You Accepted the Offer.
The champagne comes out.
You call your family.
You finally breathe.
After weeks—or maybe months—of:
Preparing.
Cleaning.
Staging.
Showing.
Negotiating.
Waiting.
you finally hear:
"We're officially in contract."
It feels like the finish line.
It isn't.
It's actually:
The beginning of the final stage.
Because now you have to get from:
Accepted Offer
to:
Closed Sale.
And there can be a surprising amount of ground between those two things.
The Contract Is Signed. Now What?
Once the purchase agreement is accepted and becomes binding, the transaction moves into the escrow process.
California's Department of Real Estate describes escrow as a neutral process designed to make sure the agreed-upon conditions are satisfied before funds and documents are transferred.
Think of escrow as the:
Control center of the transaction.
It is where a lot of the moving pieces eventually come together.
Step #1: Escrow Is Opened
The first major step is getting escrow underway.
The escrow holder is a neutral third party responsible for handling funds, documents and other closing requirements according to the transaction instructions.
The DRE explains that escrow officers ensure the contractual conditions have been met and prepare the final closing statement showing the applicable credits and debits.
For the seller, that means:
A lot of the paperwork starts moving.
What Does Escrow Actually Do?
Think of escrow as the place where:
Money is held.
Documents are processed.
Instructions are followed.
Title issues are addressed.
Closing figures are prepared.
The deed is coordinated for recording.
The escrow officer isn't your Realtor.
And they aren't your attorney.
They're performing a specific role in the transaction.
Step #2: Your Realtor Reviews the Contract With You
This is where your agent should help you understand:
What you agreed to.
What deadlines are coming.
What you're responsible for.
What the buyer is responsible for.
What could happen next.
This is extremely important.
California DRE materials emphasize thoroughly reviewing contracts and seeking appropriate professional advice if you don't understand something.
Don't Put the Contract in a Drawer
One of the biggest mistakes sellers can make is thinking:
"It's in escrow. My Realtor will handle everything."
Your Realtor should absolutely be coordinating the transaction.
But you should still understand:
Your obligations.
Your deadlines.
Your disclosures.
Your responsibilities.
Your decisions.
Step #3: Deliver Outstanding Disclosures
If there are disclosures that haven't yet been delivered, this is the time to make sure they are completed appropriately.
That could include information related to:
Property condition.
Known defects.
Repairs.
Permits.
Environmental conditions.
HOA matters.
Natural hazards.
Other applicable disclosures.
The exact disclosures required depend on the property and circumstances.
Don't Think:
"We already have a buyer, so disclosures don't matter anymore."
They still matter.
In fact:
The closer you get to closing, the more important accuracy becomes.
What If You Remember Something After Accepting the Offer?
This happens.
Maybe you suddenly remember:
"Oh, I forgot to mention that plumbing repair from five years ago."
Don't ignore it.
Tell your Realtor.
Then determine the appropriate way to address the information.
Don't try to decide on your own that:
"It's probably not important."
New Information Should Be Addressed
The California DRE emphasizes the importance of disclosures and providing information necessary for informed decisions.
If something material changes or comes to your attention:
Speak up.
It's much better to address an issue early than have it become a closing problem later.
Step #4: The Buyer Begins Due Diligence
Depending on the contract, the buyer may begin or continue:
Inspections.
Investigations.
Appraisal.
Loan approval.
Insurance review.
Permit research.
Property investigations.
HOA review.
This is one of the busiest parts of the transaction.
This Is Where Sellers Often Get Nervous
You thought:
"We accepted an offer."
Then suddenly:
"The buyer wants an inspection."
Then:
"The buyer wants another contractor."
Then:
"The buyer has questions about the roof."
Then:
"The buyer wants documents."
You start thinking:
"What's going on?"
This is normal.
Due diligence is part of the transaction.
Step #5: The Home Inspection
The buyer may conduct a home inspection depending on the contract.
They may look at:
Roof.
Foundation.
Electrical.
Plumbing.
HVAC.
Windows.
Drainage.
Appliances.
Structural components.
and many other aspects of the property.
The DRE recommends professional inspections of major systems and explains that inspection findings can become part of negotiations.
