When your offer gets accepted, the excitement is real—but so are the next steps.
Most buyers don’t realize how much happens immediately after going under contract.
When I represent you in North Texas, I make sure everything is handled quickly and correctly, because the first 3–5 days set the tone for the entire transaction.
Here’s exactly what happens right after your offer is accepted in Texas.
1. The Contract Is “Executed”
Your offer isn’t officially binding until:
✔️ Both parties sign
✔️ The last signature is delivered to the other party
Once that happens, the clock starts on:
✔️ Earnest money
✔️ Option money
✔️ Option Period
✔️ Financing deadlines
✔️ HOA docs delivery
✔️ Title commitments
✔️ Inspection scheduling
Execution Day = Day 0.
2. Deliver Earnest Money (Within 3 Business Days)
Earnest money is usually 1–3% of the purchase price.
It must be delivered to the title company within 3 business days.
I send you instructions on:
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Wiring
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Electronic payment
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Drop-off
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Certified check
Missing this deadline can put you in default—so I track it closely.
3. Deliver Option Money (Also Within 3 Business Days)
The Option Fee:
✔️ Is paid to the seller (or delivered through title)
✔️ Is non-refundable
✔️ Gives you the unrestricted right to terminate
✔️ Is credited back to you at closing
This is what gives you your Option Period, which we’ll use strategically.
4. Schedule All Inspections Immediately
The Option Period is short—usually 5–10 days.
As soon as we’re executed, I schedule:
✔️ General inspection
✔️ Termite/WDI inspection
✔️ HVAC inspection
✔️ Roof inspection
✔️ Foundation evaluation (if needed)
✔️ Sewer scope (for older homes)
✔️ Pool inspection (if applicable)
I attend these with you so we can discuss findings together.
5. Receive and Review the Seller’s Disclosure (If Not Already Received)
This document tells us:
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Known issues
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Roof age
-
HVAC age
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Foundation history
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Water damage
-
Insurance claims
If we see concerns, we bring specialists during the Option Period.
6. Begin Repair Negotiations (If Needed)
After inspections, we may:
✔️ Request repairs
✔️ Ask for concessions
✔️ Renegotiate price
✔️ Do nothing (if the home checks out)
✔️ Terminate (if issues are major)
I write the Amendment to Contract to get everything in writing.
7. Title Company Begins Their Work
Title immediately:
✔️ Opens escrow
✔️ Deposits earnest/option funds
✔️ Orders the title search
✔️ Provides the Title Commitment
✔️ Reviews survey & T-47
✔️ Works with your lender
✔️ Prepares closing documents
We carefully review the title commitment for red flags.
8. Provide Documents to Your Lender
Your lender will request:
✔️ Updated pay stubs
✔️ Bank statements
✔️ Tax returns (sometimes)
✔️ Proof of funds
✔️ Insurance quotes
✔️ Documentation for large deposits
Responding quickly helps keep closing on schedule.
9. Appraisal Is Ordered
Your lender orders the appraisal after the Option Period or earlier depending on strategy.
The appraisal confirms whether the home is worth the price.
If it appraises:
Great—we move forward.
If it doesn’t:
We apply the appraisal language in our contract:
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Full waiver
-
Partial waiver
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No waiver
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Renegotiation
-
Termination
I guide you through the best path.
10. HOA Docs (If Applicable) Are Delivered
If the home is in an HOA, the seller must provide:
✔️ Resale Certificate
✔️ Subdivision Information
✔️ CCRs
✔️ Bylaws
✔️ Rules & Regulations
You have a separate right to terminate if these are late or incomplete.
I help you review every page.
11. Survey and T-47 Are Provided
The seller either:
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Provides an existing survey + T-47 affidavit
or -
We order a new survey
I make sure the survey matches the lot and reveals no encroachments or easements that might affect you.
12. Lender Issues “Conditional Approval”
This means the file has passed underwriting except for:
✔️ Appraisal
✔️ Final documents
✔️ Updated statements
✔️ Minor lender conditions
You’re almost there.
13. Lender Issues “Clear to Close”
This is the best email of the entire transaction.
“Clear to Close” means:
✔️ Loan is fully approved
✔️ Appraisal is complete
✔️ Title is clear
✔️ All conditions are satisfied
✔️ Closing can be scheduled
We set your signing date as soon as we receive this.
14. Receive Your Closing Disclosure (CD)
The lender must send your CD at least 3 days before closing.
It includes:
✔️ Final loan terms
✔️ Closing costs
✔️ Credits
✔️ Prepaids
✔️ Cash-to-close amount
I review this with you line-by-line.
15. Closing Day
At the title company, you’ll:
✔️ Sign loan documents
✔️ Sign closing documents
✔️ Wire final funds
Sellers sign their deed and financial documents too.
16. Funding & Recording (Texas Is a Wet-Funding State)
The lender sends the money to title.
Title pays the seller.
Title records the deed with the county.
Only after that do you get:
✔️ Keys
✔️ Garage clickers
✔️ Gate codes
✔️ Pool keys
This usually happens the same day.
Bottom Line: Once Your Offer Is Accepted, Things Move FAST
You’ll have inspections, deadlines, documents, lender requests, title work, and negotiation conversations—all within the first week.
My job is to:
✔️ Manage every deadline
✔️ Schedule every inspection
✔️ Track every document
✔️ Review every disclosure
✔️ Negotiate on your behalf
✔️ Communicate constantly
✔️ Guide you all the way to closing
You’re never navigating this stage alone.
Want a Smooth Contract-to-Close Experience in North Texas?
If you want a Realtor who manages all the details and keeps your transaction stress-free, I’d love to help.
