What Happens After You Accept an Offer?
- Tracy Tang
- 45 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A Seller’s Guide to Escrow, Contingencies & a Smooth Closing 🏡✨**
Accepting an offer is exciting — but it’s also the beginning of the real process. Many sellers think the hard part is over, but from escrow to inspections to closing, there are still several important steps where deals can go sideways if not handled properly.
This guide breaks it down clearly so you know what to expect, what to prepare for, and how to avoid last-minute deal collapses.
1️⃣ Welcome to Escrow: What It Actually Means 🔑
Once you accept an offer, the file opens in escrow, a neutral third party that manages the transaction.
Escrow will:
Collect the buyer’s earnest money deposit (EMD)
Coordinate documents and signatures
Track contingency deadlines
Manage the final closing process
💡 Think of escrow as the “traffic controller” of your home sale.
2️⃣ Buyer Deposits the Earnest Money 💵
Timeline: Typically, within 3 business days of acceptance. In the Bay Area, however, 1 business day after acceptance is also very common.
This deposit shows the buyer is serious. If they walk away outside of their contingency protections, the seller may be entitled to keep it — but rules vary, and escrow, legal, or real estate professionals should be consulted for specifics.
3️⃣ Contingency Period Begins: The Critical Window ⏳
Contingencies protect the buyer and give them time to verify the home. Common ones include:
✔ Inspection Contingency
Buyers investigate the property and may:
Accept the findings
Request repairs
Request credits
Cancel within contingency timelines
📌 Seller Tip: Respond professionally and factually. Emotional reactions slow deals down.
✔ Appraisal Contingency
If the buyer is using a loan, the lender orders an appraisal. If the appraisal comes in low, buyers may:
Pay the difference
Re-negotiate
Cancel under contingency
✔ Loan Contingency
Buyers must secure full loan approval. Underwriters review:
Income
Credit
Job verification
Debt-to-income ratios
A strong pre-approval helps, but it’s not a final guarantee.
4️⃣ How to Avoid Deal Collapses During Contingencies 🧯
Here’s where most sales fail — and where experienced listing agents like Tracy Tang make a huge difference.
🛑 Common Reasons Deals Fall Apart
Unexpected inspection findings
Disagreements over repairs or credits
Low appraisal
Buyer’s financing issues
Poor communication or slow responses
🟢 How to Protect Your Sale
Provide full disclosure upfront
Prepare inspection reports early whenever possible
Respond quickly to requests
Keep the home accessible for inspectors & appraisers
Work closely with your agent to manage negotiations
Professionals can help evaluate repair requests and ensure actions comply with local regulations, but sellers should consult appropriate licensed experts for legal or financial implications.
5️⃣ Contingency Removal: The Turning Point ✍️
Once contingencies are removed, the buyer becomes “locked in” to the purchase unless rare contractual exceptions apply.
This is when sellers can feel more secure about closing.
6️⃣ Final Steps Before Closing 🏁
✔ Final Walk-Through
Buyers confirm:
The home’s condition is similar to offer day
Agreed-upon repairs are completed
No new damage has occurred
It’s not another inspection — just verification.
✔ Loan Funding & Escrow Documents
Escrow prepares the final settlement documents and coordinates signatures.
Buyers and sellers sign separately; this process is guided by escrow officers, and legal questions should always be directed to licensed professionals.
7️⃣ Closing Day: You’re Officially Sold 🎉
Once funds are transferred and the county records the deed, you receive confirmation:
🏡 Your home is officially sold.
In many Bay Area counties, recording happens on the same day as funding — but this varies and depends on escrow timelines and county processing.
Pro Tips to Keep Your Sale on Track 💡
1. Stay ahead of deadlines
Contingency timelines are everything. Missing one can create delays or risk losing the buyer.
2. Maintain a clean, accessible home
Appraisers and inspectors need easy access.
3. Keep communication open
Fast responses = smoother escrow.
4. Rely on professionals
Your agent, escrow, and other licensed experts can help navigate:
Required disclosures
Negotiation strategy
Repairs and credits
Compliance with state and federal regulations
5. Expect the unexpected
Even strong offers can hit bumps — what matters is how quickly issues are addressed.
Final Thoughts: Offer Accepted Is Just the Beginning 🔍
Selling your home is a major milestone, and the period after accepting an offer is where strategy matters most. With proactive communication, proper preparation, and guidance from experienced professionals, you can minimize risk and move confidently toward closing.
✨ Thinking about selling your Bay Area home? Let’s create a tailored plan — from preparation and staging to global marketing — designed to make your home stand out and sell with confidence.