ESCROW INSPECTIONS & APPRAISALS
Offer Accepted—What's Next?
Congratulations! Once your offer is accepted, you're officially under contract. From here, there are several important steps before closing day. Don't worry—I'll guide you through each one and keep you informed throughout the process.
KEEPING EVERYTHING ON TRACK
Everything in Writing
Real estate involves a lot of important details. To protect everyone involved, all agreements, negotiations, and any changes to the contract should be documented in writing. I'll handle the paperwork and make sure you receive copies of everything along the way.
Staying on Schedule
Your contract includes deadlines for inspections, financing, and other key milestones. Meeting these deadlines helps ensure your transaction stays on track. I'll monitor each step, send reminders when needed, and make sure you always know what's coming next.
Title & Closing
A title company or real estate attorney will oversee your closing and act as a neutral third party throughout the transaction.
Their responsibilities include:
- Holding your earnest money in escrow
- Researching the property's ownership history
- Confirming the title is clear of liens or ownership issues
- Preparing the necessary closing documents
- Ensuring ownership is properly transferred on closing day
They'll also review any easements, deed restrictions, HOA requirements, or other recorded items that could affect the property.
Choosing How to Hold Title
When purchasing a home, you'll decide how ownership will be held. Depending on your situation, this can have legal, tax, and estate planning implications.
If you have questions about the best option for you, I recommend speaking with an attorney or tax professional before closing.
Home Inspections
Once your offer is accepted, it's time for inspections.
A licensed home inspector will evaluate the property's major systems and identify any concerns. Depending on the home, you may also choose additional inspections for:
- Roof
- HVAC
- Foundation
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Pool
- Pest or termite inspection
I'm happy to recommend trusted local inspectors.
After inspections, one of two things typically happens:
Everything looks good.
You move forward by removing inspection contingencies and continue toward closing.
Repairs or concerns are discovered.
We can negotiate repairs, request seller concessions, or discuss other options based on the inspection results.
Financing & Appraisal
If you're financing your purchase, your lender will continue processing your loan throughout the contract period.
To help avoid delays:
- Respond promptly to requests for documents.
- Avoid making major purchases or opening new credit accounts before closing.
- Stay in regular communication with your lender.
Your lender will also order an appraisal to confirm the home's value supports the loan amount. The appraiser evaluates the property using factors like size, condition, location, and comparable recent sales.
About two weeks before closing, we'll confirm everything is on schedule with your lender.
HOA or Association Approval
If the home is part of a homeowners association (HOA), there may be additional requirements before closing.
These may include:
- Completing an application
- Paying application fees
- Reviewing HOA rules and regulations
- Attending an interview (if required)
Some communities require formal approval before closing or move-in. I'll help make sure these requirements are completed on time.
Homeowners Insurance
If you're financing your home, your lender will require homeowners insurance before closing.
Shopping around can often save you hundreds of dollars each year.
Here are a few ways to lower your premium:
- Consider choosing a higher deductible.
- Ask about discounts for security systems, smoke detectors, storm-resistant features, or bundled policies.
- Make sure you're insuring the home itself—not the value of the land underneath it.
If you'd like, I can recommend several trusted local insurance providers.