The Inspection Report Can Look Terrifying
This is one of the biggest psychological challenges for sellers.
A 40-page inspection report arrives.
It contains:
Dozens of observations.
Suddenly you're thinking:
"My house is falling apart!"
Not necessarily.
Home inspection reports commonly identify:
Maintenance items.
Minor defects.
Safety concerns.
Recommendations.
Items needing further evaluation.
Not every line item represents a major defect.
Don't Panic Over the Report
Read it with perspective.
The important question isn't:
"How many pages is the report?"
It's:
"Which findings actually matter to the transaction?"
Your Realtor can help you understand the negotiation context.
Qualified contractors and inspectors can address technical questions.
Attorneys can address legal questions.
Step #6: The Buyer May Ask for Repairs
This is where things can become interesting.
The buyer may say:
"We found several issues."
And then ask for:
Repairs.
Credits.
Price reduction.
Other concessions.
The California DRE explains that inspection findings can lead to repair negotiations between buyer and seller.
Does the Seller Have to Say Yes?
Not automatically.
Whether a seller must make a repair or provide a credit depends on:
The contract.
Applicable law.
What was negotiated.
The specific circumstances.
This is why you should not assume:
"The buyer asked, so I have to do it."
And the Buyer Doesn't Have to Accept Everything Either
This is where negotiation happens.
The seller may say:
"We'll fix this."
But:
"We're not doing that."
Or:
"We'll offer a credit instead."
Or:
"We'll reduce the price."
Or:
"We're selling as-is."
Every transaction is different.
This Is Where Your Negotiator Matters
If the buyer asks for:
$35,000
after inspection, the answer isn't automatically:
Yes.
And it isn't automatically:
No.
The question is:
"What is the best way to keep the transaction together while protecting the seller's interests?"
That's negotiation.
Step #7: The Appraisal
If the buyer is financing the purchase, the lender may require an appraisal.
The appraiser evaluates the property and provides an opinion of value for the lender's purposes.
The DRE explains that a licensed appraiser evaluates the home's value using comparable properties.
What If the Appraisal Comes in at Value?
Great.
The transaction continues.
What If the Appraisal Comes in Higher?
Also great.
The buyer may feel even better about the purchase.
But from the seller's perspective:
You don't get a bonus check.
You already have the contract price.
What If the Appraisal Comes in Low?
This is where things get complicated.
Imagine:
Contract price: $1,750,000
Appraisal:
$1,700,000
There's a:
$50,000 gap.
Now the parties may need to determine what happens under the contract and financing structure.
Possibilities can include:
Buyer bringing additional cash.
Price renegotiation.
Other negotiated solutions.
Contractual rights being exercised.
The answer depends on the actual agreement.
This Is Why Appraisal Risk Matters
And it's another reason Blog #61 and #62 emphasized:
Don't evaluate an offer based solely on price.
A high financed offer can create different risks from a strong cash offer.
Step #8: The Buyer's Loan Moves Toward Approval
If the buyer is financing the purchase, the lender continues its process.
That can include:
Income verification.
Asset verification.
Credit review.
Property appraisal.
Underwriting.
Loan documentation.
Final approval.
The seller isn't usually doing all of this work.
But your Realtor should be monitoring the transaction and communicating with the buyer's side.
Why Sellers Should Care About the Buyer's Loan
Because:
Your sale depends on it.
If the buyer can't obtain the required financing, the transaction can be affected depending on the contract and contingency status.
That's why strong communication between:
Buyer.
Lender.
Buyer agent.
Seller agent.
Escrow.
is so important.
Step #9: Title Is Reviewed
Another important piece of the transaction is title.
The title process identifies:
Ownership history.
Liens.
Encumbrances.
Other matters affecting title.
The DRE explains that title companies conduct title searches and that title insurance is designed to protect against covered title defects.
What If There Is an Old Lien?
This can happen.
Maybe:
A contractor lien.
Old loan.
Tax issue.
Judgment.
Other recorded matter.
Don't panic.
Many title issues can be resolved.
But the earlier they are discovered:
The better.
Sellers Shouldn't Wait Until Closing
If you know there may be:
A lien.
