When you finally get the call that your offer has been accepted, it’s a moment worth celebrating. But once the excitement settles, reality kicks in: there are a few important steps to take before you can officially call the place “home.” Here’s a straightforward look at what typically happens after your offer is accepted.
1. Your Deposit Comes First
After your offer is accepted, the first order of business is your deposit. Most agreements give you a tight window—often just 24 hours—to get it in. This money shows you’re serious about buying the home, and locks in the deal.
If you haven’t already, make sure the funds are easily accessible. You don’t want to be scrambling to move money around at the last minute.
2. Time to Work Through Your Conditions
If your offer included conditions, this is your chance to fulfill them. The most common conditions are:
- Securing your financing
- Arranging a home inspection
- Reviewing condo or strata documents
- Selling your current home, if that’s part of your agreement
Each condition has a deadline, and you’ll want to work through everything promptly. At the end of the process, you’ll either waive the conditions, request changes, or decide the home isn’t the right fit.
3. Book Your Home Inspection
Even if the home looks great, an inspection gives you a clearer picture of its condition. An inspector will check everything from the roof and foundation to wiring, plumbing and HVAC.
Once you get the report, you can decide whether to move forward as-is, ask for repairs or a price adjustment, or—in some cases—walk away with no penalty, if your offer allows it.
4. Finalize Your Mortgage
A pre-approval is a helpful first step, but your lender still needs to approve the property itself. They may ask for updated documents or run an appraisal to confirm the home’s value matches the agreed price.
Expect to provide:
- Income paperwork
- Details about your down payment
- The MLS listing
- Your signed agreement
The quicker you respond, the smoother things go.
5. Bring Your Lawyer Into the Process
Your lawyer plays a big role in closing the deal. They’ll review the agreement, check the title, prepare necessary documents, and handle the transfer of funds on closing day.
They’ll also walk you through anticipated closing costs and answer any questions you have about the legal side of the purchase.
6. Set Up Home Insurance
Before your mortgage can be funded, you’ll need to arrange home insurance. Some buyers wait until the last minute to do this and run into delays — so it’s worth starting early.
Shop around, ask questions, and make sure you have a policy in place before closing.
7. Schedule Your Final Walk‑Through
A day or two before closing, you’ll have one last chance to see the home. This visit is to ensure everything looks the way it should.
During your walk-through, check that:
- Appliances are working
- The home hasn’t been damaged
- Any agreed-upon repairs have been completed
- The items included in the sale are still there
If something isn’t right, let your agent know immediately.
8. Prepare for Closing Day
In the days leading up to closing, your lawyer will give you a breakdown of the final numbers. You’ll review documents, transfer the remaining balance, and make any last-minute arrangements.
Once everything is signed, funded and registered, the keys are yours. It’s that simple—and that exciting.
Your Offer‑Accepted Checklist
Here’s a quick recap of the process:
- Send your deposit
- Complete your conditions
- Finalize financing
- Work with your lawyer
- Arrange home insurance
- Do your final walk-through
- Close and get the keys
