What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted?

First 3 Days: Earnest Money and Option Period

The moment your offer is signed and returned, the timeline starts. Here is what happens right away:

• Deposit earnest money with the title company, typically within 3 business days of acceptance. This shows the seller you are serious.
• Your option period begins. In Texas, this is typically 7 to 10 days during which you have the unconditional right to terminate the contract for any reason.
• Schedule your home inspection immediately. Good inspectors book up fast and you want the report back before the option period ends.

This first window moves fast. Your agent should already have inspector recommendations ready so you can make that call the same day your offer is accepted.

Days 3-10: Inspection Period

The inspection period is where you learn exactly what you are buying. A thorough inspection protects you from hidden problems:

• Complete the home inspection. A licensed inspector examines the roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more.
• Review the inspection report with your agent. They will help you understand which issues are serious and which are cosmetic.
• Negotiate repairs or credits with the seller. You can ask the seller to fix specific items, give you a credit toward closing costs, or reduce the price.
• Decide whether to proceed, negotiate, or terminate during the option period. If you walk during this window, you get your earnest money back but forfeit the option fee.

Consider additional inspections if the home has unique features: a septic system, pool, well, or if it was built before 1978 (lead-based paint disclosure).

Days 7-14: Appraisal Ordered

Your lender needs to confirm the property is worth the purchase price. Here is how that works:

• Your lender orders the appraisal shortly after the contract is signed. You pay for the appraisal upfront, typically $500 to $700.
• The appraiser visits the property to measure, photograph, and compare it to recent sales (comps) in the area.
• The report typically takes 5 to 10 business days to come back, depending on appraiser workload.
• If the appraisal comes in low, you and your agent can negotiate with the seller. You can ask the seller to lower the price, meet in the middle, or you can make up the difference with a larger down payment.

An appraisal that comes in at or above the purchase price is the ideal outcome. If it comes in low, you have options -- but it does add pressure to the timeline.

Days 14-30: Loan Processing and Underwriting

While the appraisal is being completed, your loan is moving through processing and underwriting. This is the most document-intensive phase:

• Your lender processes your loan application by verifying income, assets, employment, and credit.
• The underwriter reviews all documents and makes sure everything meets the loan program's guidelines.
• You may be asked for additional documentation: updated pay stubs, bank statements, letter of explanation for a credit issue, gift letter for your down payment.
• Stay responsive. Delays in providing documents push back closing. The fastest closings happen when buyers reply to every request the same day.

Do not make any financial changes during this period. No new credit cards, no car loans, no large deposits outside of gift funds, no job changes. Any of these can slow or derail your approval.

Two things buyers ask me during this stretch: what a conditional approval actually means (it is the normal state of your file in the middle of underwriting), and what happens if financing falls through before closing. Both are worth understanding now, before they matter.

Days 25-35: Clear to Close

This is the final stretch. Once all conditions are satisfied, you will receive the clear to close -- the green light that your loan is funded and ready to go:

• All underwriting conditions are satisfied. The underwriter has signed off on your file.
• The Closing Disclosure is issued at least 3 business days before closing. Review it carefully for any changes in fees, terms, or the bottom line.
• Final title work is completed. The title company confirms there are no liens or ownership issues.
• Closing is scheduled. Your agent coordinates the date and time with the title company, seller, and lender.

When you get the clear to close, it is a big moment. But do not relax just yet -- you still need to pass the finish line.

Days 30-45: Closing Day

Closing day is when ownership officially transfers to you. Here is what to expect. Want the minute-by-minute? See what to expect on closing day for the full rundown.

• Sign documents at the title company. You will sign the final loan documents, the deed of trust, and various disclosures. Budget about an hour.
• Provide your closing funds. You will bring a cashier's check or wire your down payment and closing costs. The title company will give you wiring instructions in advance -- always verify them by phone to avoid wire fraud.
• Receive the keys. Once everything is signed and the funds are recorded, you get the keys to your new home.

Congratulations -- you are a homeowner. The entire process from accepted offer to closing typically takes 30 to 45 days, though it can be shorter or longer depending on your loan type, the seller's timeline, and how quickly documents move.