What Happens After My Offer Gets Accepted in California?

October 29, 2026•4 min read

What Happens After My Offer Gets Accepted? A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Homebuyers

Congratulations! Your offer was accepted! 🎉

This is one of the most exciting moments in buying your first home! But now you might be wondering, "What happens next?"

There are several important steps between getting your offer accepted and receiving the keys to your new home.

Here's what you can expect during the escrow process.

Step 1: Submit Your Earnest Money Deposit

Within 3 business days after your offer is accepted, unless your purchase agreement specifies otherwise.

Your earnest money deposit shows the seller you're serious about purchasing the home.

You'll receive instructions for submitting your deposit to escrow.
The deposit is generally applied toward your down payment or closing costs.
Your real estate agent will help you keep track of the deadline.

Important: Always verify wiring instructions directly with your escrow company using a trusted phone number before sending money.

Step 2: Schedule Your Home Inspections

Once you're under contract, your real estate agent will help coordinate your inspections.

Depending on the property, you may choose:

General Home Inspection: Evaluates the home's visible condition and major systems.
Roof Inspection: Takes a closer look at the roof's condition and potential issues.
Pest Inspection: Checks for wood-destroying organisms and related damage.

Additional inspections may also be recommended depending on the property.

You're welcome to attend the inspections with your agent. If you can't make it, your agent can help coordinate with the inspectors and keep you informed.

After the inspections: You'll review the reports together, discuss any concerns, and determine whether to request repairs, negotiate with the seller, or seek further evaluations.

The goal is to understand the property's condition before moving forward.

Step 3: Review Your Home Warranty Options

You'll also have the opportunity to discuss whether a home warranty plan makes sense for you.

A home warranty is an optional service contract that may cover certain repairs or replacements of eligible home systems and appliances.

Your agent can help you compare different providers based on:

Coverage options
Annual costs
Service fees
Exclusions and limitations

A home warranty doesn't replace homeowners insurance or a professional home inspection.

Step 4: Avoid Making Large Purchases

This is extremely important!

Until escrow closes and you have the keys, avoid making major financial changes without speaking with your lender.

That includes:

Buying or financing a new car
Purchasing expensive furniture or appliances on credit
Opening new credit cards
Taking out additional loans
Making large financial transfers without discussing them with your lender

These changes could affect your mortgage qualification, delay closing, or even jeopardize your loan approval.

Save the big purchases until after closing!

Step 5: Stay on Top of Your Escrow Documents

Shortly after your offer is accepted, you'll begin receiving emails and documents from your real estate team, lender, and escrow company.

A typical escrow period might be 30 or 45 days, depending on your purchase agreement.

During this time, you'll work through:

Seller disclosures
Inspection reports
Appraisal and lender underwriting
Loan and escrow paperwork
Contingency deadlines
Closing documents

Your lender will also provide a Closing Disclosure, generally at least three business days before closing for most mortgage purchases.

Make sure to check your email regularly and respond promptly when documents or signatures are needed.

Step 6: Remove Your Contingencies

Once you've completed the necessary inspections, reviewed the property disclosures, and addressed your financing requirements, you'll discuss removing the applicable contingencies.

These may include:

Inspection and investigation contingency
Appraisal contingency
Loan contingency

Removing contingencies is an important decision. Make sure you understand the property's condition, your financing status, and the contractual consequences before signing a contingency removal.

Step 7: Complete Your Final Walkthrough

As closing approaches, you'll schedule a final walkthrough of the property with your agent.

This is your opportunity to confirm:

The home is in substantially the same condition as when your offer was accepted.
Any agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
Items included in your purchase agreement are still present.
No new concerns need to be addressed before closing.

If everything looks good, you'll complete the appropriate verification paperwork.

The final walkthrough isn't a new home inspection, but it is an important step before closing.

Step 8: Close Escrow and Get Your Keys! 🔑

You're almost there!

Once all the required documents are signed, your lender funds the loan, the deed is recorded, and escrow confirms the transaction has closed, you'll be able to receive your keys according to the purchase agreement.

Congratulations! You're officially a homeowner!

The Bottom Line

Buying your first home involves several moving parts, but knowing what to expect can make the process feel much more manageable.

From your earnest money deposit and home inspections to your final walkthrough and closing, each step brings you closer to owning your home.

Remember to ask questions, stay on top of deadlines, and communicate regularly with your real estate team.

Before you know it, you'll be holding the keys to a place you can finally call your own! 🏡

Helpful Resources

Note: Escrow timelines, deposit requirements, contingencies, and closing procedures depend on the signed purchase agreement and transaction circumstances.

Michelle Saporito

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