A title issue.
An old judgment.
A trust issue.
An estate issue.
tell your Realtor and escrow professional early.
Problems are much easier to solve when you have time.
Step #10: HOA Documents May Be Reviewed
If you're selling a property with an HOA, the buyer may receive and review:
CC&Rs.
Bylaws.
Rules.
Financial information.
Meeting information.
Assessments.
Insurance information.
Other HOA documents.
This can be a major issue in some East Bay transactions.
HOA Problems Can Delay a Sale
A transaction can become complicated if:
Documents are missing.
There is a pending assessment.
Insurance is problematic.
There are structural concerns.
The buyer's lender has concerns.
The HOA is slow to provide documents.
That's why HOA preparation should happen before the offer whenever possible.
Step #11: The Buyer Reviews Disclosures
The buyer may receive:
Seller disclosures.
Inspection reports.
Natural hazard information.
HOA documents.
Title documents.
Other property information.
This is another reason why accurate disclosures matter.
Step #12: Contingencies Are Monitored
Every transaction has deadlines.
The DRE's current reference material notes that California purchase contracts establish time periods for items such as deposits, financing, inspections and contingency removals, and emphasizes that contractual deadlines matter.
This means your transaction should have:
A calendar.
The Escrow Calendar
Your Realtor should know:
When the deposit is due.
When disclosures are due.
When inspections are occurring.
When contingencies are due.
When appraisal is expected.
When loan approval is expected.
When closing is scheduled.
When possession occurs.
You don't want:
"I think we're supposed to close next week."
You want:
A plan.
Step #13: Contingencies Are Removed
When applicable, buyers may remove contingencies according to the contract and required documentation.
The DRE's reference material notes that contingency removals are generally documented in writing under standard California transaction procedures.
This is a major milestone.
Why?
Because:
Risk starts to decline.
But Don't Assume "Contingencies Removed" Means "Guaranteed"
The transaction is getting stronger.
But until closing:
Things can still happen.
That's why the transaction should continue to be managed carefully.
Step #14: Repairs Are Completed—If Agreed
If the seller agreed to make repairs:
Do them properly.
Don't wait until:
The day before closing.
Give yourself time.
Keep the Receipts
If you hired:
A roofer.
Plumber.
Electrician.
HVAC company.
Contractor.
keep:
Invoices.
Receipts.
Permits.
Warranties.
Documentation.
Your escrow, buyer or agent may need evidence that agreed work was completed.
Don't Do a $20,000 Repair With a $20 Receipt
If you're making a substantial repair:
Document it.
It protects everyone.
Step #15: The Buyer May Reinspect
If you've agreed to repairs, the buyer may want to verify completion depending on the agreement.
This is reasonable.
If you agreed to:
"Repair the leaking faucet."
don't replace:
"The entire kitchen."
You need to perform what was agreed.
Step #16: The Final Walkthrough
Now we're getting close.
The buyer typically performs a final walkthrough before closing.
The purpose is generally to verify the property's condition and that agreed items have been addressed, consistent with the contract.
Sellers Often Underestimate the Final Walkthrough
The buyer is looking for:
Did the house remain substantially as expected?
Were agreed repairs completed?
Are fixtures still there?
Did the seller remove everything they were supposed to remove?
Is the property reasonably ready for possession?
This is not the time to surprise the buyer.
Don't Remove Things You Agreed to Leave
This sounds obvious.
But imagine:
The seller takes:
The chandelier.
The buyer thought it was included.
Now there's a problem.
If something is included in the transaction:
Leave it.
Don't Swap Appliances Without Discussing It
If the refrigerator was included:
don't replace it with:
A $200 garage refrigerator
because you wanted to take the nice one.
The contract matters.
Step #17: The Seller Signs Closing Documents
As closing approaches, escrow coordinates the documents that need to be signed.
The seller may need to execute documents related to:
Deed.
Closing statement.
Escrow instructions.
Payoff information.
Other transaction documents.
The exact documents vary by transaction.
Read Before You Sign
This is important.
Don't assume:
"It's just paperwork."
The DRE advises consumers to read and understand documents before signing and seek clarification or professional advice when necessary.
