An accepted offer is an important milestone, but it is not the end of the home-buying process. Once the parties sign the contract, a series of deadlines begins involving deposits, inspections, financing, title work, insurance, appraisal, and closing preparation.
The specific contract controls every transaction. Your agent, lender, title company, inspector, and attorney when appropriate should help you understand the dates and obligations that apply to your purchase.
Confirm the executed contract and critical dates
Make sure you receive a complete copy signed by all parties. Your agent should help track deadlines involving earnest money, option money when applicable, inspection and termination rights, financing approval, appraisal issues, title objections, survey delivery, homeowners association documents, and closing.
Do not rely on a generic internet timeline. The signed contract and its addenda determine the actual requirements.
Deliver required funds using verified instructions
The contract may require earnest money and other funds to be delivered within a specified period. Confirm the correct payee, delivery method, and deadline with your agent and title company.
Be alert for wire fraud. Never trust changed wiring instructions sent only by email. Verify instructions by calling the title company through a phone number you independently confirmed.
Schedule the home inspection promptly
Inspection availability can be limited, and the contract may provide only a short period for evaluation. A general home inspection may be supplemented by specialists for roofing, structural concerns, HVAC systems, pools, septic systems, sewer lines, drainage, or other property-specific issues.
Review the reports with your agent and decide whether to accept the property, request repairs or another negotiated solution, conduct additional evaluation, or exercise any available contract right before the applicable deadline.
Continue the mortgage process
Preapproval does not complete underwriting. Your lender may request updated statements, explanations, insurance information, property documents, and additional verification. Respond quickly and avoid new debt, major purchases, account changes, or employment changes without consulting your lender.
The CFPB’s home-buying tools explain loan offers, disclosures, and the closing process.
Appraisal and property valuation
For financed purchases, the lender commonly orders an appraisal to evaluate the property as collateral. The appraisal is not a substitute for an inspection and does not guarantee that the home is free of defects.
If the appraised value creates an issue, the contract and financing addenda determine the parties’ options. Work with your lender and agent promptly because deadlines may apply.
Title, survey, and homeowners association review
The title company researches ownership and exceptions that may affect the property. Review the title commitment and ask questions about restrictions, easements, liens, or other listed matters. A survey may show boundaries, improvements, easements, and possible encroachments.
For homes subject to a mandatory association, review available resale documents, governing documents, assessments, restrictions, and fees. Consider consulting an attorney when title, survey, or restriction questions require legal interpretation.
Secure homeowners insurance
Begin insurance discussions early. Premiums and insurability may be affected by the property, location, roof, claims history, coverage choices, deductibles, and lender requirements. Waiting until the final days can create unnecessary risk.
Review closing figures and conduct the final walkthrough
Review the Closing Disclosure and other settlement documents carefully. Ask about unexpected charges or differences before closing day.
The final walkthrough is generally used to confirm that the property remains in the expected condition, agreed repairs appear complete, and items included in the contract remain at the home. It is not a replacement for the inspection period.
Sign, fund, and receive possession
Signing documents does not always mean the transaction has funded. Follow the title company’s instructions regarding identification, funds, signing, funding confirmation, keys, and possession. The contract controls when possession is delivered.
The Texas Real Estate Commission provides current promulgated contract forms and consumer resources through its contracts page.
Have a clear guide from contract to closing
Direct Realty helps buyers monitor deadlines, coordinate inspections, communicate with lenders and title companies, and prepare for closing.
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This article is general educational information, not legal, lending, tax, inspection, insurance, or financial advice. Your signed contract and professional advisers control your transaction.
