Congratulations—your offer has been accepted!
For many buyers, this is one of the most exciting moments in the home-buying process. But it's also when a new set of questions begins.
"What happens next?"
Many people assume the hardest part is finding the home and negotiating the offer. In reality, once your offer is accepted, there are several important steps before you receive the keys to your new home.
After more than two decades helping buyers throughout Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles' Westside, I've guided clients through hundreds of successful escrows. Understanding the process ahead can help you feel confident and prepared every step of the way.
Step One: Opening Escrow
Once both buyer and seller have signed the purchase agreement, escrow is opened.
Think of escrow as a neutral third party responsible for coordinating the transaction, holding deposits, managing documents, and ensuring that all contractual obligations are completed before ownership transfers.
Escrow helps protect both buyer and seller throughout the process.
Step Two: Delivering Your Initial Deposit
Your earnest money deposit is typically submitted shortly after the contract is accepted.
This deposit demonstrates your commitment to purchasing the property and becomes part of your overall purchase funds at closing.
Your real estate advisor and escrow officer will explain the timeline and procedures for submitting these funds.
Step Three: Completing Inspections
One of the most important parts of escrow is learning everything possible about the home.
Depending on the property, inspections may include:
- General home inspection
- Roof inspection
- Sewer inspection
- Pool and spa inspection
- Chimney inspection
- Foundation evaluation
- Pest inspection
- Specialized inspections if needed
Inspections help buyers make informed decisions and better understand the property's condition.
Step Four: Reviewing Seller Disclosures
The seller provides important disclosures regarding the property's history and condition.
These documents allow buyers to understand information such as past repairs, known issues, neighborhood disclosures, and other material facts that may influence their decision.
Take the time to review these documents carefully and ask questions whenever something is unclear.
Step Five: Finalizing Your Financing
If you're obtaining financing, your lender continues processing your loan during escrow.
This may include:
- Final income verification
- Property appraisal
- Underwriting review
- Loan approval
- Preparation of closing documents
Staying responsive to your lender's requests helps keep the transaction moving smoothly.
Step Six: Removing Contingencies
As inspections, financing, and other contractual requirements are completed, contingencies are removed according to the purchase agreement.
Removing contingencies represents an important milestone because it indicates that specific conditions have been satisfied.
Your real estate advisor will guide you through this process and explain each step before any decisions are made.
Step Seven: Your Final Walk-Through
Shortly before closing, you'll have the opportunity to complete a final walk-through of the property.
This allows you to confirm that:
- The home is in substantially the same condition.
- Agreed-upon repairs have been completed, if applicable.
- Included appliances and fixtures remain with the property.
- The seller has fulfilled the terms of the purchase agreement.
This isn't another inspection—it's your opportunity to ensure everything is ready for closing.
Step Eight: Closing Day
Once all documents have been signed, funds have been received, and the transaction has officially recorded, ownership transfers to you.
Congratulations—you officially own your new home.
It's an exciting milestone and the beginning of a new chapter.
My Philosophy
Buying a home should be exciting—not stressful.
One of my priorities is making sure buyers understand every step before it happens.
Clear communication, careful planning, and experienced guidance help eliminate surprises and allow buyers to enjoy the journey.
Final Thoughts
Having your offer accepted is an important achievement, but it's only one step in the process.
The weeks that follow are filled with important milestones that protect your investment and prepare you for successful homeownership.
With the right guidance, the escrow process becomes far less intimidating and much more manageable.
The goal isn't simply to close on a home.
It's to begin your next chapter with confidence.
Ready to Buy Your Next Home?
Whether you're purchasing your first home or a luxury estate, I'll guide you through every step of the buying process—from your first showing to the day you receive the keys. My goal is to make your experience smooth, informed, and enjoyable from beginning to end.