What happens after I accept an offer?

Question 1

Kathleen Militello · Accepted Answer

After you accept an offer, the home goes under agreement, the buyer's inspection and financing steps begin, and the deal closes when the contingencies are met. Most sales make it, and the ones that do not usually come down to inspection, appraisal, or financing, which is why strong offers matter. Yes, a buyer can back out in the contingencies period, and the contract governs what happens to their deposit. That is normal real estate, not a reflection on your home. What protects you is choosing buyers with strong financing and clear terms at the start. The home inspection is where deals get real. Buyers can request repairs or credits, and I will help you sort fair requests from negotiating plays. The appraisal matters if the buyer's lender values the home below the contract price, and there are several ways we can work through that. My role through this whole stretch is steady management: deadlines tracked, paperwork moving, and a calm voice when something unexpected surfaces. You will know where the deal stands at every step. Massachusetts closings are attorney-driven, and the purchase and sale agreement is signed after the inspection period. North Shore buyers on septic systems will also see a Title 5 inspection as part of the process.

Question 2

Can a buyer back out after I accept their offer?

Kathleen Militello · Accepted Answer

After you accept an offer, the home goes under agreement, the buyer's inspection and financing steps begin, and the deal closes when the contingencies are met. Most sales make it, and the ones that do not usually come down to inspection, appraisal, or financing, which is why strong offers matter. Yes, a buyer can back out in the contingencies period, and the contract governs what happens to their deposit. That is normal real estate, not a reflection on your home. What protects you is choosing buyers with strong financing and clear terms at the start. The home inspection is where deals get real. Buyers can request repairs or credits, and I will help you sort fair requests from negotiating plays. The appraisal matters if the buyer's lender values the home below the contract price, and there are several ways we can work through that. My role through this whole stretch is steady management: deadlines tracked, paperwork moving, and a calm voice when something unexpected surfaces. You will know where the deal stands at every step. Massachusetts closings are attorney-driven, and the purchase and sale agreement is signed after the inspection period. North Shore buyers on septic systems will also see a Title 5 inspection as part of the process.

Question 3

What happens if the buyer's home inspection finds problems?

Kathleen Militello · Accepted Answer

After you accept an offer, the home goes under agreement, the buyer's inspection and financing steps begin, and the deal closes when the contingencies are met. Most sales make it, and the ones that do not usually come down to inspection, appraisal, or financing, which is why strong offers matter. Yes, a buyer can back out in the contingencies period, and the contract governs what happens to their deposit. That is normal real estate, not a reflection on your home. What protects you is choosing buyers with strong financing and clear terms at the start. The home inspection is where deals get real. Buyers can request repairs or credits, and I will help you sort fair requests from negotiating plays. The appraisal matters if the buyer's lender values the home below the contract price, and there are several ways we can work through that. My role through this whole stretch is steady management: deadlines tracked, paperwork moving, and a calm voice when something unexpected surfaces. You will know where the deal stands at every step. Massachusetts closings are attorney-driven, and the purchase and sale agreement is signed after the inspection period. North Shore buyers on septic systems will also see a Title 5 inspection as part of the process.

Question 4

What happens if my house doesn't appraise for the sale price?

Kathleen Militello · Accepted Answer

After you accept an offer, the home goes under agreement, the buyer's inspection and financing steps begin, and the deal closes when the contingencies are met. Most sales make it, and the ones that do not usually come down to inspection, appraisal, or financing, which is why strong offers matter. Yes, a buyer can back out in the contingencies period, and the contract governs what happens to their deposit. That is normal real estate, not a reflection on your home. What protects you is choosing buyers with strong financing and clear terms at the start. The home inspection is where deals get real. Buyers can request repairs or credits, and I will help you sort fair requests from negotiating plays. The appraisal matters if the buyer's lender values the home below the contract price, and there are several ways we can work through that. My role through this whole stretch is steady management: deadlines tracked, paperwork moving, and a calm voice when something unexpected surfaces. You will know where the deal stands at every step. Massachusetts closings are attorney-driven, and the purchase and sale agreement is signed after the inspection period. North Shore buyers on septic systems will also see a Title 5 inspection as part of the process.

What happens after I accept an offer?

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