What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your Florida Home?

Congratulations—you accepted an offer on your Florida home!

But don’t celebrate just yet. There’s still a lot that needs to happen before you reach the closing table.

Understanding the timeline and responsibilities after accepting an offer can help you stay calm, confident, and in control.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens next.

📝 Step 1: Go Under Contract

Once you accept the buyer’s offer and both parties sign the agreement:

• Your home is officially under contract
• The clock starts ticking on key deadlines: inspection, financing, appraisal, and closing
• Your real estate agent and title company coordinate the first steps

Michael ensures every date and detail is mapped out clearly so nothing slips through the cracks.

🔍 Step 2: Complete the Home Inspection

• Typically occurs within the first 5–10 days
• The buyer’s inspector examines the home’s condition
• You may need to negotiate repairs, offer credits, or hold firm

💡 Tip: Make sure the home is clean, accessible, and that pets are secured.

Michael helps you respond to inspection findings in a way that keeps the deal moving.

💵 Step 3: Buyer Finalizes Financing

• The buyer submits full documents to their lender
• Their loan is reviewed, processed, and conditionally approved
• The lender schedules an appraisal

Your job? Stay in close communication with your agent and respond promptly to any requests (like HOA docs or prior surveys).

🏠 Step 4: The Appraisal Happens

• Ordered by the lender to confirm the home’s value
• A third-party licensed appraiser visits the home
• If the home appraises at or above the offer price → ✅
• If it appraises low, the buyer and seller may need to renegotiate or the buyer may need to bring cash

Michael helps you prepare for the appraisal and explain recent upgrades, comps, or unique features.

📑 Step 5: Title Work and Escrow

• A title company performs a title search to ensure there are no liens or claims
• You sign disclosures, documents, and may need to clear old permits or association balances
• Escrow manages deposits, legal compliance, and transaction coordination

Florida’s title process is complex—Michael’s team keeps everything organized and on track.

📦 Step 6: Packing and Prepping for Move-Out

As closing nears:

• Begin packing and arranging movers
• Schedule final utility shutoffs or transfers
• Leave behind any items agreed upon in the contract (like appliances or fixtures)
• Prepare to hand over keys, garage remotes, and documents

💡 Don’t forget: Leave the home clean and broom-swept, unless stated otherwise.

🖊️ Step 7: Final Walkthrough and Closing Day

• Buyer does a final walkthrough (usually 24–48 hours before closing)
• Ensures the home is in the same condition and repairs were completed
• You meet at the title company (or sign remotely) to finalize documents
• Funds are transferred → Keys are handed over → Your sale is complete!

Final Thoughts

Accepting an offer is exciting—but closing a sale requires coordination and communication. With the right support and timeline awareness, you can navigate the process smoothly.

Need help from contract to closing? Call Michael Renick at 941.400.8735 and let’s make your next move a success.

📣 Let’s Talk Strategy

Want a clear breakdown of your numbers and a smarter way to sell? Let’s connect.

• 📞 Call Mike: 941.400.8735
• 📍 Explore our blog series: The Florida Life
• 🌐 Learn how we operate and why it matters: TeamRenick.com
• 🔎 Start your property search: Search.TeamRenick.com