Published January 16, 2026

The Offer Timeline: What Happens Between “Offer Accepted” and Closing

Written by Jason Matt

**The Offer Timeline:

What Happens Between “Offer Accepted” and Closing**

Accepting an offer on your home feels like the finish line — but it’s actually the starting point of one of the most important phases of the transaction.

From accepted offer → to closing day,

there are over 40 moving parts happening behind the scenes.

Most sellers only see a small fraction of it. The rest is handled by your agent, the buyer’s agent, the lender, and title company — all coordinating to get you to the closing table smoothly.

Here’s what actually happens once you accept an offer in Michigan.

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1. The Clock Starts Immediately

Once an offer is accepted:

• All timelines become legally binding

• Inspection windows begin

• Earnest money is due

• Lender milestones kick in

• Title company opens the file

Every deadline matters — missing one can delay, renegotiate, or even derail the sale.

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2. Earnest Money (EMD) Is Delivered

The buyer typically has:

✔ 24–48 hours to submit the deposit

Your agent confirms EMD is:

• Received

• Deposited

• Documented

If the buyer fails to deliver on time, they can be in default — and this is where experienced agents protect you.

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3. Inspections Begin (Usually Within 7 Days)

Most buyers schedule:

• General home inspection

• Radon test

• Pest inspection

• Sewer scope

• Roof inspection

• Well/septic (if applicable)

This is the part most sellers worry about — but your agent handles:

✔ Communication

✔ Access

✔ Clarifying requests

✔ Evaluating what’s reasonable

✔ Protecting your bottom line

After inspections, buyers may:

• Request repairs

• Ask for concessions

• Accept the home as-is

• Back out (if allowed by the contract)

This step requires strategy and negotiation — not stress.

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4. Buyer Submits the Formal Loan Package

Once inspections are cleared, the lender orders:

✔ Verification of employment

✔ Updated bank statements

✔ Appraisal

✔ Credit refresh

✔ Underwriting review

A strong agent tracks these milestones to avoid surprise delays.

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5. The Appraisal

The lender orders the appraisal to confirm the home’s value.

Outcome options:

✔ At value → move forward

✔ Above value → great news

✔ Below value → negotiation begins

This is where agents earn their commission by:

• Challenging low appraisals

• Providing comps

• Negotiating differences

• Preventing deals from falling apart

Appraisals are emotional and strategic — not administrative.

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6. Title Work Begins

The title company researches:

• Deeds

• Liens

• Ownership history

• Mortgage payoff

• Taxes

• HOA balances

• Easements

If they find issues (it happens often) your agent coordinates:

✔ Resolutions

✔ Payoffs

✔ Signed documents

✔ HOA approvals

A clean title = a smooth closing.

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7. Underwriting “Clear to Close”

Once the lender assembles all documentation, they issue:

🎉 Clear to Close (CTC)

This is the official green light.

It typically arrives:

• 3–10 days before closing

• Sooner in a strong file

• Later if there are underwriting delays

This is the milestone sellers wait for — because you cannot schedule a firm closing date until CTC.

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8. Final Walkthrough

Usually 24–48 hours before closing, buyers confirm the home is:

• In the same condition

• Clean and empty (unless otherwise agreed)

• Repairs completed (if negotiated)

Your agent keeps this simple and drama-free.

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9. Closing Day

Depending on the agreement and title company:

✔ Seller may sign early

✔ Buyer signs day-of

✔ Funds are transferred

✔ Keys are delivered

✔ Proceeds are wired

Congratulations — your home is officially sold.

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Why This Timeline Matters

Because deals don’t fall apart at the beginning — they fall apart:

• at inspection

• at appraisal

• in underwriting

• with missing documentation

• with poor communication

This is why choosing the right agent matters more after the offer than before it.

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Thinking About Selling?

We help Michigan sellers navigate:

✔ pricing strategy

✔ inspection protections

✔ appraisal challenges

✔ lender coordination

✔ communication with all parties

✔ stress-free closings

If you want to see what your timeline would look like — no pressure, no commitment — we can walk you through it step-by-step.

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