Once your offer is accepted, it’s exciting to imagine picking up the keys—but the real work begins behind the scenes. This period is all about moving carefully through timelines, inspections, loan processes, and final details that make your home purchase or sale official.

Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens next for both buyers and sellers.

🛍 For Buyers: Your Next Steps

• Open Escrow & Deposit Earnest Money
  Once your offer is accepted, escrow is officially opened and your earnest money deposit (typically 1–3% of the purchase price) is due within 3 business days of acceptance.
• Schedule Inspections
  You’ll schedule property inspections to fully understand the home’s condition. This is your chance to make sure there are no surprises.
• Review Seller Disclosures
  Sellers will provide required disclosures about the property’s history, condition, and any known issues.
• Order Loan & Appraisal
  If financing is part of your contract, your lender will be looped in right away to begin the loan process and order the appraisal.
• Remove Contingencies
  Once you’re satisfied with inspections and financing, you’ll remove contingencies—an important milestone that moves you closer to closing.
• Final Walkthrough
  Just before closing, you’ll do a final walkthrough to ensure the property is in the same condition as when you made your offer and to verify that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
• Closing Day
  Buyers funds are typically wired to escrow a few days before the scheduled close, and the lender can fund their portion right up to the day of closing. Once all funds received, the deed is recorded with the county, and the keys are officially yours. 🏡✨

🏠 For Sellers: Your Next Steps

• Acceptance
  Once an offer is accepted, the timeline officially starts. Buyers have 3 business days to deposit their earnest money into escrow.
• Provide Required Disclosures
  Sellers will need to provide all legally required property disclosures for the buyer’s review.
• Schedule & Cooperate with Inspections and Appraisal
  Buyers will schedule their inspections and, if applicable, the lender’s appraisal. Sellers should ensure access and accommodate these appointments.
• Negotiate Repairs (If Needed)
  Based on inspection findings, buyers may request repairs or credits, and sellers can review and respond.
• Work Toward Contingency Removal
  Once the buyer removes contingencies, the transaction is on a clear path to closing.
• Prepare to Move
  Start coordinating movers, packing up, and finalizing your move-out plans.
• Closing & Key Handoff
  Once the buyer’s funds are received and the deed is recorded, the property officially transfers to the buyer, and it’s time to hand over the keys. 🎉

✨ Final Thoughts

Escrow doesn’t have to be stressful—it’s simply a structured process with clear steps for both sides. With the right guidance, everything flows smoothly from offer acceptance to closing day.

If you’re buying or selling in North County San Diego, we’d love to guide you through a seamless and confident real estate experience.

📲 Let’s connect today to start your journey home.