Your Offer to Buy a Home Was Accepted: What’s Next?

The house hunt seems to be reaching its end, a homeowner has finally accepted your offer!

But now what? Has the process ended, and is it time to plan the move?

While an offer acceptance is a positive step toward homeownership, certain hurdles must be cleared before completing the process. Some of the steps depend upon the offer’s details, such as contingencies and inspections. Others might relate to finalizing a mortgage, homeowners insurance, title search, and other tasks that must be resolved before the transaction is officially completed.

Buyers should always work with an experienced and highly regarded real estate agent who will help navigate the journey and smooth the way to a crisis-free closing.

Due Diligence Phase: Contingencies and Inspections

The most critical period of the home purchasing process, the due diligence period, is defined in the initial offer, during which specific actions must occur. The duration of this period may be one week up to one month to complete particular tasks needed to move forward.

Some of these steps may be contingencies, such as:

Professional Home Inspection

The buyer engages a professional, certified home inspector to evaluate the home in detail, point out deficiencies, and submit a report. When the inspector finds problems, the buyer may request that the seller repair these before the closing or appropriately reduce the selling price.

Loan Approval

Unless the buyer has made a cash offer, some proposals may be contingent on their ability to secure sufficient mortgage financing. Buyers are generally expected to obtain mortgage preapproval even before starting a serious search with their Realtor. However, a lender must finally certify its commitment for the amount, length of the loan, percentage rate, and any other terms.

Appraisal

With financed purchases, the lender will send an official appraiser to the property. This appraisal, paid for by the buyer, assures the lender that the property’s value will be sufficient to recover the principal in case of default.

Final Steps to Closing

Title Search

A critical behind-the-scenes activity involves the title search or investigation into the property history. This crucial step determines if there are any critical legal issues or restraints that could interfere with the sale.

Securing Property Insurance

With lender-financed transactions, proof of insurance is required before closing. Therefore, the buyer should explore all options and understand every aspect of homeowners insurance.

Setting the Closing Date

Once all contingencies are cleared or resolved, the buyer’s Realtor will arrange a time and location agreeable to all parties for the final closing with the title company or attorney handling the transaction.

Notifying Utilities

The seller may choose to cancel utilities as of the closing date. Or, the buyer can contact utility companies at least two weeks before the closing to set the date of transferring the utilities into their name.

Final Walkthrough

Within 48 hours of the scheduled closing, the buyers will have an opportunity to inspect the property to ensure its satisfactory condition. At this time, any agreed-upon repairs should be completed.

Closing

After signing numerous documents at the scheduled time and place for the closing, the buyer becomes the proud owner of a new home! Working with a proven and professional real estate agent will help everything go smoothly.

© 2023 xpertRealtyMarketing. Sign up to have real estate articles delivered to your website.