What happens after I accept an offer on my Katy home?

You enter the contract-to-close phase: the buyer deposits earnest money and (if applicable) an option fee, inspections are completed, the lender orders an appraisal, title and escrow work begin, underwriting issues a clear-to-close, the buyer completes a final walkthrough, and both parties sign at closing.

What is earnest money and the option period?

Earnest money is a buyer deposit held by the title company to show good faith. The option period is a short window (per contract) during which the buyer can terminate for any reason; an option fee is typically paid for this right.

What if the appraisal comes in low?

Your agent can help you explore options such as renegotiating price, the buyer paying the difference, or challenging the appraisal with additional comparable sales and property data. Contract contingencies may also provide paths to exit if allowed.

What does the title company do during escrow?

Title reviews public records for liens or ownership issues, coordinates HOA documents if applicable, holds funds in escrow, and disburses proceeds at closing once all conditions are met.

Do I need to attend closing in person?

Typically, yes. However, remote or mail-away closings can sometimes be arranged with the title company and parties’ approval.

What if the buyer’s financing falls through before closing?

If financing fails outside agreed contingencies, the seller may be entitled to the earnest money under the contract. Your agent can also activate backup offers or re-list promptly.

What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your Katy, TX Home?

Q: Do I have to make repairs after inspection?

Not necessarily. After inspections, buyers may accept the home as-is, request repairs, or ask for credits or price adjustments. All terms are negotiable and guided by the contract.

Q: How long does it take from offer to closing?

Timelines vary by contract and financing. Many financed sales close around 30 days, while cash transactions can close in roughly 10–14 days when all parties are ready.

What should you expect after accepting an offer on your Katy home?

Many sellers think the hard work is done once a buyer signs a contract. The truth is, the contract-to-close stage is one of the most critical phases of the sale. Inspections, appraisals, financing, and title work all happen here—and skilled guidance makes the difference between a smooth closing and a deal falling apart.

I’m Richard Luebeck, REALTOR® with Red Lion Realty Group. With 500+ Katy closings and 350+ five-star reviews, I’ve helped sellers navigate every step of this process with confidence. Here’s what happens next once you accept an offer.

Step 1: Earnest Money & Option Period

Quick Answer: The buyer puts skin in the game immediately.

The buyer deposits earnest money with the title company (usually 1–3% of the purchase price).
They may also pay an option fee for a short inspection window (often 5–10 days).
This gives the buyer the right to back out for any reason during the option period—but the earnest money stays safe if timelines are followed.

Step 2: Inspections

Quick Answer: The buyer hires inspectors to evaluate the home.

Standard inspections cover structure, systems, and safety.
Additional inspections (pool, roof, foundation, HVAC) may be requested.
After inspections, buyers may:
- Accept as-is
- Request repairs
- Ask for a credit or price adjustment

As your REALTOR®, I help you evaluate requests and negotiate fairly without overcommitting.

Step 3: Appraisal

Quick Answer: The lender verifies the home’s value.

If the buyer is financing, the lender orders an appraisal.
The appraiser compares your home to recent Katy sales.
If it appraises at or above contract price—great news.
If it appraises low, I negotiate solutions: buyer pays the difference, price adjustment, or structured compromises.

Step 4: Title & Escrow

Quick Answer: The title company ensures clear ownership and coordinates closing.

Title search verifies no liens or ownership disputes.
HOA docs and resale certificates are reviewed if applicable.
Escrow handles deposits, lender funds, and final disbursement.

This behind-the-scenes work protects both you and the buyer.

Step 5: Final Loan Approval

Quick Answer: The lender finalizes underwriting and issues “clear to close.”

Buyer provides updated docs (income, assets, debts).
Loan underwriters confirm the buyer is still qualified.
Once approved, the lender issues closing disclosures with final numbers.

Step 6: Final Walkthrough & Closing Day

Quick Answer: The finish line is in sight.

Buyers do a final walkthrough (usually 24–48 hours before closing).
Closing day involves signing documents at the title company.
You’ll hand over keys, garage remotes, and HOA info.
Funds are wired to your account once closing is complete.

FAQ: Common Seller Questions

1) How long does it take from offer to closing?
Typically 30 days for financed buyers, 10–14 days for cash sales.

2) Do I have to make repairs after inspection?
Not always. Everything is negotiable. I’ll help you weigh cost vs. deal strength.

3) What happens if the buyer’s financing falls through?
If they fail outside of contingencies, you may keep the earnest money. I’ll help you evaluate backup offers or relist quickly.

4) Do I need to attend closing?
Yes, though remote and mail-away closings are sometimes available.

The Bottom Line for Katy Sellers

Accepting an offer is just the beginning of the contract-to-close process. With so many moving parts—inspections, appraisal, title, lending—it’s critical to have a REALTOR® who knows how to keep things on track.

With 500+ closings and 350+ five-star reviews, I’ve guided Katy sellers through this stage time and again, ensuring deals move forward smoothly to the closing table.

Ready for a Smooth Closing?

If you’re planning to sell your Katy home, let’s talk about a strategy to navigate inspections, appraisals, and closing with confidence.

richard@redlionrealtygroup.com
Call/Text: 832-957-7987

I’m Richard Luebeck, REALTOR® with Red Lion Realty Group—trusted by Katy homeowners with over 500 closings and 350 five-star reviews.

What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your Katy, TX Home?