From Offer to Close: A Timeline of the Home Buying Process 📅

You’ve done it! Your offer on a home has been accepted, and you're officially under contract. This is an exciting moment, but it's also when the real work begins. The period from offer to close can feel like a blur of inspections, paperwork, and deadlines. Understanding this timeline is crucial to a smooth and stress-free experience. This guide will walk you through the key milestones and what to expect during this final stretch of your home buying process. The Levi Group is committed to making this journey as transparent and easy as possible for our clients.

Phase 1: Inspection and Negotiation (Days 1–10) 📝

The first 7–10 days after your offer is accepted are usually dedicated to the home inspection. This is your opportunity to have a professional examine the property for any potential issues, from the roof down to the foundation. This crucial step reveals problems that aren't visible to the untrained eye. After the inspection, you may need to negotiate with the seller on repairs or credits based on the inspector’s findings. An experienced agent is vital here to ensure your interests are protected and you negotiate effectively.

Phase 2: Financing and Appraisal (Days 10–25) 💰

The next major step in the home buying process timeline is the appraisal. Your lender will order this to ensure the property's value is in line with the purchase price. The appraisal is a critical step for securing your loan, as lenders won't typically finance more than the home is appraised for. If the appraisal comes in low, your agent will help you navigate the necessary negotiations with the seller. It’s always a good idea to have a clear understanding of your financial situation before you get to this point. You can use an Affordability Calculator to get a clear picture of what you can comfortably afford before you even make an offer.

Phase 3: Final Underwriting and Closing (Days 25–45) 🔑

As you near the end of the timeline, your lender will work on finalizing your loan, a process called underwriting. This involves a lot of paperwork and information gathering, so it's important to be responsive and provide documentation quickly.

A few days before closing, you’ll have a final walkthrough of the home to ensure it is in the condition agreed upon in the contract and that any negotiated repairs have been completed.

Finally, you will arrive at the closing table. This is where you sign the last of the paperwork—transferring funds, finalizing the mortgage, and transferring the title. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides a useful guide on the final steps of the home buying process and what to expect at the closing table. Once the ink is dry, you receive the keys to your new home!

Your Expert Partner in the Process 🤝

Navigating the complex period from offer to close requires an expert partner. Jason Levi and the team at The Levi Group are with you every step of the way, managing the timeline, coordinating with lenders, inspectors, and title companies, and ensuring all deadlines are met. We take the guesswork out of the home buying process, allowing you to focus on the excitement of moving into your new home.

Ready to find your dream home and navigate the path to closing? Visit our website to get started today! 🏡