08/16/2026
🏡 SELLER ROADMAP: YOU ACCEPTED AN OFFER—NOW WHAT?
Accepting an offer is an exciting milestone, but the sale is not complete yet. The purchase agreement begins a period of coordinated work between the seller, buyer, real estate agents, lender, inspectors, appraiser, title professionals, and others involved in the transaction.
Every sale is different, and several steps may overlap or occur in a different order. Depending on the purchase agreement and circumstances, the process may include:
🔹 PURCHASE AGREEMENT & DEADLINES
The signed purchase agreement establishes the rights and responsibilities of the parties. It may include deadlines involving earnest money, inspections, financing, appraisal, title review, repairs, the sale of another property, closing, possession, or other contingencies.
Your listing agent can help you monitor the contract dates and coordinate communication throughout the transaction.
🔹 EARNEST MONEY
If the agreement requires earnest money, its delivery and handling should occur according to the contract and applicable requirements.
Earnest money does not automatically become the seller’s money when an offer is accepted. What happens to it if the transaction does not close depends on the purchase agreement, applicable law, and circumstances.
🔹 INSPECTION & DUE DILIGENCE
If the buyer has inspection or due-diligence rights, qualified professionals may evaluate the property within the agreed timeframe.
Depending on the results and contract terms, the buyer may accept the property, request additional evaluations, propose changes, exercise a contractual option, or take another action permitted by the agreement. Sellers should review any request with their agent before responding.
🔹 FINANCING & APPRAISAL
If the purchase is financed, the buyer continues through the lender’s approval process. The lender may order an appraisal and require property-related information, documentation, evaluations, or repairs.
An accepted offer and buyer preapproval do not guarantee final loan approval. If financing or appraisal concerns arise, the parties’ options depend on the purchase agreement, lender requirements, and circumstances.
🔹 TITLE WORK
The title company, attorney, or other closing professionals review available title records and prepare for ownership to transfer.
The seller may be asked to provide information or address matters involving ownership, liens, judgments, mortgages, legal descriptions, probate, marital interests, assessments, or other title-related concerns. Some matters may require assistance from a legal or title professional.
🔹 AGREED REPAIRS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS
If the seller agrees in writing to complete repairs, provide documentation, remove specific items, leave included personal property, or satisfy another condition, those obligations should be completed according to the agreement.
Keep receipts, invoices, permits, warranties, and other relevant documentation when appropriate.
🔹 MAINTAINING THE PROPERTY
Continue caring for the property through closing and promptly tell your agent about significant changes, damage, system failures, insurance claims, or other issues that arise.
Avoid removing fixtures, making substantial alterations, canceling essential services, or assuming an item can be taken simply because it was not separately discussed. The purchase agreement and listing documents govern what is included and the condition expected at closing.
🔹 MOVING & POSSESSION
Plan the move around the possession terms in the purchase agreement—not simply the anticipated closing date.
Unless the parties agree otherwise in writing, complete the required removal of personal property and leave the property in the condition required by the agreement. Keys, access devices, garage-door openers, codes, documents, and other agreed items should be prepared for transfer.
🔹 FINAL WALK-THROUGH
When provided for in the transaction, the buyer may view the property shortly before closing to confirm its condition and completion of agreed obligations.
A concern discovered during the walk-through does not automatically cancel the transaction, but it may require prompt communication and resolution according to the agreement and circumstances.
🔹 CLOSING
At closing, the required documents are signed and the transaction funds are handled according to the closing instructions and applicable requirements.
Ownership, proceeds, possession, keys, and access transfer according to the transaction documents. Closing does not automatically mean the seller must provide immediate possession unless that is what the parties agreed.
Accepting an offer is a major step. Careful communication, attention to contractual obligations, and timely coordination help move the sale toward closing.
Buying… Selling… Thinking?… Call Albers!
Albers Realty
This post provides general information only. Transaction steps, timing, rights, obligations, contingencies, disclosures, and available remedies vary according to the purchase agreement, property, financing, applicable law, and individual circumstances. Albers Realty provides real estate brokerage services and is not a lender, appraiser, property inspector, engineer, title company, insurance provider, tax advisor, or law firm. Sellers should rely on their written agreements and consult appropriately qualified professionals regarding matters outside the scope of real estate brokerage services. An accepted offer does not guarantee closing.
