What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing Day
Your offer was accepted — congratulations. Now a 30-45 day process begins that involves inspections, appraisals, underwriting, and a lot of paperwork. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Week 1: Inspections and Due Diligence
Schedule your home inspection within the first few days. If needed, schedule specialty inspections (radon, sewer scope, pest). Review the seller's disclosures. Your lender orders the appraisal. Deposit your earnest money into escrow.
Weeks 2-3: Appraisal and Underwriting
The appraiser visits the property and delivers their report. Your lender submits your file to underwriting — they verify everything: income, employment, assets, credit, and the appraisal. Respond to any requests from your lender immediately. This is where delays most commonly happen, usually because of missing documentation.
Week 4: Conditional Approval and Clear to Close
Underwriting issues a conditional approval with a list of remaining items needed (updated pay stubs, explanations for deposits, etc.). Once you satisfy all conditions, you receive "clear to close" — the lender is ready to fund. Your closing disclosure arrives at least 3 business days before closing.
Closing Day
Do your final walkthrough the day before or morning of closing. At closing, you sign a stack of documents, wire your funds, and receive the keys. The deed is recorded with the county. You are a homeowner.
Key Takeaways
- ✓The process typically takes 30-45 days from accepted offer to closing
- ✓Respond to lender requests immediately — documentation delays are the top cause of closing delays
- ✓Review your closing disclosure carefully when it arrives 3 days before closing
- ✓Do a final walkthrough before closing to verify the home's condition
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