Finding the right home is only the beginning. Here’s what to expect from the moment you say “this is it” to the day you get the keys.

• Provide the property address and MLS number.
• Your agent prepares the purchase agreement and submits it to the listing agent.

• The seller may accept, reject, or counteroffer.
• Negotiations may go back and forth until both sides agree on price and terms.
• Once signed by both buyer and seller → you have an accepted offer.

• Escrow is a neutral third party that holds funds and documents until all conditions are met.
• You’ll deposit earnest money (good faith deposit).
• Key dates are set: inspection periods, contingency deadlines, and loan approval.

Contingencies protect your right to cancel if something major comes up. Common ones:

• Inspection contingency: Ensures the home passes your satisfaction.
• Appraisal contingency: Confirms the home’s value supports the loan.
• Loan contingency: Protects you if financing falls through.
• Disclosure review: Time to examine seller disclosures and reports.

• Inspections are scheduled (general home inspection, pest, roof, etc.).
• Appraisal ordered by your lender.
• Loan underwriter reviews your file.
• Escrow tracks all documents, timelines, and funds.

• Once satisfied with inspections, appraisal, and financing, you remove contingencies in writing.
• From here, your earnest money becomes non-refundable (unless seller defaults).

• Escrow issues a final settlement statement with closing costs.
• You’ll sign loan documents (if financing) and closing papers.
• Your lender wires funds to escrow; you wire your down payment and closing costs.

• Escrow records the deed with the county.
• Once recording is confirmed → the home is officially yours.
• You get the keys (sometimes same day, often the next business day).

• Escrow = process manager (they hold money + documents).
• Contingencies = your safety net until you’re fully confident.
• Closing = recording with the county — that’s when ownership legally changes hands.

“Independent doesn’t mean alone. When it’s time to make an offer, your agent will guide you through every one of these steps — so you’ll always know what’s happening, and when.”