Selling
What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your House?
By David Golovin · September 23, 2026 · 2 min read
Once both parties sign, the contingency clocks start. Most financed sales close 30 to 45 days after acceptance.
Days 1-3
Escrow opens
Earnest money deposits. Title search begins.
Days 3-14
Inspection
Buyer inspects. You respond to repair requests.
Days 14-30
Appraisal + loan
Lender orders appraisal. Underwriting runs.
Days 30-45
Closing
Final walkthrough. Signing. Keys transfer.
What the inspection means for sellers
The buyer hires an inspector within the first week. Results typically lead to a repair request, a credit, or a price reduction. You negotiate each item or decline.
If the buyer is assuming your mortgage
Add 60 to 120 days for servicer approval. Roots-coordinated assumptions average about 43 days because we track the servicer queue directly.
FAQ
Can a seller accept another offer after accepting one?
Typically no. Once both parties sign the purchase contract, the home is under contract and the seller cannot accept a competing offer. Some contracts allow backup offers, but not a replacement.
What if the home appraises below the offer price?
You can negotiate a price reduction, ask the buyer to cover the gap in cash, or let the buyer cancel under the appraisal contingency. Most deals survive a low appraisal through negotiation.
How long does it take to close after accepting an offer?
Most financed sales close 30 to 45 days after acceptance. If the buyer is assuming your mortgage, expect 60 to 120 days, with Roots-coordinated transactions averaging about 43 days.