keep a folder (digital or physical) of all documents.
- Lean on your agent: A good real estate agent is worth their weight in gold. Let them manage the stress where possible.
- Don’t take negotiations personally: Buyers aren’t out to insult your home. They just want the best deal they can get too.
- Expect delays: If things go smoothly, great! But if timelines shift, just roll with it.
- Celebrate the wins: You’re closing a big chapter. Allow yourself to feel proud—and maybe toast with a glass of something bubbly.

So... What Really Happens After You Accept an Offer?

You’ll wait. You’ll sign things. You’ll maybe fix a leaky faucet or answer late-night texts from your agent. You’ll pack boxes and maybe cry a little. And then, one day, you’ll be handing over the keys to a new family or owner, and stepping into your next adventure.

It’s not just a transaction—it’s a goodbye to one part of your journey, and a hello to something new. Through all the inspections, appraisals, and paperwork, just remember: You did it. You sold your home.

And that's something to be incredibly proud of.