Step #18: Your Mortgage Gets Paid Off
If you have a mortgage:
The existing loan generally needs to be paid off through escrow at closing.
This is why escrow needs accurate:
Loan payoff information.
If you have multiple loans:
All of them need to be addressed.
What About a HELOC?
If you have a:
Home equity line of credit
don't assume that simply paying the balance to zero automatically resolves everything.
Your escrow/title team should know about it and coordinate the appropriate payoff and release process.
What About Solar?
This can be a big one in California.
If your solar system is:
Owned.
Financed.
Leased.
or otherwise subject to an agreement,
the transaction may need specific documentation and coordination.
This is why solar should be disclosed and addressed early.
What About Property Taxes?
Escrow generally calculates applicable prorations and closing adjustments.
The final statement can include:
Property taxes.
HOA dues.
Utilities.
Credits.
Debits.
Loan payoff.
Other transaction-specific items.
The exact calculation depends on the transaction.
Step #19: The Closing Statement Is Prepared
The escrow company prepares the final accounting.
This is where you see:
Sale price.
Payoffs.
Taxes.
Escrow fees.
Title charges.
Credits.
Commissions or other agreed compensation.
Other debits and credits.
The DRE notes that escrow prepares the final closing statement showing credits and debits associated with the transaction.
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute to Review It
Ask:
"When will I see my estimated closing statement?"
You want time to review it.
If something looks wrong:
Ask immediately.
Step #20: The Deed Is Recorded
This is the moment the transaction becomes official through the recording process.
The escrow/title process coordinates the documents and funds necessary for closing.
Once the applicable closing conditions are satisfied:
The sale closes.
Step #21: You Get Paid
After closing and according to the escrow instructions:
Net proceeds are disbursed.
This is the moment you've been waiting for.
The house is sold.
The transaction is complete.
And you can finally say:
"It's done."
But There Is One More Important Thing
Don't forget:
Your tax situation.
Selling a home can have tax implications.
Capital gains.
Basis.
Exclusions.
Investment property rules.
Depreciation.
1031 exchange considerations.
Trust ownership.
Estate issues.
These can become complicated quickly.
Your Realtor isn't your tax advisor.
If you have tax questions:
Talk to your CPA or qualified tax professional.
What If You Are Buying Another Home?
This is where the sale becomes part of a bigger plan.
Maybe you're selling your:
$1.7M East Bay home
and buying:
$2.1M.
Now the timing of your sale matters.
You need to coordinate:
Sale closing.
Purchase closing.
Moving.
Financing.
Possession.
This is where an experienced Realtor can help you think several steps ahead.
What If Your Sale and Purchase Are Back-to-Back?
This can be stressful.
Imagine:
Sell Monday.
Buy Tuesday.
Where do you live?
Where does your furniture go?
What happens if one transaction is delayed?
These are questions you should solve:
Before the deadlines arrive.
What If the Buyer Wants Possession Immediately?
Then you need to understand:
When do you have to vacate?
When does the buyer get possession?
Are there post-closing occupancy arrangements?
Are there rent-back terms?
Don't assume:
"Close = move out immediately."
The actual contract controls.
What If You Need a Rent-Back?
This should be negotiated and documented appropriately.
Don't make informal side agreements like:
"We'll just stay for two weeks."
If possession is changing after closing:
Get it documented properly.
The Biggest Seller Mistake During Escrow
Want to know what it is?
Stopping communication.
The seller thinks:
"My agent has it."
Then:
Doesn't return a call.
Doesn't answer an email.
Doesn't provide a document.
Doesn't sign something.
Suddenly the transaction is delayed.
Respond Quickly
During escrow:
Speed matters.
If your Realtor asks for:
A document
send it.
If escrow needs:
A signature
handle it.
If there's a problem:
Discuss it.
Don't disappear.
Your Realtor Can't Solve a Problem They Don't Know About
This is especially important.
If you discover:
A lien.
A leak.
A title problem.
A missing document.
An old permit.
A loan issue.
tell someone.
Early.
Don't Try to Hide Problems Until Closing
That can make a manageable problem much worse.
The goal is:
Solve problems early.
What About New Damage?
