Having your offer accepted is one of the most exciting moments in the home buying process. After weeks of searching, you've found the home you love and the seller has said yes.

But what happens next?

Many buyers think the hard part is over, when in reality, several important steps still need to happen before you receive the keys. Understanding the process can help you feel confident as you move toward closing day.

Your Home Goes Under Contract

Once both you and the seller have signed the purchase agreement, the home officially goes under contract.

This means both parties have agreed to the terms of the sale, including the purchase price, deadlines, contingencies, and closing date.

From this point forward, there will be several important deadlines that everyone works together to meet.

Earnest Money Is Deposited

One of the first things you'll typically do is submit your earnest money deposit.

This deposit shows the seller you're committed to purchasing the home and is usually applied toward your down payment or closing costs at closing.

Your real estate agent will make sure you understand where and when your earnest money needs to be delivered.

Schedule the Home Inspection

Next, you'll usually schedule a professional home inspection.

The inspection helps identify any issues with the home's major systems and overall condition. Once you receive the inspection report, you'll have the opportunity to review the findings with your real estate agent.

Depending on the results, you may choose to move forward, negotiate repairs or credits, or in some situations, exercise your contractual rights if significant issues are discovered.

Your Lender Gets to Work

While the inspection is taking place, your lender continues processing your mortgage.

They may request updated financial documents, verify your employment, review your assets, and complete the underwriting process.

Responding quickly to any lender requests can help keep your transaction on schedule.

The Appraisal Is Ordered

If you're financing your purchase, your lender will typically order an appraisal.

The appraisal confirms the home's value for the lender.

If the home appraises at or above the purchase price, the transaction usually continues as planned. If it comes in lower, your real estate agent will help explain your options.

Final Loan Approval

Once underwriting is complete and all lender conditions have been satisfied, you'll receive final loan approval.

At this point, you're getting very close to becoming a homeowner.

Your lender will also provide your Closing Disclosure, which outlines your final loan terms and the amount you'll need to bring to closing.

Final Walk Through

Shortly before closing, you'll complete a final walk through of the property.

This is your opportunity to verify that agreed upon repairs have been completed if applicable and that the home is in substantially the same condition as when you made your offer.

It's not another inspection, but rather a final check before ownership transfers.

Closing Day

Closing day is when everything becomes official.

You'll sign your loan documents, pay any remaining funds needed to close, and complete the final paperwork required to transfer ownership.

Once everything has been recorded and funded, you'll receive the keys to your new home.

Congratulations, you're officially a homeowner!

Trust the Process

The time between having your offer accepted and closing can feel busy, but every step is designed to protect both the buyer and the seller.

Having an experienced real estate professional guiding you through inspections, negotiations, deadlines, financing, and closing helps ensure everything stays on track.

If you're thinking about buying a home in Northern Utah or anywhere along the Wasatch Front, we'd love to help you navigate every step of the journey from your first showing to the day you get the keys.