Short answer: After a seller accepts an offer, the transaction moves through deposit delivery, buyer inspections and due diligence, financing and appraisal, title and payoff work, any negotiated repairs, document preparation, final walkthrough, and closing.
An accepted offer is an important milestone, not the finish line. The contract now controls deadlines, access, documents, property condition, and the steps required from both parties.
Confirm the contract calendar
Review the effective date, deposit, inspection, financing, appraisal, title, document, association, repair, settlement, possession, and other deadlines. Identify who is responsible for each seller task.
Do not rely on a verbal summary when the contract language controls. Ask questions promptly and keep every amendment or agreed change in writing.
Prepare for inspections and access
Keep utilities on and provide reasonable access as required. Secure valuables, medication, documents, firearms, and sensitive information. Make attics, crawlspaces, electrical panels, mechanical systems, and other agreed areas accessible.
The buyer may request repairs, credits, price changes, or no adjustment depending on findings and contract rights. Evaluate each request by cost, certainty, timing, net proceeds, and future disclosure implications.
Understand appraisal and financing
If the buyer is financing, the lender may order an appraisal. The seller should keep the property ready for access and provide relevant permitted improvement information through the listing agent when appropriate.
An appraisal is not a general inspection. A value issue, lender condition, or financing delay can affect the contract differently, so review the actual terms before responding.
Complete title, payoff, and association work
The settlement professional may need mortgage and home-equity information, ownership documents, lien details, estate or trust papers, marital-status documents, solar information, or other property-specific records.
Condominium or homeowners association resale documents may have separate ordering, delivery, fee, and review requirements. Order seller-controlled items early.
Finish agreed work and plan the move
Complete repairs exactly as written, use required licensed professionals, retain receipts, and allow any agreed reinspection. Maintain the property and do not remove included fixtures or items.
Coordinate movers, cleaning, utilities, keys, remotes, manuals, and possession. Use the seller closing checklist and preserve a backup if the closing date changes.
Review closing figures and prevent wire fraud
Compare the final settlement statement with the contract and latest net estimate. Ask about payoff, taxes, credits, compensation, repairs, and unfamiliar charges.
Verify proceeds instructions directly with the settlement company using trusted contact information. Do not rely only on emailed wiring changes.
Practical move checklist
- Calendar every contract deadline.
- Prepare safe and complete property access.
- Evaluate inspection requests in writing.
- Provide payoff, title, and association documents.
- Complete repairs and moving obligations.
- Review closing figures and verify proceeds instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep showing the property?
That depends on listing status, contract terms, backup-offer strategy, and local practice. Discuss the appropriate approach with the listing agent.
What if the buyer asks for repairs?
Review the contract rights and compare repair, credit, price, timing, and disclosure implications before responding.
Should I turn off utilities after moving out?
Usually not before the walkthrough and settlement requirements are complete. Confirm the transfer date and contract obligations.
Assign every contract-to-close task
For each deadline, record the responsible person, the required document or access, and the confirmation that proves completion. Typical owners include the seller, agent, buyer’s team, lender, inspector, appraiser, association, title or settlement professional, contractor, and mover. The contract determines which tasks actually apply.
Use the full selling timeline for earlier listing and offer phases, then move to the seller closing checklist when the transaction reaches final-document, walkthrough, utility, key, and possession preparation.
Manage the under-contract period
Review seller resources, see client reviews, and talk with Kat Nat Team about the deadlines and decisions in your sale.