Your Inspections Are Done and Contingencies Are Removed.

What Happens Next?

Written by Michelle Saporito | November 1, 2026

Congratulations! You're getting closer to becoming a homeowner! 🏡🔑

Your offer was accepted, your earnest money deposit is in escrow, and you've completed your home, roof, and pest inspections.

You've reviewed the inspection reports, worked through any repair negotiations, and addressed the applicable contingencies in your purchase agreement.

Now you might be wondering:

"Are we finally ready to get the keys?"

Almost!

There are still a few important steps before your home officially becomes yours.

Here's what to expect.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Contingencies Are Complete

By this stage, you may have already addressed your:

• Inspection contingency: You've reviewed the property's condition and completed your investigations.

• Appraisal contingency: You've reviewed any appraisal issues that affect your purchase.

• Loan contingency: You've addressed the financing requirements necessary to make your decision about removing this contingency.

• Other contractual contingencies: Any additional contingencies included in your agreement have been addressed.

Once you're ready, the appropriate contingency removal documents are signed and delivered according to your purchase agreement.

Important: Removing your loan contingency isn't the same as receiving final loan approval. Your lender may still have requirements that must be satisfied before funding.

And removing contingencies is a serious decision, so you should understand the consequences before signing.

Step 2: Your Lender and Escrow Team Prepare for Closing

While we're getting everything ready for your final walkthrough, your lender and escrow company are coordinating the remaining details.

This may include:

• Final mortgage underwriting and approval

• Verifying homeowners insurance

• Completing title and escrow requirements

• Preparing final loan documents

• Confirming your closing funds

• Scheduling your loan document signing

You'll also receive a document called your Closing Disclosure.

This outlines your final mortgage terms, estimated monthly payments, closing costs, and the amount of money you'll need to bring to closing.

For most mortgage purchases, you must receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing.

Take a few minutes to review everything and ask your lender about anything you don't understand.

And remember, avoid making major purchases or opening new credit accounts before closing without first speaking to your lender!

Step 3: It's Time for Your Final Walkthrough!

This is one of the last steps before closing, and it's an important one.

We'll schedule a final walkthrough of the home together, usually within the final few days before closing, according to your purchase agreement.

The purpose is simple.

We want to make sure the home is still in substantially the same condition it was when your offer was accepted and that the seller has completed any agreed-upon work.

During our walkthrough, we'll check things like:

• Is the home in the condition required by our agreement?

• Have the agreed-upon repairs been completed?

• Are the appliances and fixtures included in the sale still there?

• Is there any new visible damage?

• Has anything changed that we need to address before closing?

You're encouraged to attend this walkthrough with me.

I'll also document our observations, take appropriate photos, and help complete the final verification paperwork.

That way, we have a written record of what we observed.

One thing to understand: The final walkthrough is not another full home inspection, and it generally doesn't create a new contingency or automatic right to cancel.

It's an opportunity to verify the property's condition before closing.

Step 4: What If We Find Something Wrong During the Walkthrough?

Let's say we arrive and discover something unexpected.

Maybe an appliance that's supposed to stay has been removed.

Maybe an agreed-upon repair hasn't been completed.

Or perhaps there's new damage that wasn't there before.

First, don't panic!

We'll document the concern and discuss the situation with the appropriate parties.

Depending on the issue and your purchase agreement, we may be able to:

• Request that the seller complete an outstanding obligation.

• Ask for documentation showing that agreed repairs were completed.

• Discuss an appropriate resolution before closing.

• Consult the broker or a qualified attorney if the issue involves a contractual dispute.

The seller's responsibilities depend on the agreement, and any changes to closing arrangements need to be handled properly.

The goal is to address concerns before the transaction is finalized.

Step 5: Sign Your Final Closing Documents

Once the remaining requirements are satisfied, you'll sign your closing documents through the process arranged by your escrow or title company.

Some of the documents may include:

• Your promissory note

• Deed of trust

• Final escrow instructions and settlement paperwork

• Other lender-required documents

You'll also need to deliver any remaining funds required to close.

Important: Always verify wire instructions directly with your escrow company using a trusted phone number.

Even after signing, the transaction may not be officially closed yet.

There's still one more important step.

Step 6: Your Loan Funds and the Deed Records

Here's where things start getting really exciting!

After you've signed the required documents and satisfied the remaining conditions, your lender can authorize funding.

Funding means your lender sends the mortgage funds needed for the purchase.

Once escrow confirms that the required funds and documents are in place and the transaction is ready to close, the necessary documents are submitted for recording with the county.

Recording is when the property transfer documents are officially recorded in the public records.

In California, recording may occur on the same business day as funding or on a later business day.

The timing depends on the lender, escrow, county recording procedures, and whether all conditions have been satisfied.

That's why we don't want to assume the keys will be available immediately after signing.

Step 7: You Get the Keys! 🔑🎉

This is the moment you've been waiting for!

Once escrow confirms the transaction has closed and the possession terms of your purchase agreement have been met, we'll coordinate getting your keys.

Congratulations! You're officially a homeowner!

After all the searching, paperwork, inspections, negotiations, and waiting, you finally get to walk into a home that's yours.

Now you can start making it your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after the final walkthrough do I get my keys?

It depends on your closing schedule. Some buyers receive their keys within a day or two, while others may have a different timeline. Your escrow company must confirm closing, and possession depends on your contract.

Can the final walkthrough happen before loan documents are signed?

Yes. The timing can vary. The walkthrough, document signing, final lender requirements, and escrow preparations may overlap.

Does removing contingencies mean my loan is fully approved?

Not necessarily. The lender may still need updated documents, final verification, or other requirements before funding.

What happens if the seller hasn't completed an agreed repair?

Document the concern and review your purchase agreement. Your agent can help communicate with the seller's side and discuss possible resolutions before closing.

Do I get my keys as soon as I sign?

Usually not. Signing is an important milestone, but funding, recording, escrow confirmation, and the agreed possession terms determine when you can receive the keys.

The Bottom Line

Once your inspections are complete and contingencies have been addressed, you're entering the final stages of buying your home!

The remaining steps usually include:

1. Completing final lender and escrow requirements.

2. Reviewing your Closing Disclosure.

3. Conducting your final walkthrough.

4. Signing your closing documents and providing required funds.

5. Waiting for loan funding and county recording.

6. Receiving your keys when closing and possession are confirmed!

It may feel like a lot, but each step is bringing you closer to homeownership.

And before you know it, you'll be opening the front door to your very own home! 🏡

Sources and Further Reading

• California Department of Real Estate: First-Time Homebuyers

• California Department of Real Estate: Surviving the Escrow Process

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Review Documents Before Closing

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Closing Disclosure Explained

This article provides general educational information. Contractual deadlines, contingency rights, final verification procedures, loan requirements, recording timelines, and possession dates vary. Always refer to your purchase agreement and consult the appropriate professionals about your specific transaction.