What happens after you put an offer on a house? Once you’ve found the home you love and submitted an offer, it’s natural to wonder what happens next. How long will it take before the keys are in your hand? While the waiting can feel nerve-wracking, most home purchases follow a fairly predictable path, typically taking about 30 to 45 days from offer to closing, depending on financing and inspections.
The first step is the seller’s response. Sellers usually reply within a few days, either accepting your offer, proposing changes through a counteroffer or declining. Once both parties agree on the terms, the home officially goes under contract, and the next phase of the process begins.
Shortly after acceptance, the buyer submits an earnest money deposit, often between 1% and 3% of the purchase price. This deposit shows good faith and is held in escrow until closing, where it’s applied toward the purchase.
Next comes the home inspection, which provides a professional assessment of the property’s condition. Here you identify any potential concerns and, if needed, negotiate repairs or credits. Buyers usually complete inspections within the first couple of weeks after signing the contract.
At the same time, your lender is finalizing your loan approval. This involves verifying documents, ordering an appraisal and ensuring everything meets lending guidelines.
Once the loan is approved and all required paperwork is complete, you’ll move on to closing day, where final documents are signed and ownership is officially transferred.