seller Information

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You’ve accepted an offer — congratulations! 🎉

That’s one of the biggest (and best) moments in the selling process. But before you pop the champagne, there are still a few important steps to take before you can officially call it SOLD.

The time between accepting an offer and closing can feel like a whirlwind but knowing what to expect — and having the right team to guide you — makes all the difference.

Here’s what happens next and how to keep everything running smoothly from contract to closing day.

Once everyone signs the purchase agreement, your home moves to “pending” or “under contract” status.

Your agent will send the signed contract to the title company and buyer’s lender, set up key deadlines, and help you track what’s due when — things like the inspection, appraisal, and final closing documents.

This is the stage where good communication matters most.

You’ll have several moving parts happening at once (lender, title, inspectors, appraisers), and your agent will help coordinate them all so nothing slips through the cracks.

💬 Pro Tip: Keep your phone handy for emails and messages from your agent — quick responses help avoid delays later.

Most buyers will schedule a home inspection within the first week after the contract is signed.
This is their opportunity to learn more about the home’s condition — not to “fail” or “pass” it, but to understand what they’re buying.

The inspector will check things like:

• Roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems
   
• HVAC, doors, and windows
   
• Attic, crawlspace, and exterior condition
   

Afterward, the buyer may accept the home as-is, request certain repairs, or ask for a credit toward closing costs.

💡 Remember: Every inspection report looks long! Many items are minor or common for the home’s age. Your agent will help you sort through what’s truly important and respond strategically.

If the buyer is using a mortgage, the lender will order an appraisal to make sure the home’s value supports the loan amount.

The appraiser reviews recent comparable sales (“comps”) and evaluates your home’s size, location, and condition to determine a fair market value.

If the value matches or exceeds the agreed price — perfect! If it comes in low, don’t panic — there are options. Your agent can help with:

• Providing better comps to challenge the appraisal
   
• Renegotiating terms
   
• Helping the buyer bring additional funds to close the gap
   

📊 Pro Tip: A solid pricing strategy from the start helps reduce the risk of an appraisal hiccup down the road.

Behind the scenes, the title company is busy making sure your home’s title is clear — meaning no unpaid liens, boundary disputes, or ownership questions.

At the same time, the buyer’s lender is finishing the loan approval process, reviewing the appraisal, verifying income, and ensuring all conditions are met.

Once both of those steps are complete, you’ll hear the best phrase in real estate: “Clear to Close.”

🧰 If you agreed to make any repairs, this is the time to wrap them up and send receipts to your agent or title company for final verification.

This is it — the finish line!

At closing, you’ll review and sign the final documents, turn over the keys, and receive your sale proceeds. Depending on your state, you may sign in person or electronically.

Once the documents are recorded with the county, your home officially transfers to the buyer — and your chapter as the seller is complete.

Time to celebrate — you did it! 🎉

The period after accepting an offer can feel like a maze of details, deadlines, and paperwork — but you’re not navigating it alone.

Your agent’s job is to guide you through each step, keep you informed, and make sure everything stays on track. With the right preparation (and a steady hand guiding the process), you can move from offer to closing with confidence and peace of mind.