What to Do After Your Offer Gets Accepted

Did your offer get accepted? Great news—congratulations! Take a moment to celebrate, but then jump back in. Escrow moves quickly, and you’ll want everything to stay on schedule. Tell your lender right away so they can start your loan process. Then contact your insurance agent to prepare your coverage.

Find a Home Inspector

Your realtor will usually recommend a trusted home inspector. If they don’t, ask your lender or closing agent for names. Schedule the inspection as soon as possible. A skilled inspector helps you uncover any issues with the home, which protects you before closing.

Remember, only some states require inspectors to be licensed. Because of that, choose someone with strong reviews and a solid reputation. You will usually pay for the inspection yourself, and it’s worth the cost.

Attend the Inspection

You should be present during the inspection. If an inspector refuses to let you attend, treat that as a red flag and choose another one. The seller usually won’t be there, and that helps the inspector give an unbiased opinion of the home.

While the inspector checks each area of the house, feel free to ask questions. Most inspectors will point out important items along the way.

After the inspection, they will send you a written report within a few days.

What to Expect in the Inspection Report

Don’t panic if the report looks long. Every home has issues, especially older ones. A good inspector lists everything, big or small. Focus on major concerns like foundation problems, roof damage, floor support issues, or structural trouble. These are the items that matter most.

Decide What Comes Next

After reviewing the report, decide what you want the seller to fix before closing. Small items are easy to repair, so don’t stress about them. Instead, pay close attention to medium or large issues. You can ask the seller to handle the repairs or adjust the purchase price.

If the problems feel overwhelming, walking away may be the best choice. Sometimes the next property is the better fit.

Good luck with your home purchase!