Imagine a tree falls:
After the contract is signed.
Or:
A pipe bursts.
Or:
The roof leaks.
Or:
A window breaks.
Don't assume:
"The buyer already agreed to buy it."
Contact your Realtor immediately.
New damage can affect the transaction and may need to be addressed.
Keep the Property in Similar Condition
This is one reason the final walkthrough exists.
The buyer expects the property to be delivered according to the contract.
Don't treat the house differently just because you've accepted an offer.
Don't Start a Major Renovation
This is usually not the time to say:
"Since we're moving, let's knock down this wall."
You have a transaction underway.
Avoid unnecessary changes that could create:
Damage.
Delays.
Permit issues.
Buyer concerns.
Don't Cancel Utilities Too Early
Your home may still need:
Electricity.
Water.
Gas.
HVAC.
until the appropriate point in the transaction.
Ask your Realtor or escrow team when utilities should be transferred or discontinued.
Don't Cancel Insurance Too Early
This is another important one.
Your property may need coverage until the appropriate point of transfer.
Talk to your insurance professional before making changes.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
It happens.
The buyer finds something.
The appraisal is low.
The lender needs another document.
Title finds an issue.
The HOA is delayed.
The repair isn't completed.
The closing date needs to move.
The key is:
Don't panic.
Problems Are Part of Real Estate
A transaction without a single problem is wonderful.
But experienced agents know:
Problems happen.
The question is:
How quickly can we identify them and solve them?
This Is Why Experience Matters
If your Realtor has handled:
Hundreds of transactions,
they have probably seen:
A lot.
A difficult appraisal.
A failed loan.
A title problem.
A roof issue.
An HOA delay.
A repair dispute.
A buyer cancellation.
A seller emergency.
Experience doesn't guarantee that problems won't happen.
It means:
You're less likely to be seeing the problem for the first time.
The Difference Between Panic and a Plan
A new problem appears.
Seller:
"Oh my God. What do we do?"
Experienced Realtor:
"Here's what happened. Here's what it means. Here are our options. Here's what I recommend."
That's valuable.
The Escrow Survival Checklist
Once your offer is accepted:
Keep your Realtor informed.
Respond quickly to requests.
Complete disclosures.
Keep documents organized.
Don't make major property changes.
Keep utilities active as appropriate.
Maintain the property.
Complete agreed repairs.
Keep receipts.
Review the estimated closing statement.
Prepare for the final walkthrough.
Make arrangements for your move.
Understand your closing date.
Understand your possession date.
Ask questions when you don't understand something.
What Sellers Should NOT Do During Escrow
Don't disappear.
Communication matters.
Don't hide new problems.
Address them.
Don't remove fixtures that are included.
Check the contract.
Don't make major changes.
You don't want new problems.
Don't ignore deadlines.
Time matters.
Don't assume the buyer will "just deal with it."
Contract terms matter.
Don't make undocumented side agreements.
Get appropriate terms in writing.
Don't cancel insurance or utilities prematurely.
Ask first.
Don't spend the proceeds before closing.
The sale isn't complete until it closes.
What About Your Moving Plan?
This is something sellers should think about much earlier than they often do.
You may need:
Movers.
Storage.
Temporary housing.
School transfers.
Utility transfers.
Mail forwarding.
Cleaning.
Repairs.
Pet arrangements.
Travel.
Don't wait until:
Three days before closing.
The Last Week Can Be Crazy
Suddenly you have:
Packing.
Escrow documents.
Final walkthrough.
Moving trucks.
Cleaning.
Closing appointments.
Utility changes.
New home logistics.
Planning makes everything easier.
The Final 72 Hours
This is when details matter.
Make sure:
The property is ready.
Agreed repairs are complete.
Personal property is handled.
Trash is removed.
Keys are accounted for.
Remotes are accounted for.
Garage access is handled.
Documents are signed.
Escrow has what it needs.
The Final Walkthrough Is Not a New Inspection
Generally, the final walkthrough is not intended to reopen every issue from the original inspection.
It's primarily about confirming the property's condition and agreed-upon items under the contract.
But if something is wrong:
It needs to be addressed.
Closing Day
This is the day you have been working toward.
