Accepting an offer is a major step, but the home is not sold until the transaction closes and funds. Between contract execution and closing, the parties may address deposits, inspections, repairs, financing, appraisal, title, survey, association documents, insurance, final walkthrough, and possession.
Your signed contract and addenda control the transaction. Deadlines and rights vary, so stay in close contact with your broker, title company, attorney when needed, and other professionals.
Confirm the contract and calendar every deadline
Obtain a complete executed copy and review the agreed sales price, financing, closing date, possession, personal property, contributions, option provisions, and other addenda. Your listing agent should help monitor deadlines and explain which decisions require your attention.
Earnest money, option money, and title opening
The buyer generally delivers required funds according to the contract, and the title company opens the file. The title company begins researching ownership, liens, and other matters affecting title.
Provide requested seller information promptly to avoid delays.
Inspection and repair negotiations
The buyer may conduct inspections and additional evaluations. Inspection findings do not automatically require the seller to repair every item. The parties may negotiate repairs, credits, price changes, another solution, or no change, subject to the contract and available rights.
Evaluate requests based on safety, property condition, price, market conditions, appraisal concerns, timing, and the risk of the transaction ending.
Title, survey, and association documents
The title commitment may identify liens, easements, restrictions, or other exceptions. A survey may be required or requested. For a property in a mandatory association, resale documents and certificates may need to be ordered and delivered.
Respond quickly if the title company needs payoff information, marital-status documentation, estate or trust records, entity documents, divorce documents, or other information.
Buyer financing and appraisal
For financed transactions, the buyer continues underwriting and the lender may order an appraisal. The seller should keep the property accessible and in good condition.
If an appraisal or financing issue arises, review the contract before assuming what either party must do. Negotiated solutions may involve price, contributions, financing, timing, or termination rights.
Complete agreed repairs carefully
Use qualified vendors when appropriate, retain invoices, and complete work by the agreed deadline. Do not substitute different work without written agreement when the contract requires a specific repair or standard.
Prepare to move and maintain the property
Continue utilities, lawn care, pool service, insurance, and general upkeep through the required time. Remove personal property and trash, follow the contract regarding included items, and leave the home in the agreed condition.
Coordinate movers around the actual closing and possession terms rather than assuming keys will transfer immediately after signing.
Final walkthrough
The buyer may conduct a final walkthrough to verify the property’s condition, agreed repairs, and included items. Address concerns through the agents and title company rather than making informal last-minute promises.
Review closing documents and protect against fraud
Review settlement figures, payoff information, commissions, taxes, fees, credits, and expected proceeds before closing. Confirm any wire instructions directly with the title company using independently verified contact information.
Signing, funding, and possession
Signing documents is not always the same as funding. The title company will confirm when the transaction has funded and disbursed. Deliver keys and possession according to the contract.
Current Texas Real Estate Commission contract resources are available on the TREC contracts page.
Have a clear plan from contract to closing
Direct Realty helps sellers evaluate offers, manage deadlines, coordinate inspections and repairs, communicate with title and lender parties, and prepare for closing.
Talk With Direct Realty About Selling Your Home
This article is general educational information and is not legal, tax, title, repair, appraisal, lending, or financial advice. Your signed contract and professional advisers control your transaction.
