You accepted an offer… now what?
This is where a lot of sellers feel both excited and unsure. The home is technically under contract, but there are still several steps before closing, and this is where deals can either stay together or fall apart.
I’m Dawn Forkenbrock, a local Realtor serving Gilbert and the East Valley, and I’m going to walk you through exactly what happens after you accept an offer so you know what to expect every step of the way.
You’re Officially Under Contract
Once you sign the contract, your home is considered “under contract” or “pending.”
At this point:
- The buyer submits their earnest money deposit (typically around 1 percent of the purchase price)
- The contract timelines begin
- The home is taken off the market or marked accordingly in MLS
From here, everything runs on deadlines, so staying organized and proactive is key.
The Inspection Period
This is usually the first major milestone.
The buyer will schedule a home inspection, typically within the first 7 to 10 days.
During this time:
- The buyer evaluates the condition of the home
- They may bring in additional inspectors (roof, HVAC, pool, etc.)
- You’ll continue to keep utilities on and the home accessible
After inspections, the buyer will either:
- Accept the home as-is
- Ask for repairs or a credit
- In some cases, cancel the contract
Negotiations are very common here, especially in today’s market where buyers often expect some level of concession.
The Appraisal
If the buyer is financing the home, their lender will order an appraisal.
The appraiser’s job is to determine if the home’s value supports the purchase price.
There are three possible outcomes:
- The home appraises at value
- The home appraises above value
- The home appraises below value
If it comes in low, we may need to renegotiate the price, adjust terms, or challenge the appraisal.
The Buyer’s Loan Process
While inspections and appraisal are happening, the buyer’s lender is working behind the scenes.
This includes:
- Verifying income, assets, and credit
- Reviewing the appraisal
- Finalizing loan approval
Even if a buyer is pre-approved, this is still a critical stage. Strong communication with the lender helps keep everything on track.
Title and Escrow
The title company plays a big role during this time.
They will:
- Open escrow
- Run a title search to ensure there are no issues with ownership
- Prepare closing documents
You may be asked to provide information such as:
- Payoff details for your current mortgage
- HOA information
- Identification and vesting details
Negotiations and Ongoing Communication
Between acceptance and closing, there are often multiple touchpoints:
- Inspection responses
- Appraisal outcomes
- Buyer requests
- Timeline adjustments
This is why having strong representation matters. Small details can impact the entire transaction.
Final Walkthrough
Right before closing, the buyer will do a final walkthrough.
This is to confirm:
- The home is in the same condition as when they wrote the offer
- Any agreed-upon repairs have been completed
- Nothing has changed or been removed improperly
Closing Day
Once everything is complete, you’ll move to closing.
At closing:
- You’ll sign final documents (often a day or two prior)
- The buyer’s loan funds
- The sale records with the county
- You receive your proceeds
And just like that, your home is officially sold.
Final Thoughts
Accepting an offer is a big milestone, but it’s not the finish line. The transaction still needs to successfully move through inspections, appraisal, financing, and closing.
The good news is, when you understand the process and have the right strategy in place, it can feel smooth, organized, and even enjoyable.
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Gilbert or want to better understand what to expect before you list, I’m always here to help you prepare so there are no surprises along the way.
👉 I’ve included a helpful video below that goes into this topic further: What Happens After an Offer is Accepted on a House?