Escrow coordinates the final steps.
Documents are signed.
Funds are received.
Loan payoffs are handled.
The deed is recorded.
Then:
You are done.
What Happens to the Keys?
The contract and possession terms determine when the buyer receives possession and keys.
Don't assume it is always:
The exact moment you sign.
Your Realtor and escrow team should tell you the specific process.
What About the Garage Remotes?
Leave:
Garage remotes.
Keys.
Mailbox keys.
Gate remotes.
Alarm information.
Smart-home information where appropriate.
Make the handoff easy.
What About Smart Locks?
If the property has:
Smart locks.
Security systems.
Thermostats.
Cameras.
Other connected devices,
make sure the appropriate transfer or removal process is understood.
Don't Forget the HOA
If there are:
Parking passes.
Pool keys.
Mailbox keys.
Gate remotes.
Amenity access cards.
those may need to be transferred.
After Closing
Once the transaction closes:
Keep your final documents.
Keep receipts.
Keep your closing statement.
Keep tax records.
Keep repair records.
Your CPA may need some of this information.
Don't Throw Away Your Escrow File
You may need it later for:
Taxes.
Capital gains calculations.
Basis documentation.
Future questions.
Keep it organized.
The Seller's Closing Statement Is Important
Your closing statement can provide valuable information about:
Sale proceeds.
Payoffs.
Credits.
Taxes.
Fees.
Other transaction adjustments.
Keep it.
What If You Don't Understand the Numbers?
Ask.
Don't sign and think:
"I'll figure it out later."
If something doesn't make sense:
Stop and ask.
The DRE specifically encourages consumers to understand documents before signing them.
The Biggest Lesson
Selling your home isn't:
List → Offer → Done.
It's:
Prepare
↓
List
↓
Market
↓
Show
↓
Negotiate
↓
Accept
↓
Escrow
↓
Disclosures
↓
Inspections
↓
Appraisal
↓
Financing
↓
Title
↓
Contingencies
↓
Repairs
↓
Final Walkthrough
↓
Closing
And every stage matters.
This Is Why Your Choice of Realtor Matters
Remember Blog #60?
We talked about choosing the right Realtor.
Now you can see why.
The Realtor isn't just responsible for:
Getting the listing.
They need to help manage the transaction through:
Closing.
You Don't Need Someone Who Disappears After the Offer
You need someone who stays involved.
Because once the offer is accepted:
The job isn't over.
It's just changing.
From Marketing to Management
Before the offer:
Your Realtor is focused on:
Marketing.
Exposure.
Buyer attraction.
Pricing.
Negotiation.
After the offer:
The focus shifts to:
Execution.
Deadlines.
Communication.
Problem solving.
Escrow.
Closing.
Both skills matter.
The Best Transaction Is Often the One You Barely Notice
That's the goal.
You shouldn't have to:
Chase escrow.
Call the buyer's lender.
Coordinate every inspection.
Track every deadline.
Negotiate every issue yourself.
Your Realtor should be helping coordinate the process.
But You Still Need to Be Involved
Good representation doesn't mean:
"You don't need to know anything."
It means:
"You understand what's happening without having to manage everything yourself."
That's a major difference.
The Bottom Line
Accepting an offer is a major milestone.
But it isn't the finish line.
From the moment you accept an offer, your transaction enters a period where:
Deadlines matter.
Communication matters.
Disclosures matter.
Inspections matter.
Financing matters.
Title matters.
Repairs matter.
Escrow matters.
The final walkthrough matters.
And ultimately:
Execution matters.
The best offer in the world doesn't help if the transaction isn't managed properly.
That's why I tell sellers:
Getting an offer is about strategy.
Getting to closing is about execution.
And when you're selling your East Bay home, you want an agent who can do both.
Because the goal isn't simply to say:
"We're in contract."
The goal is to eventually say:
"We're closed."
And preferably:
"We got the result we wanted."
Waleed "Walter" Akbar
Everhome Real Estate
📞 (510) 541-1610
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I accept an offer on my home?
The transaction typically moves into escrow, where the parties work through contractual conditions, disclosures, inspections, financing, title, contingencies, repairs and other closing requirements.
What is escrow?
Escrow is a neutral process in which a third party holds and processes funds and documents and helps ensure the transaction's conditions are satisfied before closing.
Who opens escrow?
The specific process depends on the transaction, but escrow is typically opened with the escrow holder identified in the contract.
What does the escrow company do?
The escrow holder processes funds and documents, follows the escrow instructions and coordinates the closing requirements. The DRE describes escrow as ensuring the contract conditions have been met before funds and documents are transferred.
What happens to my mortgage when I sell?
The existing loan is generally paid off through escrow at closing, based on the applicable payoff information.
What if I have a HELOC?
Tell your Realtor and escrow professional early. The HELOC may need to be paid off and released as part of the closing process.
Does the buyer inspect the home after accepting the offer?
Depending on the contract, the buyer may conduct inspections and investigations during the transaction.
Can the buyer ask for repairs?
Depending on the contract and contingency status, the buyer may request repairs, credits or other remedies. Whether the seller agrees is a matter of the contract and negotiation.
Does the seller have to make every repair the buyer requests?
Not automatically. The answer depends on the purchase agreement, applicable law and the circumstances of the request.
What happens if the appraisal is low?
The consequences depend on the contract and financing structure. The parties may negotiate, the buyer may contribute additional funds where applicable, or other contractual rights may come into play.
What happens if the buyer's loan is delayed?
Your Realtor should communicate with the buyer's side and monitor the contractual deadlines. Depending on the circumstances, the parties may need to negotiate an extension or address other contractual options.
What happens if there is a title problem?
The title and escrow teams generally work to identify and resolve title issues before closing. Sellers should provide any known information about liens or other title matters as early as possible.
What happens if I remember something I forgot to disclose?
Tell your Realtor immediately. Do not assume the information is unimportant. The appropriate disclosure or documentation should be determined based on the facts.
What if something breaks after I accept the offer?
Notify your Realtor promptly. New damage can affect the transaction and may need to be addressed under the contract.
Can I remove fixtures after accepting the offer?
Don't remove anything that is included in the transaction. Review the contract and ask your Realtor before removing fixtures or property.
What happens at the final walkthrough?
The buyer generally verifies that the property is in the expected condition and that agreed repairs or other contractual obligations have been addressed.
When do I hand over the keys?
The contract and possession terms determine when possession and keys transfer. Your Realtor and escrow team should explain the specific timing.
When do I receive my proceeds?
After the transaction closes and the applicable escrow conditions are satisfied, proceeds are disbursed according to the escrow instructions.
Should I keep my closing documents?
Yes. Keep your final closing statement and relevant transaction records for tax and recordkeeping purposes.
Should I cancel my homeowner's insurance immediately after signing?
Don't assume that signing the contract means your insurance should immediately be canceled. Confirm the appropriate timing with your insurance professional and transaction team.
Should I turn off utilities before closing?
Ask your Realtor or escrow team about the appropriate timing. Utilities may need to remain active through the applicable possession and closing period.
What if I'm buying another house after selling?
Coordinate your sale and purchase timelines carefully. Closing dates, possession, financing and moving logistics can all affect one another.
How long does escrow take?
There is no single answer. The timeframe depends on the purchase agreement, financing, contingencies, title, inspections, repairs and other transaction-specific factors.
What is the biggest mistake sellers make during escrow?
Stopping communication. Sellers should respond promptly, meet deadlines, maintain the property and tell their Realtor about new problems as soon as they arise.
Related East Bay Resources
- Should You Accept the Highest Offer on Your Home?
- How to Compare Multiple Offers on Your East Bay Home
- How to Choose the Right Realtor in the East Bay
- Why Overpricing Your East Bay Home Can Cost You Money
- Should You Sell Your East Bay Home As-Is?
- What Should You Fix Before Selling Your East Bay Home?
- Should You Get a Pre-Listing Home Inspection?
- California Seller Disclosures: What Homeowners Need to Know
- How Much Does It Cost to Sell a Home in California?
- How Long Does It Take to Sell an East Bay Home?
- How to Sell an Older East Bay Home
- How to Sell a Home With Solar
- How to Sell a Home With an HOA